Temperature range and temperature limit for pressure sensors ? is there a difference? My intuitive answer will be: Yes! The first term describes a section and the second its border. On second glance, however, I must conclude that both words ultimately express a similar thing with regards to temperatures: Range and limit are defined by way of a lower and upper value, for instance 0 ? 100 �C. The relevant standard nevertheless defines a difference. Why?
IEC 61987 speaks of two different specification characteristics
The standard referred to is IEC 61987. This deals, among other things, with the properties of fluid sensors, which also include pressure sensors. With ?range? and ?limit?, the typical designates two different specification characteristics. Accordingly, the temperature range describes the span where the instrument specifications must apply ? first and foremost, the accuracy. The temperature limit, on the other hand, indicates the min/max values between that your instrument may be operated without damage. With this particular, the instrument specifications don’t need to be honored at all.
What may sound a bit pedantic, makes perfect sense from a technical perspective. This is often illustrated by the following example of a pressure sensor: The instrument is supposed to provide solid measured values at an ambient temperature range of 0 ? 100 �C. Simultaneously, the sensor must not suffer any damage at ambient temperatures between -20 �C and 0 �C. In this range, however, it generally does not have to provide accurate measuring results, or even measure.
The difference between temperature range and temperature limit is plausible
This sounds paradoxical at first, but is plausible on closer inspection. Pressure sensor elements, i.e. the specific measuring components, exhibit a comparatively large, often non-linear temperature error. Without further measures, a trusted pressure measurement will be impossible. Therefore, the maker has to compensate for the temperature so as to bring the error right down to an acceptable level. From an economic viewpoint, the limitation to a selected temperature range makes sense, or is even essential.
The distinction between temperature range and temperature limit pertains to both the ambient temperature and the medium temperature. It is also used for other specification characteristics, for example overpressure.
Certified , there is a difference between range and limit in the normative world of pressure sensor technology. And yes, it creates technical sense. However, I doubt whether the normal user, without understanding of standards, understands it intuitively. Which inevitably results in the question of whether there is a better linguistic distinction. But, I must admit, the solution is outside my ?range?.
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