Combustible gas detectors are an important safety component for many industrial applications. They are designed to help ensure the health and safety of employees and reduce the risk of costly accidents. The quality and cost of these systems can vary significantly, however. Poorly performing detectors often lead to inaccurate readings and false alarms. This can hinder productivity and create a distrust of the system.

One of the most common combustible gas detection methods is the catalytic bead sensor. These sensors use Pt/Pd (platinum/palladium) catalyst beads and a flame arrestor to monitor combustible gases. When power is applied, the beads heat up and the sensor will illuminate if there are combustible gas concentrations present. The bead-based sensor is less sensitive to volatile and heavier-than-air chemicals.

“Stay Safe: How a Combustible Gas Detector Works

Another type of combustible gas detector uses semiconductors to detect gases. These are also known as metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) sensors. They work by shining two light sources at different wavelengths through a sample mixture. The two beams then enter a detector and are reflected back to the source. The strength of the returned beam is proportional to the concentration of the sample.

The detector then compares the returning beam to a reference signal and produces an output based on the difference. These types of detectors are ideal for monitoring larger spaces or a wide area, as they can measure the entire atmosphere and not just a single point. Alternatively, they can be used in conjunction with other sensors, such as infrared or optical, to detect specific chemicals or gases.