Yokogawa Releases OpreX Gas Density Meter

Tokyo, Japan - October 16, 2026

Yokogawa Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6841) announces that it will be releasing the new OpreX™ Gas Density Meter as part of its OpreX Analyzer lineup. Designed for high-speed gas density measurement, the OpreX Gas Density Meter features a color touchscreen and digital communication capabilities that make it easier to operate and offers improved usability in comparison to the existing model. 

Sales of a non-explosion-proof version of this product will commence on this date, and explosion-proof versions that support the internationally recognized IECEx^*1 explosion-proof certification standard and the ATEX Directive^*2 mandatory for the European market will be launched at the end of April 2027.

OpreX Gas Density Meter
(From left) GD80 gas density meter detector, GD802G gas density meter converter, GD802S ex-proof gas density meter converter
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Development Background

Yokogawa gas density meters calculate gas density, specific gravity, molecular weight, concentration, and calorific value by measuring resonance frequency, which varies according to gas density. Since their launch in 1997, the existing models have been widely adopted across a broad range of industries, including power generation, oil and gas, and steel production, with cumulative shipments exceeding 6,600 units.

In recent years, rising global demand for electricity demand that can be attributed in part to the rapid growth of data centers has been driving growth of the power-generation turbine market. There is an increasing need not only to ensure the safe operation of turbine generators but also to improve maintenance efficiency. Large turbine generators are cooled with hydrogen gas to suppress heat generated by high-speed rotation. However, hydrogen can become explosive when mixed with oxygen above a certain concentration. As a result, the use of gas density meters to monitor hydrogen concentrations is critically important for ensuring safe plant operations.

In addition, the market for methanation and water electrolysis technologies is expected to expand, supported by European renewable energy policies and decarbonization initiatives. Accordingly, demand is increasing for solutions that are capable of monitoring a wide variety of gases.

Main Features

1. High-speed measurement of gas density
   This gas density meter detects changes in gas density through vibration-based measurement technology, enabling it to identify changes in gas composition in as little as five seconds^*3. Our gas density meter can measure the concentration of binary gas mixtures, such as hydrogen and air, or carbon dioxide and hydrogen. As a result, equipment costs are reduced and maintenance efficiency is improved for hydrogen-cooled turbine generators in power plants.
2. Enhanced usability through implementing a color touchscreen and digital communication
   The product features a color touchscreen display that significantly improves visibility and is easier to operate. Support for digital communications based on the Ethernet and RS-485 standards enables seamless data integration with a wide range of control and monitoring systems, enhancing both operational efficiency and connectivity.
3. Expanded hazardous availability for more regions through compliance with IECEx and the ATEX Directive
   In addition to meeting regional explosion-protection requirements, this product will comply with IECEx, the international certification system for equipment used in explosive atmospheres, and the ATEX Directive, the European regulatory framework for such equipment. This expanded compliance will enable this product to be deployed in a wider range of countries and regions and allow it to be used safely in hazardous areas in plants and other industrial facilities where flammable gases such as hydrogen and methane are present.

*1 An international certification system for equipment intended for use in explosive atmospheres. Its quality assessment requirements are based on standards developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
*2 A European Union regulatory framework based on IECEx principles that specify the essential health and safety requirements and conformity assessment procedures applicable to equipment and protective systems that are intended for use in explosive atmospheres
*3 The time required for the displayed value to reach 90% of its final value following a change in gas conditions (at a gas flow rate of 0.6 L/min)

Major Target Markets

Electric power, renewable energy, chemicals, steel, oil, and gas/LNG

Applications

• Hydrogen purity monitoring in hydrogen-cooled turbine generators and replacement gas concentration monitoring during maintenance inspections
• Molecular weight measurement of off-gas generated during petroleum refining
• Hydrogen purity control in annealing furnaces
• Calorific value measurement of liquefied natural gas (LNG)
• Cross-leak monitoring in water electrolysis systems
• Monitoring of methanation processes
• Control and monitoring of other industrial processes

About OpreX

OpreX is the comprehensive brand for Yokogawa's industrial automation and control business. OpreX Gas Density Meter belongs to the OpreX Analyzers family in the OpreX Measurement category. OpreX Measurement delivers highly reliable technology for the implementation of value-enhancing operational technology and information technology integration. See here for more information: https://www.yokogawa.com/solutions/featured-topics/oprex/

 

About Yokogawa

Yokogawa provides advanced solutions in the areas of measurement, control, and information to customers across a broad range of industries, including energy, chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, and food. Yokogawa addresses customer issues regarding the optimization of production, assets, and the supply chain with the effective application of digital technologies, enabling the transition to autonomous operations.
Founded in Tokyo in 1915, Yokogawa continues to work toward a sustainable society through its 18,000+ employees in a global network of 136 companies spanning 63 countries.
For more information, visit www.yokogawa.com

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