Energy Pressure Sensor Manufacturers

Oil, Gas & Energy Pressure Sensor Manufacturers
Pressure sensors play an increasingly important role in the oil & gas industry. Two main factors drive the industry growth: First is the increase in refineries and production capacity in response to growing consumer demand. The second is an increased dependence on the IoT and automation for production and distribution.

Piezoresistive sensors are the most prevalent type in the industry. They are used to measure gauge pressure on casing and tubing on the wellheads. This type of pressure sensor allows the operator to adjust the pressure to optimize extraction rates and increase the safety of the workers.

Both wired and wireless sensors are used in the industry. While the use of wireless devices continues to grow, the extraction processes continue to rely on wired devices for many stages of their operations. Pressure sensors are also used in many downstream sectors including refining operations, processing, and distribution of the products. Some technologies combine pressure and temperature sensing in a CANbus output transmitter that is used in situations where size and weight are a consideration.

Major sensor manufacturers for the oil & gas industry include Emerson, ABB, Siemens, Rockwell, Honeywell, Fortive, and General Electric. Pressure sensors for the oil & gas industry must operate in some of the harshest environments in the world. Many companies must meet ISO requirements. In addition, many products must meet certifications the might include ATEX, IECEx, CE, FM, and CSA.

Many different types of pressure sensors are used in the industry, including vacuum, gauge, differential, and absolute. They must be able to measure pressures as low as 0.3 BAR through 1,724 BAR and above. They must be rugged and have a high tolerance for pressure anomalies. These pressure sensors must be able to operate in temperatures from -40°C to +121°C. They must operate reliably in marine environments, explosive environments, and in high vibration conditions.

The safety of the worker and efficiency of the extraction operation depends on the reliability, accuracy, and durability of these pressure sensors, even under adverse conditions. They must be resistant to corrosion and be flameproof. Sealed gauge and absolute pressure sensors are used in cryogenic environments in the industry. They must be able to provide accurate measurements at a seawater depth of up to 30,000 ft. 

Pressure sensors for the Oil & Gas industry must be engineered for some of the most challenging environments and applications. These include oil mud logging, fracturing, acidizing, and cementing operations. They must operate in media of various viscosities, yet maintain accuracies of ±0.1%. Many must be RFI and EMI protected, too. 

Downhole pressure sensors are used while drilling, for manifold pressure monitoring, process controls, and for gas pressure monitoring. Pressure sensors also play an important role in wind farm operations. Pressure sensors for wind energy generation must be durable and able to withstand numerous pressure cycles without failure. This helps to reduce downtime and the need for maintenance on the systems. Pressure sensors are used to ensure rapid changes in blade pitch to avoid turbine damage due to extreme changes in wind pressure. 

Pressure sensors play an important role in both traditional and emerging energy technologies. The solar power industry uses them to verify the internal sealing of safety vents in batteries. They are used in the testing, research, and development of alternative energy projects to verify that design strategies will work in the field. Global growth in demand for oil & gas will continue to play an important role in the pressure sensor industry. Research and reliance on alternative energy sources will also continue to increase demand.