Hydrogen pressure sensors
Pressure sensors and pressure gauges for hydrogen applications
The chemical element with the lowest atomic mass is hydrogen (H). In our country, it occurs as molecular hydrogen (H2), usually in a bound form such as in water (H2O).
Hydrogen is being touted as a miracle cure for the energy transition. In the future, hydrogen is set to play a central role in sustainability and decarbonisation. Hydrogen is expected to make transport and industry more environmentally friendly. Green hydrogen can be produced from water by electrolysis. This involves splitting water into its components oxygen and hydrogen using electricity from renewable energies such as solar or wind power.
Where is hydrogen used?
Hydrogen has enormous potential. It has a lot of energy, burns cleanly, can be easily transported and reliably stored. The areas of application can be divided into the following areas:
- Heat generation in various branches of industry
- Building heating
- Fuel in fuel cells for e-mobility
- Production of fertilisers
- Refining of mineral oil
- Coolant for power plants
As the production, processing and storage of hydrogen takes place under extreme conditions such as low temperatures down to -250°C or high pressures up to 600 bar, the materials are exposed to great stresses. Due to its low atomic mass, hydrogen can penetrate materials and lead to hydrogen embrittlement, which can cause cracks and leaks. As hydrogen is explosive, safe handling is essential.
Which pressure gauges are suitable for hydrogen?
Hydrogen is already used at low pressure in the chemical and process industries. New challenges arise in applications such as e-mobility. Measuring ranges up to 1000 bar require reliable pressure measurements and innovative sensor concepts. Piezoelectric pressure sensors are used in industrial hydrogen applications. In order to minimise hydrogen embrittlement and significantly increase service life and safety, pressure measuring devices made of resistant materials such as austenitic 316L steels or pressure sensors with gold-coated diaphragms are used.
Whether for low-pressure applications such as in fuel cells and distribution lines for hydrogen or for applications up to 1000 bar, also with a digital interface for Modbus RTU: pressure transmitters and pressure sensors from BD Sensors are ideally suited and offer various high-performance solutions.
Pressure gauges are also installed in many hydrogen systems to monitor the pressure at various measuring points. Wherever no electrical energy is available or the pressure has to be measured mechanically for redundancy, the dry chemical stainless steel pressure gauges in nominal sizes of 63 mm, 100 mm or 160 mm up to 400 bar pressure are used.
FAQs
Pressure sensors monitor pressure and convert the physical quantity of pressure into a standard industrial signal. Pressure sensors have standardised connections so that the device can simply be screwed in at the desired measuring point.
Hydrogen has the property that it can penetrate into many commercially available steels and other materials due to its low atomic mass. This can lead to hydrogen embrittlement.
Pressure sensors and pressure gauges for hydrogen applications must be made of resistant materials such as austenitic steels 316L. Alternatively, pressure sensors with gold-coated diaphragms can be used. This allows various hydrogen applications to be monitored and controlled reliably and safely.
Always there for you!
TRI-MATIC is your reliable partner for pressure measuring devices. We have been offering you full service from a single source for more than 30 years.
Are you looking for support in hydrogen applications? Then write to us! We will get back to you as soon as possible. Contact us either by phone on +41 (0)41 780 22 22 or write to us at info@tri-matic.ch.
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