Temperature range and temperature limit for pressure sensors ? is there a difference? My intuitive answer would be: Yes! The first term describes a section and the second its border. On second glance, however, I have to conclude that both words ultimately express a similar thing with regards to temperatures: Range and limit are defined by a lower and upper value, for example 0 ? 100 �C. The relevant standard nevertheless defines an improvement. Why?
IEC 61987 speaks of two different specification characteristics
The standard referred to is IEC 61987. This deals, among other activities, 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 in which the instrument specifications must apply ? first and foremost, the accuracy. The temperature limit, alternatively, indicates the min/max values between that your instrument may be operated without damage. With this, the instrument specifications don’t need to be adhered to at all.
What may sound a little pedantic, makes sense from a technical viewpoint. This is often illustrated by the next example of a pressure sensor: The instrument is supposed to provide solid measured values at an ambient temperature selection of 0 ? 100 �C. As well, the sensor should never 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, and even measure.
The difference between temperature range and temperature limit is plausible
This sounds paradoxical initially, but is plausible on closer inspection. Pressure sensor elements, i.e. the specific measuring components, exhibit a relatively large, often non-linear temperature error. Without further measures, a trusted pressure measurement will be impossible. Therefore, the manufacturer must compensate for the temperature as a way to bring the error down to an acceptable level. From an economic point of view, the limitation to a selected temperature range is practical, or is even absolutely necessary.
The distinction between temperature range and temperature limit applies to both the ambient temperature and the medium temperature. Additionally it is useful for other specification characteristics, for example overpressure.
Conclusion
Yes, there exists a difference between range and limit in the normative world of pressure sensor technology. And yes, it makes technical sense. However, I doubt if the normal user, without understanding of standards, understands it intuitively. Which inevitably leads to the question of whether you will find a better linguistic distinction. But, I have to admit, the solution is outside my ?range?.
Note
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