Modern gas detection systems have significantly evolved over the years, and there are many types that are now available for the various homes and businesses that need to have them installed. Some are mobile while others are stationary, and many can now detect multiple types of gases. There are also some models that can be linked to a single gas detection monitor to detect gas over a wider area than previously possible. Therefore, if you are looking for a gas detector and want to know how it works, it’s important to consider what kind of detector you need.
Combustible Gas Detectors
In places like nuclear plants where it’s important to detect combustible gases, you have two main options as you’re looking for gas detection systems for sale: detectors that work with catalytic sensors and those with infrared sensors. Gas detectors with catalytic sensors, which are fairly common, usually contain a wire coil treated with platinum, which is connected to a bridge sensor. When combustible gases come into contact with this coil, the wire is oxidized, and this change triggers the sensor. Infrared sensors beam light between a transmitter and a receiver. Combustible gases disrupt this light beam, thus triggering the alarm.
Toxic Gas Detectors
Any place that may emit toxic gases, such as welding shops, will need to look at toxic gas detectors, which also generally fall into two major categories. The more common of the two are electrochemical sensors, which utilize electrodes inside fuel cells to detect gas. When the electrodes react to the gases, they generate a current, which activates the alarm or digital display. Metal oxide semiconductors, on the other hand, have a sensitive film that reacts to the presence of gases. If you need to install any sort of industrial gas detection, it’s important to know the difference between the two, as well as their strengths and weaknesses. For instance, electrochemical sensors are very sensitive and can detect slight traces of gas, while metal oxide semiconductors operate well in low humidity.