Kavlico Designs Differential Pressure Sensor for Turbine Inlet Filter Pressure Health Monitoring

April 10, 2009

MOORPARK, Calif. – Kavlico, a global business unit of Custom Sensors & Technologies (CST) has recently introduced a rugged aerospace grade differential pressure (DP) sensor for monitoring pressure drop across a turbine engine style inlet air filter or also known as an inlet barrier filter. The DP sensor monitors filter health by detecting increases in pressure across the filter element. The pressure difference increases in proportion with the amount of filtrate captured by the filter. The DP sensor provides a continuous measure of filter health, with a predetermined pressure difference used to indicate critical air flow restriction by the filter.

In applications of turbine engines where the sensor indicates the air flow has been critically restricted by a clogged filter, an inlet bypass can be opened to maintain flow to the engine until filter maintenance can be performed.

The DP sensor incorporates a piezo-resistive sense element and is available in pressure ranges of 0–1, ±1, ±5, and ±10 PSID, with other option available. Other significant features include and operating temperature range of -40 to +125°C with a storage temperature of -55 to +150°C, an accuracy of ±1.5% of full scale over the operating temperature, and an operating voltage of 5 to 15 Vdc. The lightweight device (<6.5 ounces) is rugged by design and has a housing constructed of an anodized aluminum with an MTBF of 300,000 hours at normal operating temperature. The DP sensor typically provides an output of 50 mV at 10 Vdc excitation. The pressure port can be specified with either a right or left hand facing installation scheme and the electrical connector is a Mil-38999style with flying leads. Custom electrical and pressure ports can be configured to meet application-specific requirements.

About Kavlico

Kavlico is an operation of Custom Sensors & technologies (CST). Kavlico is a leading manufacturer of pressure, position (LVDT & RVDT), force, level, tilt, media quality, and other specialty sensors, and transducers for the transportation, industrial and aerospace & defense markets. www.kavlico.com

About Custom Sensors & Technologies

Headquartered in Moorpark, CA, Custom Sensors & Technologies (CST) unit is comprised of the industry-leading brands of Crouzet, Kavlico, Crydom, as well as the former divisions of BEI Technologies, including Newall and Systron Donner. CST provides sensors, controls, and actuation products for the transportation, industrial and aerospace & defense markets. www.cstsensors.com

• Return to the list of press releases.