Application Note...

Series 2100 Digital Pressure Gauge (DPG)

Application:

Calibration of pressure transducers in a test system

Challenge:

A medical component manufacturer was searching for a pressure calibration instrument that would provide a very high degree of confidence for checking the pressure transducers in an automated test system.

The custom test system is used to leak or burst test angioplasty balloons, catheters and heat shrink tubing. Applications for the balloons include PTCA catheters, PTA catheters, stent delivery, laser balloon angioplasty and drug delivery. Balloons are fabricated from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and proprietary polymers in diameters ranging from 0.5 to 50 millimeters. Also, according to their product literature, this company manufactures the world’s thinnest and strongest heat shrink tubing.

The test system uses hydraulic pressure to automatically step through designated pressure points. There is a unique software program for each product that is tested on the system. The pressure transducers in the test system typically have an accuracy of 1% full scale, but because of the critical nature of the applications there is no room for error or failure in the product. These medical products are manufactured under FDA guidelines and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices).

This manufacturer is also ISO9001 certified and must comply with the appropriate ISO procedures. Since quality control is a critical element and human life may be at risk, the company is willing to invest in premium calibration equipment to guarantee the highest level of performance and reliability.

Solution:

After a search of the Mensor web site it was determined that the Series 2100 DPG would be an excellent product to evaluate as a calibration instrument. The DPG was evaluated and met all the requirements for the application. A 1,000 psig DPG with a 0 to 10 VDC output was ordered. This particular customer has since said that they are very pleased with the DPG, especially the ease of use.