Gas Sensors: A Real Necessity!

Published On: November 2022

A practical and robust electronic device is installed to detect harmful leakages from toxic gases in manufacturing units, factories, and residential homes to prevent severe damage from the outburst of toxic elements. This life-saving electronic device is called a gas sensor or gas detector that detects smoke and alarms users before any incident occurs.

Functioning of Gas Sensors

Gas sensors are either portable or fixed units; they signal a gas leakage or harmful smoke, and a few detectors also check the humidity level. When the pressure flow exceeds a particular limit, it sends an alarm sound, light, or a combination of both. These gas sensors can detect multiple gas smells by measuring the gas concentration in the air. Once the sensor detects the concentration above the pre-set level, it triggers an alarm regarding a leakage.

Criteria Before Choosing a Gas Sensor

Although all sensors sense the hazardous gas in the atmosphere, their calibrations differ for each purpose, and the resistance level alters as per the area in which it must be placed. Hence, once these criteria are ascertained of the type of gas, the detector must sense the surrounding in which it must be kept. The pre-set level of an alarming situation occurs, a suitable sensor can be installed, and the purpose of the detector’s accuracy, quick response, and stability of the sensor can be met.

Each sensor operates for different reasons. As per the purpose of its installation, gas sensors are classified as metal oxide, infrared sensor, photoionization, semiconductor, and laser detectors. For instance, most of these gas leakages at home happen through an explosion of LPG gas cylinders due to improper fixing of the regulator or the slightest crack in the hose pipe because of wear and tear or poor weather condition, or a mistake of a switch left unopened. As a result, a fire can explore the venue. In such cases, WSN (Wireless Sensor Network) is used to prevent the happening of such an event. Arduino UNO is fitted with more advanced technology to detect leakage. If in a moment, no person acts, then the sensor, the device itself, triggers an alarm to self, and the LPG cylinder valve is automatically turned off for more safety of the user. At the same time, a message is passed on to the user’s contact number regarding the leakage.

Gas Sensors Applications

Gas sensors are to be used in any case at all places as unforeseen situations can arise anytime for anybody. Primarily they are used for,

Industries like pharmaceutical manufacturing units and paper factories where there is a chance of gas leakage. The ill effects could be higher to the enterprise’s owner for its damage to the department, machinery, staff, and the employees present in the team during the leakage.

Households to determine the harmful gas in the environment.

In hotels, to prevent customers from smoking for the safety of all.

In oil rigs and refineries to detect flammable, toxic, lower oxygen levels.

Aircraft to prevent the risk of explosion from the fuel tank.

Are Gas Sensors Important to Use?

Gas exposure can be permanent medical damage to the person affected by it, like brain-related problems, miscarriage, or in the worst cases, even death of a person. Hence, our safety and the safety of our surroundings, including animals, and plants, are in our hands; a wise decision to use technology and install gas sensors can prevent many explosions and unhappenings.

Damages Caused by Gas Leakage

Be it damage on a small scale or colossal damage, gas leakage affects our lives in more than one way. The financial loss is often converted through insurance, but the fear and the toll on our mental health remain for longer. Some of the incidents that have shaken us are:

Nord Stream gas pipeline leak event in September 2022

Delhi gas leak event n 2017 where around 450 children were hospitalized for inhalation of harmful gas

Gas leak in a chemical plant in Vishakhapatnam affecting 1000+ people.

A massive gas leak in California, Los Angeles, emitted 100000 tonnes of Methane gas in 2016 is one of the most significant leaks in US history

Demand for Gas Sensors

History says it all, and cases of gas explosions increase on a scale that is even more difficult to digest. Hence, the numbers make the market of gas sensors grow in higher numbers for both industrial and personal use. The gas sensors market is expected to register a CAGR of 8% from 2033 to 2030. A small and super productive gas sensor device that works wonders and saves a life is worth more than a repent later of pain and grief.