Temperature range and temperature limit for pressure sensors ? will there be a difference? My intuitive answer will be: Yes! The initial term describes a section and the next its border. On second glance, however, I have to conclude that both words ultimately express a similar thing in relation 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 things, with the properties of fluid sensors, which also include pressure sensors. With ?range? and ?limit?, the standard designates two different specification characteristics. Accordingly, the temperature range describes the span where the instrument specifications must apply ? first of all, the accuracy. The temperature limit, alternatively, indicates the min/max values between which the instrument could be operated without damage. With this particular, the instrument specifications don’t need to be honored at all.
What may sound a little pedantic, makes perfect sense from a technical viewpoint. This could be illustrated by the next 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 must not suffer any damage at ambient temperatures between -20 �C and 0 �C. In this range, however, it does not have to provide accurate measuring results, or 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 actual measuring components, exhibit a comparatively large, often non-linear temperature error. Without further measures, a reliable pressure measurement would be impossible. Therefore, the manufacturer must compensate for the temperature to be able to bring the error down to a satisfactory level. From an economic perspective, the limitation to a selected temperature range makes sense, or is even essential.
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 example overpressure.
Conclusion
Yes, there is a difference between range and limit in the normative world of pressure sensor technology. And yes, Unusual creates technical sense. However, I doubt whether the normal user, without understanding of standards, understands it intuitively. Which inevitably results in the question of whether there exists a better linguistic distinction. But, I have to admit, the solution is outside my ?range?.
Note
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