Sensor for Detecting Methane and Propane Gas Leaks

Mar 29, 2024

Gas sensors are essential devices utilized in fixed monitors or portable detectors to measure methane and propane content, detecting gas leakage in residential, commercial, industrial, and mining sectors. Safe usage of combustible gases like natural gas (mainly CH4), LPG (primarily propane and butane), and biogas significantly impacts family safety and social stability, mitigating the risk of gas-related accidents like fires and explosions.

Various types of combustible gas sensors are available, including those based on MOS-semiconductor, catalytic, infrared detection, and high-end TDLAS laser principles. Each sensor type offers specific features suitable for diverse applications.

Semiconductor Methane Propane Gas Sensor

The Semiconductor Methane Propane Gas Sensor utilizes Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (MOS) technology, employing a sensitive material SnO2 with lower conductivity in clean air. When flammable gases are present, the sensor's conductivity increases proportionally to the concentration of the gas. This change in conductivity can be converted into an output signal representing the gas concentration through a simple circuit. With a high sensitivity of Rs(in air)/Rs(in 5000ppmCH4)≥5 across a wide range (300-10000ppm CH4), the sensor also demonstrates resistance to interference from alcohol and other gases. Its compact size, cost-effectiveness, and long lifespan of 10 years make it ideal for home use. However, it may exhibit sensitivity to multiple types of gas, and its digital output may not provide exact concentration measurements.

Catalytic Methane Propane Gas Sensor

The Catalytic Methane Propane Gas Sensor operates on the principle of catalytic combustion, utilizing a Wheatstone bridge circuit. Its electric bridge comprises a test element and a compensate element. When exposed to combustible gases, the resistance of the test element increases, resulting in a proportional change in output voltage corresponding to the gas concentration. The compensate element serves as a reference, compensating for temperature and humidity variations to maintain detection accuracy. Compared to MOS sensors, catalytic sensors offer improved selectivity and stability, capable of detecting methane across the full range of 0-100% Lower Explosion Limit (LEL) and providing linear data output. With a smaller size and a typical lifespan of 5 years, catalytic sensors offer a cost-effective alternative to infrared technology, finding widespread use in civilian and commercial applications. Additionally, anti-explosion versions are available for operation in industrial and mining environments.

Infrared Methane Gas Sensor

Utilizing advanced infrared technology, this sensor offers unparalleled gas detection capabilities. Operating on the non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) principle, it boasts exceptional selectivity, independence from oxygen levels, and outstanding performance, with a remarkable lifespan of up to 10 years. Equipped with built-in temperature compensation, it ensures enhanced detection accuracy under varying conditions. Capable of detecting combustible gases within the optional range of 0~100%VOL/LEL, this sensor delivers high sensitivity, superior resolution, and low power consumption, with an average current of less than 100mA. With its impressive features, this sensor is an ideal choice for industrial applications, ensuring safety and precision in mining operations and process control systems.

TDLAS Laser Methane Gas Sensor

Employing cutting-edge laser spectral absorption detection technology, this sensor offers unmatched stability, reliability, and a service life exceeding 5 years. With robust corrosion resistance, it delivers precise performance with accuracy levels as high as ±3%LEL and exceptional resolution down to 0.2%LEL. Featuring rapid response times, low power consumption, and stable output data devoid of zero drift, it ensures dependable gas detection in diverse environments. Offering hassle-free operation, this product requires no calibration or maintenance, streamlining integration into various engineering applications. TDLAS technology surpasses traditional infrared sensors in performance, making it the preferred choice for high-end residential kitchens, commercial establishments, and industrial gas safety systems. It effectively addresses the fault alarm issues encountered with other sensor types, establishing itself as the most reliable solution for petroleum, chemical, mining, natural gas pipeline, LPG stations, coal mine safety monitoring, underground pipe networks, marsh gas detection, and related safety and testing applications.

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