Switch points in vacuum ranges: How are they set?

Setting the switch points of an electronic pressure switch for a credit card applicatoin in the vacuum range is not a self-explanatory task. The next article therefore explains what must be taken into account with this setting. Unstoppable involves a pressure switch with a hysteresis function. Instruments with this particular configuration are most regularly 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 ?normally closed? or ?normally open?, with regards to the task. The following 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 start of measuring range (MRS) is always smaller compared to the end of measuring range (MRE). This rule can be easily understood with settings for ambient air pressures.
Example: Control of vacuum pressure pump
Alternatively, 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 a vacuum pump, for example, which must maintain vacuum pressure between -0.7 bar and -0.5 bar. For the duty described, we decide on a pressure switch with a measuring range of -1 ? 0 bar.
The beginning of measuring range (MRS) is therefore -1 bar, the end of measuring range (MRE) 0 bar. This means: At 0 bar (= start of operation) the switch ought to be closed, so that you can activate 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 the upper limit value of -0.5 bar, the pump should once more start and run until the pressure has again dropped to -0.7 bar.
ow must the switch points be set in 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 about WIKA?s electronic pressure switches can be found on the WIKA website. Do you want to buy pressure switches? In our WIKA online-shop you will find a few of our standard designs. If you have any questions, your contact will gladly help you.
Also read our posts
What is meant by the switching function ?hysteresis? with electronic pressure switches?
What is 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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