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Industrial Sensor Selection Guides & Technical Articles

Level · Position · Pressure · Proximity · Flow59 articles

Key facts

The SEGMENsensor engineering blog publishes 59 selection, wiring and installation guides for industrial level, position, pressure, proximity and flow sensors. Each guide is written by the SEGMENsensor engineering team, uses values from SGM, SE and other series datasheets, and links to the matching product page and datasheet.

Guides by product line
Product lineGuidesTypical questions answered
Proximity9NPN vs PNP wiring, sensing distance, high-pressure and high-temperature selection, analog output
Position5How magnetostrictive sensors work, LVDT basics, LVDT vs magnetostrictive, lead time and MOQ
Level4Choosing a level technology, float switch selection, CDU and BESS coolant level
Pressure34-20 mA transmitter selection, loop wiring, sourcing for Australia
Flow4Clamp-on installation, transit-time vs Doppler, water applications, U10 to U20 model comparison

Last updated · SEGMENsensor Engineering Team

SEGMENsensor built-in magnetostrictive position sensor for hydraulic cylindersKnowledgeWhat Does a Hydraulic Cylinder Position Sensor Do?Continuous in-cylinder magnetostrictive feedback vs end-of-stroke proximity switches: what each reports, a comparison table and a six-step selection guide.Read guide → SEGMENsensor pressure transmitters with 316L stainless steel housings and process connectionsMaterialsWhat Is 316L Stainless Steel and Why Is It Used in Sensors?Composition (Cr, Ni, 2–3% Mo, ≤0.030% C), PREN calculation, 316L vs 316 vs 304, where 316L reaches its limits, and which sensors use it.Read guide → Inductive proximity sensors in M8, M12, M18 and M30 housingsProximityHow Does an Inductive Proximity Sensor Work?Oscillator, eddy-current damping, trigger and output stage in a 4-step diagram, with skin-depth formula, metal reduction factors and hysteresis.Read guide → SEGMENsensor water level sensor range: float level switches, submersible hydrostatic transmitters and ultrasonic level sensorsSelection GuideWater Level Sensor for Industrial Tanks and WellsFloat switch, submersible or ultrasonic: a comparison table of ranges and outputs, five selection questions and a worked 0–10 m range-sizing example.Read guide → SEGMENsensor SGM in-cylinder magnetostrictive position sensor for hydraulic cylindersTroubleshootingHow to Check if a Hydraulic Cylinder Is BypassingEnd-of-stroke bypass test, how to tell cylinder leakage from valve leakage, a drift-to-leakage calculation and sensor-based drift monitoring.Read guide → SEGMENsensor magnetostrictive linear position sensor lineup with rod, profile and in-cylinder versionsComplianceEU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230: Sensor Supplier ChecklistWhat applies from 20 January 2027, whether position sensors are safety components, and the datasheets, CE, RoHS 3 and test reports to collect for the technical file.Read guide → SEGMENsensor high-pressure inductive proximity sensor with ceramic sensing face, sealed to IP67 and IP69KSensor BasicsIP67 vs IP68 vs IP69K: What the Ratings MeanImmersion depth, time, jet pressure and temperature behind each code, why the ratings are not cumulative, and how to choose one for a sensor.Read guide → SEGMENsensor technician testing magnetostrictive position sensors on the production test benchPositionResolution vs Accuracy vs Repeatability in a Position SensorWhat each precision term means, how to convert % FS specs into micrometres for your stroke, 16-bit analog step size and which spec matters for which job.Read guide → SEGMENsensor stainless steel pressure transmitters in several housing and connector stylesPressureWhat Are the Types of Pressure Sensors?Gauge, absolute, differential and vacuum references; piezoresistive, ceramic and thin-film elements; how a pressure transducer works (diaphragm, Wheatstone bridge, 4–20 mA); switch vs transducer vs transmitter.Read guide → Rod-style magnetostrictive position sensor with SSI outputPositionWhat Is SSI Output on a Position Sensor?How the SSI clock and data word work, Gray code decoding, word length vs resolution, cable length limits and wiring.Read guide → Inductive and capacitive proximity sensors in several housing sizesProximityWhat Are the Types of Proximity Sensors?Inductive, capacitive, photoelectric, ultrasonic and magnetic sensors compared — principle, target, range and a selection flow.Read guide → Float level switch selection and wiring, compared with a continuous level transmitterLevelFloat Switch vs Level Transmitter: Which to Choose?On/off point vs continuous 4–20 mA level, accuracy compared (±5 mm vs % FS), a worked example, wiring, fail-safe and when to use both.Read guide → Submersible level transmitter at the bottom of a tank with its vented cable running to the topLevelWhy Does a Submersible Level Sensor Need a Vent Tube?How the vent tube cancels air pressure, 10.2 mm of error per mbar, vented vs absolute vs sealed, installation and drift troubleshooting.Read guide → SEGMENsensor magnetostrictive position sensors whose waveguides use the Wiedemann effectMagnetostrictiveWhat Is the Wiedemann Effect?Why a current-carrying wire twists in an axial field: diagram, H = I ÷ 2πr and x = v·t formulas, timing example and Joule / Villari / Matteucci comparison.Read guide → SEGMENsensor dual-float magnetostrictive level transmitter with stainless steel probeLevelHow Does a Magnetostrictive Level Transmitter Work?Pulse, Wiedemann twist and 2,830 m/s timing in three steps, level and interface floats, accuracy figures and a 25–8000 mm model selection table.Read guide → Submersible hydrostatic level transmitter with vented cable and the level formula h = P ÷ (ρ·g)LevelWhat Is a Hydrostatic Level Sensor and How Does It Work?Level from bottom pressure (P = ρgh) in four steps: step diagram, 4–20 mA worked example, density error table and fixes for drift.Read guide → SEGMENsensor pressure transmitter DIN connector where 2-wire or 3-wire supply and signal conductors are terminatedPressureWhat Is the Difference Between 2-Wire, 3-Wire and 4-Wire Transmitters?Loop-powered vs common 0 V vs separate pairs: wiring diagram, comparison table, loop-resistance example and which PLC input each type needs.Read guide → SEGMENsensor pressure transmitter process port where a pressure snubber is fittedPressureWhat Is a Pressure Snubber and When Do You Need One?How a snubber damps pump pulsation and water hammer: low-pass formula, worked example, snubber types, when to avoid one and installation steps.Read guide → SEGMENsensor stainless steel pressure transmitters, rated 2–5× overload pressurePressureOverpressure vs Burst Pressure on a Pressure SensorProof vs burst limits, the overload formula P = k × FS, a water-hammer spike example and what overpressure does to the reading.Read guide → Stainless steel 4-20 mA pressure transmitter for a calibration checkPressureHow Do You Calibrate a Pressure Transducer?Reference gauge, 5-point up/down test, the 4–20 mA error formula, a worked as-found/as-left example and zero vs span diagnosis.Read guide → SEGMENsensor stainless steel pressure transmitters specified at ±0.25% FS or ±0.1% FSPressurePressure Transmitter Accuracy: % FS vs % of ReadingWhat ±0.25% FS really means at your operating point: conversion formula, 0–10 bar error table, range sizing and total error.Read guide → SEGMENsensor stainless steel pressure transmitter for gauge, absolute or sealed gauge measurementPressureGauge vs Absolute vs Sealed Gauge PressureThree pressure references explained: conversion formulas, reference diagram, altitude offset table and when a sealed gauge sensor is accurate enough.Read guide → SEGMENsensor stainless-steel cylindrical pressure transmitter with 4-20 mA outputPressurePressure Transducer vs Pressure TransmittermV or voltage output vs conditioned 4–20 mA loop: signal-chain diagram, formulas, cable-length example and comparison table.Read guide → SEGMENsensor M18 non-flush inductive proximity sensor with protruding sensing face and cableProximityFlush vs Non-Flush Proximity Sensor: What Is the Difference?Shielded vs unshielded construction, sensing distance by size from M8 to M30, a 0.81 × Sn worked example and how to choose and mount each type.Read guide → SEGMENsensor SLT pen-type DC LVDT displacement sensor with built-in signal conditionerLVDTWhat Is an LVDT Signal Conditioner? AC vs DC LVDT ElectronicsHow LVDT conditioning electronics excite at 1–10 kHz, demodulate and output 4–20 mA, 0–10 V or RS485, and when to choose an AC or DC LVDT.Read guide → SEGMENsensor stainless steel pressure transmitters for electrolyzer and hydrogen storage systemsPressureElectrolyzer & Hydrogen Storage: Pressure and Level SensorsWhich pressure and level points an electrolyzer needs, what to specify for each, 0–400 bar transmitters, separator level sensors and ATEX/IECEx options.Read guide → SEGMENsensor magnetostrictive level sensor range for hydraulic, lube and fuel oil tanksLevelOil Level Sensor Selection GuideFloat, magnetostrictive and hydrostatic oil level sensors for hydraulic, lube and fuel tanks — how oil density affects readings, selection table and specs.Read guide → SEGMENsensor liquid level sensor range for tank level measurement in AustraliaLevelTank Level Sensor Supplier for AustraliaFloat, IP68 submersible 4-20 mA, ultrasonic and magnetostrictive tank level sensors for Australian water, diesel and process tanks — selection table, specs and OEM terms.Read guide → SEGMENsensor magnetostrictive linear position sensor lineup with RS485 Modbus RTU output optionsPositionWhat Is RS485 Modbus RTU? Wiring and Registers for Industrial SensorsRS485 vs Modbus RTU, daisy-chain wiring with 120 Ω termination, frame format, function codes 03/04/06/16, register word order and troubleshooting.Read guide → SEGMENsensor 2-wire 4-20 mA pressure transmitter for HART communicationPressureWhat Is HART Protocol? HART on a 4-20 mA TransmitterHow the 1200 bit/s HART signal rides on a 4–20 mA loop: 250 Ω rule, wiring diagram, multidrop limits and HART vs RS485.Read guide → SEGMENsensor 4-20 mA pressure transmittersPressurePressure Switch vs Pressure TransmitterOn/off set point vs continuous 4–20 mA signal: comparison table, diagram and selection steps.Read guide → SEGMENsensor magnetostrictive linear position sensors in rod and profile housings, several stroke lengthsPositionMagnetostrictive Linear Position Sensor Manufacturer: 25–8000 mm Stroke, SSI / 4-20 mA / RS485What SEGMENsensor manufactures in rod, in-cylinder (350 bar) and liquid-level configurations, full spec table, output-signal selection, a manufacturer qualification checklist and OEM terms: OEM volume supply, samples in 5–7 days.Read guide → SEGMENsensor M8, M12, M18 and M30 inductive proximity sensors for OEM machine buildersProximityInductive Proximity Sensor Manufacturer & OEM Supplier: M8/M12/M18/M30 Options, MOQ and Lead TimeThree-step selection method, full M8–M30 spec table, common selection mistakes, the six parameters to send for a quote, and OEM terms: OEM volume supply, samples in 5–7 days, production lead time confirmed with the quotation.Read guide → SEGMENsensor non-contact ultrasonic coolant level sensor for CDU and BESS reservoirsLevelCoolant Level Sensors for Liquid-Cooled BESS & Data Center CDUsNon-contact ultrasonic, float and hydrostatic options for cooling-loop reservoirs: 25–1200 mm range, 4-20 mA + relay alarms, glycol and dielectric coolant compatibility, OEM terms.Read guide → SEGMENsensor liquid level sensors for tank and process level measurementLevelHow to Choose a Liquid Level Sensor: 5 Technologies ComparedFloat, hydrostatic, ultrasonic, magnetostrictive and capacitive level sensors compared — accuracy, contact, media, and a selection guide.Read guide → SEGMENsensor magnetostrictive level sensors for CDU coolant tanksLevelCDU Liquid Cooling Sensors GuideSelecting level, flow and pressure sensors for CDU liquid cooling systems — magnetostrictive, ultrasonic flow and differential pressure.Read guide → SEGMENsensor float level switchLevelFloat Level Switch Selection GuideVertical vs horizontal mounting, reed vs magnetic, materials and certifications for float level switches.Read guide → SEGMENsensor magnetostrictive linear position sensors compared with LVDTPositionLVDT vs Magnetostrictive SensorAccuracy, stroke range, cost and application comparison — which linear position sensor is right for your project.Read guide → SEGMENsensor LVDT displacement sensorPositionWhat Is an LVDT Sensor? Working Principle & TypesHow Linear Variable Differential Transformers work, types, accuracy specs, and how to select the right LVDT.Read guide → SEGMENsensor magnetostrictive linear position sensor, rod typePositionMagnetostrictive Position Sensor Lead Time, MOQ & OEM Quotation TermsSamples in 5–7 days, production lead time confirmed with the quotation, OEM volume supply — and the six variables that determine the quotation for a 25–8000 mm sensor.Read guide → SEGMENsensor SGM-PR10 rod-style magnetostrictive position sensor with magnet ringPositionHow Does a Magnetostrictive Position Sensor Work?The torsional-wave principle behind sub-millimetre, non-contact magnetostrictive position measurement.Read guide → SEGMENsensor 4-20 mA pressure transmitters for OEM applicationsPressure4-20 mA Pressure Transmitter: Ranges, Accuracy & OEM Selection GuideRange (0–0.1 to 0–400 bar), ±0.25% / ±0.1% FS accuracy, loop supply, process connection, materials, IP68 and ATEX — the seven decisions that specify a transmitter.Read guide → SEGMENsensor stainless-steel pressure transmitters for gauge, absolute and differential measurementPressureGauge vs Absolute vs Differential Pressure TransmitterWhich pressure reference to order: decision table, typical uses, common mistakes and specs from 0–0.1 to 0–400 bar.Read guide → SEGMENsensor 4-20 mA high-pressure transmitter in a 316L stainless steel housingPressurePressure Transducer Supplier for Australia: 4-20 mA, 0–400 bar, OEM programs, samples 1–5 pcs in 5–7 daysBSPP vs NPT threads, IP67/IP68, IECEx option and factory-direct OEM terms for Australian pump, water, mining and HVAC sites.Read guide → SEGMENsensor 4-20 mA pressure transmitterPressure4-20mA Pressure Transmitter Wiring Guide for PLCs2-wire loop-powered vs 3-wire, burden-resistor calculation and PLC input wiring.Read guide → SEGMENsensor U12 one-piece clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter installed on a water pipeCalculatorFlow Rate Unit Converter: GPM to m³/h, L/min and L/s1 US gpm = 0.227125 m³/h: exact NIST factors, US vs UK gallons, CFM and m³/day, plus U12/U13 flow ranges converted to m³/h and gpm.Open calculator → SEGMENsensor loop-powered 4–20 mA pressure transmitterCalculator4–20 mA Loop Resistance & Cable Length CalculatorMaximum loop resistance, minimum supply voltage and how long a 4–20 mA cable can be, by mm² or AWG.Open calculator → SEGMENsensor M18 high-pressure inductive proximity sensor for hydraulic cylinders with oil-resistant PUR cableProximityHydraulic Cylinder Proximity Sensors: Selecting for High Pressure and Hot OilPressure at the face vs oil temperature at the end cap: SGI-HP 500 bar, M18 to 1000 bar, SGI-HT +120/+150 °C decision table.Read guide → SEGMENsensor M18 high-pressure proximity sensor for hydraulic cylindersProximityHydraulic Cylinder End-Position Detection: Choosing a Pressure-Rated Proximity Sensor500 bar M8/M12 or up to 1000 bar M18, ceramic face, gap within 81 % of Sn, output and connection, OEM volume supply.Read guide → SEGMENsensor U12 one-piece clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter for purified water and CIP linesFlowClamp-On Flow Meters for Purified Water, CIP and Food Plant UtilitiesPW loops and hot sanitisation, CIP supply, sanitary tube OD and wall set-up, loop return velocity checks and the CIP return, SIP and product lines not to measure.Read guide → SEGMENsensor U10S PRO clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter for paper mill and dyehouse process waterFlowClamp-On Flow Meters for Pulp, Paper and Textile Process WaterMill water headers, machine supply, softened and hot water to +180 °C, white water trials, water per batch and the stock and liquor lines not to measure.Read guide → SEGMENsensor U11 high-accuracy clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter for treated effluent and reuse waterFlowClamp-On Flow Meters for Treated Effluent and Reuse WaterOutfall force mains, reuse water pump lines and user branches, permit-meter cross-checks, and the wastewater lines a transit-time meter cannot measure.Read guide → SEGMENsensor U20 portable clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter for pump station flow checksFlowClamp-On Flow Meters in Water Pump StationsPer-pump and header flow, DMA inlet night flow, checking installed meters with the U20 and the pump station lines that are not suitable.Read guide → SEGMENsensor U11 clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter for steel mill cooling waterFlowUltrasonic Flow Meters for Steel Mill Cooling WaterClean and dirty cooling circuits: blast furnace, caster and make-up water measuring points, supply–return comparison and lines that are not suitable.Read guide → SEGMENsensor U10S PRO clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter for chemical plant linesFlowClamp-On Flow Meters in Chemical PlantsCooling water, brine, demin water and corrosive liquids with no wetted parts: measuring points, lined pipes and applications that are not suitable.Read guide →SEGMENsensor U11 clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter for power plant cooling waterFlowUltrasonic Flow Meters in Power PlantsCirculating cooling water, make-up water and condensate: measuring points, installation on large mains and lines that are not suitable.Read guide → SEGMENsensor U10 clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter for water pipesFlowUltrasonic Flow Meter for Water: How to Choose a Clamp-On MeterMains, process water, chilled water and leak surveys: pipe data, straight run, accuracy class and outputs for DN15–DN5000.Read guide → SEGMENsensor M12 high-pressure inductive proximity sensor with ceramic faceProximityHow to Machine the Mounting Hole and Seal a High-Pressure Proximity SensorSeven steps from the dimension drawing to the pressure test: bore depth, seal seat, O-rings, torque, gap check.Read guide → SEGMENsensor high-temperature inductive proximity sensor with PTFE faceProximityHigh-Temperature Proximity Sensor Selection: +120, +150 or +180 °CAmbient vs target temperature, inductive T120/T150, capacitive T180, low-temperature L30/L40 and sensing-distance drift.Read guide → SEGMENsensor high-temperature capacitive proximity sensor with PTFE headProximityPTFE vs Silicone Cable for High-Temperature SensorsWhy PVC fails in the heat, how PTFE and silicone differ in flexibility, abrasion and chemicals, and which to choose.Read guide → SEGMENsensor analog inductive proximity sensor M12Proximity4–20 mA vs 0–10 V: Choosing and Wiring an Analog Proximity SensorNoise, cable length, wire-break detection, load limits, dual output, PLC scaling and on-site signal checks.Read guide → SEGMENsensor M12 inductive proximity sensor with 4-pin M12 connectorProximityM12 Connector Pinout for Sensors (A-Coded)Pin 1 brown +V, pin 3 blue 0 V, pin 4 black output, pin 2 white NC: 3-wire, 4-wire, IO-Link and A/B/D/X coding.Read guide → SEGMENsensor NPN / PNP inductive proximity sensorsProximityNPN vs PNP Proximity Sensor Wiring2-wire, 3-wire and 4-wire connections to PLC inputs, with wiring diagrams.Read guide → SEGMENsensor inductive proximity sensorsProximityInductive vs Capacitive Proximity SensorsWorking principles, sensing ranges and applications — how to select the right proximity type.Read guide → SEGMENsensor proximity sensor sensing distanceProximityProximity Sensor Sensing Distance: Sn, Sr, Su, Sa ExplainedWhy real sensing distance differs from the datasheet, plus correction factors for non-ferrous metals.Read guide → SEGMENsensor clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter installationFlowHow to Install a Clamp-On Flow MeterPipe preparation, transducer placement, spacing calculation and signal verification, step by step.Read guide → SEGMENsensor U10 clamp-on ultrasonic flow meterFlowImport Duty on Ultrasonic Flow Meters from ChinaHS 9026.10 duty and VAT by country, landed-cost steps and customs documents.Read guide → SEGMENsensor U20 transit-time clamp-on ultrasonic flow meterFlowTransit-Time vs Doppler Ultrasonic Flow MetersHow each works, when to choose which, and what SEGMENsensor offers.Read guide → SEGMENsensor U10 clamp-on ultrasonic flow meterFlowU10 vs U10S PRO vs U11 vs U12 vs U13 vs U20: Clamp-On Flow Meter ComparisonPipe sizes, accuracy, flow velocity, outputs and power for each SEGMENsensor clamp-on model, with a selection table.Read guide → SEGMENsensor U11 clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter for data center chilled waterFlowData Center Chilled Water Flow MonitoringClamp-on ultrasonic flow meters on cooling-water pipes: measuring-point table, site problems and fixes, BMS integration, BTU metering and a 40-unit U11 case.Read guide →

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Frequently asked questions

Who writes the SEGMENsensor engineering guides?

The SEGMENsensor engineering team writes every guide. Values are taken from the datasheets of the series named in each article, and each guide links to the product page and datasheet.

Which guide should I read first to choose a level sensor?

Start with How to Choose a Liquid Level Sensor, which compares five technologies. Then read the float switch or coolant level guide if your application needs point alarms or a CDU or BESS reservoir.

Is there a guide for wiring sensors to a PLC?

Yes. The NPN vs PNP wiring guide covers 3-wire proximity sensors, and the 4-20 mA wiring guide covers 2-wire and 3-wire pressure transmitters, burden resistors and PLC scaling.

Can I get help with an application that is not covered?

Yes. Send the measuring task, range and output to info@segmensensor.com or the contact form, and an engineer replies within 24 hours. Qualification samples are 1–5 pcs.