Gas Detection Systems

 

A gas detector is a device which detects the presence of various gases within an area. Equipment is used to detect a gas leak and interface with a control system so a process can be automatically shut down. A gas detector can also sound an alarm to operators in the area where the leak is occurring, giving them the opportunity to leave the area. 

 

Gas detectors can be used to detect combustible, flammable and toxic gases, and oxygen depletion. Originally, detectors were produced to detect a single gas, but modern units may detect several toxic or combustible gases, or even a combination of both types. Newer gas analyzers can break up the component signals from a complex aroma to identify several gases simultaneously.

 

Fixed type gas detectors may be used for detection of one or more gas types. Fixed type detectors are generally mounted near the process area of a plant or control room, or an area to be protected, such as a residential bedroom.

 

Electrochemical

 

Electrochemical gas detectors work by allowing gases to diffuse through a porous membrane to an electrode where it is either chemically oxidized or reduced. The amount of current produced is determined by how much of the gas is oxidized at the electrode, indicating the concentration of the gas. 

 

Infrared point

 

Infrared (IR) point sensors use radiation passing through a known volume of gas; energy from the sensor beam is absorbed at certain wavelengths, depending on the properties of the specific gas. This type of sensor is advantageous because it does not have to be placed into the gas itself in order to detect it, but can be used for remote sensing. Infrared point sensors can be used to detect hydrocarbons and other infrared active gases such as water vapor and carbon dioxide.