Differential pressure sensor is hydrogen compatible

Model 5000 wet/wet differential pressure sensor from American Sensor Technologies (AST) is part of the company's line of hydrogen-compatible pressure sensors. Device is said to allow engineers and system integrators to safely measure differential pressure of hydrogen and other gases while reducing the number of components necessary.

By Control Engineering Staff May 18, 2006

Model 5000 wet/wet differential pressure sensors from American Sensor Technologies are intended for hydrogen pipeline instrumentation, filling stations, compressors, and other hydrogen fuel cell applications..

Model 5000 wet/wet differential pressure sensor from American Sensor Technologies (AST) is part of the company’s line of hydrogen-compatible pressure sensors. Device is said to allow engineers and system integrators to safely measure differential pressure of hydrogen and other gases while reducing the number of components necessary.

Sensor uses AST’s Krystal Bond technology, a process in which inorganic materials are molecularly diffused onto a metallic surface in the presence of certain gases. It has no internal o-rings or fluid-filled cavities to eliminate the chance of hydrogen permeation or system contamination from silicone oil. Diaphragm is made of 316L stainless steel wetted materials that resist hydrogen embrittlement. Sensor design reportedly provides excellent over-range and burst protection (5x rated line pressure or 2,000 psi, whichever is less) ratings for system safety in extreme conditions.

Products are CE EN61326 certified. They have a high level (100 V/m) of EMI/FRI protection and shock and vibration resistance, and maintain an IP-66 rating. Sensors are well suited for hydrogen pipeline instrumentation, filling stations, compressors, PEM cells, and other hydrogen fuel cell applications. Bi-directional and uni-directional pressure ranges are offered for applications with line pressures to 1,000 psi.

—Jeanine Katzel, senior editor, Control Engineering, jkatzel@reedbusiness.com