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Natural Gas Pressure Transmitters

Pressure transmitters for natural gas measurement. Options for very low distribution pressure up to high-pressure storage, with 4-20mA output & ATEX Intrinsic Safety.

Natural gas pressure transmitters are specialized instruments engineered to accurately measure gas pressure across a diverse spectrum of applications, from the very low pressures found in distribution lines and burner feeds to the extremely high pressures encountered in storage cylinders and transmission pipelines. Featuring robust 4-20mA analogue outputs for reliable signal transmission in industrial environments, these transmitters often require specific material compatibility and mandatory hazardous area certifications, such as ATEX Intrinsic Safety, to ensure safe operation in potentially explosive atmospheres containing methane.

Find out more about Natural Gas Pressure Transmitters to determine which product options and capabilities will best meet your application requirements.

Natural gas pressure transmitters are specifically designed to address the unique challenges encountered when measuring the pressure of methane and associated hydrocarbon gases. These applications frequently demand instruments capable of operating reliably across an exceptionally wide pressure range, coupled with stringent safety requirements due to the inherent flammability of natural gas.

The industry-standard 4-20mA current loop output signal is commonly utilized for these transmitters. This analogue signal is favoured in industrial settings for its robustness against electrical noise interference over long cable distances, a frequent scenario in sprawling natural gas processing plants, pipelines, or distribution networks. This ensures signal integrity from the point of measurement back to control rooms or data acquisition systems.

One key capability is measuring very low pressures, often in the millibar or low psi/inches water column range. This is critical for monitoring downstream pressure in local distribution networks supplying residential and commercial properties, ensuring correct delivery pressure. It’s also vital for precisely controlling the low inlet pressures required for efficient and safe operation of industrial burners, furnaces, and boilers.

Conversely, these transmitters must also be suitable for extremely high-pressure applications. Measuring the pressure within natural gas storage bottles or cylinders, such as those used for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), requires sensors capable of handling pressures potentially reaching several hundred bar or thousands of psi. Monitoring pressure in high-pressure transmission pipelines or at the wellhead during extraction are other demanding high-pressure scenarios.

Crucially, installations where natural gas may be present in the ambient atmosphere are classified as hazardous locations due to the risk of explosion. In such areas, pressure transmitters must possess relevant safety certifications. ATEX and IECEx Intrinsic Safety (IS) approvals are common requirements, particularly in Europe and internationally. This protection method ensures that, even under fault conditions, the electrical energy and surface temperature generated by the instrument and its wiring are insufficient to ignite a natural gas-air mixture. Proper implementation requires installation with certified intrinsically safe barriers.

Material compatibility is another important consideration. Natural gas streams can sometimes contain moisture or corrosive contaminants like Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), especially in ‘sour gas’ applications. Therefore, sensor components, particularly the diaphragm and process connection, often need to be constructed from resistant materials such as 316L stainless steel or other specific alloys to ensure long-term accuracy and operational safety. Common applications include pressure monitoring at regulation stations, custody transfer points, within fuel gas skids, CNG refueling stations, and as part of leak detection systems.