Low-Pressure Switches
Low-pressure switches, also referred to as light pressure switches, are used to sense changes in hydraulic or pneumatic input pressure, specifically, if the pressure falls below or rises above the set pressure point, and to respond by making electrical contact, either through switching on or off. Used for negative, positive, and differential pressure applications, low-pressure switches can be designed to function for liquid and/or gaseous materials.
Quick links to Low-Pressure Switches Information
Industries Using Low-Pressure Switches
Low-pressure switches are used in a wide range of industries, including:
- The Aviation Industry
- They are essential for many hydraulic applications.
- Chemical Processing Industries
- For sensitive material handling applications.
- Laboratory or Research Industries
- For accurate testing.
- Wastewater Systems
- Fast and efficient system control.
Applications of Low-Pressure Switches
Designed to actuate in response to minute, small and reduced pressure situations, low-pressure switches react solely in direct correlation to the pressure of the system. Advantageous for systems such as pneumatic, plumbing, foam processing, sewer, and steam, all of which can and often do operate at low pressures, low-pressure switches can offer features such as explosion proof, adjustable and electronic in order to better fit the required application.
Low-Pressure Switch Design
Low-pressure switches are designed to regulate material flow within pressure systems. In order to be responsive to pressure changes, low-pressure systems are constructed using materials such as diaphragms and sometimes piezoelectric crystals.
Diaphragms respond to pressure fluctuation because when the flow exceeds the set point, the diaphragm will be pushed open, and the medium will flow through.
Piezoelectric crystals respond to pressure changes because when they are pressed or released, they produce a voltage that is used to actuate the switch.
Types of Low-Pressure Switches
There are three main types of low-pressure switches: negative, positive, and differential.
- Negative Low Pressure Switches
- Function by converting the negative pressure signal to an electrical output; thus, the switch is designed to respond only to changes in the negative pressure chamber.
- Positive Low-Pressure Switches
- Function in much the same way; essentially, they work by converting the positive pressure signal to electrical output, thus only responding to changes in the positive pressure chamber.
- Differential Low-Pressure Switches
- Function in a significantly different manner. These switches work by measuring or regulating between two points of differing pressure and actuate based on a set point. Differential low-pressure switches are extremely sensitive to any changes in pressure, no matter if the pressure is negative or positive.