Morgan launches new high-accuracy sensors for harsh environments

Morgan Advanced Materials has launched a new range of high-accuracy sensors for the oil and gas extraction sector.

The sensors harness the capabilities of Morgan’s proprietary piezoelectric materials which can provide reliable sensing and monitoring in high-temperature environments above 200°C.

Suitable for applications from custody transfer to gas flow monitoring, the sensors from Morgan’s Technical Ceramics business draw on the properties of lead zirconate titanate (PZT).

With a compact footprint and high sensitivity required especially in natural gas applications, the sensors are capable of measuring both high and low flow to extreme accuracies.

Their ultrasonic nature also means they cope better with potential pressure drop than alternatives, such as turbine meters and electromagnetic meters, Morgan says.

Made from a selection of inert materials including titanium, alumina, and zirconia, the new Morgan sensors also feature enhanced corrosion resistance when compared with conventional alternatives.

Charles Dowling of Morgan Advanced Materials explains: ‘Accurate sensing is key in the oil and gas sector for cost, environmental, and safety reasons, but the high-temperature and highly corrosive environments experienced present a unique set of challenges for sensors.

‘Some ultrasonic sensors struggle to maintain accurate operation at temperatures above 200°C. However, our piezoelectric materials have been proven to withstand continuous use at up to 250°C with an intermittent maximum of 300°C.’