The Question is, What is a Pressure Transducer?

In its most basic terms, a pressure transducer measures the pressure exerted on its sensing mechanism and change it to an electrical signal. They are most commonly used to calibrate the pressure that a gas or liquid exerts under variable conditions. They are widely used in aeronautics and oceanographic vehicle manufacture. Various types are made with special conditions in mind, such as measuring pressure exerted in a vacuum or when the gas or liquid is exposed to an extreme range of temperatures. The measurements are then recorded onto data loggers.

For example, the most widely used and economical transducer is the strain gauge type. When pressure is exerted on a diaphragm, strain is placed on the instrument gauges. This is then converted to an electrical signal.

The output can take three different forms. Millivolt output transducers are among the least expensive type. They are most useful when the distances involved are short and the environment does not feature a lot of electrical noise. A consistent power supply is necessary for the most accurate readings.

Voltage output pressure transducers are less susceptible to electrical noise. The power supply is also not as important as with millivolt transducers. The final type of output is a 4-20 mA output pressure transducer, sometimes called a pressure transmitter. These types are often used when lead wires must span a long distance. Least susceptible to electrical noise and power fluctuations, these types can utilize lead wires of around 35 yards or more.

Pressure transducers are further categorized based on other factors. The type of sensor and type of pressure is one indicator. Absolute sensors test in a true absolute vacuum. Gauge sensors test relative pressure. Differential pressure sensors test the difference between two or more pressures. And a sealed sensor is calibrated and then sealed to measure pressure in terms of a known pressure, usually at sea level.

Pressure transducers are also classified into two basic categories. The first are the force collectors, which use a bellows, piston, or diaphragm. The second category is basically all transducers that are not force collectors, and encompasses thermal and resonant transducers. Strain gauge transducers fall in the category of force collectors, as are capacitive transducers commonly used to take readings under low pressures. Piezoelectric transducers, which are often used to test combustion in automobile engines, are also force collectors. The resonant and thermal transducers check the density of a test gas while under pressure, and are often used to take multiple readings over an extended length of time.

Anyone asking, "What is a Pressure Transducer?" may also wonder about some of their applications. They are important tools to manufacturers of aircraft, automobiles, weather instruments, and satellites. From rockets to weather balloons, pressure transducers are used to measure the effects of changes in air pressure. They are also used to help submarines measure depth. In addition, several industries use them to test pressurized systems for leaks.

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Barometric Pressure and How It Affects Animals

Barometric pressure has a direct effect on the life around us. The amount of atmospheric pressure is constantly changing and sudden changes can create health issues such as migraines in people to affecting behavior in animals. Barometric pressure is a highly searched criteria reaching around 201,000 times a month on average within the United States and achieving over 300,000 searches with the spelling of barometric pressure.

Barometric pressure measures the amount of downward force that the atmosphere exerts within a specific air column. Barometric pressure travels in terms of peaks, flats and valleys and will rise and fall accordingly. Atmospheric pressure is a key means to predicting weather 12 to 24 hours in advance and has a 70% accuracy rate. Pressure sensors will detect a drop in atmospheric pressure as inclement weather approaches. Typically, pressure drops in front of a weather system and then will rise as the weather systems moves out of the area. High pressure typically entails bright, blue, clear days or nights while normal pressure periods results in scattered clouds. As the atmospheric pressure gauge drops, expect increasing clouds and possibly storms as the atmospheric pressure continues to drop.

As people may feel the effects of barometric pressure changes in terms of ear pain, dizziness or headaches, animals too are affected by pressure changes. Many animals rely on scent and scent is highly dependent on atmospheric pressure. When low pressure is in the area, scent will travel further and higher in the atmosphere but as the millibars continues to drop resulting in rain, fog or snow, the scent will hug the ground and last longer. On high pressure days, scent will dissipate quickly.

The overall relationship between barometric pressure and changing weather conditions results in changes in animal behavior. Hunters and anglers alike monitor the sudden drops in millibars to predict an increase in animal movement. This increase in movement can be attributed to the animals or fish expecting inclement weather and survival instincts to feed and stock up on energy to survive a period of discomfort associated with long lasting storms.

Hunters, anglers and those sensitive to changes in barometric pressure may benefit from monitoring and tracking barometric pressure readings from gauges and at home weather stations. There are several types of pressure sensors and monitors that are available on the market. The prices range on eBay from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars for high end at home weather stations that come with a variety of external sensors for gauging wind direction, barometric pressure, temperature, and humidity. The barometric pressure sensor on many models tracks the past 24 hours of pressure readings that allow the user to determine if pressure is stable, rising or dropping at any given time. The following devices are popular for the climate monitoring enthusiast:

The Honeywell TE923 is a Deluxe Weather Station that cost from $200 to $300 from Amazon.com and utilizes external sensors such as the barometric pressure sensor, temperature and humidity sensors, UV sensor for measuring harmful UV levels and wind and rain sensors.

MFJ 196RC Deluxe Wireless Atomic Weather Station is offered on eBay for slightly below $200 and also utilizes external climate sensors for measuring and displaying barometric pressure changes, wind direction, temperature and humidity.

One of the downfalls of these types of home weather stations is the difficulty in storing these measurements. All of the monitors that I have seen across eBay and amazon display roughly the same information with the same graphics. While the Honeywell weather station stores 24 hours of atmospheric pressure readings, the MFJ weather station stores 12 to 20 hours of readings. From what I can tell, these popular models do not write each data point to an external system or within its memory for long term analysis. Don't let that hold you back from exploring or purchasing one of these weather stations as the NOAA collects this types of data from across the country. I believe you can subscribe to their feed and bring in historical and current data for a specific area.

Spending the time and money to monitor and track barometric pressure changes can help determine the type of behavior animals will exhibit. By understanding how rises and drops of barometric pressure readings will influence animal behavior, a hunter or angler will be able to more effectively prepare their strategy on how to hunt or fish.

Visit Fish'n Life & Tips for Freshwater Anglers at http://www.fishn-life.com to learn more about how to fish by understanding the climate variables that influence fish behavior and bite rate.

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