Feature Sensors & sensing systems


Designed for tough environments D


esigners and engineers are constantly working to improve the efficiency of sensor com- ponents and broaden their


range of attributes. It is not, however, enough to simply add functionality to pressure transducers – the key to providing high quality components is to create that functionality in a form that can withstand particularly aggressive process conditions and extremes of temperature. Pressure transducers are currently


used in a wide range of process and industrial applications and the demands that are placed on them are great. But, their use in potentially explo- sive working environments containing inflammable gases, fumes, chemicals, powders, dust and so on is less straightforward. Nevertheless, pressure transducer technology continues to progress and meet new challenges.


Transducer design Pressure transducers – which convert physical pressure into an electrical output signal – are expanding in terms of specification, which is broadening their application. But, enabling pres- sure transducers to perform under such wide operating conditions has depended upon methods by which sensor elements and electronics pack- ages are constructed. Within the pressure transducer you


will find an extremely sensitive pres- sure sensing element combined with a sophisticated electronics package. The outstanding performance offered by these components have been made possible as a result of some highly innovative and carefully controlled methods of construction, in particular the advanced strain gauge technolo- gies of sputtered thin film and chemi- cal vapour deposition. The use of sputtered thin film, a molecular layer of material atomically fused to the beam or diaphragm, results in a sensi- tive, robust sensor that is suitable for direct contact with almost all liquids, oils and gases. In addition to the CVD and sputtered


thin film manufacturing processes, which have greatly enhanced the capabilities of pressure transducers, advances in electronics have also made a strong impact. The integral electronic signal conditioning that has been supplied with pressure


Design Solutions JUNE 2013 For CNG applications


Another reason why such high perfor- mance components are becoming even more widespread across a growing number of industries is down to their affordable prices. One such industry is oil and gas, where natural gas com- pressors have benefited from the use of pressure sensors, and this area has expanded now that sensor suppliers are providing solutions that offer enhanced safety and reliability in the presence of compressed natural gas (CNG). CNG has proved a safer, cheaper, more environmentally clean fossil fuel substitute for petrol, diesel fuel and propane, and is increasingly used in vehicles that have been converted into bi-fuel vehicles using both petrol and CNG. To meet the needs of CNG applica-


tions, Gems Sensors & Controls has launched the compact 3100 series sputtered thin film pressure transducer unit, a sensor with a wide selection of electrical and pressure connections and outputs, to enable convenient configu- ration with most applications. These are now available as approved


Sputtered thin film sensors have produced pressure


transducers with characteristics suitable for use in a wide range of industries. This, however, has recently been widened by the release of ATEX-approved pressure


transducers that have been developed for automotive CNG refuelling, CNG compressors and beyond, says Mike Powers, product marketing director for Gems Sensors and Controls


transducers over recent years often incorporates advanced ASIC (applica- tion specific integrated circuits) tech- nology, which has been estimated to have reduced the unit cost of trans- ducers by a factor of ten.


components, certified for both European (ATEX) and North American/ Canadian (CSA) use, providing a powerful solution for oil and gas applications dealing with automotive CNG refuelling, CNG compressors and beyond. Applications include wellhead automation, storage tank level monitor- ing and vapour recovery. The company has also addressed


the lack of safe components for hazardous applications such as gas distribution and gas compressors with the 31CS and 32CS Heavy Duty Series pressure transmitters, which are suitable for high pressure applica- tions where safety is essential. A series of powerful solutions has


also been made available using CVD. The 3300 Series, for example, is avail- able with a wide range of outputs, electrical connections and pressure ports, while the use of all stainless steel wetted parts makes this a com- pact unit that is compatible with harsh chemicals and environments. Gems also manufactures versatile,


resilient and submersible pressure transducers including the 2600 Series, which can be used in clean water applications and offers stability and accuracy in a variety of enclosure options rated at IP65 and above.


CNG is a safer, cheaper, more environmentally clean fossil fuel


substitute for petrol, diesel fuel and propane


Applications across industries Pressure transducers already exhibit a strong presence across many indus- tries and are set to become even more widespread as they achieve new certi- fications. CVD and sputtered thin film technology, combined with ASIC elec- tronics packaging, offer a powerful package of accuracy and reliability to the increasing number of engineers who investigate the advantages of pressure transduction technology. Approval for potentially explosive working environments extends their reach still further.


Gems Sensors & Controls T: 01256 320244


www.gemssensors.co.uk 19 Enter 209


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