TECHNICAL REFERENCE INFORMATION FOR ERP MODEL PRESSURE SENSORS WARNING- READ BEFORE INSTALLATION
User Liability and Safety—OEM Responsibility
Full responsibility for the safe and effective functioning of the equipment into which HydraForce electronic controls are installed is assumed by the OEM of the equipment. HydraForce assumes no responsibility for application performance, or for the consequences of improper application or equipment malfunction.
A failure resulting in injury or damage may be caused by excessive overpressure, excessive vibration or pressure pulsation, excessive instrument temperature, corrosion of the pressure containing parts, or other misuse. Consult HydraForce Inc., Lincolnshire, IL, USA before installing if there are any questions or concerns.
-
Overpressure:
Pressure spikes in excess of the rated overpressure capability of the sensor may cause irreversible electrical and/or mechanical damage to the pressure measuring and containing elements. Fluid hammers and surges can destroy any pressure sensor and must always be avoided. A pressure snubber should be installed to eliminate the damaging hammer effects. Fluid hammer occurs when a liquid flow is suddenly stopped, as with quick closing solenoid valves. Surges occur when flow is suddenly begun, as when a pump is turned on at full power or a valve is quickly opened. Liquid surges are particularly damaging to pressure sensors if the pipe is originally empty. To avoid damaging surges, fluid lines should remain full (if possible), pumps should be brought up to power slowly, and valves opened slowly. To avoid damage from both fluid hammers and surges, install a surge chamber.
Symptoms of fluid hammer and surge's damaging effects:
- Pressure sensor exhibits an output at zero pressure (large zero offset).
- Pressure sensor output remains constant regardless of pressure
- In severe cases, there will be no output.
-
Freezing:
Prohibit freezing of media in pressure port. Unit should be drained (mount in vertical position with electrical termination upward) to prevent possible overpressure damage from frozen media.
-
Static Electrical Charges:
Any electrical device may be susceptible to damage when exposed to static electrical charges.
To avoid damage to the sensor observe the following:
- Ground the body of the sensor BEFORE making any electrical connections.
-
When disconnecting, remove the ground last.
Note: The shield and drain wire in the cable (if supplied) is not connected to the sensor body and is not a suitable ground.
-
Use in Life Support Devices:
HydraForce Inc. products are not authorized for use as critical components in life support devices or systems without the express written approval of the HydraForce Engineering Department. As used herein:
- Life support devices or systems are devices or systems which, (a) are intended for surgical implant into the body, or (b) support or sustain life, and whose failure to perform, when properly used in accordance with instructions for use provided in the labeling, can be reasonably expected to result in a significant injury to the user.
- A critical component is any component of a life support device or system whose failure to perform can be reasonably expected to cause the failure of the life support device or system, or to affect its safety or effectiveness.