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Instrumentation Comparisons
Which sensor, meter, valve or signal should you use? Each comparison gives a quick answer, a side by side table and when to choose each option.
33comparisons
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Temperature5
TemperatureRTD vs ThermocoupleChoose an RTD for accuracy and stability up to about 600 °C. Choose a thermocouple for higher…TemperaturePt100 vs Pt1000Both follow the same IEC 60751 curve. Pt1000 has ten times the resistance, so lead wires cause ten…TemperatureRTD vs NTC ThermistorThermistors are cheap and very sensitive over a narrow range; RTDs are standardised, linear and…Temperature3 Wire RTD vs 4 Wire RTD3 wire RTDs cancel lead resistance if all leads are equal and are standard in plants; 4 wire RTDs…TemperatureType K vs Type JType K is the general purpose choice up to about 1200 °C in oxidising atmospheres; type J gives…
Flow7
FlowCoriolis vs Magnetic Flow MeterCoriolis measures mass flow and density of almost any fluid with top accuracy; a magmeter measures…FlowVortex vs Magnetic Flow MeterVortex meters handle steam, gas and non conductive liquids; magmeters handle conductive liquids and…FlowOrifice Plate vs Venturi MeterAn orifice plate is cheap and standard but loses most of its DP; a venturi costs more and is longer…FlowTransit Time vs DopplerTransit time ultrasonic meters suit clean liquids and gases and are accurate; Doppler meters need…FlowTurbine Meter vs Positive DisplacementTurbine meters suit clean, low viscosity fluids at high flows; positive displacement meters suit…FlowThermal Mass vs CoriolisThermal mass meters measure gas mass flow cheaply with low pressure loss, but depend on gas…FlowMass Flow vs Volumetric FlowMass flow counts how much material passes and does not change with pressure or temperature;…
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Level4
LevelRadar vs UltrasonicRadar works in almost any tank, including vapour, pressure and high temperature; ultrasonic is…LevelDP Level vs Radar LevelDP level is proven, works in closed and pressurised vessels and can measure density or interface,…LevelDisplacer vs Guided Wave RadarDisplacers are proven for level and interface but density dependent with moving parts; GWR has no…LevelFloat Switch vs Vibrating ForkFloat switches are simple and need no power but can stick; vibrating forks have no moving parts,…
Pressure2
Control Valve5
Control ValveGlobe Valve vs Ball ValveGlobe valves give precise throttling and the best cavitation and noise options; segmented ball…Control ValveButterfly Valve vs Ball ValveButterfly valves are light and cheap in large sizes; ball valves seal tighter, suit higher pressures…Control ValveLinear vs Equal PercentageUse linear where the valve takes most of the system pressure drop; use equal percentage where the…Control ValveCavitation vs FlashingIn cavitation, vapour bubbles form and then collapse as pressure recovers; in flashing, outlet…Control ValveCv vs KvCv and Kv both state valve capacity: Cv in US gpm of water at 1 psi, Kv in m³/h at 1 bar. Cv = 1.156…
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Signals and PLC3
Signals and PLCHART vs FOUNDATION FieldbusHART adds digital data on top of a standard 4 to 20 mA loop and is simple; FOUNDATION Fieldbus is…Signals and PLC4 to 20 mA vs 0 to 10 V4 to 20 mA is immune to wire resistance, detects broken wires and can power the transmitter; 0 to 10…Signals and PLCPNP vs NPNA PNP sensor switches the positive supply to the load (sourcing) and needs a sinking input; an NPN…
Safety4
SafetyZener Barrier vs Galvanic IsolatorZener barriers are cheap and simple but need a high integrity IS earth; galvanic isolators need…SafetyIntrinsic Safety (Ex i) vs Flameproof (Ex d)Intrinsic safety limits energy so no spark can ignite gas and allows live work; flameproof contains…SafetyZone System vs Division SystemThe zone system (IEC, ATEX, NEC 505) uses three levels for gas; the North American division system…Safety1oo2 vs 2oo31oo2 trips if either of two sensors demands it, maximising safety but doubling spurious trips; 2oo3…
Calibration2
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are these comparison pages?
Side by side comparisons of instruments, sensors, valves, signals and safety methods, with a quick answer, a comparison table, when to choose each, and links to glossary terms and calculators.
Are the comparisons vendor neutral?
Yes. They compare technologies, not brands. Always confirm final selection with maker data for your conditions.
Can you add a comparison?
Yes, more are added over time. Use the email at the top of the page to suggest one.
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