Switch points in vacuum ranges: How are they set?

Setting the switch points of an electric pressure switch for a credit card applicatoin in the vacuum range is not a self-explanatory task. The following article therefore explains what needs to be taken into account with this particular setting. It involves a pressure switch with a hysteresis function. Instruments with this configuration are most frequently installed in industrial applications.
Electronic pressure switches, such as the WIKA models PSD-4 and PSD-4-ECO or the A-1200 pressure sensor with IO-Link, operate as ? Lavishly closed? or ?normally open?, with regards to the task. The next graphics illustrate both switching functions with the respective switch and reset points:
In principle, the next applies: The switch point (SP) is higher than the reset point (RP) and the beginning of measuring range (MRS) is always smaller than the end of measuring range (MRE). This rule can be easily understood with settings for ambient air pressures.
Example: Control of a vacuum pump
On the other hand, setting the switch points in the vacuum range and thus, ultimately, the switching function, requires more attention. To illustrate this, let?s take the control of vacuum pressure pump, for instance, which must maintain a vacuum between -0.7 bar and -0.5 bar. For the duty described, we select a pressure switch with a measuring range of -1 ? 0 bar.
The start of measuring range (MRS) is therefore -1 bar, the finish of measuring range (MRE) 0 bar. This means: At 0 bar (= start of operation) the switch should be closed, in order to switch on the vacuum pump. If the pressure drops to -0.7 bar, the switch must open and stop the pump. As soon as the pressure reaches top of the limit value of -0.5 bar, the pump should once again start and run until the pressure has again dropped to -0.7 bar.
ow must the switch points be set within this vacuum range? Let?s take the two pictures and translate MRS and MRE:
Here it is clear that the ?normally open? function should be selected, otherwise the pump wouldn’t normally switch on. After entering the switch points, the schematic is obtained, which shows the way the pressure switch functions relative to the example:
Note
Information regarding WIKA?s electronic pressure switches can be found on the WIKA website. Would you like to buy pressure switches? Inside our WIKA online-shop you will find some of our standard designs. Should you have any questions, your contact will gladly assist you to.
Also read our posts
What is meant by the switching function ?hysteresis? with electronic pressure switches?
What’s the difference between your switching functions ?hysteresis? and ?window? in pressure switches?
What’s meant by the ?normally open? switching function with pressure switches?

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