Gas monitors are used in many different industrial and commercial industries. Gas detectors are most commonly used to ensure commercial and home safety, so they can be an early warning system for exposure and leaks. Of course, you can use a gas detector in any situation where gas detection would be valuable, and having a portable gas detector can be very helpful due to its ease of use.
How Does a Gas Detecting Device Work?
A gas-detecting device is specifically used to detect either toxic gases or combustible gases. Some of the common combustible gases include methane, ethylene, hydrogen, butane, and ammonia. Some of the more toxic gases are nitrogen, carbon monoxide, and chlorine. Getting carbon monoxide poisoning is a very serious health hazard and it is responsible for many deaths each year.
A gas detector utilizes catalytic oxidation or infrared sensors to detect combustible gases. The sensor will most probably be manufactured with platinum-treated wire oil for catalytic systems. Once a combustible gas get into contact with the catalytic surface, it then becomes oxidized, and the resistance for the wiring is then altered because of the heat that is generated. Often a bridge circuit can indicate the resistance change. Infrared sensors are most commonly used to detect changes in heat, which makes them a great addition to detectors for combustible gases. When a combustible gas is present in the infrared sensors path, the gas then interferes with the transmission sent between the receiver and the transmitter. The changes in the light will help to show which type is detected.
Electrochemical detectors are usually used for toxic gases. The electrochemical sensors can be extremely sensitive, transmitting warning signals through electrical currents. Signals are sent by electrodes when a gas is detected. Another available option is metal oxide semiconductors, which employ gas-sensitive films that are typically composed of tin oxide or tungsten. This film is reactive with gases, and it can trigger the detector when enough levels of certain gases are present. Often, metal oxide semiconductors are preferred as they are sensitive to many different gases and are able to operate in low humidity.
At Invuyani Safety, we supply a wide range of gas detection monitors and more. Visit our website at www.fireandsafety.co.za for more information.