You offer two types of pressure gauges – how do I choose one over the other?

RBR standard instruments with a "D" in the name, such as RBRcoda³ D,  RBRsolo³  T.D, or  RBRconcerto³ C.T.D.ODO.Tu,  use piezoresistive pressure (depth) sensors.   Electrical resistance of such a sensor changes when pressure is applied. The sensor consists of a measuring cell immersed in oil and covered by a flexible diaphragm. Any pressure applied to the diaphragm is transferred through the oil to the measuring cell. A clear plastic cover protects the diaphragm from deformation. Ensure the cover is in place and avoid touching the sensor.

The piezoresistive pressure sensor has initial accuracy of ±0.05% full scale and is recommended for most applications. 


Specification

Description

Range

                          Plastic housing

                          Titanium housing


20 / 50 / 100 / 200 / 500 / 750dbar

1000 / 2000 / 4000 / 6000dbar

Initial accuracy ±0.05% full scale
Resolution <0.001% full scale
Typical stability ±0.05% full scale / year
Time constant<10ms


The RBRquartz³ family of instruments uses the Paroscientific Digiquartz® pressure sensor for best-in-class initial accuracy and low drift performance. Its operation principle is based on a precision quartz crystal resonator whose frequency of oscillation varies with pressure-induced stress. The resonant frequency outputs are maintained and detected with oscillator electronics similar to those used in precision clocks and counters. See Paroscientific: Resonant Quartz Crystal Technology for more details.

The quartz sensor has exceptionally high stability and initial accuracy of ±0.01% full scale, which come at a much higher price. For example, RBRquartz³ Q| plus is almost ten times more expensive than RBRvirtuoso³ D| wave16.  

The RBRquartz³ instruments are recommended for long-term specialised applications, where their high resolution for sensing small changes in water level is crucial. 


Specification         

Description

Range

                          Q, Q| plus

                          BPR, APT

                          BPR| zero


20/55/125/190/260dbar

4000 / 7000dbar

1000 / 2000 / 4000 / 7000dbar

Initial accuracy±0.01% full scale 

Resolution

                          Q, Q| plus

                          BPR, BPR| zero, APT


100ppb (at 1Hz sampling rate)

10ppb (at 1Hz sampling rate)