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How Do Gas Detectors Work?

Houston, TX - March 2022 – Many industrial environments are vulnerable to toxic chemicals and gases. These facilities must install devices to ensure safety, such as gas detectors. A gas detector is a safety device that measures and detects hazardous gas concentration in an environment. In case of a gas concentration reaching higher than normal levels, it triggers an alarm to alert workers. Since the safety of human lives and property relies on the accurate functioning of such devices, it is best to buy them from reliable providers. For instance, Green Light Safety offers efficient gas detection equipment rental in Houston.

 

Role of a gas detector

Many gases are invisible and odorless. Working in close proximity to places with hazardous levels of industrial gases can cause severe health damage to your workers. Common indications of gas leaks are -

 

  • Fatigue
  • Light-headedness
  • Abdominal pain
  • Loss of muscle control
  • Nausea
  • Rotten egg smell (after being exposed to toxic gas for far too long)

A gas detector is quick to identify the presence of harmful gases before one even experiences any physical symptoms. When the level of toxic gases is higher than permissible levels, the detector alerts the people by triggering a warning alarm. As is evident, the primary role of a gas detector is to support safety precautions by monitoring the level of gas in the atmosphere.

 

How a gas detector works

A gas detector uses a scaling system to work. When the concentration of harmful gases crosses the scale's maximum level, it triggers an alarm. For accurate measurement, the device must be in working condition. Ensure suitable maintenance and repair of these gas detectors for the same. The detectors identify two kinds of gases, toxic and flammable ones. The devices are able to function accurately with the help of the following gas sensor technologies.

 

Catalytic sensors

A majority of the gas detector devices today have catalytic sensors. It uses catalytic oxidation to identify combustible gases. The sensor of this device is made from a platinum treated wire coil, which allows it to detect the gas. The second wire serves as a compensating factor. The flammable gas gets oxidized by touching the catalyst surface, raising the wire resistance. Also, the resistance of the compensating factor does not change; it is used to adjust for variations in environmental circumstances. It is important to note that these sensors will not function in zero- or low-oxygen environments as they require a specific amount of oxygen to ignite the flammable gas.

 

Infrared sensors

These sensors detect flammable gases, especially hydrocarbon gas, using a transmitters and receivers system. It uses light sources and light detectors as transmitters and receivers, respectively. If there is any alteration in the light signals on returning, the gas detector determines the gas in the area.

 

Electrochemical sensors

To detect toxic gases like carbon monoxide, electrochemical sensors are used. These detectors sense the electrodes in the atmosphere and use the electrical currents to send an alert.

 

About: Are you looking to buy gas detectors in Houston, TX? Green Light Safety is one of the well-known providers and also offers services for gas detection equipment rental. With the experience of more than 15 years, they provide reliable services to their clients. To know more, you can call them at (832) 262-9931.