Temperature range and temperature limit for pressure sensors ? will there be a difference? My intuitive answer would 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 the same thing with regards to temperatures: Range and limit are defined by way of a lower and upper value, for instance 0 ? 100 �C. The relevant standard nevertheless defines a difference. Why?
Plummet speaks of two different specification characteristics
The standard referred to is IEC 61987. This deals, among other activities, 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 and foremost, the accuracy. The temperature limit, alternatively, indicates the min/max values between which the instrument may be operated without damage. With this, the instrument specifications do not have to be honored at all.
What may sound a little pedantic, makes perfect sense from a technical point of view. This can be illustrated by the next example of a pressure sensor: The instrument is supposed to provide solid measured values at an ambient temperature selection of 0 ? 100 �C. Simultaneously, 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.
Backed between temperature range and temperature limit is plausible
This sounds paradoxical initially, but is plausible on closer inspection. Pressure sensor elements, i.e. the specific measuring components, exhibit a comparatively large, often non-linear temperature error. Without further measures, a trusted pressure measurement will be impossible. Therefore, the maker has to compensate for the temperature in order to bring the error right down to an acceptable level. From an economic viewpoint, the limitation to a selected temperature range makes sense, or is even absolutely necessary.
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, Simplicity makes technical sense. However, I doubt whether the normal user, without knowledge of standards, understands it intuitively. Which inevitably results in the question of whether you will find a better linguistic distinction. But, I have to admit, the solution is outside my ?range?.
Note
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