Saturday, January 14, 2012

The Various Types Of Gas Leak Detection Instruments

By Stuart Fryer


Gas leak detectors are devices that are installed in nearly every home in much of the developed world. Many of us are conversant with these technologies in the form of carbon monoxide detectors, however there are many different types of gas detectors on the market, the majority of which are employed in business processes rather than in homes and offices.

While carbon monoxide is indeed one of the gases that the detectors in use in industrial and commercial environments may test for, this is just one of a big number of different gases which presents a potential risk. There are several kinds of toxic gas detector products designed for different purposes. Not every toxic gas detector is capable of identifying and measuring the levels of most likely poisonous, inflammable or explosive gases; the type of detector used in a stated application will rely a good deal on the particulars of the process or processes being performed in the facility in question.

So what are the differing kinds of gas leak detectors on the market - here is an intro to the most well liked and well used devices:

Infrared Sensors:

These gas detectors operate by measuring the energy lost by infrared radiation as it passes through gaseous substances. Different gases absorb more or less energy from the infrared spectrum, permitting leaks to be spotted as well as the type of gas leak in question - which makes it superb for environments where several different types of most likely unsafe gas leaks are a real possibility. These detectors are literally capable of measuring a wider range of gases than some other types can and have the advantage of having the ability to be used without needing to be directly in the leak's gas stream.

Ultrasonic Gas Leak Detectors:

This kind of detector works by measuring the background noise present in the environment where it is employed. These instruments are really capable of finding small changes in these frequencies and alert personnel to the leak. They are most suitable for use outside, for example on offshore petroleum platforms and energy generation stations with intensive out of doors facilities.

Semiconductors:

A semiconductor-based gas detector works by measuring a reaction between the sensor (customarily tin dioxide) and the gas being detected. This reaction causes a change in the resistance of the sensor material - this is the same principle on which the carbon monoxide detectors common in homes and businesses are based.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment