Instrumentation
Optimized fill fluids for precision instruments
Pressure instruments — from gauges to transmitters — play a vital role in monitoring and controlling processes across industries. But behind every accurate pressure reading is a fill fluid that ensures stability, safety, and long service life.
At Halocarbon, we specialize in fluorinated fluids that solve the challenges associated with traditional fill fluids. We’ve spent decades formulating fluorinated lubricants and fill fluids specifically for high-stakes environments — from chemical processing and pharmaceuticals to power generation and water treatment.
What fill fluids actually do
Fill fluids perform four essential functions in gauges and transmitters:
- Transmit pressure to sensing elements
- Dampen fluctuations and vibration for accurate readings
- Protect internal components from reactive process media
- Remain stable across temperature swings and vacuum conditions
Common issues seen in the field include:
- Fluid evaporation or drift under vacuum
- Chemical incompatibility with oxygen, chlorine, or acids
- Sticky residues from silicone oils causing contamination
- Over- or under-dampening due to incorrect viscosity
At Halocarbon, we’ve designed solutions that directly address these challenges — and we’ve seen firsthand how fluid selection can make or break long-term performance.
Our fill fluids portfolio
Viscosity matters. Lower viscosity = faster needle response. Higher viscosity = more dampening.
| Product | Use Case / Benefit |
|---|---|
|
For ultra-low temps and highly sensitive instruments |
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Versatile option for general pressure applications |
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Heavier oils for high-temp processes or slower dampening response
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These PCTFE-based oils are engineered to provide non-flammable, inert, low-compressibility performance — even when traditional oils fail
Viscosity & application matching
Fill fluid selection also depends on response time and temperature range.
Here’s a simplified guide:
Viscosity Class | Use Case Example |
Light (e.g., 0.8) | Cold environments, sensitive gauges |
Medium (e.g., 4.2) | General-purpose gauges, stable temps |
Medium-Heavy (e.g., 6.3) | Reactive gas service, high temp swings |
Heavy (e.g., 27, 95) | High-temp or slow-response systems |
Where these fluids excel
Halocarbon fluids are trusted in the following industries:
- Chemical Processing – Fluids that resist aggressive chemicals and clean easily between batches
- Pharmaceuticals – Compatible with high-purity systems and oxygen-rich environments
- Power Generation – Stable in cycling conditions with high heat or intermittent flow
- Oil & Gas – Rugged performance in outdoor, corrosive, and explosive atmospheres
- Water Treatment – Long service life and minimal drift in continuous systems
We’ve supported fill fluid conversions at global OEMs and municipal plants alike — tailoring solutions based on viscosity, material compatibility, and regulatory requirements.
