Pressure Sensors for the Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry

Pressure sensors in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries must deliver stable measurements under changing process conditions. Suitable process connections, appropriate output signals, and compact or hygienic designs that easily integrate into specialized systems are essential. DDM Sensors offers tailored solutions for gauge pressure, absolute pressure, and differential pressure including miniaturized sensors for tight installation spaces.

Accurate Pressure Measurement Under Demanding Conditions

Chemical and pharmaceutical processes frequently involve aggressive media, rapid temperature variations, and limited installation space. Pressure sensors must withstand these conditions reliably while delivering reproducible results.

Challenges: Aggressive Media, Sterility, and High Temperatures

Media compatibility, hygienic suitability, and temperature stability are critical in chemical and pharma processing. DDM Sensors utilizes seal-less, laser-welded sensor designs with wetted components made of 316L stainless steel. Optional flush diaphragms allow for easier cleaning and sterilization. Depending on the series, temperature-compensated measurements are possible across a wide operating range from −40 °C to +150 °C.

Overview of Our Product Portfolio for Chemical & Pharma Applications

Depending on the measurement task, different pressure types are required across chemical and pharmaceutical processing systemssuch as for tanks, pipelines, filtration units, or vacuum processes:

You can find matching product ranges in the Pressure Sensors category.

Engineered for the Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry

Pressure sensors must seamlessly blend into systems where media compatibility, process stability, and ease of installation come together. DDM Sensors provides compact, application-oriented solutions designed for high integration capacity.

High Media Compatibility

Material selection and connection design are crucial depending on the medium and process environment. For maximum chemical resistance, all wetted parts across standard DDM Sensors models are manufactured from 1.4404 and 1.4435 (316L) stainless steel. This makes our sensors ideal for a wide range of chemical and pharmaceutical applications.

Corrosion-Resistant Process Connections

Corrosive media and demanding process environments require robust sensor configurations. DDM Sensors offers process connections such as M10x1, M14x1.5, 7/16-20 UNF, G1/4 male, and Rectus 21 on selected product lines.

Hygienic Design for Sterile Processes

Maintaining hygienic process conditions is central in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Compact designs and appropriate connection concepts simplify integration into sterile environments.

Suitability for Elevated Temperature Ranges

For thermally demanding processes, sensors with extended temperature ranges are available. Depending on the series, operational limits reach up to +125 °C or +150 °C.

Optional Hazardous Area (Ex) Approvals

In potentially explosive atmospheres, additional execution requirements may apply. Specific suitability must be evaluated based on the individual application.

Technical Specifications Overview

For chemical and pharmaceutical applications, the key parameters are measuring range, temperature window, output signal, and process connection. We provide various options that can be tailored to the specific measuring task depending on the product series.

  • PV-22 Series: Suitable for gauge and absolute pressure applications with measuring ranges from 100 mbar to 150 bar, alongside variants covering 2 bar to 150 bar or 1 bar to 150 bar. Depending on the version, operating temperatures range up to −40 °C to +125 °C with output signals of 0 to 5 V and 1 to 6 V.
  • PV22H Series: Covers measuring ranges from 100 mbar to 150 bar gauge and 250 mbar to 150 bar absolute, engineered for operating temperatures from −40 °C up to +150 °C. Additional options with 0 to 10 V outputs are available.
  • PV2722 Series: Designed for differential pressure measurements from 100 mbar to 3.5 bar, supporting filtration, monitoring, and process control tasks.

Application Examples in the Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry

Pressure sensors are deployed throughout chemical and pharmaceutical plants to ensure safe monitoring of process conditions. Typical applications include reactors, fermenters, storage tanks, filtration systems, vacuum processing, and piping networks.

Pressure Monitoring in Reactors and Fermenters

Stable pressure monitoring in reactors and fermenters is essential to safeguard process conditions and maintain reproducible production parameters. Depending on the setup, gauge or absolute pressure sensors are deployed.

Level Measurement in Storage Tanks for Chemicals and Active Ingredients

Hydrostatic pressure measurement can be utilized for indirect level monitoring in storage tanks. This requires sensors with accurate measuring ranges and suitable process fittings.

Process Control in Filtration and Separation Systems

Differential pressure sensors detect pressure drops and process condition changes. The PV2722 series is ideally suited for differential pressure applications ranging from 100 mbar to 3.5 bar.

Vacuum Monitoring in Freeze-Drying (Lyophilization)

Monitoring vacuum and pressure states is a fundamental component of process control in lyophilization. Sensors with appropriate temperature windows and stable output signals support reproducible process execution.

Monitoring Pipelines and Pumping Systems

In pipeline networks and pumping systems, pressure sensors monitor operating states, load cycles, and pressure spikes. Compact footprints are especially advantageous when installation space is restricted.

Custom Pressure Sensors for Your Specific Requirements

Not every processing line can be optimally designed using standard off-the-shelf components. DDM Sensors designs and manufactures custom pressure sensors whenever installation space, connection concepts, or signal types need modification.

Adaptation of Process and Electrical Connections

Matching process connections and electrical interfaces are vital for integration into existing equipment. Custom, project-specific modifications can be implemented depending on application needs.

Engineering Support and Solution Development

For complex installations, DDM Sensors assists in selecting the appropriate measuring principle, range, and system integration strategy. This is particularly valuable when miniaturization, chemical compatibility, and thermal stress overlap.

DDM Sensors as Your Partner

DDM Sensors specializes in technical sensor solutions for industrial applications. For the chemical and pharmaceutical sector, this means application-matched pressure sensors, tailored interfaces, and project-specific engineering.

ISO 9001 Quality Management

Structured quality management ensures reproducible product quality and reliable technical execution.

Technical Support and Consultation

Measuring range, temperature limits, output signal, and process connections are key factors when selecting the right pressure sensor. DDM Sensors provides technical guidance to evaluate these parameters effectively.

Request Consultation

If you are looking for pressure sensors for chemical or pharmaceutical applications, DDM Sensors can assist with technical selection and custom engineering needs. Contact our technical team to discuss measuring ranges, media compatibility, operating temperatures, signal outputs, and process connections.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Pressure Sensors for the Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry

What pressure types are available for chemical and pharmaceutical applications?

DDM Sensors offers pressure sensors for gauge pressure, absolute pressure, and differential pressure, covering tanks, piping, filters, and vacuum operations.

What output signals are available?

Depending on the product series, voltage outputs from 0 to 5 V, 1 to 6 V, and 0 to 10 V, as well as current outputs from 4 to 20 mA are available. This enables flexible integration into existing control and automation systems.

Are solutions available for compact installation spaces?

Yes, DDM Sensors manufactures miniaturized pressure sensors designed specifically for tight installation environments, making them ideal for compact chemical and pharmaceutical processing units.