Gas detectors are crucial safety devices that are used in various industries to protect people
and property from hazardous gases. They work based on the principles of catalytic combustion
and infrared absorption and are available in portable and fixed configurations.
Understanding how gas detectors work can help prevent accidents and save lives. In this article,
we will delve deeper into the working of gas detectors and their importance in ensuring safety in
hazardous environments.
Gas Detection Principles
Gas detectors work based on two primary principles: the catalytic combustion and infrared
absorption. Catalytic combustion sensors are used for detecting combustible gases, while
infrared detectors are used for detecting toxic gases.
Catalytic Combustion Sensors
Catalytic combustion sensors detect combustible gases such as methane, propane, and
hydrogen. These sensors consist of two platinum wire coils that are heated to high
temperatures, typically around 500°C. One coil is coated with a catalyst material that promotes
the combustion of gases.
When a combustible gas comes into contact with the catalyst, it oxidizes and releases heat,
causing a rise in temperature on the coated coil. The other coil acts as a reference, measuring
the baseline temperature. The difference in temperature between the two coils is proportional to
the gas concentration and is measured by the detector.
Infrared Sensors
Infrared sensors are used for detecting toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide,
and sulphur dioxide. These sensors work based on the principle of infrared absorption. Each
gas has a unique absorption spectrum in the infrared region, which means that it absorbs light
at specific wavelengths.
The detector emits an infrared beam of light that passes through the air and is reflected back to
the detector by a mirror. The gas molecules in the air absorb some of the infrared light, reducing
the amount of light that reaches the detector. The detector then measures the amount of light
absorbed and calculates the gas concentration.
Types of Gas Detectors
There are several types of gas detectors, including portable fixed detectors, and universal gas
detectors.
1. Portable Gas Detectors
Portable gas detectors are handheld devices that are used to detect gas leaks or concentrations
in the air. These devices are compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry around. They
are battery-operated and have a digital display that shows the gas concentration in parts per
million (ppm) or percentage of the lower explosive limit (LEL).
Portable gas detectors are commonly used by firefighters, gas utility workers, and emergency
responders.
Currently, the award-winning G7 gas detectors from Blackridge Solutions are recognized as the industry leader in portable gas detectors.
2. Fixed Gas Detectors
Fixed gas detectors are installed in a fixed location and are used to monitor gas concentrations
in an area continuously. These detectors are connected to a control panel that receives signals
from the detectors and activates alarms or shut-off valves if gas concentrations exceed a
predetermined level.
Fixed gas detectors are commonly used in industrial settings such as chemical plants, oil
refineries, and manufacturing facilities.
Currently, the award-winning EXO Area Monitor from Blackridge Solutions is recognized as the industry leader in fixed gas detectors
3. Ultrasonic Gas Detectors
Ultrasonic gas detectors use high-frequency sound waves to detect gas leaks. Ultrasonic gas
detectors work by emitting high-frequency sound waves that bounce off surfaces and are
reflected back to the detector. When a gas leak occurs, the sound waves are altered, and the
detector can detect the change in the frequency of the sound waves.
Ultrasonic gas detectors are commonly used in large industrial facilities, such as chemical
plants and oil refineries, where gas leaks can be catastrophic. These detectors are also useful
in detecting gas leaks in hard-to-reach areas or locations where other sensors may not work
effectively.
Conclusion
Gas detectors are essential safety devices that protect people and property from hazardous
gases. They work based on two primary principles of catalytic combustion and infrared
absorption. Catalytic combustion sensors detect combustible gases, while infrared sensors
detect toxic gases
.
Portable, fixed gas and universal gas detectors are the three main types of gas detectors, with
each having its specific applications. Understanding the principles of gas detection and how gas
detectors work can help keep you safe in hazardous environments.
Blackridge Solutions offers a variety of personal safety devices for lone workers. Our portable
gas detection devices are the perfect solution for those who want to keep their safety and
security a top priority. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can help
you keep your workplace safe and secure. [email protected] or (778) 686-5799
and property from hazardous gases. They work based on the principles of catalytic combustion
and infrared absorption and are available in portable and fixed configurations.
Understanding how gas detectors work can help prevent accidents and save lives. In this article,
we will delve deeper into the working of gas detectors and their importance in ensuring safety in
hazardous environments.
Gas Detection Principles
Gas detectors work based on two primary principles: the catalytic combustion and infrared
absorption. Catalytic combustion sensors are used for detecting combustible gases, while
infrared detectors are used for detecting toxic gases.
Catalytic Combustion Sensors
Catalytic combustion sensors detect combustible gases such as methane, propane, and
hydrogen. These sensors consist of two platinum wire coils that are heated to high
temperatures, typically around 500°C. One coil is coated with a catalyst material that promotes
the combustion of gases.
When a combustible gas comes into contact with the catalyst, it oxidizes and releases heat,
causing a rise in temperature on the coated coil. The other coil acts as a reference, measuring
the baseline temperature. The difference in temperature between the two coils is proportional to
the gas concentration and is measured by the detector.
Infrared Sensors
Infrared sensors are used for detecting toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide,
and sulphur dioxide. These sensors work based on the principle of infrared absorption. Each
gas has a unique absorption spectrum in the infrared region, which means that it absorbs light
at specific wavelengths.
The detector emits an infrared beam of light that passes through the air and is reflected back to
the detector by a mirror. The gas molecules in the air absorb some of the infrared light, reducing
the amount of light that reaches the detector. The detector then measures the amount of light
absorbed and calculates the gas concentration.
Types of Gas Detectors
There are several types of gas detectors, including portable fixed detectors, and universal gas
detectors.
1. Portable Gas Detectors
Portable gas detectors are handheld devices that are used to detect gas leaks or concentrations
in the air. These devices are compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry around. They
are battery-operated and have a digital display that shows the gas concentration in parts per
million (ppm) or percentage of the lower explosive limit (LEL).
Portable gas detectors are commonly used by firefighters, gas utility workers, and emergency
responders.
Currently, the award-winning G7 gas detectors from Blackridge Solutions are recognized as the industry leader in portable gas detectors.
2. Fixed Gas Detectors
Fixed gas detectors are installed in a fixed location and are used to monitor gas concentrations
in an area continuously. These detectors are connected to a control panel that receives signals
from the detectors and activates alarms or shut-off valves if gas concentrations exceed a
predetermined level.
Fixed gas detectors are commonly used in industrial settings such as chemical plants, oil
refineries, and manufacturing facilities.
Currently, the award-winning EXO Area Monitor from Blackridge Solutions is recognized as the industry leader in fixed gas detectors
3. Ultrasonic Gas Detectors
Ultrasonic gas detectors use high-frequency sound waves to detect gas leaks. Ultrasonic gas
detectors work by emitting high-frequency sound waves that bounce off surfaces and are
reflected back to the detector. When a gas leak occurs, the sound waves are altered, and the
detector can detect the change in the frequency of the sound waves.
Ultrasonic gas detectors are commonly used in large industrial facilities, such as chemical
plants and oil refineries, where gas leaks can be catastrophic. These detectors are also useful
in detecting gas leaks in hard-to-reach areas or locations where other sensors may not work
effectively.
Conclusion
Gas detectors are essential safety devices that protect people and property from hazardous
gases. They work based on two primary principles of catalytic combustion and infrared
absorption. Catalytic combustion sensors detect combustible gases, while infrared sensors
detect toxic gases
.
Portable, fixed gas and universal gas detectors are the three main types of gas detectors, with
each having its specific applications. Understanding the principles of gas detection and how gas
detectors work can help keep you safe in hazardous environments.
Blackridge Solutions offers a variety of personal safety devices for lone workers. Our portable
gas detection devices are the perfect solution for those who want to keep their safety and
security a top priority. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can help
you keep your workplace safe and secure. [email protected] or (778) 686-5799
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