Pressure Sensors

RS Australia is a stocking distributor of industrial pressure sensors and pressure transducers, supplying products engineered for measuring water, air, hydraulic, gas, and fluid pressure across manufacturing, process control, and equipment OEM applications. Our range spans gauge, absolute, and differential pressure sensors using MEMS, piezoresistive, and ceramic technologies, with output options covering 4-20mA, 0-10V, ratiometric, and digital IO-Link signals for inline pressure monitoring in industrial control loops.

RS Australia stocks a wide range of pressure sensors from trusted industrial brands brands like:

• WIKA
• Telemecanique Sensors
• Endress Hauser
• ifm electronic
• Gems Sensors
• Gefran
• Honeywell
• Amphenol Advanced Sensors
• RS PRO

RS provides fast Australia-wide delivery on pressure sensors held in local stock, helping engineers and procurement teams keep production schedules and maintenance windows on track.

What are Pressure Sensors

Pressure sensors, also known as pressure transducers, pressure transmitters, pressure senders, pressure indicators, piezometers, and manometers, are devices designed to measure the pressure of gases or fluids. They convert the applied pressure into an electrical signal that quantifies the force exerted. These devices are critical in various settings, capable of providing accurate pressure readings in units such as pascals (Pa), bars, atmospheres (atm), or pounds per square inch (psi).

Types of Force Collectors

To meet the varied demands of these applications—from delicate medical instruments to robust industrial machinery—pressure sensors utilise a variety of measurement technologies. Each technology offers unique benefits in terms of sensitivity, range, resistance to environmental factors, and compatibility with different types of media. Understanding these technologies helps in selecting the right pressure sensor for specific tasks, ensuring reliability, accuracy, and efficiency in their operation.

• Resistive Sensors - Utilise the change in electrical resistance of a strain gauge attached to a diaphragm to measure pressure.
• Capacitive Sensors - Known for their high sensitivity, these are effective for measuring pressures below 10 bar and can endure significant overloads.
• Piezoelectric Sensors - Employ materials like quartz that generate an electrical charge when pressure is applied, ideal for detecting rapid pressure changes.
• Optical Sensors - Use optical fibre interferometry, offering immunity to electromagnetic interference, suitable for noisy or sensitive environments like medical facilities.
• MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems): – These pressure sensors contain capacitive or piezo pressure sensing mechanisms on silicon at micron level resolution.

Types of Pressure Sensors

There are various properties used to classify sensors and their appropriate applications. These include the pressure range they measure, their operating temperature range, and the type of pressure they are designed to detect.

Absolute Pressure Sensors

This type of sensor measures pressure relative to the perfect vacuum (zero reference point).

Gauge Pressure Sensors

These are often used to measure atmospheric pressure and are sometimes referred to as relative pressure sensors.

Sealed Gauge Pressure Sensors

Similar to gauge pressure sensors except they measure pressure relative to a fixed pressure, not the current ambient atmospheric pressure which can vary.

Differential Pressure Sensors

These can be used to measure the difference between two different pressures (differential pressure) which can be connected to either side of the sensor. They are often used to measure pressure drops, fluid levels and flow rates.

Pressure Sensor Applications

Pressure sensors are used in a wide variety of applications across many industries. Here are some key applications:

Manufacturing

In manufacturing, pressure sensors provide precise control and monitoring of hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Essential in CNC machines and industrial robots, they ensure accurate and efficient production operations.

Mining

Advanced pressure sensors are revolutionising mine safety and operational efficiency, as detailed in our comprehensive article on how pressure sensors are transforming mine safety. These sensors help monitor atmospheric conditions and manage systems to prevent hazardous incidents.

Aerospace

In aerospace, these sensors are crucial for measuring altitude and airspeed, managing cabin pressurisation, and controlling munitions. Their reliability is vital for both safety and functionality in extreme conditions.

Oil and Gas

Pressure sensors are integral to the oil and gas industry, monitoring and controlling exploration, production, and distribution processes. They are key to ensuring operational safety and preventing failures.

Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology

In the realms of pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, pressure sensors ensure the precision necessary for accurate dosing, effective filtration, and controlled fermentation processes, all crucial for product quality and safety.

Environmental Monitoring

These sensors are employed in weather forecasting, flood prediction, and water level monitoring, providing data essential for environmental protection and disaster preparedness.

Food and Beverage Production

Pressure sensors help maintain consistent pressures during processing stages in food and beverage production, safeguarding product consistency and safety.

Medical Devices

In healthcare, pressure sensors are vital in devices such as ventilators, blood pressure monitors, and infusion pumps, enhancing patient care and treatment accuracy.

How to Order Pressure Sensors From RS?

RS is a global industrial brand with an established Australian operation, recognised as a reliable online distributor for pressure sensors and pressure transducers used across process control, hydraulic systems, machine OEM builds, and facility maintenance. Engineers can filter the catalogue by pressure range, output signal, process connection thread, media compatibility, and accuracy class to identify the right transducer for water, air, hydraulic, gas, or fluid pressure measurement before placing an order.

Pressure sensor brands available at RS Australia include:

• WIKA
• Telemecanique Sensors
• Endress Hauser
• ifm electronic
• Gems Sensors
• Gefran
• Honeywell
• Amphenol Advanced Sensors
• RS PRO

Alongside pressure sensors, RS Australia also stocks complementary instrumentation such thermocouples, rtd sensor, thermistors and more. Business customers can enjoy free Australia-wide delivery on pressure sensor orders above $40 excluding GST.

Delivery Information for Australia

Fast next working day delivery across Australia is one of the main reasons engineers choose to order pressure sensors from RS online. Place your order before 5 pm AEST Monday to Friday and locally held stock ships out the same day for arrival the next business day. For a full overview of delivery services, fees, and special options, see ourdelivery information page.