A subsidiary of the Chauvin Arnoux group specializing in measurement, Pyrocontrole has been studying, designing and manufacturing temperature sensors since 1945. Their reliability is a key element in the deployment of the entire hydrogen sector.
Ilocated in the Lyon region, in Meyzieu, Pyrocontrole offers temperature sensors for the chemical, food, oil and nuclear industries, but also railway, automobile and aeronautics, and for more standard technical sectors. Corrosive environment, explosive atmosphere: backed by a 40-year operating guarantee for nuclear power plants, “the sensors in our standard range or those in our products specially developed to meet the needs of our customers are robust,” explains Bruno Burioni, key accounts and hydrogen market manager. Our product range can measure temperatures from -258°C (for a liquid hydrogen storage application for Ariane engine tanks, for example) to +1,800°C (blast furnaces). They are also very precise and have a very short reaction time to measure external variations. This is a very important element in the hydrogen sector, where the gas is used under high pressure and can be sensitive to temperature variations. In terms of reliability, the sensors operate using resistive PT100 probes or by welding between two different metals that generate an electromotive force that varies according to the temperature. Our products, manufactured in France, are designed in our production sites according to the highest industry standards to provide safe, reliable and sustainable measurements for the production and use of hydrogen with complete peace of mind.
Usefulness of temperature measurement
“Sensors monitor and send information to the system, which then manages this data according to established procedures. They are necessary to enhance the safety and efficiency of hydrogen production, storage and distribution processes. Their reliability and performance help optimize cost and improve availability throughout the hydrogen value chain.”
“Hydrogen, the smallest and lightest molecule, like all gases, is particularly sensitive to pressure and temperature. During production, optimal temperatures are necessary to ensure the best yield in steam reforming, but also in PEM or alkaline electrolysers, or new high-temperature models. We are also working on production from biomass, which requires very precise temperatures.”
“The transfer of hydrogen to a vehicle or to storage generates temperature and pressure differences that must be carefully measured to ensure the safety of the installations. In the “dispensers”, we can quickly go from -80°C to +50°C, with impacts on the pressure. Our sensor provides information with a very short response time to the control system. For certain applications, we recommend having two sensors in parallel: one for measuring, the other for safety (SIL2 level, or even SIL3 possible). Our sensors are also used to measure the exact quantities of hydrogen transferred (vehicle station, tank truck, etc.) in order to ensure reliable and accurate billing.” Which just goes to show that temperature is (also) a money issue!
