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Solving Pressure Challenges in Heat Exchangers with PCM303D Technology

From: Issued date 2025.04.10 Back

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In modern industrial processes, heat exchangers play a crucial role in efficiently transferring heat from one fluid to another without direct contact. To maintain optimal performance, safety, and longevity of these systems, reliable pressure monitoring is essential. Pressure sensors and transmitters must withstand demanding conditions, including high temperatures, aggressive media, and vibration, while ensuring consistent and accurate output. The PCM303D pressure transmitter from WTsensor has been engineered precisely for such challenges, offering robust performance, versatile configuration options, and exceptional reliability across a range of heat exchanger applications



✅ Why PCM303D Works Well for Heat Exchangers-Key Technical Highlights

✔ Broad Pressure Range:
Covers from vacuum (-100kPa) up to 100MPa, so you can select an appropriate range based on the system — e.g., cooling water, steam, refrigerant, oil.

✔ High Durability & Resistance:

  • Vibration & shock resistant – ideal since many heat exchangers are mounted on vibrating machinery or piping.

  • IP65 protection – safe from dust and water jets, suitable for industrial environments.

✔ Good Temperature Tolerance:

  • Medium temp up to 105°C is enough for water, oil, or glycol systems.

  • If used with steam, consider adding a cooling element (e.g., siphon tube or cooling adapter) to protect the sensor.

✔ Output Signal:

  • 4–20mA is standard and reliable for long-distance wiring to PLCs, DCS, or building automation systems.

  • Explosion-proof version available if required in hazardous zones.

✔ Compact Design:

  • Small, lightweight, easy to install even in tight spots on pipework or exchanger bodies.




Application on Heat Exchangers

Typical Installation Locations:

· Inlet & Outlet of both shell side and tube side (detect fouling or blockage via differential pressure).

· Can also be used to monitor pump performance feeding the exchanger.


Important Considerations:

Factor

Recommendation

Media

Should be compatible with 304 stainless steel

Process connection

Verify the fitting size (e.g., G1/2, NPT) and add sealing tape/paste

Pressure range selection

Choose a range where your working pressure is between 25–75% of full scale, for best accuracy

Temperature protection

Use cooling adapters if above 105°C

Wiring

Use shielded cable and proper grounding for EMC reliability




PCM303D Pressure Transmitter – Heat Exchanger Application Guide

Model Overview

Model: PCM303D
Output: 4–20mA (Two-wire), with optional Exia II CT6 Ga explosion-proof
Process Connection: Standard G1/2 or 1/4"NPT (customizable)
Material: SS304 wetted parts, fully sealed stainless steel body
Protection: IP65, EMC-compliant, Vibration & Shock Resistant
Temperature Range: Medium -30°C to 105°C (Cooling adapter required for higher temps)




 Application Configuration Table

Application

Medium

Typical Pressure Range

Medium Temp

Recommended Config

Remarks

Cooling Water (shell/tube side)

Water / Glycol

0–6 bar (0–0.6MPa)

10–60°C

PCM303D–0.6MPa–G1/2–4~20mA

Standard config

Hot Water System

Water

0–10 bar (0–1.0MPa)

60–90°C

PCM303D–1.0MPa–G1/2–4~20mA

Temp is within spec

Steam (with cooling adapter)

Steam

0–16 bar (0–1.6MPa)

110–150°C

PCM303D–1.6MPa–G1/2–4~20mA + cooling adapter

Cooling adapter required

Oil-Cooled System

Thermal Oil

0–25 bar (0–2.5MPa)

50–120°C

PCM303D–2.5MPa–G1/2–4~20mA + cooling adapter

Verify oil compatibility

Refrigerant

R134a / R410A / Ammonia

-1 to 4 bar (e.g., -100kPa to 0.4MPa)

-10–60°C

PCM303D–0.4MPa–G1/2–4~20mA

Use sealed gauge version

High-Pressure Heat Exchanger

Compressed gas, oil

0–40 bar (0–4.0MPa)

30–80°C

PCM303D–4.0MPa–G1/2–4~20mA

Select suitable pressure overload rating

Vacuum Jacketed Systems

Vacuum (negative pressure)

-100kPa to 0

-10–60°C

PCM303D–(-1000kPa)–G1/2–420mA

Use gauge or absolute version




Accessories & Options

Accessory

Purpose

Cooling Adapter / Heat Sink

Required if medium >105°C (e.g., for steam or thermal oil)

Signal Cable (Shielded)

Improves EMC stability in industrial environments

Differential Pressure Setup (2 transmitters)

For fouling/clog detection by comparing inlet/outlet pressures

Flanged Adapter / Welded Base

Available for custom mechanical installations




 Chemical Compatibility Reminder

Ensure the measured media is compatible with 304 stainless steel. For strong corrosives or chlorides, consider a diaphragm seal or 316L version (if available upon request).

 




 

As industrial systems continue to demand higher efficiency and reliability, accurate pressure monitoring becomes even more critical. The PCM303D pressure transmitter from WTsensor delivers dependable performance across a broad spectrum of heat exchanger applications—from chilled water to high-pressure steam systems. Its rugged construction, flexible configuration, and proven field reliability make it a preferred solution for OEMs and system integrators alike.

Whether retrofitting an existing installation or designing a new heat exchanger system, choosing the PCM303D ensures accurate, durable, and efficient pressure measurement—contributing to safer operations and reduced maintenance over time.