PCB Piezotronics, Inc. announced the release of a new ultra-high temperature pressure sensor for combustion testing and thermoacoustic pressure measurements with a unique design element that eliminates the need for water cooling. The new model 176A31 pressure sensor features a temperature rating of 1400 °F (760 °C).

This new pressure sensor measures combustion dynamics as well as gas turbine measurements, thermoacoustic measurements, rocket motor combustion instability or any high temperature, dynamic gas pressure measurement. In these demanding test environments, PCB's UHT-12 sensing element uses a crystal designed for more accurate, lower noise measurements during large temperature variations.

The 176A31 pressure sensor has a high sensitivity of 6 pC/psi, a measurement range of 3,000 psi (207 bar), and a maximum pressure rating of 5,200 psi (359 bar).

"This new design eliminates the need for helium bleed gas and the requirement for water cooling up to 1400 °F," said Bob Metz, director of sales and marketing for aerospace and defense at PCB Piezotronics. "This makes the new 176A31 pressure sensor an excellent choice for research facilities that perform thermodynamic and acoustic measurements during combustion research."