Temperature range and temperature limit for pressure sensors ? will there be a difference? My intuitive answer would be: Yes! The first term describes a section and the next its border. On second glance, however, I have to conclude that both words ultimately express a similar thing in relation 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 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 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 point of view. This could be illustrated by the next example of a pressure sensor: The instrument is meant to provide solid measured values at an ambient temperature range of 0 ? 100 �C. As well, 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, as well as 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 relatively large, often non-linear temperature error. Without further measures, a reliable pressure measurement would be impossible. Therefore, the manufacturer has to compensate for the temperature to be able to bring the error right down to a satisfactory level. From an economic point of view, the limitation to a selected temperature range makes sense, or is even essential.
The distinction between temperature range and temperature limit pertains to both ambient temperature and the medium temperature. It is also 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, pressure gauge makes technical sense. However, I doubt whether the normal user, without knowledge of standards, understands it intuitively. Which inevitably results in the question of whether there is a better linguistic distinction. But, I have to admit, the solution is outside my ?range?.
Note
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