Pressure instrumentation for the hydrogen industry: Why VEGA sensors make the difference

Process safety – protection against hazardous conditions

In all areas of hydrogen production and processing, pressure fluctuations can have serious consequences. A sudden pressure surge can overload components, while an unexpected drop in pressure is a sign of leaks or malfunctions. VEGABAR pressure transmitters detect such conditions at an early stage and ensure safe and secure plant operation.

Efficiency – stable processes, lower costs

Whether electrolysis or compression: Many process steps require constant pressure conditions to operate efficiently. Precise measurement data contributes directly to the cost-effectiveness of a plant.

Ceramic measuring cells – robust and diffusion-proof

Thanks to its hydrogen-tight structure and optimally matched seals, the CERTEC® ceramic measuring cell prevents virtually any ingress of hydrogen and subsequent embrittlement. This makes it ideal for challenging hydrogen applications where resistant materials are absolutely necessary. Since the measuring cell is dry, operating without pressure transmitting oil, chemical reactions between oil and diffused hydrogen are ruled out. That’s why they’re the first choice for processes up to 100 bar, such as those commonly found in alkaline electrolysis.

Advantages:

• High overload resistance
• Lower costs compared to gold-plated metallic membranes
• Ideal for aggressive media (e.g., potassium hydroxide solution)

Strain gauge based sensors are dry, which means they do not have an oil filling. This makes them especially diffusion-stable and ideally suited for high-pressure applications, such as those commonly found in hydrogen compression and storage.

They cover pressure ranges from 100 to 1,000 bar and feature an extremely robust design.

This technology is widely used in hygienic applications, for example. In the case of hydrogen, however, the extremely high diffusion rate poses a problem: Hydrogen can permeate through a thin metal diaphragm and get into the oil filling, causing measurement drift over time.

To address this, VEGA offers diaphragms with a gold or gold-rhodium plating to significantly reduce diffusion – a high-quality, albeit costlier, solution.

Whether in electrolysis, compression, or storage – choosing the right pressure measurement technology is essential for safety and efficiency in the hydrogen economy. While strain gauge sensors remain indispensable for extreme pressures, ceramic measuring cells offer clear advantages in low-pressure applications. Oil-filled diaphragm systems still have their place, but they reach their limits in hydrogen applications due to diffusion.

VEGA devices make a decisive contribution to the safe and efficient use of hydrogen as the energy carrier of the future.