When choosing a pressure controller for a lab there are several details to take into consideration.  Here are the five important factors to take into consideration to help you determine the best equipment for your lab’s application.

Pressure Controllers in Labs

For production testing, the goal is fast, accurate, and stable control to single or multiple pressure points.  A durable controller that can sustain accurate and stable operation through repeated cycles will be the best choice.  Choose a controller that fits your application and has a reputation for longevity.

When Is It Time to Replace?

Before we mention the five factors many times, it starts with the question, when is it time to replace a pressure controller.

• If your pressure controller is obsolete, and the manufacturer doesn’t support it.
• It’s broken or not working and you can’t repair it, or it is too expensive to repair it.
• Does it still have the capabilities to provide value to your lab?

If you have answered yes to one or all of the above, then it is time to find a better piece of equipment for your lab.

Assess The Lab’s Workload

What is the workload like in your lab?  Specifically, how much were you using the pressure controller?  Is your workload the same as before, or has it increased?  This will give you an idea of what you need in a piece of equipment.

Pressure Range

Evaluate the set of pressure ranges you will need to calibrate.  The pressure controller you choose must be capable of controlling to and measuring the full span of your expected ranges.  Ranges and pressure types will determine the complexity.

Pressure Type

Determine the type of pressure that needs to be calibrated: gauge, absolute, or differential.  The choice of sensors within the calibrator must match these types or be capable of emulating the pressure types of the devices being calibrated.

Accuracy

Determine the accuracy and your minimum acceptable test uncertainty ratio (TUR) for each range you need to calibrate.  Chose a controller capable of calibrating each range and satisfying the requirements of the TUR.  This can become complex with multiple ranges, accuracies, and pressure types.

Duty Cycle

Consider the duty cycle required for the controller.  This is particularly important in a production environment it requires where repeated cycling of pressure.  Many controllers have cycle life testing performance data the manufacturer can provide on request.

Maintenance and Service

While this is not necessarily in the top five factors, you will want to understand how easy your new purchase will be to keep up and running.  Also, what the servicing looks like on the new piece of equipment.

Find the Solution 

While we understand that it may be impossible to accurately narrow the choice down to a single product, multiple products may fit within the specifications.  If you are still unsure which pressure controller is best for your needs, SRP control systems ltd can help you find the solution.  We have over 40 years’ experience in providing products, services, measurement, and calibration solutions.  Contact us today!