Edwards APG 200 Pirani Vacuum Gauge
| Brand | Edwards Vacuum |
|---|---|
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Model | APG 200 |
| Measurement Principle | Pirani Thermal Conductivity |
| Pressure Range | 1 × 10⁻⁴ to 1 × 10⁴ mbar |
| Vacuum Interface | KF 16 (ISO-KF) |
| Compliance | CE, RoHS, UKCA |
Overview
The Edwards APG 200 is a compact, high-stability Pirani vacuum gauge engineered for reliable, continuous measurement of low-to-medium vacuum pressures in industrial and laboratory environments. Based on thermal conductivity sensing principles, the APG 200 operates by monitoring the heat loss from a heated filament suspended in the gas phase—where thermal dissipation correlates directly with gas density and, therefore, pressure. Unlike capacitance manometers or ionization gauges, Pirani sensors provide robust, cost-effective performance across the rough and fine vacuum ranges (1 × 10⁻⁴ to 1 × 10⁴ mbar), making them ideal for process monitoring in vacuum furnaces, coating systems, leak detection setups, and packaging equipment. The APG 200 features a stainless-steel sensor head with a hermetically sealed KF 16 flange interface, ensuring mechanical integrity and compatibility with standard ISO-KF vacuum piping systems.
Key Features
- Stable, drift-compensated Pirani sensor architecture optimized for long-term repeatability under varying ambient temperatures
- Integrated analog output (0–10 V DC) and digital RS485 interface supporting Modbus RTU protocol for seamless integration into SCADA and PLC-based control systems
- Auto-zero function and configurable linearization tables to support multi-gas calibration profiles (N₂, Ar, He, air)
- Ruggedized stainless-steel housing rated IP65 for operation in demanding industrial settings, including cleanrooms and semi-conductor tool interfaces
- Low power consumption (<1.5 W) and wide operating temperature range (0 to 50 °C ambient)
- Factory-calibrated traceable to UKAS-accredited standards; calibration certificate available upon request
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The APG 200 is compatible with non-corrosive, dry gases including nitrogen, argon, helium, oxygen, and air. It is not recommended for use with condensable vapors (e.g., water, solvents), reactive gases (e.g., Cl₂, NH₃), or high-humidity environments without appropriate gas conditioning. The sensor conforms to electromagnetic compatibility requirements per EN 61326-1:2013 and carries CE, UKCA, and RoHS markings. While not intrinsically safe, it may be deployed in Zone 2 hazardous areas when installed with appropriate barrier systems. Documentation supports compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 traceability frameworks and is suitable for GLP and GMP-regulated environments where audit-ready calibration records are required.
Software & Data Management
The APG 200 does not require proprietary software for basic operation but is fully compatible with Edwards’ free GAUGEVIEW configuration utility (Windows-based), enabling real-time pressure logging, alarm threshold setting, firmware updates, and export of time-stamped CSV datasets. For enterprise-level integration, the Modbus RTU interface allows direct communication with LabVIEW, MATLAB, Ignition, or Siemens TIA Portal. All configuration changes are stored in non-volatile memory and retain settings after power cycling. Audit trails—including parameter modifications and calibration events—are accessible via serial query commands, satisfying documentation requirements under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when used with validated host systems.
Applications
- Monitoring base pressure and process pressure in physical vapor deposition (PVD) and sputtering chambers
- Feedback control in vacuum drying ovens and freeze-dryers
- Leak rate verification during HVAC vacuum evacuation procedures
- Pre-pump stage monitoring in turbo-molecular pump trains
- Quality assurance in vacuum-packaged food and pharmaceutical blister packaging lines
- Educational labs requiring durable, entry-level vacuum instrumentation with clear physical principles
FAQ
What gases can the APG 200 accurately measure?
The APG 200 is factory calibrated for nitrogen. Accuracy varies with gas thermal conductivity; correction factors are provided in the user manual for common gases including argon, helium, and air.
Is the KF 16 interface compatible with ISO-KF standards?
Yes—the APG 200 uses a standard ISO-KF 16 (DN16) flange with Viton O-ring groove and clamping mechanism, ensuring interoperability with all major vacuum component manufacturers.
Does the APG 200 support two-wire (loop-powered) operation?
No—it requires a separate 24 V DC supply and provides isolated 0–10 V analog output; loop-powered variants are not available in the APG series.
Can the APG 200 be used in ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems?
No—it is not designed for UHV applications; its lower limit is 1 × 10⁻⁴ mbar, and it lacks the sensitivity and outgassing control required below 10⁻⁵ mbar.
How often should the APG 200 be recalibrated?
Edwards recommends annual calibration for critical applications; intervals may be extended to 24 months in stable, non-aggressive environments with documented performance verification.
