The Main Types of Toxic Gas Detectors and How They Work

Gas detectors are special kind of devices used to measure and indicate the level of gas concentration in the air by use of various technologies. These detectors are employed as part of a safety system, in that they detect toxic gas leakage and prevent exposure. They are interfaced with a control system which enables ongoing processes to be automatically shut down.

When dangerous levels of toxic gas are detected, the unit transmits warnings either via visible or audible signals such as flashing lights and alarms. Because of the danger posed by toxic gases, it’s critical for any plant with these gases to install gas detectors to avoid exposure. Also, the detectors must be in good, working condition.

Toxic gas detectors are also an important application for home and commercial safety.

Types of Toxic Gas Detectors

There are different types of gas detectors and the majority basically serve the same function, which is to monitor and warn the user of dangerous gas levels.

They can be classified according to the type of gas they detect, which can either be combustible or toxic. They are further classified according to the operating mechanism where catalytic and infrared detectors are used to detect combustible gases while electrochemical and metal oxide semiconductor sensors detect toxic gases.

Gas detectors are also available in different forms such as;

• Fixed Toxic Gas detectors which are mounted at strategic places where a leakage is likely to happen. These types of detectors are connected via cables to a central control system monitored by plant personnel. They may or may not have a display that shows the level of gas concentration.
• Portable Toxic Gas Detectors- Also known as handheld gas detectors, these types of detectors are used by plant operators to check for any leakage in specific areas. These types of detectors are usually battery-operated and have a local display with flashing lights and a buzzer to warn the operator of a leakage.
• Multigas Detectors- Modern units are used to detect more than one toxic or combustible gases simultaneously, or even a combination.

Toxic gas detectors basically provide an effective way of ensuring the safety of a specific area where dangerous gases are present.

The use of multi-gas detectors has particularly proven to be beneficial due to their ability to continuously detect several gases simultaneously. Installing such a high-tech unit is actually a great way to save money while ensuring maximum safety. Overall, these units are easy to use, require little maintenance, and are very reliable when correctly calibrated.