Detecting combustible gases

Many gases found in the industry are combustible and might even form an explosive mixture in air. The same applies to the oil exploration and production industry. Safe handling of combustible gases requires utmost care and best technology in order to avoid damage to assets or even danger to human life. Detection of combustible gases requires reliable instrumentation capable operating even in the roughest environment.

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Important factors for sensors

The following factors play a role to varying degrees:

High sensitivity from the ppm – range up to percent volume range (tapically LEL = Lower – Explosion – Limit)
Selectivity to combustible gases
High stability against mechanical, electrical and chemical influences
the longest possible service life
a low energy requirement
Simple and fast calibration at the longest possible intervals
ease of use
favourable pricing

Different measuring principles

The detectors of gas detectors work according to different principles such as heat tinting, infrared or semiconductors. They all have specific advantages and disadvantages that determine their suitability for certain applications. These should be carefully weighed up before making a purchase.

The right combustible gas detector for each application

A professional measuring device should detect flammable gases. You want to measure exactly what percentage of the lower explosion limit has already been reached. The absolute concentration is not decisive. You want to know whether the existing mixture is explosive or not. This is why the upper end of the measuring range is usually at 100 % LEL, but the alarm thresholds are already at 10 or 20 %, so that there is enough time to take measures to prevent an explosion and thus serious damage. In modern production plants, good integration into the process control system is crucial. The smooth functioning of the alarm chains is also very important. But the absolute avoidance of false alarms is also an important criterion.

Measuring flammable gases with the Compur series

With the Statox 501, Infratox, Statox 503, MC IR, LC IR, ARE, HRC, Micro 5 and Microclip devices, Compur covers all areas in which the measurement of flammable gases is required. Which device is best suited for which purpose should be clarified in a detailed consultation with the experts from the company, which has been developing and manufacturing products for this application for more than fifty years.