New Druck sensor improves space safety and testing

Druck President, Gordon Docherty, with the UNIK5000F pressure sensor. Image via Mike Sewell

Crane Company’s pressure measurement technology business, Druck, has launched a new oxygen-compatible pressure sensor designed to meet the demanding requirements on the global space sector.

The UNIK5000F is developed for applications such as rocket propulsion testing, liquid oxygen systems, launch pad infrastructure, oxidiser supply systems and ground support equipment.

As investment in commercial space programmes accelerates, manufacturers and testing organisations face increasing pressure to reduce programme timelines while maintaining the highest safety standards. Drunk’s new sensor is designed to address these challenges and enable safe and reliable pressure measurement in oxygen-rich environments where conventional pressure sensors can present significant safety risks.

“The commercial space industry is growing rapidly, and customers need instrumentation partners who an provide both high performance and dependable supply,” said Gordon Docherty, president of Druck. “The UNIK5000F combines the unrivalled measurement performance our customers expect from Druck with oxygen-compatible technology designed specifically for critical space applications.

“Importantly, it also addresses one of the industry’s biggest challenges by offering competitive lead times without compromising safety or quality.”

The UNIK5000F combines oxygen-compatible construction with high measurement performance—including accuracy up to 0.04% Full Scale (FS) and typical stability of 0.05% FS/year—alongside high reliability and competitive lead times.

Based on Druck’s proven UNIK5000 platform, the sensor has been specifically engineered for oxygen service through the use of specialised materials, including an oxygen safe inert oil fill.

Suitable for applications subject to vibration, temperature variation and pressure cycling, the UNIK5000F provides consistent performance under repeated oxygen exposure, helping reduce the risks associated with oxygen-rich environments where incompatible materials can contribute to ignition, fire or explosion hazards.

the UNIK5000F can also support industrial gas, oxygen generation and clean energy infrastructure where oxygen compatibility is required. 

According to Druck, customers who have trialled the UNIK5000F have responded “very positively”, particularly noting its accuracy, stability and fast response. The company says the launch of the UNIK5000F further strengthens its position as a trusted partner for organisations developing the next generation of space and launch technologies.

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