Wireless gas detection systems are designed to continuously monitor the toxic and combustible gas in the air. All the important and necessary data is collected from these sensors and assigned to a unique address. Certain wireless gas detection sensors are used to monitor gaseous detection without any programming or setup.
Wireless Gas Sensors
Sensors, on their most basic level, take a physical material and convert it to an electrical signal that can be easily read. These readings are measured using different systems and setups. Some use mercury to monitor the pressure and energy in a room, while other systems might use filters to read the concentration of specific elements. The following highlights the four basic types of wireless gas sensors in gas detectors that tackle the job of monitoring gas in commercial and/or industrial settings.
Catalytic Sensors
Catalytic Sensors are the most commonly used sensors in today’s market, mainly because of the ease in manufacturing and the high efficiency at which they operate. These sensors are designed mainly to detect the combustible gas hydrocarbon. Platinum treated wires are used in the manufacturing and when hydrocarbon gas passes through, catalytic oxidation occurs. The oxidation releases heat, which in turn changes the resistance – the ohms – in the wiring. When this reaches a specified point, the sensors sets off the alarms.
Infrared Sensors
These sensors use infrared light for the detection of hydrocarbon gases. A series of transmitters and receivers are lined up on the device and when the hydrocarbon vapors interfere with the transmission of light, the power in the device shifts. When these change, the sensor calculates the shift in power to determine the amount of hydrocarbons present in the air.
Electrochemical Sensors
Electrochemical sensors work to monitor the level of toxic gases present. Gases such as nitrogen oxide, monoxide, and chlorine are the main culprits. Electrodes along these sensors constantly monitor the parts per million of a gas in the air. When the amount is deemed unsafe, electric signals are sent to a monitoring base, usually a digital or LCD screen. Some even come equipped with “beeps” and “chirps” for areas with loud equipment.
Metal Oxide Semiconductors (MOS)
Metal oxide semiconductors (MOS) use chemical reactions to detect the presence of harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide. Tungsten or tin oxide films inside the sensors undergo chemical changes when they interact with carbon monoxide. When this happens, it triggers the alarm. One of the benefits of MOS sensors is that they are stable and reliable in relatively low humidity.
Like anything else, sensors need the same type of maintenance and care to prevent them from failing. Since most wireless detectors run off batteries, monthly tests to ensure the batteries are functioning properly and free of corrosion will keep all individuals within an area safe. In areas that receive a higher concentration of gases, recalibration and inspection of sensors are vital to optimal performance.