Temperature range and temperature limit for pressure sensors ? will there be a difference? 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 in relation to temperatures: Range and limit are defined by way of 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 things, 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, on the other hand, indicates the min/max values between that your instrument may be operated without damage. With this particular, the instrument specifications don’t need to be honored at all.
What may sound a little pedantic, makes sense from a technical viewpoint. This can be illustrated by the following example of a pressure sensor: The instrument is supposed to deliver solid measured values at an ambient temperature range 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 need to provide accurate measuring results, and even 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 actual measuring components, exhibit a comparatively large, often non-linear temperature error. Without further measures, a trusted pressure measurement will be impossible. Therefore, the manufacturer must compensate for the temperature so that you can bring the error right down to a satisfactory level. From an economic perspective, the limitation to a selected temperature range is practical, or is even essential.
The distinction between temperature range and temperature limit pertains to both ambient temperature and the medium temperature. It is also used for other specification characteristics, for instance overpressure.
Conclusion
Yes, you will find 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 knowledge of standards, understands it intuitively. Which inevitably results in 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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