SENSORS FOR PROCESS CONTROLS: REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGN AND TEST

Sensors for industrial process control have to meet many and varied requirements.The eventual specific applications may even be unknown to the desig ner and manufacturer as some industries are very close on details of their proprietary processes.Sensor re search provides a new technique for quantifying a physical parameter.The task is then to identify it with a need in the marketplace and match the sensor with the requirements of that application.A process control sensor is rarely targeted for a single applica tion.An awareness of the details of and breadth of requirements may assist in the development process of a sensor that has eventual application in the process control marketplace. MarketsIndustrial process markets include: Chemicals Petroleum Pulp and paper Foods Electric utilities Steam and heating Maritime Waste water treatment Ceramics Metals refining and processing Cement Each market may have specific requirements and environments for the measuring equipment it uses to extract the process variable information it needs for use in its control systems. Requirements and SpecificationsEconomic considerations are very important.The required measuring function is important but cost may appear more important when trying to sell the device to a customer.