Flameproof Pressure Transmitters for Safe and Reliable Oil & Gas Applications

The oil and gas industry operates under some of the harshest and most hazardous conditions known to engineering. From offshore drilling platforms to remote pipeline networks and refining facilities, accurate pressure monitoring is not only critical for process efficiency but also for environmental safety and regulatory compliance. In such an environment, the deployment of reliable, explosion-proof instrumentation becomes a non-negotiable requirement.

WTsensor’s PCM401 and PCM301 flameproof pressure transmitters are purpose-built for these extreme conditions. With robust designs, high-accuracy silicon sensing cores, and compliance with global explosion-proof standards, they deliver reliable and stable performance in the heart of oilfields, gas networks, chemical plants, and refineries.

The Critical Role of Pressure Monitoring in Oil & Gas

Pressure transmitters are indispensable in upstream, midstream, and downstream oil and gas operations. They are used to:

• Monitor pipeline pressure to avoid ruptures and leaks.

• Control pump and compressor systems for efficient oil and gas transport.

• Ensure safety in high-pressure environments like drilling rigs or refining units.

• Facilitate flow measurement by working with differential pressure across orifice plates or flow nozzles.

• Monitor wellhead and production casing pressure to manage reservoir performance and detect abnormal conditions.

• Support SCADA and PLC systems for real-time remote monitoring and automation.

In such applications, the instrumentation must operate without failure amid high vibration, extreme temperatures, corrosive substances, and potentially explosive atmospheres

PCM401 Flameproof Pressure Transmitter: High-Performance Monitoring in Explosive Zones

Overview

The PCM401 is designed specifically for hazardous areas prone to flammable gases and vapors. It incorporates a high-performance, silicon oil-filled piezoresistive sensor, coupled with a built-in ASIC signal processor. This combination enables the transmitter to deliver standard current outputs suitable for long-distance signal transmission, making it ideal for integration with PLCs, industrial PCs, control instruments, and data acquisition systems.

Explosion-Proof Design

Conforming to GB3836.1-2010 and GB3836.2-2010 standards, the PCM401 meets stringent Chinese national explosion-proof regulations. Its Exd II B T6 certification ensures safe operation in environments containing explosive mixtures of vapor and air (T1-T6 temperature groups), making it suitable for oilfields, chemical plants, and gas pipelines.

Environmental Adaptability

PCM401 is designed to operate reliably at altitudes up to 2000m, withstanding ambient temperatures from -10°C to +60°C, and a relative humidity of up to 90% at 25°C. Its rugged aluminum alloy housing ensures excellent resistance to weather, corrosion, and mechanical stress—ideal for outdoor or remote installations.

Key Features

• Explosion-proof enclosure with isolation sealing for enhanced safety.

• Wide pressure range options for gas, liquid, and steam applications.

• LCD display option for local visual monitoring.

• Suitable for industrial site control, coal mining, oilfield operations, and gas distribution systems.

Applications in Oil & Gas

• Monitoring pressure in crude oil transport pipelines.

• Measuring pressure in natural gas wellheads and gas treatment facilities.

• Ensuring safe pressure levels in refinery units, such as hydrocrackers and catalytic reformers.

• Supervising steam injection pressures during Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) processes.

PCM301 Flameproof Pressure Transmitter: Compact Strength and Long-Term Stability

Overview

While the PCM401 is excellent for fixed outdoor installations, the PCM301 offers a more compact and rugged solution for equipment-embedded and mobile applications. Built with an all-welded stainless steel structure, PCM301 ensures maximum resistance against vibration, corrosion, and moisture—common stressors in oilfield and offshore environments.

High Stability and Versatility

PCM301 utilizes a high-stability silicon pressure sensor and a specially designed amplifier circuit for signal integrity even under dynamic mechanical stress. Its capability to measure absolute pressure, gauge pressure, and sealed gauge pressure gives it versatility across a wide range of oil and gas applications.

Certified to Exd II BT6, PCM301 is qualified for use in explosion-prone areas. Its CNEX certification underlines its reliability and compliance with safety standards required for China’s oil and gas infrastructure.

Key Features

• All-welded design prevents leakage and improves long-term reliability.

• High anti-vibration performance for rotating equipment such as pumps and compressors.

• Anti-mildew and moisture-proof design, suitable for offshore rigs and humid environments.

• Wide measuring range suitable for diverse pressure measurement needs.

Applications in Oil & Gas

• CNG pipeline network monitoring, ensuring safety in compressed gas transport.

• Embedded in natural gas compressor systems for real-time pressure feedback.

• Installed in gas filling station equipment for operational control and safety interlock.

• Used in hydraulic control systems for drilling and production machinery.

Compliance and Safety First

In explosive environments, safety compliance is not optional—it is mandatory. Both PCM401 and PCM301 meet the explosion-proof standards necessary for hazardous industrial applications. These certifications ensure the transmitters are:

• Spark-proof and intrinsically safe, preventing ignition from electrical or thermal sources.

• Tested for ingress protection, vibration resistance, and electrical insulation.

• Built for longevity, minimizing the risk of failure and downtime in high-stakes environments.

By complying with GB3836 standards and holding Exd II BT6 ratings, these devices offer peace of mind for operators, safety officers, and plant engineers.

Long-Term Operational Value

While the initial cost of explosion-proof pressure transmitters may be higher than standard models, the total lifecycle value is far greater:

• Reduced downtime from early warning of abnormal pressure conditions.

• Fewer replacements due to high durability and environmental protection.

• Improved automation through seamless integration with control systems.

• Enhanced worker safety, reducing risks of injury and property loss due to overpressure or explosions.

Whether deployed in upstream exploration, midstream transport, or downstream refining, WTsensor’s flameproof pressure transmitters contribute to more efficient, safer, and smarter oil and gas operations.

Pressure transmitters are essential tools in the oil and gas sector, where precision, durability, and safety are paramount. WTsensor’s PCM401 and PCM301 flameproof pressure transmitters deliver the robust performance needed to meet these challenges head-on. With features like explosion-proof design, high stability sensors, and rugged all-metal housings, they provide critical support across drilling platforms, pipelines, compressors, and refinery equipment.

By adopting advanced instrumentation like PCM401 and PCM301, operators can ensure greater operational continuity, environmental compliance, and workplace safety—key pillars for the modern oil and gas industry.