Core Features
Digital-Output for High-Pressure Monitoring: Functions as a smart pressure sensor switch combining Modbus RTU digital communication with three configurable SPDT switches, engineered to deliver precise pressure data and control in high-pressure industrial environments. This integration supports Industry 4.0 applications, enabling remote monitoring, data logging, and automated control in smart manufacturing systems.
Extended High-Pressure Range: Operates across a 0–400 bar (0–5,800 psi) range with ±0.15% full-scale accuracy, making it suitable for monitoring high-pressure liquids and gases in critical systems such as hydraulic presses, industrial compressors, and oil & gas pipelines. The sensor’s advanced piezoresistive technology with temperature compensation ensures stability across -20°C to +100°C.
Triple Configurable Switch Points: Equipped with three independently adjustable setpoints that can be programmed to trigger at user-defined pressures, with customizable hysteresis (2–10 bar) to prevent rapid cycling. This flexibility supports complex control logic, including multi-stage pressure regulation, safety shutdown sequences, and predictive maintenance alerts.
Aggressive Media Compatibility: The 316L stainless steel wetted parts and Inconel 718 pressure port ensure resistance to hydraulic oils, crude oil, industrial chemicals, and high-pressure gases, making it versatile for heavy machinery, oil & gas, and chemical processing industries.
Rugged Industrial Design: Housed in a welded stainless steel 316 housing with a hermetically sealed construction, providing exceptional durability against corrosion, vibration, and extreme temperatures. The sensor achieves IP67 rating (IEC 60529) for dust tightness and immersion in water up to 1m, ensuring reliability in harsh environments.
Advanced Communication Capabilities: Features Modbus RTU (RS485) digital output for real-time pressure data, compatible with PLCs, SCADA systems, and IIoT gateways (e.g., Siemens S7-1500, Allen-Bradley ControlLogix). Switch contacts are rated for AC 250V (5A resistive) and DC 30V (2A resistive), supporting direct control of valves, pumps, or safety systems.
Hazardous Area Certification: Certified to ATEX II 2G, IECEx, and Class I Division 2, enabling installation in potentially explosive environments common in oil & gas, chemical, and mining operations.
Typical Applications
The ALCO Switch PS3-B5S is engineered for high-pressure monitoring in critical industrial systems requiring digital connectivity, with core use cases including:
Heavy-Duty Hydraulics: Installed in hydraulic presses, forging machines, or mining equipment to monitor system pressure, providing real-time data for performance optimization and triggering safety shutdowns during overloads.
Oil & Gas Pipelines: Used in midstream pipeline systems to monitor pressure in high-pressure transmission lines, with digital data enabling leak detection and remote pressure regulation.
Industrial Compressors: Deployed in high-pressure gas compressors (e.g., for natural gas or industrial gases) to track tank pressure, with Modbus data feeding into energy management systems and switches controlling compressor cycles.
Chemical Processing: Integrated into high-pressure reaction vessels to monitor process pressure, ensuring compliance with safety standards and providing data for batch quality control.
Aerospace Testing: Used in aircraft hydraulic system test rigs to measure extreme pressure conditions, with precise digital output verifying component performance under stress.