Temperature range and temperature limit for pressure sensors ? will there be an improvement? My intuitive answer would be: Yes! The initial term describes a section and the next 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 described is IEC 61987. This deals, among other things, with the properties of fluid sensors, which also include pressure sensors. With ?range? and ?limit?, the standard designates two different specification characteristics. Accordingly, the temperature range describes the span where the instrument specifications must apply ? first of all, the accuracy. The temperature limit, on the other hand, indicates the min/max values between which the instrument could be operated without damage. With this particular, the instrument specifications don’t need to be adhered to at all.
What may sound a little pedantic, makes perfect sense from a technical viewpoint. This can be 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 ? Concealed �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 need 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 comparatively large, often non-linear temperature error. Without further measures, a trusted pressure measurement would be impossible. Therefore, the manufacturer has to compensate for the temperature so that you can 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 absolutely necessary.
The distinction between temperature range and temperature limit pertains to both the ambient temperature and the medium temperature. Additionally it is useful for other specification characteristics, for instance overpressure.
Conclusion
Yes, there is a difference between range and limit in the normative world of pressure sensor technology. And yes, it makes technical sense. However, I doubt whether the normal user, without knowledge of standards, understands it intuitively. Which inevitably leads to the question of whether there exists a better linguistic distinction. But, I have to admit, the solution is outside my ?range?.
Note
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