Choosing the right pressure sensor for agricultural heavy equipment vehicles has a significant impact on the sensor itself and the reliability and life of the equipment. In these applications, pressure sensors are commonly used to measure oil pressure, hydraulic charge pressure, and hydraulic system pressure to ensure safe and efficient vehicle operation. Each application has a series of different requirements for pressure sensors, including working pressure, environmental conditions and termination methods.
Here are three examples of using pressure sensors to measure hydraulic and pneumatic parameters in agricultural applications:
Measure liquid pressure (such as liquid fertilizer spray) to ensure that the chemicals in the field are properly controlled. Measure the hydraulic pressure used to lift and move agricultural ploughs and implements. Includes equipment used for ploughing and sowing. Monitor and control braking and equalize pressure on safety systems.
Design engineers should pay attention to four main parameters when selecting suitable hydraulic and pneumatic pressure sensors for agricultural machinery applications: working pressure range, overload and burst pressure, environmental protection level, pressure port and connector type.
In addition, the flexibility and configurability of the pressure sensor are also important factors that affect the design complexity and cost. Flexible and configurable sensors can meet the specific design requirements of different countries and can be used in multiple hydraulic heavy-duty agricultural applications. Designers should choose pressure sensor product lines that provide a large number of options for multiple key parameters (including working pressure, pressure port, and connector type).
Working pressure range
The pressure range of the sensor is determined by the measured object. In agricultural vehicle applications, pressure sensors can measure liquid pressures such as liquid fertilizers, or hydraulic pressure used for "moving plow blades and farming equipment."
In many cases, designers may want sensors to handle different pressure ranges to meet the needs of multiple applications. For the above example, if the sensor is used to measure liquid pressure, such as when spraying liquid fertilizer, the sensor should provide a 50 psi working pressure range. For measuring the hydraulic pressure of heavy-duty systems used to move plow blades and farming tools in agricultural vehicles, the pressure range should be between 5000 and 7000 psi. When monitoring the pressure of safety systems such as hydraulic brakes, a pressure range of at least 500 psi to 1000 psi is required.
Choosing a product series that can meet all the working pressure requirements of the application will make the designer's job easier-they only need to select a qualified product series and a technology for all pressure sensor needs.
Overload and burst pressure
Designers should also consider the requirements for overload pressure and burst pressure when selecting a pressure sensor. Overload pressure is the maximum pressure that the sensor can withstand without affecting the calibration, and burst pressure is the maximum pressure that the sensor can withstand under the condition that the seal is not damaged or damaged. Both are important considerations for designers factor. The ratings of these two pressures are determined by the working pressure of the sensor and are provided in many data sheets. For example, Honeywell Sensing and Control's MLH pressure sensor (operating pressure 50 psi) can provide an overload pressure of 150 psi and a burst pressure of 500 psi, respectively.
In most cases, designers want to maximize overload pressure and burst pressure as much as possible. Because in some hydraulic applications, overload pressure and burst pressure may be the biggest problems, especially in applications that may experience high overpressure.
However, designers need to balance these pressure ratings with sensitivity. As the working pressure of the sensor increases, the overload pressure and burst pressure will increase, and the sensitivity will decrease accordingly. So designers need to strike a balance between how much sensitivity they give up and how much overload and burst pressure they get. It also depends on the needs of specific applications.
Protection level
Pressure sensors used in agricultural equipment must be able to withstand very harsh environments. In many cases, heavy agricultural equipment vehicles are susceptible to water, moisture, chemicals, and dust, which can affect the performance of pressure sensors. They must also be able to withstand shock and vibration, washing, high temperatures, and humid environments. This means that pressure sensors used in these types of applications should provide IP65 or higher protection.
The pressure sensor should also provide a wide operating temperature range to cope with the hot or cold environment in the cockpit, near or at the bottom of the engine. The pressure sensor can provide an operating temperature range from -40 ℃ to +125 ℃.