Pressure Sensor and Transducer Snubbers
Added Protection Against Pressure Spikes
Core Sensors offers pressure snubbers integrated (welded) inside the process connection of their pressure transducers.
What is a Pressure Snubber?
A pressure snubber is a small, in-line device designed to protect pressure measuring instruments, like pressure transducers or gauges, from damaging pressure spikes, pulsations, and rapid fluctuations commonly caused by phenomena such as water hammer or the sudden opening and closing of valves. It works by restricting or controlling the flow of fluid or gas reaching the sensor, thereby dampening or slowing the transmission of abrupt pressure changes. This restriction acts like a buffer, smoothing out chaotic pressure fluctuations and enabling the sensor to deliver more stable and accurate readings while preventing damage from shock and vibration.
Pressure snubbers can use various internal mechanisms such as a piston that moves to restrict flow, or a porous material that creates resistance to fluid flow. When a sudden pressure surge occurs, the snubber delays and buffers the pressure spike by restricting the fluid’s flow rate, thus protecting the sensitive sensor elements from harm.
Pressure snubbers are commonly specified for hydraulic pressure transducers where pressure spikes occur from overpressure events such as the sudden opening or closing of hydraulic valves.
Core Sensors’ Welded Snubber Solution
Core Sensors offers pressure snubbers integrated (welded) inside the process connection of their pressure transducers. This welded stainless steel design is typically available in popular process connections like 1/4″ NPT male and 7/16-20 UNF male threaded connections. The integrated welded snubber design protects the sensor from shock and vibration without increasing the overall sensor length, unlike external snubbers which add length and potential leak paths due to extra fittings. It combines with bulk silicon technology, featuring a thick diaphragm to further protect from pressure spikes and system overloads.
Common Applications & Ordering
Common applications for pressure snubbers include water pumps, hydraulic lines and systems, and HVAC/R controls where pressure transients and water hammer effects are frequent concerns.
Core Sensors lists this integral pressure snubber as Option Code “001” in their ordering matrix, and users should confirm availability with the chosen process connection.
For those looking for an external pressure snubber, Core Sensors does stock our pressure sensor cooling adapter, which will also reduce the inside diameter hole of the pressure transducer and dampen pressure and temperature changes.
Pressure snubbers can be integrated into Core’s Industrial Pressure Transducer and Hazardous Pressure Transducer product lines.
Contact the factory on thread and material options.
Summary
• A pressure snubber protects pressure sensors from pressure transients or temperature spikes caused by rapid valve actions, water hammer, or pump operation.
• It dampens pressure fluctuations by restricting fluid flow to the sensor, smoothing pressure readings and preventing sensor damage.
• Core Sensors uses a welded stainless steel snubber integrated inside the sensor process connection to provide protection while maintaining sensor length and reliability.
• Common process connections are 1/4″ NPT male and 7/16-20 UNF male threads.
• Applications include water pumping systems, hydraulic systems, and HVAC controls.
• The integral pressure snubber is an optional feature (Option code 001) and must be confirmed per process connection choice.
This approach helps maintain accurate and reliable pressure measurements in challenging industrial environments without the drawbacks of external snubber fittings.
