HBK Unveils Hydrogen-Ready Piezocryst Sensors for Extreme Combustion Monitoring
HBK's Piezocryst gallium phosphate sensors deliver stable pressure measurement at 1000°C in pure hydrogen, enabling safer net-zero gas turbine development.
www.hbkworld.com

A new whitepaper has revealed the critical role that Piezocryst by HBK’s single-crystalline gallium phosphate sensors will play in hydrogen-powered gas turbines – and the world’s pursuit of net-zero emissions.
Hydrogen combustion holds enormous potential for net-zero energy generation. But, as adoption grows, the industry is beginning to recognise that it comes with unprecedented measurement challenges.
High flame propagation speeds and temperatures make accurate, precise, stable measurement of critical pressure, safety, and performance data almost impossible with conventional sensors.
Mastering Combustion of Novel Fuels: Why Piezocryst’s Direct Measurement Expertise Sets a New Standard’ explores these challenges – and how Piezocryst by HBK’s unique sensor technology delivers new levels of performance and resilience in these exceptionally challenging environments.
Tried and tested for peace of mind in the most critical environments
The whitepaper, authored by Piezocryst – an HBK brand and a leading developer of piezoelectric sensors – presents data and insights that demonstrate the superior performance of Piezocryst by HBK sensors in these critical applications.
The direct measurement solution is built around gallium phosphate (GaPO4), a single-crystalline piezoelectric material that captures high-fidelity pressure signals in the harshest environments.
The whitepaper proves that Piezocryst by HBK sensors offer:
- Temperature stability and insulation resistance with no phase transition up to 1800°F (1000°C)
- No pyroelectric effect, meaning no false signals during temperature changes
- Proven material compatibility with hydrogen environments
- A compact design for limited sensors, down to 5mm diameter with M5 or 10-32 UNF threads
The whitepaper also features results from a 100-hour endurance test in a 100% hydrogen atmosphere at 932°F (500°C). These tests confirmed the sensors’ ability to maintain stable pressure sensitivity, high insulation resistance, and no structural degradation.
New sensor technology for a new age of net-zero energy
By sharing this research through the whitepaper, HBK aims to equip engineering leaders, system designers, and researchers with the insight needed to design safer, smarter, and more sustainable combustion systems.
With Piezocryst by HBK sensors integrated into their systems, they’ll be able to act confidently, innovate rapidly, and maintain the highest standards as they break new ground in hydrogen-powered energy generation.
HBK’s whitepaper is available for download here.
www.hbkworld.com