Pressure Transducers for Pump & Lift Stations

Romtec Utilities designs and supplies pump stations for many different applications, and pressure transducers are a common type of level sensing device available on our systems. Pressure transducers operate by measuring the weight of the fluid in the wet well that is the pressure. The control panel calculates the volume in the well with the pressure readings. This calculation gives a very accurate reading about the water level. Pressure transducers provide pump stations a number of benefits for pump station owners, especially for wastewater. Here is a more detailed look at how these devices work.

First off, pressure transducers are an affordable level sensor option. Floats are generally the most affordable, but pressure transducers are very comparable in terms of cost, with probes, ultrasonic, and radar all adding varying amounts of cost. As an affordable option, pressure transducers provide additional benefits that other level sensing devices do not.

Pressure transducers sit at the bottom of a well to measure the weight of the fluid above, so these devices are unaffected by turbulence, foam, grease, and other elements that can cause false readings and are commonly present in wastewater. Additionally, pressure transducers cannot be pushed around or get caught up on components in the well. In some scenarios, sediment in the bottom of the well can affect pressure transducers, and removing sediment may be required as this typically affects the pumps as well.

Pressure transducers are analog devices, converting one form of energy (pressure) into an analog electrical signal. As pressure in the well increases, the electrical signal from the transducer increases, and the control panel reads the changing electrical signals. When the pumps start, the pressure in the well goes down and the electrical current decreases until the control panel calculates that the fluid has lowered to the programmed level. Pressure transducers measure this change by comparing atmospheric pressure to the pressure in the well.

Pressure transducers are supplied at a preset psi range to correspond with the depth of the water column. Specific psi ranges allow for a maximum operable depth for each pressure transducer. The sensor includes an air tube to keep an atmospheric pressure reading. This tube is typically protected by a desiccant filter, which keeps moisture and particulate matter from interfering with the devices accuracy. These filters must be replaced after they have absorbed their capacity of moisture, and they are readily available at nominal pricing for any maintenance department. Otherwise, pressure transducers have very low maintenance requirements.

Romtec Utilities can design and supply pump and lift stations with any preferred level sensing device. Pressure transducers offer a wide range of benefits that make these devices a great option for most pumping systems, but with Romtec Utilities, you can get any technology you want to make your system operate per your standards. If you have any questions about pressure transducers or any other type of level sensing device, contact Romtec Utilities to learn more or to see real pump station projects with these devices!