Hydrogen H2-ready pressure and temperature sensors for low-carbon energy

Variohm EuroSensor provides a variety of pressure and temperature sensors that satisfy the safe measurement and monitoring of hydrogen processing, storage, and transportation systems. With pressure ranges from 1 bar to 1000 bar, the EPT31H2 and SMO31H2 series pressure sensors provide EC79/2009 and EC406/2010 type approvals for hydrogen processing and storage systems, while the SMO31H2 also has European E1 automotive type approval to comply with the required standard for mobile pressure monitoring applications on transportation vehicles. Furthermore, the SMO31H2 is created to satisfy requirements for use in PL:d/SIL2 systems. These H2-ready pressure sensors are complemented with the company's ETP21H2 series temperature sensors – specifically built for hydrogen processing tasks where aggressive, pressurised gas or liquid media demands accurate and reliable temperature measurement.

All series pressure sensors provide high-grade 316L stainless-steel wetted parts for extreme resistance to hydrogen embrittlement and permeation with IP67 protection as standard and IP69K optionally offered. Internally, a piezoresistive sensing element and the latest ASIC circuitry assure superior accuracy and high resistance to shock and vibration over an operational temperature range of up to 125C. Pressure range options from 1 bar to 1000 bar are offered for gauge or vacuum measurement (EC79 approval is limited to 700 bar for all model lines). A selection of four pressure ports include 1/4NPT, M16x1 Male, 7/16“- 20UNF 2A Male, and 3/8“-24UNF2A. Further application flexibility is assured with an optional 600mm cable connection, M12x1 round connector or Packard Metri-Pack connector. All sensors feature a 4-20mA output from a 10-32VDC supply voltage, while the EPT31H2 also incorporates a 0.5…4.5V ratiometric output from a 5VDC supply. With room temperature accuracy specified at less than 0.5% of the range, the sensors are rated for more than 10 million pressure cycles.

Its ETP21H2 hydrogen temperature sensor is constructed with the same quality as the H2 pressure series. Its stainless-steel housing protects a PT100 sensor element with a measurement accuracy greater than +/-1% at RT. A choice of output options covers 10…32VDC for 4…20mA, or 5VDC for ratiometric 0.5…4.5V, and the same electrical connection options as their pressure sensing counterparts assure straightforward installation where needed. Specifically targeting hydrogen-powered fuel cell applications on mobile vehicles, the sensor's low current consumption of only 7.5mA will suit battery-powered use. A working temperature range from -40C to +125C allows wide application flexibility, while short-circuit and reverse voltage protection offers security.

The company's hydrogen process pressure and temperature sensors are based on well-proven sensor design technologies created over several year's extensive use and application success in demanding automotive, agricultural, construction and industrial measurement tasks. They have been specially adapted and certified where appropriate for precise measurement tasks across hydrogen production, processing, storage, and distribution logistics.