APPLICATIONS
Pressure Sensors for Pneumatic Systems
Compressed air is the most expensive utility in many plants. PRESS SPEC pressure transmitters keep compressors cycling tight, expose line losses and flag leaks early — with compact sensors that fit where the air actually flows.
KEY MEASUREMENTS
Three Ways Pressure Data Cuts Air Costs
Air Compressor Control
Compressor discharge and receiver pressure drive the load/unload cycle and VFD speed control. Transmitters in the 0-1.6 MPa range with 4-20mA output keep the plant air pressure band tight — and the energy bill low.
Plant Air Line Pressure
A plant air network loses pressure to leaks, filters and undersized pipework. Monitoring pressure at the receiver, after dryers/filters and at drop points quantifies line losses so maintenance can act on numbers, not guesses.
Leak Detection & Monitoring
Compressed air leaks cost real money — a single 3 mm leak can waste thousands of kilowatt-hours a year. Pressure decay monitoring overnight and flow-correlated pressure trends flag leaks before they become expensive.
MEASUREMENT POINTS
Where to Measure in an Air Network
| Location | What to Measure | Typical Range | Recommended Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compressor discharge | Discharge pressure for load control | 0-1.6 MPa | Pressure transmitters |
| Air receiver tank | Receiver pressure and cycling | 0-1.6 MPa | Pressure transmitters |
| After dryer / filter bank | Pressure drop across treatment | 0-1.0 MPa | Pressure transducers |
| Plant ring main | Line pressure at distribution points | 0-1.0 MPa | Pressure transmitters |
| Machine drop points | Local supply pressure to machines | 0-1.0 MPa | Miniature pressure transducers |
| Overnight leak test | Pressure decay trend | 0-1.0 MPa | PT200 high-accuracy transmitter |
Standard connections include G1/4 and 1/4 NPT for direct mounting on receivers, dryers and ring mains — no adapters required on most plant fittings.
A well-instrumented air network pays for its sensors quickly: tighter compressor control bands reduce energy use, measured pressure drops pinpoint undersized dryers and filters, and overnight decay trends expose leaks that would otherwise run for years. Start with the receiver and compressor discharge, then extend coverage to drop points as the data justifies it.
SPECIFICATION TIPS
Specifying Sensors for Pneumatics
Gauge Ranges for Compressed Air
Plant air normally runs at 0.6-0.9 MPa, so 0-1.0 MPa or 0-1.6 MPa gauge ranges are standard. A correctly sized range keeps the signal in the accurate band instead of sitting at the bottom of a 40 MPa scale.
4-20mA into the Controller
Compressor controllers, PLCs and SCADA systems all accept 4-20mA. Two-wire transmitters are loop-powered, so no separate supply is needed at the sensor — a clean, standard installation.
Compact Where Space Is Tight
Machine drop points and OEM pneumatic panels are crowded. Miniature transducers and compact transmitters with M12 or cable connections fit where full-size instruments cannot.
Sensitivity for Leak Trends
Leak monitoring needs repeatability more than range. PT200 at 0.1%FS with HART resolves the small pressure changes between night shifts that indicate a growing leak.
RECOMMENDED
Recommended for Pneumatic Systems
Pressure Transmitters
4-20mA transmitters for compressor discharge and plant air lines up to 1.6 MPa.
View product →Miniature Pressure Transducers
Compact transducers for machine drop points, panels and OEM pneumatic equipment.
View product →Pressure Transducers
Voltage-output transducers for local monitoring, dryers and filter banks.
View product →FAQ
Pneumatic System Questions
What pressure range do I need for a compressed air system?
Most plants run at 0.6-0.9 MPa, so 0-1.0 MPa covers the network and 0-1.6 MPa covers compressor discharge and receiver tanks with margin. Share your setpoint and we confirm the range.
Can your sensors detect air leaks?
Indirectly and reliably: monitor line pressure and flow trends, or run an overnight decay test with a high-accuracy transmitter. A faster-than-normal pressure drop between shifts is the signature of a growing leak.
Do you make sensors for compressor OEMs?
Yes. The miniature and compact transmitter ranges are built for OEM compressor panels and pneumatic systems, with OEM/ODM customization of range, connection, output and branding — see the OEM service for details.
What output connects to our compressor controller?
4-20mA two-wire is the standard interface for compressor controllers and PLCs. RS485 versions are available for digital networks, and HART on PT200 models supports remote configuration and diagnostics.
Are the sensors oil and moisture resistant?
Compressor discharge can carry oil mist and condensate. Sensors with 316L wetted parts and IP65/IP67 housings handle the environment; mounting above the line with a drip loop prevents condensate ingress.
Monitor Your Compressed Air, Not Just Your Compressors
Send your compressor and plant air details — get a compact transmitter configuration and quotation within 24 hours.