Pressure reducing and temperature station equipped with an Endress+Hauser ProlineProwirl D200 vortex flowmeter and a Cerabar PMC51B pressure transmitter

The Endress+Hauser Cerabar PMC51B is a highly versatile and robust electronic pressure transmitter designed for standard process applications across various industries. As part of Endress+Hauser's comprehensive Cerabar family, this model combines proven technology with practical functionality to deliver reliable pressure measurement for liquids, gases, and steam in demanding industrial environments. The PMC51B represents an optimal balance between performance, durability, and value, making it particularly suitable for water and wastewater treatment, chemical processing, food and beverage production, HVAC systems, and general industrial automation.

At the heart of the Cerabar PMC51B lies Endress+Hauser's trusted ceramic capacitive sensor technology, which has established itself as an industry benchmark for reliability in pressure measurement. This sensor consists of a fixed ceramic base body and a flexible, corrosion-resistant ceramic diaphragm that together form a capacitive measuring cell. When process pressure is applied, the diaphragm undergoes minimal deflection, causing a precise change in capacitance between the diaphragm and base electrode. This change is detected by the integrated electronics and converted into an accurate pressure reading. The ceramic material provides exceptional resistance to corrosion, abrasion, and clogging, ensuring long-term stability and minimal maintenance requirements even when handling aggressive media or applications with particulate matter.

1. Robust Construction and Design: The PMC51B features a durable stainless steel housing that provides excellent protection against environmental influences, with an ingress protection rating of IP66/IP67/IP69K. This makes it suitable for use in wash-down areas, outdoor installations, and harsh industrial environments. The device offers various process connection options including flush-mounted diaphragms for applications with viscous or crystallizing media.

2. User-Friendly Operation: The transmitter is designed for straightforward installation and operation. It features a large, clear LCD display that can be rotated through 350 degrees for optimal viewing from any angle. Intuitive local operation is enabled through two buttons without needing to open the housing, maintaining the integrity of the environmental protection. The simple menu structure facilitates easy configuration, even for less experienced personnel.

3. Safety and Certification: The Cerabar PMC51B meets rigorous international standards and carries necessary certifications for use in hazardous areas (ATEX, IECEx). While not designed for SIL applications like its premium counterparts, it provides reliable performance for standard safety requirements in industrial settings.

4. Flexible Communication Capabilities: The transmitter provides a standard 4...20 mA analog output signal with simultaneous digital communication via HART protocol (Version 7). This enables advanced configuration, monitoring, and diagnostic capabilities using handheld communicators or asset management systems. The HART interface allows for remote parameterization and provides access to device status information and basic diagnostic functions.

5. Application Versatility: The PMC51B demonstrates remarkable versatility across numerous applications. It is available for gauge, absolute, and relative pressure measurements, with various pressure ranges available to suit different process requirements. Typical applications include filter monitoring, pump control, leak detection, hydraulic and pneumatic system pressure measurement, and level measurement in tanks and vessels.

The Cerabar PMC51B offers a typical accuracy of ±0.25% of the measured value (including linearity, hysteresis, and repeatability), with even higher accuracy options available. It maintains stable performance across a wide temperature range from -40 to 100°C (-40 to 212°F) for the process media and -40 to 85°C (-40 to 185°F) for the ambient environment. The device features excellent long-term stability and minimal temperature influence, ensuring reliable measurements over extended periods.

The compact design of the PMC51B facilitates easy installation in space-constrained applications. The device supports direct mounting without additional brackets or supports in many cases. Maintenance requirements are minimal due to the robust sensor technology and sealed electronics compartment. When maintenance is needed, the intuitive interface and comprehensive diagnostics simplify troubleshooting and reduce downtime.

The Endress+Hauser Cerabar PMC51B stands as a reliable workhorse in the world of industrial pressure measurement. It successfully combines Endress+Hauser's proven ceramic sensor technology with practical features that meet the needs of standard industrial applications. While it may not offer the extreme accuracy or advanced safety certifications of premium models, it provides solid performance, exceptional durability, and excellent value for a wide range of process applications. For engineers and technicians seeking a dependable pressure transmitter that delivers consistent performance with minimal maintenance, the Cerabar PMC51B represents an outstanding choice that has proven its worth in countless installations worldwide.