Product Comparison: Fluoropolymer Pressure Transducers for High-Purity and Corrosive Applications

Measuring pressure accurately in high-purity and corrosive environments requires instruments that maintain precision while resisting contamination. In applications such as semiconductor, wet stations and chemical supply systems, both the media and the conditions challenge sensor integrity and long-term reliability.

Fluoropolymer pressure transducers are designed specifically to handle these harsh conditions. With fully isolated sensing elements and chemically inert wetted materials, these instruments protect critical processes from contamination while delivering accurate and repeatable pressure readings.

As an established authority in pressure measurement technology, Ashcroft has developed a line of fluoropolymer pressure transducers that address these unique challenges.  Read this article to learn about the features, benefits and specifications of three instruments that deliver consistent and reliable performance in demanding ultra-high purity and corrosive environments.

How fluoropolymer pressure transducers work

Fluoropolymer pressure transducers are built for semiconductor and process applications where even trace contamination can compromise product quality. These sensors combine PTFE/PFA wetted parts (fluoropolymer materials commonly used for their chemical inertness) with capacitance sensing technology, offering excellent corrosion resistance, thermal stability and low metal ion elution.

These design characteristics are shared across the Ashcroft line of ZL fluoropolymer transducers, regardless of model, making them the preferred choice for measuring pressure in high-purity, corrosive or chemically sensitive environments.

Key advantages include:

• Chemical resistance to aggressive fluids such as hydrofluoric acid
• Low metal ion elution, protecting ultrapure water and gas processes
• Capacitance-based sensing for improved thermal stability and accuracy
• Multiple mounting options for flexible system integration
• Class 100,000 cleanroom packaging for contamination control

The Ashcroft® ZL91, ZL92, and ZL95 Pressure Transducers are built on these core principles, offering specialized designs for specific process needs. The following sections outline each model’s unique features, performance specifications, and ideal applications.

The ZL91 pressure transducer for ultrapure and deionized water systems

The Ashcroft® ZL91 Fluoropolymer Pressure Transducer is designed for low-pressure measurement in ultrapure and deionized water environments, where metallic contamination and moisture ingress can degrade process quality. With a high IP65 ingress protection rating and fully fluoropolymer wetted parts, it provides long-term reliability and chemical compatibility.

Features and Benefits:

• PTFE/PFA wetted parts ensure purity of your process fluid
• Low metal ion elution minimizes risk of contamination
• Designed for both low and negative pressure measurement
• Compact housing supports multiple installation configurations
• IP65 rating protects against water and dust intrusion

Figure 1: Ashcroft® ZL91 Specifications

The ZL92 pressure transducer for corrosive liquids and gases

The Ashcroft® ZL92 Fluoropolymer Pressure Transducer is ideal for corrosive gas and liquid applications in semiconductor and chemical processes. It isolates the sensing element using a PTFE/PFA barrier and secondary vent design to protect against chemical degradation while maintaining stable electrical performance.

Features and Benefits:

• Excellent corrosion resistance to chemicals such as hydrofluoric acid
• Low metal ion elution for high-purity processes
• Stable capacitance sensor for consistent output
• Multiple fitting options, including tube connections, press fit nuts, flared nuts and threaded nuts
• Compact, lightweight design (approx. 140g) for easy installation

Figure 2: Ashcroft® ZL92 Specifications

The ZL95 pressure transducer with display for local readout and alarm control

The Ashcroft® ZL95 Fluoropolymer Pressure Transducer offers all the benefits of fluoropolymer design with the added functionality of a digital display and dual NPN switch outputs. This model provides immediate visual feedback, programmable functions and adjustable response times, making it ideal for process systems that require both monitoring and local control.

Features and Benefits:

• Bright, easy-to-read 4-digit LED display
• Dual NPN switch outputs with programmable setpoints and deadband
• PTFE/PFA wetted parts for maximum chemical compatibility
• Push-button zero adjustment for simplified calibration
• Compact housing with multiple mounting and connection styles

Figure 3: Ashcroft® ZL95 Specifications

Comparing the ZL91, ZL92, and ZL95

Figure 4: Ashcroft® ZL series comparison

All three of these fluoropolymer pressure transducers provide reliable, contamination-free pressure measurement in semiconductor environments. They demonstrate how proper material selection and sensor design help protect your instruments and maintain process purity—delivering confidence in every measurement.

The ZL91, ZL92 and ZL95 transducers are specifically designed for applications that require all fluorine resin wetted parts and require low metal ion elution in the process.

Ready to learn more?

Now that you know the differences and similarities between Ashcroft’s fluoropolymer pressure transducers, you have a foundation for selecting the solution that’s best for your application. Keeping all of these factors in mind can help you avoid problems and keep your process running with reliable and accurate pressure measurements.\

Feel free to contact us today to talk to one of our industry experts and get your questions answered. In the meantime, download our guide to learn more about pressure management instruments for demanding applications.