KROHNE OPTIBAR PM 5060 Metallic Diaphragm Pressure Transmitter

OPTIBAR PM 5060 metallic-diaphragm process pressure transmitter and its building blocks

The KROHNE OPTIBAR PM 5060 is a modular process pressure transmitter with a welded metallic diaphragm. It measures gauge or absolute pressure of gases, liquids and steam, and, through the pressure of a liquid column, hydrostatic level in open tanks. A dual-sensor arrangement enables electronic differential pressure measurement in closed vessels. Measuring ranges cover 100 mbar up to 1000 bar, and the step response is below 85 ms, so the device suits both slow tank duties and fast pump or compressor protection loops.

The product is a modular platform rather than one fixed part. The sensor, process connection, electronics and housing are chosen independently, then combined at order. Three measuring-cell designs are used: a piezoresistive cell for ranges up to 40 bar, a strain gauge cell above 40 bar, and a metallic-ceramic cell for small ranges up to 25 bar or higher temperatures. The same transmitter can also be fitted to the KROHNE OPTIBAR DSP diaphragm seals, which extend it to media up to about +400 °C and to aggressive, viscous or crystallising products.

Technical specifications of the OPTIBAR PM 5060

Accuracy, temperature effect and long-term stability tables in the datasheet depend on the accuracy class, measuring range and turn-down ratio, so quote the span you need.

How the OPTIBAR PM 5060 senses pressure

Process pressure acts on a welded metal diaphragm. In the piezoresistive version it is passed through a transfer fluid to a silicon sensor whose resistance changes with pressure. From 100 bar the cell uses a thin-film strain gauge element directly on the back of an Elgiloy diaphragm, so no fill fluid is required. The metallic-ceramic cell has a metal isolating diaphragm and ceramic sensor that tolerates temperature better at low ranges. Relative cells vent to atmosphere and compensate ambient pressure, while absolute cells are evacuated and reference vacuum.

Electronic differential pressure is possible when a slave sensor is added; the datasheet notes that differential pressure, density and interface measurements are available only in that configuration. For process measurement the electronics provide a built-in display and adjustment module with four push buttons, an integrated real-time clock, and Bluetooth setup via the OPTICHECK Pressure Mobile app. PACTware with DTM, HART handhelds, AMS and PDM are also supported.

Where the OPTIBAR PM 5060 fits and related KROHNE pressure transmitters

Use the PM 5060 for demanding process lines, pump protection, compressor monitoring, supply-pressure surveillance and level in tanks where a metallic diaphragm is preferred over ceramic. For clean liquids and abrasive or wear-prone use, the OPTIBAR PC 5060 uses a ceramic capacitive cell, and the OPTIBAR DP 7060 covers high-performance differential pressure. Compact alternatives are the OPTIBAR PM 3050 and PSM 2010, the latter already listed on our site. Where a long cooling leg or high temperature is needed, specify the PM 5060 with an OPTIBAR DSP diaphragm seal.

Selection and ordering checklist for the OPTIBAR PM 5060

• Measuring task: gauge, absolute, level or electronic differential pressure.
• Required span and turn-down, and the accuracy class needed.
• Process medium, maximum temperature, and whether a diaphragm seal or cooling is required.
• Process connection and thread standard, or flush hygienic connection.
• Wetted materials, including diaphragm and gasket (FKM, EPDM, FFKM or FEPM).
• Fill fluid, including FDA-grade or oxygen-service options where relevant.
• Housing type, protection class and display.
• Signal protocol (HART, Foundation Fieldbus or Profibus PA) and hazardous-area approval.

Installation, commissioning and maintenance

Mount the transmitter at a position where the process connection is free of blockage, and preferably vertical with the diaphragm pointing down, since the datasheet accuracy refers to that orientation. A position-dependent zero offset can be corrected at commissioning. For steam, use a siphon or syphon loop and a shut-off valve so the diaphragm does not see live steam temperature, and protect outdoor units from direct sun. Tighten metric and non-metric threads to the torque values in the manual, and use the supplied gasket.

Commissioning is done with the display module, the Bluetooth app or a DTM. Set the range and damping, zero the unit at atmosphere for gauge devices, and check the loop current. Maintenance is usually limited to inspecting the process port for deposits and verifying zero. Long-term drift is specified for each cell type, so annual checks suffice in most plants.

Typical applications in Oman and the GCC

The PM 5060 suits water and wastewater plants, desalination feed and reject lines, chemical dosing, power-plant auxiliary systems, lube and fuel oil lines, and compressor stations. Marine and port installations are another listed industry. In hot Gulf conditions it is wise to shade the housing and keep cable glands sealed against dust, and humid coastal sites suit the stainless steel housing or IP68 versions. For fiscal or safety loops, state the SIL need at order, because some options are not compatible with SIL qualification.

Cell types at a glance

Information to send with an RFQ for the OPTIBAR PM 5060

• Medium, pressure range, maximum pressure and temperature.
• Gauge, absolute or differential measurement and required span.
• Process connection, material and diaphragm seal needs.
• Housing, display, signal protocol and hazardous-area approval.
• Quantity and any special documentation.

Documents and quotation

A KROHNE technical datasheet for the OPTIBAR PM 5060 C is attached on this page. Send the details above and we will confirm availability and prepare a quotation for the OPTIBAR PM 5060 in Oman and the GCC as an independent supplier in Muscat.