American Sensor Technologies has developed the AST 2000H2 hydrogen ASIC pressure sensor for use on hydrogen-powered vehicles and in other emerging hydrogen applications. The sensors are certified for use by European and Asian automobile manufacturers as on-board hydrogen sensors for fuel cell vehicles. To overcome hydrogen permeability and embrittlement, the sensors employ a one-piece thick diaphragm, free of internal O-rings, welds or fill fluids, that keep hazardous media out, eliminating the chance of hydrogen permeation and eventual sensor failure. To reduce the chance of embrittlement caused by long-term exposure to hydrogen, units are constructed from a version of high strength 316L stainless steel wetted parts that promote long life and resistance to media corrosion. The company's proprietary Krystal Bond technology is claimed to reduce long-term drift to just 0.25%/year.
