Duct Static Pressure Transmitter

High-Accuracy Duct Static Pressure Sensor for HVAC & BMS Applications

The Ace Instruments Duct Static Pressure Sensor is designed to maintain optimal airflow and maximize the effectiveness of HVAC systems. The AI-DP-S is designed specifically for monitoring static pressure in air and non-corrosive gases, the transmitter delivers real-time, highly accurate differential (opt for AI-DPTx) and static pressure readings essential for Building Management Systems (BMS), VAV boxes, and industrial ventilation control.

Whether you are upgrading an existing HVAC network or designing a new cleanroom facility, this sensor combines industrial-grade durability with seamless integration capabilities. For flexibility, users can reach us with the required range and field select choice of analog outputs between 4-20 ma/0-10 VDC.

Key Features & Benefits

• Accuracy: With a 0.5% Full Scale (FS) accuracy and 250 ms response time, the Ace Instruments Duct Static Pressure Sensor ensures users are alerted instantly to minor pressure fluctuations, resulting in maximized energy efficiency and maintenance of optimal environmental conditions.
• Versatile Output Options: The AI-DP-S is available with jumper-selectable outputs designed to enable users to switch between industry-standard 4-20 mA and 0-10 VDC effortlessly for integration with industry standard PLC/BMS/SCADA systems.
• Customizable Range: The base measuring range covers 0 to 400 Pa, making it ideal for standard low-pressure duct applications. Need something specific? The range is fully customizable to meet the unique demands of your project.
• Complete Installation Kit:  Every AI-DP-S sensor comes standard with a static pressure probe and 2 meters of premium silicon tubing for a fast, hassle-free duct installation.

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Product Specifications

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Ideal Applications

The ideal application of static pressure is measuring and controlling air resistance in HVAC systems to ensure proper airflow, energy efficiency, and comfort.

• VAV (Variable Air Volume) Systems: Static pressure sensors are used to modulate fan speeds via Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) to maintain a setpoint as zone dampers open and close.
• HVAC System Optimization: Measuring static pressure helps maintain optimal airflow, preventing issues like noisy ducts, poor heating/cooling distribution, and excessive energy consumption.
• Cleanrooms and Operating Rooms: High static pressure is maintained to ensure that when doors open, air rushes out, preventing contaminants from entering sensitive environments.
• HVAC Zoning Systems: Ensures that when some zones are closed, the pressure does not become too high for the operating zones, requiring the use of dampers or bypasses.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is duct static pressure?
   ‍Duct static pressure is the resistance to airflow within an HVAC system's ductwork. It is the outward push of air against the walls of the duct, measured when the air is at rest (or perpendicular to the airflow). You can think of it as the "blood pressure" of an HVAC system; if it is too high or too low, the system cannot function properly.
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2. ‍Why is monitoring duct static pressure important?
   ‍Monitoring static pressure is critical for three main reasons:
   • Energy Efficiency: A system fighting high resistance draws significantly more power.
   • Equipment Protection: Excessive static pressure can cause blower motors to overheat and fail prematurely, or cause evaporator coils to freeze.
   • Occupant Comfort: Proper pressure ensures balanced airflow, preventing hot or cold spots in different zones of a building
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3. What is the normal operating range for duct static pressure?
   ‍The ideal range depends heavily on the system type.
   • Residential HVAC: Typically designed to operate around 0.5 in. w.c. (inches of water column), which is roughly 125 Pa.
   • Commercial VAV Systems: Often operate at higher pressures, typically between 1.0 and 1.5 in. w.c. (250 to 400 Pa), though specific requirements dictate the exact setpoint.
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4. Where should a duct static pressure sensor be installed?
   ‍For the most accurate readings, the static pressure probe should be installed approximately two-thirds (2/3) of the way down the main supply duct. It must be placed in a straight section of ductwork, well away from sources of air turbulence such as fans, elbows, dampers, or branch take-offs.
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5. Does the AI-DP-S replace other static pressure sensors?
   The AI-DP-S serves as a part replacement for Siemens 3120, Siemens 3020, Dwyer Omega PX276, Greystone ELP-S, Dwyer Series MS / MS2 Magnesense® Differential Pressure Transmitter, Belimo 22ADP.
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6. ‍How does a duct static pressure transmitter work?
   ‍A static pressure transmitter acts as a differential pressure sensor. It uses a static probe inserted into the duct to measure the internal air pressure and compares it against the ambient room pressure (the reference). It then converts this physical pressure difference into a standardized electrical signal, commonly 4-20 mA or 0-10 VDC which is sent to a Building Management System (BMS) or Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) to adjust fan speeds automatically.
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7. ‍What are the common causes of high static pressure in HVAC ducts?
   ‍High static pressure indicates a restriction in airflow. Common culprits include:
   • Dirty or highly restrictive air filters (e.g., upgrading to a high MERV rating without adjusting the blower).
   • Undersized return or supply ducts.
   • Closed or blocked supply registers and dampers.
   • Crushed, kinked, or sagging flexible ductwork.
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8. What happens if a duct static pressure sensor fails?
   ‍If the sensor fails, the BMS loses its airflow reference. Depending on the system's programming, this usually causes the Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) to either drive the supply fan to 100% capacity (causing extreme noise, duct damage, and high energy use) or shut the fan down completely to protect the system, resulting in a total loss of ventilation.
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