Lab name: I/P Transducer (current to pressure).
Objective: To calibrate current to pressure transducer.
Theory:
Current to Pneumatics Transducer also known as I/P Transducers operates by receiving a current
range (4 – 20mA as it relates to this lab) input signal from a control device and transmits a
proportional field-configurable pneumatic output pressure to a final control element usually a
control valve. According to “Learning Instrumentation and Control Engineering”, I/P converter
is typically used in electronic control loops where the final control element is a control valve
assembly that is pneumatically operated. In most applications, the I/P transducer is mounted on
to a control valve or very close the it in a mounting bracket.
Equipment and materials
Current Calibrator
Transducer
Control Valve
Small Phillip head screwdriver
Tubes
Procedure:
1. In order to access the transducer terminal, the electronics module cover was removed.
2. Input-output configuration was set in order to achieve desired input/output range (in this
case transducer was limited to 4 – 20 mA which was used)
3. The supply pressure to the transducers was confirmed to be at least 20 psi.
4. The input current was adjusted to the low mA value as it relates to the 4 – 20mA output
calibration.
5. The output pressure of the I-P transducer was noted and confirmed to be at desired value.
In order to calibrate to desired value, the Zero adjustment screw was used to adjust the
Zero potentiometer until the desired output pressure was obtained.
6. The input current was adjusted to the high mA value as it relates to the 4 – 20mA input
calibration.
7. The output pressure of the I-P transducer was noted and confirmed to be at desired value.
In order to calibrate to desired value, the Span adjustment screw was used to adjust the
Span potentiometer until the desired output pressure was obtained.
8. The system was then tuned back to the initial current and records were taken from the
4mA to 20mA range and also in reverse order.
Expected Results (ITP)
Current Pressure(PSI)
4mA 3
8mA 6
12mA 9
16mA 12
20mA 15
Results (5 up)
Current Pressure (PSI)
4mA 3
8mA 6
12mA 9
16mA 12
20mA 15
Results (5 down)
Current Pressure
20 15
16 12
12 9
8 6
4 3
Graphs
Current to Pressure Transmitter
25
20
Current (Amps)
15
10
0
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
PRESSURE (PSI)
Observation:
As the current increase, the pressure also increased.
Sources of error:
Not having a constant pressure.
Trapped air in the air pressure line.
Discussion
A “current to pressure” transducer (I/P) converts an analog signal (4 to 20 mA) to a proportional
linear pneumatic output (3 to 15 psig). Its purpose is to translate the analog output from a control
system into a precise, repeatable pressure value to control pneumatic actuators/operators,
pneumatic valves, dampers, vanes, etc.
The I/P converter provides a reliable, repeatable, accurate means of converting an electrical
signal into pneumatic pressure in many control systems. Models of this device are usually
available in direct and reverse action and are field selectable with full or split range inputs or
output as the case may be.
The most common application of an I/P transducer is to receive an electrical signal from a
controller and produce a proportional pneumatic output for operating a control valve or
positioner. The device can be mounted on the wall or a pipe stand or directly on the valve
actuator. Where the device can withstand vibrations, they are directly mounted on the valve
actuator. In many instances, the device is remotely mounted on instrument pipe stands to reduce
vibrations.
Operating Principle
The I/P converter uses an electromagnetic force balance principle to change electrical signals
into pneumatic signals. Typically, a 4 – 20mA input is converted into a 3 – 15pisg output. A coil
produces the magnetic field. Within the coil is a deflector motor with a flapper valve attached
that operates against a precision nozzle to create a backpressure on the servo diaphragm of a
booster relay. The input current flows in the coil and produces a force between the coil and the
flapper valve, which controls the servo pressure and the output pressure.
Zero adjustment of this device is made by turning a screw that regulates the distance between the
flapper valve and the air nozzle. Span adjustment is made by varying a potentiometer, which
shunts input current past the coil. The output signal of an I/P transducer easily falls to bleeds
pressure upon failure of the electrical signal. This makes it easy to detect electrical failure signal
in the device.
In this lab, we calibrated an I/P transducer, firstly we set our upper and lower ranges by adjusting
the pressure manually. At 4mA, 3psi was set as the lower range value and at 20mA , 15 psi was
set as the upper range value, however we encountered a minor dust error when calibrating the
machine but by knocking it slightly it solve the problem, further more five readings up and five
readings down was taken to check for linearity and this was accomplished because as shown in
the results table no error was detected by taking the five readings up and five readings down
because the values were corresponding.
Conclusion
Based on the results the current to pressure transducer was calibrated accurately as show the
results table above, the lower range value was set which was at 4ma the valve allows 3psi and at
20 mA the valve allows 15psi. We tested for linearity which was also achieved as shown in the
table.
References
"How A Current to Pressure Transducer (I/P) Works". Instrumentationtoolbox.com. N.p.,
2017. Web. 18 June 2017.
Current to Pressure Transducers | Dwyer Instruments. (2017). Dwyer-inst.com.
Retrieved 19 June 2017, from
http://www.dwyer-inst.com/Product/Valves/CurrenttoPressureTransducers/
Industrial Current to Pressure Transducers | Pressure & Level Sensors | Intech
Instruments Ltd. (2017). Intech.co.nz. Retrieved 19 June 2017, from
http://www.intech.co.nz/products/pressureandlevel/ip.html
Pictures:
