Inconel Pressure Transducers
Pressure Measurement in High Temperature & High Pressure Corrosive Environments
When configuring a pressure transducer for your application, one question you will likely hear is: What is the liquid or gas that will make contact with the pressure transducer? While it may seem like a simple question, it is a very important one.
For the majority of applications that we encounter, 316L stainless steel is a fine choice. It is commonly used in applications requiring mild corrosion resistance such as water, oils, lubricants, utility grade natural gas, mild acids and hydrogen service. While 316L SS does offer a good deal of corrosion resistance, there are medias that will quickly corrode 316L SS, compromising the structural integrity of the pressure transducers diaphragm. In these applications, another material choice Core Sensors offers is Inconel 718 superalloy (Alloy 718).
What is Inconel 718?
Inconel 718 (UNS N07718) is a high strength super nickel chromium alloy offering high corrosion resistance. It is ideal for high pressure oil and gas, high temperature operation and sea water applications. The ~50-55% nickel content makes Inconel 718 have strong resistance against chloride stress cracking.
Applications where Inconel pressure transducers are commonly recommended include:
- Oil and Gas production – sour gas (high H2S content)
- Downhole – commonly high pressure and temperature
- Seawater
Inconel 718 is a NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 compliant material for use in the oil and gas production industry.
Inconel 718 Chemical Composition (%)
| Nickel (plus Cobalt) (Ni) | 50.00-55.00 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 17.00-21.00 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
| Niobium (plus Tantalum) (Nb) | 4.75-5.50 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.80-3.30 |
| Titanium (Ti) | 0.65-1.15 |
| Aluminum (Al) | 0.20-0.80 |
| Cobalt (Co) | 1.00 max |
| Carbon (C) | 0.08 max |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.35 max |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.35 max |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.015 max |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.015 max |
| Boron (B) | 0.006 max |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.30 max |
Single piece of Inconel 718.
No oil filled diaphragms, O-rings or weld joints.
Sensor shown has a 3/8-24 UNF Male w/ 74° Flare process connection.
High Pressure Measurement in Corrosive Applications
For high pressure applications that are also corrosive, Core Sensors utilizes a high strength solid piece of Inconel 718 which is free of fluid filled cavities, sealing materials such as o-rings, and weld joints. This solid piece of Inconel contains the corrosive media within the pressure port and reduces or completely eliminates the corrosion that is commonly seen when using standard austenitic stainless steels. For these high pressure applications, the standard process connection is F250C Female Autoclave but others are available such as 3/8-24 and 7/16-20 UNF Male w/ 74° Flare (metal-to-metal seal). Pressure ranges from 10,000 PSI up to 40,000 PSI are available.
Recommended Inconel Pressure Transducer Series
At Core Sensors, we typically recommend Inconel 718 for high pressure and/or high temperature applications that require high corrosion resistance. We commonly use Inconel 718 for pressure ranges starting at 10,000 PSI. The most common use case is with our CS90 Downhole Pressure Sensor. However, there is no physical limitation that will prevent us from utilizing Inconel 718 at lower pressure ranges. Here’s a list of featured product series with Inconel sensor material as an available option.
Disclaimer
Core Sensors makes all reasonable efforts to ensure the accuracy of the information listed on this page. The above is for information only and should not be used as a sole source for application design. It is the responsibility of the end user to ensure that the intended material is the correct choice for that particular application. Conditions such as pressure, temperature, corrosiveness, environment (such as sour gas and concentration levels) and location around the world must be considered by the end user as part of the material selection.
For more information or to request a quote, please call us at 862-245-2673 or email [email protected].
*INCONEL is a registered trademark of the Special Metals Corporation group of companies.
About Core Sensors:
Core Sensors designs, manufactures and distributes high quality sensors for measuring pressure and temperature properties for industrial and hazardous applications worldwide. Core offers solutions for industrial, submersible, differential and hazardous applications in both standard and custom packaging. In-house design and manufacturing capabilities along with strategic manufacturing partners allows Core to create solutions to some of the most complex sensor requirements.
