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Differential pressure measurement in biogas plants
06Fig. · Biogas and EnergyRixen Industrie-Lösung

Industry / Biogas and Energy

Differential pressure measurement in biogas plants

Biogas is wet, corrosive, and combustible. Hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), ammonia (NH₃), and saturated humidity attack electronic sensors within months. A ring balance separates the measuring element from the medium and stays stable over years — including in fermenter atmosphere, gas storage, and treatment.

A

Where the measurement is needed

  • Fermenter overpressure: typically 2–5 mbar above atmosphere
  • Gas storage: differential pressure between storage envelope and outside as a fill-level indicator
  • Gas treatment: pressure drop across activated carbon and desulphurisation stages
  • Feed-in stations: differential pressure across throttles and meters
  • Cabinet ventilation: filter pressure in gas areas

B

Why a ring balance fits here

The typical loads — H₂S, humidity, organic constituents — would attack diaphragms, piezo elements, and capacitive sensors within months. With the ring balance, the medium contacts only the sealing liquid and the surfaces inside the ring body. The measuring element itself is encapsulated. Biogas areas are almost always ATEX Zone 1 or 2 — meaning the instrument itself must carry an intrinsic safety approval.

Resistance
No degradation from H₂S, NH₃, or humidity
ATEX Zones 0/1/2
RW65_EX_II is intrinsically safe certified — can be installed directly in the hazardous area
NAMUR contacts
Up to 2 NAMUR limit contacts optionally: switch setpoints independently of the transmitter electronics — redundancy without additional electronics in the Ex zone
Signal
4–20 mA (2-wire, intrinsically safe) for plant control; Zener barrier required on the safe side
Maintenance
None scheduled

C

Technical parameters

Typical spans
0–40 Pa, 0–100 Pa, 0–250 Pa, 0–600 Pa
Accuracy
±1.5 % FS or ±1.5 Pa
ATEX approval
II 1 GD Ex ia IIC/IIIC T4 Ga Da (Zones 0/1/2)
NAMUR contacts
Optionally up to 2, independent of the transmitter electronics
Media tolerance
Resistant to H₂S, NH₃, humidity
Sealing liquid
Mineral oil or Galden®
Housing protection
IP65 (steel) / IP66 (stainless steel on request)

Your project

Custom configuration for your fermenter or gas storage — we account for media composition, zone classification, and NAMUR requirements in sizing.