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. Here are some criteria for combustible gas detectors:

• High sensitivity from the ppm – range up to percent volume range (tapically LEL = Lower – Explosion – Limit).
• Specific to combustible gases.
• Stability against mechanical, electromagnetic or chemical stress.
• Long lifetime.
• Low energy consumption.
• Fast and easy calibration.
• Easy handling.

Combustible gas detection measuring methods

Gas There are different types of sensors, which can detect combustible gases in the market: Infrared, catalytic or semiconductor. Any of these sensors has its pros and cons. Selecting the right sensor for the detection of combustible gases depends on the intended application.

The right combustible gas detector for each application.

In combustible gas detection you want to know, if the atmosphere is combustible or not. Therefore the gas detector is normally calibrated to 0 – 100 % LEL, where the alarm thresholds are set to low concentrations such as 10 % LEL and 20 % LEL. This allows the plant safety team to take precautionary measures before the atmosphere can get explosive.

In industrial plants, a combustible gas alarm triggers an entire alarm chain. This may include alarming the fire brigade, up to triggering an automatic shut – down of the plant.

Compur monitors combustible gas detectors

Statox 501, Infratox, Statox 502, MC IR, LC IR, ARE, HRC, Micro 5 and Microclip cover all potential applications. Contact our specialists in order to get professional advice to select the most reliable instrument.