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RLGD-100 Remote Methane Laser Detector: An Overview

Methane gas is dangerous. But without a remote methane detector, how will you know if this deadly gas is present? Discover how the RLGD-100 from DOD Technologies, Inc. can keep your property safe.

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The Four Varieties Of Portable Gas Detector

Dangerous gas leaks are a very real and scary situation. They are common enough to warrant certain precautions and technologies, including the use of portable gas detectors. There are a wide variety of different gases that could pose a threat, and there are four basic types of gas detectors to address them. These include catalytic combustion, electrochemical (ECHEM), infrared (IR) and photoionization detectors (PID). To familiarize yourself with what these are and what they do, this article will cover the four varieties of portable gas detector.

Catalytic Combustion The catalytic combustible sensor will be able to measure combustible gases that go to 100% of the LEL. The LEL monitor is used to detect levels of combustible gases are solvent Vapors that may be hazardous. This is generally turned LEL or lower explosive limit. Catalytic combustion gas detectors well work when a combustible gas interacts with a catalyst surface that is oxidized. Heat is released in the temperature of the catalyst when its pellet and coil rise. Electrochemical (ECHEM) The electrochemical sensor otherwise known as Echem, is used 2 detect the presence of toxic gases and oxygen. An electrochemical sensor resembles a small battery and can be used for gases like carbon monoxide and chlorine. This operates when a chemical component that is required to create an electric current is realized to not be in a sensor cell. Targeted gases will then be diffused in a membrane located at the top of a sensor that reacts with chemicals on a sensitive electrode that generates their right electrical current. This is then measured and displayed, and if no dangerous hazards are detected, nothing happens and no electrical current is generated. Infrared (IR) Because some gases do not react to these detection methods other solutions had to be devised. Carbon dioxide is a gas that cannot be detected with electrochemical processes. Infrared sensors are often used to detect these gases or hydrocarbons, and will operate in a different way. Infrared sensors measure the amount of gas by how much light is absorbed rather than by a specific chemical reaction. The light is passed through and must match a specific wavelength that is easily absorbed commonly by the gas that is possibly detected. Because they are more complex, infrared sensors can often have a higher price tag, but will also have a longer shelf life. Photoionization Detectors (PID) The presence of what is now known as volatile organic compounds is also a danger that has been solved with the use of portable gas detection. These specific gases are normally the result of industrial compounds like toluene and isobutylene. These are toxic at low concentration by in cases of long-term exposure can be harmful. The photoionization detector will use a specific chemical property similar to the volatile organic compound in question. This uses a light source to ionize and disperse electrons off of the gas molecules. After this, it goes through two plates that are charged and separate the ions from the freed electrons. As these ions move towards the plates a measured electrical current is then generated and the ionized molecules then convert into a reading that shows on the face of the instrument. The costs of these gas detectors can range depending on which variety and what the application is. Commonly, something like an H2S gas monitor will be in the neighborhood of $90 all the way up to $625. Others can range as high as $2,000 if they are high-end and for a very specialized function. Regardless if you are looking for catalytic combustion, electrochemical, infrared or photo is ionization detector, there are many different purposes for each of these varieties of portable gas detector. Make sure you understand what your specific needs may be and if you need something as simple as an H2S gas monitor or something more complex like a full gas detection system. This little bit of prevention will allow you two have welcome peace of mind wherever you may live or work.