Gas Sensors
A gas sensor It is a device designed to detect the presence and concentration of specific gases in the environment. These sensors are essential in various industries to ensure safety, monitor processes and control air quality.
The operation of a gas sensor varies depending on its type, but generally involves an interaction between the target gas and a sensitive element of the sensor, which produces a measurable change (such as a variation in electrical resistance, current, or light absorption) that correlates with the concentration of the gas.
Types of Gas Sensors
- Catalytic Sensors: They detect combustible gases through a chemical reaction that generates heat, altering the resistance of the sensor. They are common in the detection of gases such as methane, propane and butane.
- Electrochemical Sensors: They use chemical reactions to detect toxic gases such as carbon monoxide or hydrogen sulfide. The interaction of the gas with the sensor produces an electric current proportional to the concentration of the gas.
- Infrared Sensors (NDIR): They measure the concentration of gases such as carbon dioxide by absorbing infrared light at a specific wavelength. The amount of light absorbed indicates the concentration of the gas.
- Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) Sensors: They detect gases such as ammonia or ethanol by measuring changes in the electrical conductivity of a semiconductor material when it interacts with the target gas.
- Ultrasonic Sensors: They detect gas leaks by emitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. The presence of a leak alters the characteristics of the waves, allowing their detection.
