When Gas Turbine Monitoring Demands More Than a Standard Sensor
A gas turbine test cell in the Middle East needed reliable dynamic pressure data at 480°C. Standard transducers failed within hours. The engineering team turned to the Vibro Meter CP 216, a piezoelectric pressure transducer built for exactly this kind of extreme environment. The 143-216-000-141 ordering number specifies the CP 216 with a Vibro-Meter high-temperature connector and a 2 m mineral-insulated cable.
What Makes the CP 216 Different
The CP 216 uses man-made piezoelectric material in a compression-mode design. This produces an extremely stable device for long-term monitoring or development testing. Unlike many transducers, it requires no input power. The charge output travels through a 2-pole system insulated from the casing, then to a charge converter for signal processing.
Key capabilities include:
- Extreme temperature range: −70 to 520°C (−94 to 968°F) for extreme applications
- High-pressure capability: up to 350 bar (5076 psi) overload capacity
- Pressure sensitivity: 200 pC/bar (13.8 pC/psi)
- Frequency response: 2 Hz to 15 kHz ±5%
- Internal case insulation
- Certified for use in potentially explosive atmospheres
The transducer is fitted with an integral mineral-insulated cable with twin conductors. The 143-216-000-141 configuration includes a Vibro-Meter high-temperature connector rated for −70 to 650°C. A LEMO connector option is also available for lower-temperature applications.
Technical Specifications at a Glance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity | 200 pC/bar (13.8 pC/psi) |
| Dynamic measuring range | 0.0005 bar to 250 bar |
| Overload capacity | Up to 350 bar (5076 psi) |
| Frequency response | 2 to 15000 Hz ±5% |
| Linearity | < ±1% over dynamic measuring range |
| Acceleration sensitivity | ≤ 0.5 pC/g |
| Resonant frequency | > 80 kHz |
| Capacitance (pole to pole) | 320 pF + 200 pF/m cable |
| Capacitance (pole to casing) | 13 pF + 300 pF/m cable |
| Internal insulation resistance | > 10⁹ Ω |
| Transducer weight | 12 g |
| Cable weight | 25 g/m |
| Shock acceleration | < 2000 g peak |
| Continuous temperature | −54 to 470°C |
| Extreme temperature | −70 to 520°C |
Where the CP 216 Proves Its Value
Gas Turbine Combustion Monitoring
Dynamic pressure monitoring over a wide temperature range requires high reliability. The CP 216 handles continuous temperatures to 470°C and extreme applications to 520°C. Its 2 Hz to 15 kHz frequency response captures combustion instability signatures that lower-bandwidth sensors miss.
Development Testing in Extreme Environments
The transducer performs in radiation environments. Gamma flux at 1010 erg/g and neutron flux at 1017 n/cm² produce no effect. This makes the CP 216 suitable for nuclear-adjacent testing where standard sensors degrade.
Long-Term Condition Monitoring
With no input power required and a hermetically welded NIMONIC alloy 90 housing, the CP 216 delivers stable performance over years of continuous operation. The mineral-insulated cable resists corrosion and humidity.
Installation and Integration Notes
The CP 216 connects to an IPC 704 signal conditioner through its mineral-insulated cable. Cable assemblies are available for this purpose. When wiring into existing monitoring systems, confirm cable lengths and connector compatibility with your signal conditioner. The 2 m cable specified in the 143-216-000-141 ordering number suits most turbine installations, but longer runs may require additional cable assemblies.
For fieldbus networks or plant-wide monitoring systems, an external gateway or connection module may be needed. Verify all cabling and gateway requirements with your supplier before installation.
Maintenance and Reliability
The CP 216 requires no subsequent calibration after factory dynamic calibration at 1 bar peak and 2 Hz. Inspect the connector and cable periodically for mechanical damage. The hermetically welded construction resists corrosion in humid or chemically aggressive environments. For safety-related applications, follow the manufacturer’s safety manual and inspect the transducer at scheduled intervals.
Selection Checklist
Before ordering the 143-216-000-141, verify:
- Required temperature range: continuous (470°C) or extreme (520°C)
- Connector type: Vibro-Meter high temperature or LEMO
- Cable length: standard 2 m or custom
- Signal conditioner compatibility: IPC 704 or equivalent charge converter
- Pressure range: dynamic measuring range up to 250 bar
Oil AutoTech supplies the 143-216-000-141 with fast dispatch, worldwide. Our team provides hands-on technical selection help to match the right transducer configuration to your application. Contact Oil AutoTech today for pricing and availability.
Please verify current lifecycle status and availability with Oil AutoTech before ordering.
