Temperature range and temperature limit for pressure sensors ? is there an improvement? My intuitive answer will be: Yes! The first term describes a section and the next its border. On second glance, however, I must conclude that both words ultimately express the same thing with regards to temperatures: Range and limit are defined by a lower and upper value, for instance 0 ? 100 �C. The relevant standard nevertheless defines an improvement. 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 and foremost, the accuracy. The temperature limit, alternatively, indicates the min/max values between that your instrument could be operated without damage. With this, the instrument specifications don’t need to be adhered to at all.
What may sound a bit pedantic, makes perfect sense from a technical point of view. This can be illustrated by the following example of a pressure sensor: The instrument is supposed to provide 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 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 reliable pressure measurement will be impossible. Therefore, the manufacturer has to compensate for the temperature in order to bring the error right down to a satisfactory level. From an economic point of view, the limitation to a selected temperature range is practical, or is even absolutely necessary.
The distinction between temperature range and temperature limit applies to both the ambient temperature and the medium temperature. Additionally it is useful for other specification characteristics, for instance overpressure.
Conclusion
Yes, there exists 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 understanding 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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