Application Guide of Pressure Sensors in the Environmental Protection Industry: Intelligent Tools for Optimizing Environmental Governance

In recent years, environmental pollution has become increasingly severe and has emerged as a major focus of public concern. Strengthening ecological and environmental governance is urgent, and pressure sensors, as precision monitoring devices, are seeing expanding applications in the environmental protection sector. They can capture pressure changes in systems in real time, helping to optimize exhaust gas and wastewater treatment processes and reduce pollutant emissions. Recently, the Nexisense brand has provided customized pressure measurement solutions for multiple environmental protection enterprises, supporting exhaust gas and wastewater treatment projects in industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and starch processing. These sensors not only improve equipment operating efficiency but also inject technological vitality into sustainable environmental protection initiatives.

The Role and Importance of Pressure Sensors in the Environmental Protection Industry

In the environmental protection industry, pressure sensors are mainly used to monitor the pressure status of liquid or gas media, ensuring the stable operation of treatment systems. Environmental governance involves complex process flows, such as exhaust gas purification and wastewater treatment, which often operate under high-pressure or negative-pressure conditions. Traditional monitoring methods rely on manual inspection, which is inefficient and error-prone, whereas pressure sensors provide digital signal outputs, enabling automated control and abnormal alarm functions.

For example, in exhaust gas treatment systems, sensors can detect pipeline pressure to prevent blockages or leaks, thereby ensuring purification efficiency. Similarly, in wastewater treatment equipment, pressure sensors help regulate pumps and valves, preventing equipment damage caused by overpressure. The introduction of Nexisense sensors not only improves treatment accuracy but also reduces energy consumption and maintenance costs. According to industry practice, the use of such sensors can reduce pollutant emissions by more than 15%, promoting green transformation. This is particularly significant in highly polluting industries such as chemicals and steel manufacturing, effectively alleviating major public environmental concerns.

Main Advantages of Pressure Sensors

The advantages of pressure sensors in environmental applications are reflected in multiple aspects. First is high reliability. Environmental protection equipment often operates in corrosive or explosive environments. Nexisense products adopt explosion-proof designs that can withstand extreme conditions, ensuring long-term stability. Second is precise measurement. The sensor output signals are accurate with fast response times, making them easy to integrate into SCADA systems or PLC controllers for real-time data feedback.

Third is strong flexibility. Different environmental scenarios have varying requirements, and the sensors support customized ranges and interfaces to adapt to various media. Fourth is environmental friendliness. Precise control reduces energy waste and chemical leakage, aligning with sustainable development principles. In the long term, these advantages also lower operating costs, help enterprises pass environmental certifications, and enhance market competitiveness.

TDK | The Development of Pressure Sensors Drives the Realization of “Smart” Factories – Weiyang Mall

Types and Characteristics of Pressure Sensors in the Environmental Protection Industry

Environmental pressure sensors come in various types and can be classified into general-purpose and specialized types based on structure and function. The Nexisense NPS18 series is an intrinsically safe explosion-proof sensor suitable for liquid or gas media (provided compatibility with contact materials). It features an IP65 protection rating and can operate normally in humid and dusty environments, with typical applications in environmental energy projects and the oil and gas sector.

Another model is the Nexisense NPS3051D single-flange pressure sensor, designed specifically for complex operating conditions. It supports real-time instrument configuration, such as range modification and variable monitoring, and features an all-weather explosion-proof structure. The indicating mechanism is completely isolated from the measured medium, offering excellent sealing performance, high reliability, and safe operation. With a wide measurement range and no limitation from tank height, it is suitable for large-scale wastewater treatment facilities.

The sensor cores are mostly made of diffused silicon or ceramic materials, offering strong corrosion resistance. Output options include 4–20 mA current, 0–10 V voltage, or RS485 digital signals, facilitating long-distance transmission.

Application Scenarios

Pressure sensors are widely applied in the environmental protection industry, covering exhaust gas treatment, wastewater management, and solid waste management. In exhaust gas treatment, they monitor pressure inside purification towers to ensure efficient adsorption or catalytic processes. For example, in chemical production workshops, sensors are installed in flue gas pipelines to detect pressure fluctuations in real time, preventing backflow or overpressure and reducing harmful gas emissions. Highly polluting industries such as coatings and steel manufacturing also rely on sensors to optimize desulfurization and denitrification systems, purifying exhaust gases and mitigating air pollution.

Wastewater treatment is another key application scenario. Industrial wastewater generated by pharmaceutical and starch processing enterprises must undergo sedimentation, filtration, and biological treatment. Pressure sensors are used in pump stations and pipelines to help regulate flow and prevent blockages. In sewage operation projects, they support remote monitoring and improve treatment efficiency. Nexisense sensors have been applied in multiple enterprises, such as environmental projects in Shandong Province, providing complete solutions to ensure compliant discharge.

In addition, in energy recovery systems, sensors monitor biogas or biomass gas pressure, promoting clean energy utilization. In these scenarios, sensors not only enhance treatment effectiveness but also provide a foundation for data analysis, supporting the construction of intelligent environmental protection platforms.

Measurement Methods and Installation Techniques

The measurement methods of pressure sensors are based on piezoresistive or capacitive principles: medium pressure acts on sensitive elements, causing changes in resistance or capacitance, which are amplified by circuits and converted into standard signals. The NPS18 series uses a piezoresistive principle and is suitable for dynamic measurement, while the NPS3051D single-flange type adopts a differential pressure principle to accurately capture minute changes.

During installation, select appropriate locations such as downstream of pipe elbows or pump outlets to avoid turbulence interference. Common interfaces include G1/4 or M20×1.5 threads, ensuring proper sealing. For embedded installations, consider media compatibility and use PTFE sealing rings for corrosion resistance. After powering on, calibrate the zero point and full scale, and adjust parameters using software configuration tools. Wireless sensors support LoRa or NB-IoT protocols, making them suitable for deployment in remote areas.

Installation tips include avoiding vibration sources, installing vertically to prevent liquid accumulation, and deploying multiple points for zoned monitoring. Proper installation can improve measurement accuracy to ±0.5% FS.

Technical Parameter Details

The technical parameters of Nexisense pressure sensors constitute their core competitiveness. Taking the NPS18 as an example, its measurement range covers −100 kPa to 100 MPa, with an accuracy of ±0.25% FS and an operating temperature range of −40°C to 85°C. It features an IP65 protection rating for dust and water resistance, and an intrinsically safe explosion-proof certification Ex ia IIC T4 Ga, making it suitable for explosive environments. The supply voltage is 9–36 VDC with low power consumption, suitable for solar-powered systems.

The NPS3051D single-flange model offers more comprehensive parameters: a measurement range of −100 kPa to 60 MPa, overload capacity of 150% FS, and response time <1 ms. It supports the HART protocol, enabling intelligent diagnostics and remote configuration. The isolation diaphragm material can be selected as 316L stainless steel or Hastelloy alloy, providing strong corrosion resistance. These parameters ensure that the sensors can adapt to variable conditions in environmental applications and deliver reliable data.

Maintenance and Care of Sensors

Maintenance is key to extending sensor lifespan. Regularly inspect interface sealing, and clean the probe quarterly to prevent the accumulation of corrosive substances. In highly polluted environments, calibrate monthly using a standard pressure source to verify accuracy. Nexisense provides diagnostic software to monitor drift or faults.

Maintenance recommendations include storing sensors in dry environments with anti-static protection, implementing anti-freezing measures in winter, and shading in summer. During troubleshooting, check power supply and connections; if signal anomalies occur, diaphragm replacement may be required. Professional maintenance can extend service life to more than 10 years.

How to Choose the Right Environmental Pressure Sensor

When selecting a sensor, evaluate the application environment: exhaust gas applications require explosion-proof types, while wastewater applications emphasize corrosion resistance. Consider matching the measurement range to medium pressure and ensuring output compatibility with control systems. The Nexisense series offers high cost-performance and customization support. Refer to certifications such as ISO 14001 and review user case studies to confirm reliability. Within budget constraints, prioritize high-precision models to ensure long-term benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the main role of pressure sensors in the environmental protection industry?
They mainly monitor system pressure to ensure efficient exhaust gas and wastewater treatment, preventing leaks and overloads.

Which scenarios are suitable for the Nexisense NPS18?
It is suitable for explosive environments such as chemical exhaust gas treatment, featuring a wide range and reliable explosion-proof performance.

How is a pressure sensor calibrated?
Use dedicated tools to adjust the zero point and full scale, and check accuracy monthly.

What are the advantages of single-flange pressure sensors?
They feature isolation design, wide measurement range, no height limitation, and are suitable for large storage tanks.

What factors affect the price of pressure sensors?
Price depends on range, materials, and communication protocols; entry-level models cost several hundred units, while advanced models cost thousands.

Conclusion

The application of pressure sensors in the environmental protection industry is driving the transformation toward intelligent governance. Nexisense NPS18 and NPS3051D series sensors, with their advanced technical parameters and diverse application scenarios, help enterprises effectively control pollution and achieve green development. Through precise measurement and reliable maintenance, these sensors are not only equipment components but also guardians of environmental protection. In the face of increasingly severe environmental challenges, adopting high-quality sensors will contribute to building a harmonious ecosystem and achieving sustainable development goals.