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Connecting a three-phase power analyser correctly: Observe current transformer direction and phase assignment

A three-phase power or network analyser can measure active, reactive and apparent power, energy consumption, power factor, current imbalance...

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Radiation area monitoring: When stationary monitors are useful

In laboratories, nuclear medicine facilities, research installations and industrial radiation-protection areas, occasional control measurements are...

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Level sensor with 4–20 mA, HART or IO-Link: Selecting the correct signal and integration method

When selecting a level sensor, the measuring principle is usually the primary consideration. Depending on the application, possible options include...

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Zero adjustment on a Coriolis flowmeter: When zero adjustment is really necessary

A Coriolis flowmeter may indicate a small positive or negative mass flow even when the process appears to be at a standstill. In practice, a zero adjustment...

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Voltage tester with continuity testing: When acoustic signals help with troubleshooting

Two-pole voltage testers are primarily used to detect electrical voltages and verify that an installation is de-energised. Many models additionally feature...

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Data logger or online monitoring: When automatic alarm notifications are useful

Temperature, relative humidity, pressure and other measured variables are often monitored over extended periods in warehouses, laboratories, production areas...

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Humidity sensor in a cleanroom: Monitoring temperature, humidity and pressure together

In a cleanroom, monitoring the particle concentration alone is not sufficient. Temperature, relative humidity and the pressure difference to adjacent...

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Transmitter for converting 0–10 V to 4–20 mA: Why signal conversion is often necessary in practice

Different analogue signal standards frequently meet in existing machines and industrial plants. For example, a sensor may provide 0–10 V, while the new...

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MINIMESS measuring points in hydraulic systems: Check pressure without shutting down the system

Pressure is one of the most important diagnostic variables in a hydraulic system. It shows whether a pump is delivering sufficient performance, whether...

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Vibration sensors for pumps and motors: Detecting bearing condition and imbalance at an early stage

Pumps, electric motors, fans, compressors and gearboxes generate mechanical vibration during normal operation. Completely vibration-free operation is neither...

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Grounding an electromagnetic flowmeter correctly: Why equipotential bonding and grounding rings stabilise the measurement

Electromagnetic flowmeters are regarded as robust and low-maintenance measuring instruments for electrically conductive liquids. They have no moving...

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Defining calibration intervals: Why operating conditions are more important than a fixed annual schedule

Many companies automatically calibrate their measuring and test equipment every twelve months. This schedule is easy to organise, can be entered...

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Temperature data loggers for the cold chain and storage: Reliably documenting limit values

Temperature-sensitive foods, pharmaceuticals, laboratory samples, chemicals and technical products often have to be stored within a narrowly defined...

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Selecting a hydrogen pressure sensor: Correctly assessing materials, seals and approvals

Hydrogen is used in electrolysis plants, compressors, storage systems, fuel-cell systems, test benches, pipeline networks and refuelling stations at widely...

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Installing a load cell correctly: Avoid incorrect load application, unsuitable supports and force shunts

A high-quality load cell can only measure accurately if the mechanical design allows the intended force flow. In practice, many deviations are not caused...

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Pt100 or Pt1000: Which resistance thermometer sensor is the better choice?

Pt100 and Pt1000 are among the most commonly used platinum resistance sensors for industrial temperature measurement. They are used in machines...

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Selecting mineral-insulated thermocouples correctly: Diameter, response time and bending radius

Mineral-insulated thermocouples are used in furnaces, machines, process plants, test benches, exhaust ducts, tools and many other industrial applications...

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Harmonics caused by variable frequency drives: Why TRMS alone is often not enough

Variable frequency drives enable energy-efficient and flexible speed control of motors. At the same time, together with switched-mode power...

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Submersible probe or radar level sensor: Which measuring principle suits the tank?

Different measuring principles are available for continuous level measurement in tanks, vessels, shafts and basins. One particularly common question is whether...

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Simulating a 0–10 V signal: Testing analogue inputs and transmitters in the control cabinet

Analogue voltage signals from 0 to 10 V are still widely used in mechanical engineering, building automation, HVAC systems and control cabinet...

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Installing a melt pressure sensor correctly: Pay attention to the mounting hole, thread and diaphragm protection on the extruder

Melt pressure sensors and melt pressure transmitters operate under demanding conditions. They measure the pressure of hot plastic melts directly in the extruder...

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Measuring SF₆ gas density with temperature compensation: Why pressure alone is not enough

In SF6-insulated switchgear, circuit breakers and other gas-filled high-voltage equipment, an adequate gas filling is essential for...

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Cleaning and maintaining turbine flow meters: What to consider regarding bearings, particles and filtration

Turbine flow meters are precise mechanical flow meters. They measure volumetric flow via a freely rotating turbine wheel in the flow channel. Depending on...

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Measuring power quality: Correctly assessing voltage dips, harmonics and flicker

When machines fail sporadically, frequency converters display error messages, lighting flickers or control systems restart without an obvious reason, the cause...

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Temperature data loggers for high temperatures: What matters with thermocouples up to 1000 °C

In many industrial processes, high temperatures not only have to be measured, but also documented over a defined period of time. In furnaces...

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Process transmitters with SIL function: When functional safety becomes relevant for pressure measuring points

In many process plants, pressure measuring points are not only used for display or control. They can also be part of a safety-related function. A process transmitter...

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Tilt sensors in mobile machines: Monitoring position, booms and safety functions

Mobile machines rarely operate on perfectly level ground. Construction machines, cranes, aerial work platforms, agricultural machines, municipal vehicles...

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Thermal imaging camera for buildings and energy audits: Detecting thermal bridges, moisture and insulation defects

With a thermal imaging camera, temperature distributions on buildings can be made visible quickly and clearly. Especially in energy audits, building...

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Retrofitting an energy meter in a control cabinet: Combining 96×96 panel meters and current transformers correctly

In many existing control cabinets, local measuring devices for recording energy consumption, power, current, voltage, or load profiles are missing. The system...

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Pulse and frequency output on flow turbines: evaluating flow correctly

Flow turbines are often used when liquids or gases need to be measured dynamically and with a signal that is easy to evaluate. A key advantage of this measuring...

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Testing CEE sockets and three-phase connections: what is especially important for 400 V connections

CEE sockets and three-phase connections are widely used in workshops, industrial plants, construction sites, machine rooms, event technology and...

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Multi-measurement data loggers: when recording several measured variables at the same time makes sense

Many technical problems cannot be explained by a single measured variable. Excessive temperature in a control cabinet may be related to the...

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Flow turbines for hydraulic oil: what to consider regarding pressure, viscosity and temperature

Hydraulic systems only work reliably when pressure and flow rate match. Too little flow can indicate worn pumps, internal leakage, clogged filters, incorrectly...

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Selecting a radiation measuring instrument: dose rate, personal dose or contamination?

Anyone who wants to select a radiation measuring instrument is often faced with a fundamental question: should the current radiation in the environment be...

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Diaphragm material in melt pressure sensors: why medium and abrasion are decisive

In melt pressure sensors and melt pressure transducers, the diaphragm is positioned directly at one of the most critical points of the process: it separates...

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Coriolis in hygiene applications: measuring food, beverages and pharmaceuticals safely

In hygienic processes, it is not enough to measure flow only approximately. In the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries, quantities must be...

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Pressure sensor for water, oil or air: checking media compatibility correctly

A pressure sensor is often selected according to measuring range, output signal and process connection. In practice, however, another point often determines...

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Ultrasonic flow measurement in hazardous areas: When SITRANS FS230 makes sense

Flow measurements in potentially explosive atmospheres place special requirements on technology, planning and operation. In chemical plants...

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Planning a stationary gas detection system: measuring points, alarm limits and gas detection control panel

A stationary gas detection system is used when gases need to be monitored permanently and a simple portable gas detector is not sufficient. Typical applications....

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Understanding protective conductor testing correctly: why low-resistance measurement is so important

Protective conductor testing is one of the most important tests for electrical installations, machines and devices. It is intended to ensure that exposed...

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Selecting the right clamp meter: understanding AC, DC, TRMS and measuring range

A clamp meter is one of the most important measuring instruments for electricians, maintenance technicians, service technicians, control cabinet...

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Humidity measurement in ventilation ducts: installation, response time and avoiding measurement errors

Humidity measurement in ventilation ducts is an important part of modern HVAC systems, building automation, air conditioning systems, cleanrooms...

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Diaphragm seals in hygiene applications: CIP, SIP and flush connections

In hygienic processes, pressure measuring points have to do much more than in many classic industrial applications. They must reliably measure the...

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Measuring steam flow: why pressure and temperature compensation are important

Steam is one of the most important energy carriers in many industrial plants. It is used for process heat supply, sterilization, cleaning, drying, heating...

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Simulating frequency and pulse signals: testing flow meters and counters

Many flow meters, turbine flow meters, paddle wheel meters, gear meters, dosing systems and test benches do not only work with analog signals, but also with...

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Detecting contamination: safely identify alpha, beta and gamma contamination

Contamination by radioactive substances is a central topic in radiation protection. It can occur on work surfaces, tools, protective clothing, vehicles, packaging...

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Melt pressure sensor with mV/V or 4–20 mA: which output signal fits?

Melt pressure sensors and melt pressure transmitters are used in extrusion lines, injection molding machines, compounding systems, recycling processes, hot...

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Bypass level indicators: when a mechanical level indication makes sense

In many process plants, the level of a vessel must not only be available in the control system or process control system, but also remain clearly visible directly...

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Coriolis flow meter shows unstable values: check gas bubbles, vibration and installation

Coriolis flow meters are among the most accurate measuring instruments for mass flow, density and temperature. They are used in chemicals, pharmaceuticals...

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VDE testing in existing installations: correctly assessing old distribution boards, N/PE bridges and modifications

In practice, VDE tests are not only carried out in new, clearly documented installations. Very often, electrical installations have to be tested that have grown...

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Monitoring refrigerants and SF₆: when an F-gas detector makes sense

Refrigerants and SF₆ are used in very different technical systems, but they have one important thing in common: leaks should be detected as early...

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Checking an installation tester before use: self-check, calibration status and accessories

An installation tester is a central tool for VDE tests, electrical installation tests and recurring inspections. It is used to test protective conductors, insulation...

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Using a multimeter in the control cabinet: avoiding typical measurement errors

A digital multimeter is one of the most important measuring instruments in electrical service, maintenance and control cabinet construction. It is used to check...

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Installing vortex flow meters correctly: inlet runs, vibration and minimum flow

Vortex flow meters, also known as vortex shedding flow meters, are robust measuring instruments for steam, gases and many liquids. They are...

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Calibrating temperature transmitters: checking Pt100, thermocouple and output signal together

Temperature transmitters are a central link between temperature sensor and control system. They convert the signal of a Pt100, Pt1000, thermocouple...

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Level measurement with difficult media: consider density, viscosity and temperature

At first glance, level measurement seems simple: a sensor detects how full a tank, vessel or process container is. In practice, however, many measurement...

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Coriolis or MID: Which flow meter is better suited for liquids?

When selecting a flow meter for liquids, many operators, plant manufacturers and maintenance teams face the same question: should a magnetic-inductive...

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Turbine flow meter shows incorrect values: causes related to installation, medium and calibration

Turbine flow meters are proven flow meters for many liquid media. They provide fast, reproducible signals and are frequently used in hydraulics, test...

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Process transmitters with diaphragm seals: safely measuring difficult media

Process transmitters are used in the process industry when pressure must be measured reliably, with long-term stability and often under difficult conditions...

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Pressure switches for pumps and compressors: monitoring dry running, minimum pressure and maximum pressure

Pressure switches are among the most important monitoring and protection components in pump, compressor and compressed air systems. They switch...

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Monitoring hydrogen plants: considering pressure, temperature and flow together

Hydrogen plants place high demands on measurement technology. Whether electrolyzer, compressor, storage system, test bench, fuel cell or supply...

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Simulating thermocouples: correctly testing Type K, J and N in measurement chains

Thermocouples are used very frequently in furnace construction, process heat, plastics processing, mechanical engineering, laboratories, heat treatment...

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MID shows no flow: empty pipe, incorrect conductivity or parameterization?

If a magnetic-inductive flow meter, or MID for short, shows no flow, a defect in the device is often suspected first. In practice, however, the cause...

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Pressure transmitter shows incorrect values: is the cause the sensor, process or scaling?

When a pressure transmitter shows incorrect values, the sensor itself is often suspected first. In practice, however, the cause is often found elsewhere in the...

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CAT III and CAT IV for voltage testers: why the measurement category is decisive

When selecting a voltage tester, many users first look at the voltage range. 690 V, 1000 V AC/DC or a digital display may seem like the most important criteria...

Testing TT, TN and IT systems: why the network system affects the test procedure

When testing electrical installations, the measuring instrument is not the only factor that determines a correct result. The existing network system is just as...

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Thermocouple reads incorrectly: installation error, cable influence or wrong sensor type?

When a thermocouple displays incorrect temperatures, the sensor itself is often suspected first. In practice, however, the cause is often not the sensing...

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Digital pressure gauges with output signal: when 4–20 mA or RS485 makes sense

A digital pressure gauge is often used when the pressure should be easy to read directly on site. In many applications, however, the local display alone is not...

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Multi-channel temperature data loggers: when several measuring points are important at the same time

In many applications, temperature is not only required at one single point. In processes, plants, laboratories, test benches, transport containers, ovens...

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Measuring humidity and temperature together: why a combined sensor is often better

Temperature and humidity are assessed together in many applications: in warehouses, museums, production rooms, control cabinets, cleanrooms...

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Galvanic isolation in measurement signals: when isolation amplifiers and transmitters are needed

In industrial measuring circuits, signals must be reliably transmitted from sensors, transmitters and field devices to the PLC, controller or control system...

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Diaphragm seals for viscous or crystallizing media: preventing clogging

When pressure sensors, pressure transmitters or pressure gauges are used in systems with viscous, sticky, contaminated or crystallizing media, the same...

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Measuring turbine or another flowmeter: When turbine flowmeters are useful

Measuring turbines are among the classic flowmeters used in industry, test bench technology, hydraulics, dosing and process measurement technology...

Vortex or Coriolis: Which measuring principle is suitable for steam, gas or liquids?

Anyone selecting a flowmeter for steam, gas or liquids often faces the question: Is a vortex flowmeter sufficient, or is a Coriolis flowmeter the better solution? Both...

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Radionuclide identifier: When dose rate alone is not enough

In a radiation incident, the first question is often: Is radiation present and how high is the dose rate? For personal protection, cordoning off areas and...

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Data loggers for complaints and evidence: Documenting measured values properly

When something goes wrong during storage, transport, production or quality assurance, the same question often arises: What actually happened? Was the...

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Selecting a humidity sensor: Room sensor, duct sensor or process probe?

Humidity influences indoor climate, process safety, product quality, storage conditions, energy efficiency and condensation risks. Nevertheless, selecting...

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Calibrating measuring instruments with as-found and as-left: Why both values are important

Anyone who has a measuring instrument calibrated will often find terms such as as-found and as-left on the calibration certificate. For quality management...

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Process transmitter or simple pressure transmitter: When is the higher device class worthwhile?

Pressure transmitters are available in many versions: from compact sensors for machines and systems to full-featured process transmitters with...

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Diaphragm seal with capillary line: When a remote seal makes sense

Pressure measuring points in the process industry are not always easy to access. They are often located on hot pipelines, vibrating units, vessels, reactors, columns...

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Thermocouple in the plastics industry: Measuring melt temperature correctly on extruders

In plastics processing, temperature directly determines product quality, process stability and reject rate. Especially on extruders, it is not always sufficient to monitor...

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Installation tester shows implausible values: Test leads, loads and wiring as sources of error

When an installation tester shows implausible values, a fault in the electrical installation or in the test instrument is often suspected immediately. In practice, however...

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Coriolis measurement in dosing and filling: Measuring mass instead of volume

Dosing and filling processes must be repeatable, fast and traceable. Whether food, additives, chemicals, paints, pharmaceutical liquids or high-value...

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Calibrating HART transmitters: Checking analog signal and digital parameters together

HART-capable transmitters are widely used in process automation. They provide a classic analog 4–20 mA signal and additionally make digital information available...

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Checking SF₆ gas quality: Correctly evaluating moisture, purity and decomposition products

SF₆ gas is used in gas-insulated switchgear as an insulating and arc-quenching gas. For the system to operate reliably, not only the gas pressure or gas...

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Selecting a gas detector: Which gases really need to be monitored?

Anyone who needs to select a gas detector is often faced with a fundamental question: Which gases actually need to be monitored? In many applications...

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Finding voltage dips: How the Min/Max function and data logger in a multimeter help

Sporadic voltage dips are among the most unpleasant faults in electrical systems. During a normal measurement, everything appears normal, the voltage...

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Pressure transmitters for small measuring ranges: Why mbar measurements are particularly demanding

Small pressure ranges in the mbar range may seem uncritical at first glance. In practice, however, they are often more demanding than many higher...

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Pneumatic or hydraulic pressure calibration: Which medium is right?

In practice, the same question comes up very often in pressure calibration: Should calibration be performed pneumatically with air or gas, or is hydraulic calibration...

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Vortex flowmeter shows fluctuating values: Process pulsation or wrong measuring point?

When a vortex flowmeter shows fluctuating values, the cause is often first suspected in the measuring instrument itself. In many cases, however, the...

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Hydrogen pressure sensor in the test bench: Considering dynamics, accuracy and temperature range

Hydrogen test benches place high demands on pressure measurement technology. In development, research, fuel cell testing, component...

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Simulating Pt100: Testing temperature measurement without a real temperature process

In practice, temperature measuring chains are often only checked when measured values appear implausible, a temperature transmitter does not...

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Mercury-free melt pressure sensor: When oil filling or fill-fluid-free technology makes sense

Melt pressure sensors measure pressure directly in the plastic melt. In extrusion lines, injection molding machines, food packaging, medical production or...

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Magnetostrictive level transmitter: High-precision level measurement in tanks

When the level in a tank, process vessel or storage tank is not only to be indicated roughly, but measured continuously, precisely and automatically, a magnetostrictive...

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Measuring surface, air and core temperature: Which probe is suitable?

Temperature is one of the most frequently measured variables in service, laboratory work, HVAC, quality assurance, maintenance and production. Nevertheless...

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Measuring turbine in the test bench: Capturing volume flow quickly and dynamically

In hydraulic test benches, machine test benches and development environments, it is often not enough to look at the volume flow only statically. Especially during...

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Radiation measuring technology for fire departments and THW: Which devices are useful in the field?

Fire departments, THW and other emergency response organizations need robust, easy-to-understand and reliable radiation measuring technology for...

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Pressure transmitter shows 3.6 mA or 21 mA: Interpreting fault current correctly

If a pressure transmitter does not deliver a normal 4–20 mA signal, but permanently outputs approximately 3.6 mA, 21 mA or another conspicuous current...

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Choosing the right digital multimeter: Understanding TRMS, CAT category and measuring range

A digital multimeter is one of the most important measuring instruments in electrical service, maintenance, control cabinet construction, industry and laboratory...

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4–20 mA signal on the pressure transmitter fluctuates: Cause in the sensor, wiring or process?

If the 4–20 mA signal of a pressure transmitter fluctuates, the fault is often immediately attributed to the sensor. In practice, however, this is only one...