MPXV5050GP tubing diameter

[alvarso]

Hello,

The MPX5050 documentation concentrates heavily on the electronics side, but lacks any information on the 'pneumatic' side connections. I tried to get clear information on the tube inner diameter to connect to the MPXV5050GP, but could not find any clear information from the datasheet.

The datasheet lists "T", the diameter at the inlet. But its not even clear if that is the shaft diameter or the flange diameter. Further, T is between 0.115-0.125" or 2.93-3.17mm. Which I think means it would need to be a 3/32" or a 2mm tube (but a 1/8" or 3mm tube would be too large)... I actually think that a 2mm would be the best? But that's only with the assumption that T is the flange outer diameter. If its the shaft, then I'm all wrong.

I do not have a random stock of tubing - I have to try to order the right tubing for this without wasting a bunch of time and money.

Can someone please give a recommendation? (and could NXP please update the datasheet to include tubing information!).

Thank you,

Alvar

[reyes · Accepted solution]

Hi,

I don’t have detailed information about the tubing diameter, but I can give you general recommendations.

Many types of hose/tubing are available and the recommendation depends on the application, for example: Silicone, Tygon, Urethane, Nylon, FEP, and Vinyl.

Silicone tubing is flexible and suitable for general purpose use. Silicone tubing offers better temperature and chemical resistance than vinyl in most environments. Silicone tubing is recommended at pressures less than 15 psig. 

Urethane tubing can be used at higher temperatures and pressures but it is more expensive than vinyl, silicone or Tygon. Urethane tubing is flexible and strong. Specifications for Urethane "Superthane" tubing, available e.g. from Newage Industries.

FEP (Fluoropolymer) is a semi-flexible tubing that offers excellent temperature, pressure and chemical resistance. However, this tubing is "semi-flexible," and much more rigid than Tygon, or vinyl. Specifications for FEP tubing, are available from Cole-Parmer.

The recommendation it’s to select a tube that has an ID (inner diameter) equal to our outer diameter port. Heat up the tubing slightly and slide this tubing on. Afterwards as it cools, it should be a strong seal.

Here below are two suppliers of hose tubes e.g.:
Cole-Parmer Instrument Company
625 East Bunker Court
Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061-1844 U.S.A.
(800) 323-4340
http://www.coleparmer.com/ 

Newage Industries Plastics Division
2300 Maryland Road
Willow Grove, PA 19090
(215) 657-3151
(FAX) (215) 657-6594
Telex 263780
http://www.newageindustries.com/default.asp or http://plastics.newageindustries.com/tubehose.asp

Hose clamps are recommended for use with all of the hoses mentioned above.  In addition to helping prevent leakage and loosening, hose clamps provide a stronger connection to the sensor port.  Clamps that are recommended for use in applications as described by you are the Oetiker Two-Ear Clamp, and the Oetiker One-Ear, and Special Clamp from Newage Industries.

We have a couple of older application notes about mechanical mounting methods that might quite useful to aid your constructions.

AN936: Mounting Techniques, Lead Forming, and Testing of the MPX Series Pressure Sensors

https://www.nxp.com/docs/en/application-note/AN936.pdf 

AN1513: Mounting Techniques and Plumping Options of MPX Series Pressure Sensors

http://www.nxp.com/files/sensors/doc/app_note/AN1513.pdf

Here below are some suppliers of hose tubes, and clamps e.g.:
Oetiker: http://www.oetiker.com
Professional Plastics: http://www.professionalplastics.com
Saint-Gobain Plastics: http://www.tygon.com
Piedmont Plastics, Inc.: http://www.piedmontplastics.com
Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. in Japan: http://www.sifel.jp  

I hope you will find this information useful.

Regards,
Jose