3 incredible scientific facts about gas detectors

3 incredible scientific facts about gas detectors

Gas detectors are usually utilized in different facilities as a precautionary measure to fire breakouts and toxic gas exposures by analyzing the concentration of different gases in the air. Depending on the technology, a device may be able to assess the levels of concentration of combustible and toxic gases in an area. Electrochemical sensors and metal oxide semiconductors can detect toxic gases including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and chlorine gas. Meanwhile, catalytic sensors and infrared sensors are used to detect combustible gases such as hydrocarbons.

Gas detectors may be equipped with light sensors, alarm systems, other mechanisms, or a combination of sensors that are triggered by toxic and combustible gas levels that exceed the maximum allowable limit. They are usually operated by batteries and are fixed in a strategic location within industrial and residential areas. There are also portable units which work at the same efficiency with fixed units. Most gas detectors are specifically designed to monitor a single type of gas while other sensors can detect multiple types of gases simultaneously.

While it is important for your overall safety to use gas detectors in industrial facilities and even inside our homes, it is also great to learn some new scientific knowledge about gas detectors. Listed below are 3 incredible scientific facts about gas detectors.

There are multigas sensors that can simultaneously detect five hazards.

These versatile gas detectors are designed to detect multiple types of harmful gasses classified into three categories: toxic, combustible, and asphyxiating. Multigas sensors test the air continuously and usually operate within the temperature range of zero degrees to 40 degrees Celsius. Calibration should, however, be done at least every three months or so; more frequent than regular sensors. As complicated as it may sound, most multigas sensors in the market are easy to use and do not require any advanced skills to interpret the results. Some things that should be taken note of while operating multigas sensors include long sample probes and active radio electronic devices which may delay and interfere the transmission of information from the gas detectors respectively.

There are new and innovative technologies used in gas monitoring systems.

Besides electrochemical, metal oxide, catalytic, and infrared sensors, new technologies which use super-sensitive systems are now developed to accurately monitor the air quality. These include photoacoustic sensors, interferometers, and MEMS cantilevers. These systems work well even during severe weather conditions and across tough structures. They are used to monitor air quality in healthcare institutions and detect gas leaks inside homes and other facilities too.

The lifespan of a gas detector can be extended with proper use.

While the accuracy and efficiency of most gas detectors deteriorate with increased exposure to target gas vapors, its lifespan can be extended with proper maintenance. Regular calibration, a procedure that ensures correctness of gas concentrations reported by a sensor, can prolong the peak performance of a sensor for up to five years. Scheduled cleaning is also recommended as a contaminated gas detector may report inaccurate readings which can cause serious problems in the future.

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