Sensitron
Sensitron
feed1 24/06/2024
Gas detection sensors: how they work




Gas detection sensors are designed to monitor the presence of specific gases in the environment and alert users in case of danger. There are different types of gas detection sensors, each using different technologies to detect the presence of various gases.

Gas detection sensors: the technologies

The different technologies used to detect gases vary depending on the application, the environment in which the detector is installed or even the possible presence of poisoning factors in the air. Sensitron detection systems use four different types of sensors:

  1. Catalytic sensor
    Catalytic gas detection uses a heated filament that catalyses the combustion of flammable gases. This process increases the temperature of the filament and changes its electrical resistance, enabling the correct detection of gases such as methane, propane or hydrogen.

  2. Infrared sensor
    Infrared technology is used to measure the absorption of infrared light by gas molecules; each gas, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) or other specific gases have a characteristic absorption that can be identified.

  3. Sensor with electrochemical cell
    Electrochemical cell sensors are based on chemical reactions that generate an electric current proportional to the concentration of the target gas and are suitable for the detection of toxic gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and oxygen (O2).

  4. PID sensor
    PID technology is used to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other inorganic gases in the air at very low concentrations by using ultraviolet light to ionise gas molecules in the air.

Gas detection sensors: pros and cons

The choice of technology for a gas detection sensor depends on several factors; each sensor has unique characteristics, which have advantages and disadvantages:

Catalytic sensors
  • Pros: Effective in detecting combustible gases in various concentrations, even at low percentages
  • Cons: Sensitive to poisoning by certain compounds that can reduce their effectiveness
  • Estimated lifetime: about 5 years
Infrared sensors
  • Pros: do not degrade over time due to exposure to target gases, offer long life and stability
  • Cons: more expensive, require accurate calibration for different gases
  • Estimated lifetime: over 5 years
Electrochemical cell sensors
  • Pros: high specificity for toxic gases, allow very accurate detection
  • Cons: life typically between 1 and 2 years, can be affected by changes in temperature and humidity
  • Estimated lifetime: about 3 years
PID sensors
  • Pros: highly sensitive, capable of detecting ppb gas concentrations
  • Cons: non-specific, detect a wide range of VOCs without distinguishing between them
  • Estimated lifetime: approx. 2 years

Discover our products

Our gas detection systems offer a safe and effective solution, ensuring accurate and timely measurements. Discover the product best suited to your needs:

  1. SMART 3G D2
    Suitable for detecting flammable substances, toxic gases, refrigerants and oxygen in classified areas.
    ATEX, IECEx and SIL2/3 certified

  2. SMART 3G D3
    Suitable for detection in classified areas,
    ATEX, IECEx and SIL2/3 certified, it enables non-intrusive field calibration.

  3. MULTISCAN ++S1/++S2
    Designed to meet the widest market demand for flexibility, they allow the management of up to 264 detectors.
    ATEX and SIL certified.

The use of Augmented Reality

Through the use of augmented reality it is possible to view our gas detectors in detail, open them to see the components and read technical details. 
Our detectors in augmented reality are available on Instagram.



Gas detection sensors: how they work