Measuring Methane with Compur Monitors gas detectors

Methane, CH₄, is the simplest alkane. Due to the small size of this molecule, it is a gas at normal temperature. Mixed with air it will form an explosive mixture in a concentration range between 4,4 – 17,0 %.  Methane occurs naturally in mines and deep – sea deposits. It is an import fuel for heating and transportation. It is estimated that worldwide Methane deposits exceed crude oil deposits by far.

Methane is also produced in fermentation and fowling processes as well as in the lifestock farming industry. When entering waste water installations, ducts, channels manholes or drains the atmosphere must be monitored for Methane. It must be detected with professional Methane gas detectors, because humans have no sense to detect it: It is invisible and odorless.

Methane can be dangerous

Methane itself is not toxic, but high concentrations are suffocative. The biggest hazards are potential explosions. White damp in mines is dreaded. But also leaks in storage or manufacturing facilities are extremely dangerous. In history miners took canaries into the mine as a primitive gas detector. These small organisms were extremely sensitive to Methane. So, if the poor bird fell of the twig it was high time to leave the mine.

Modern Methane detectors

Methane can be detected with infrared absorption or catalytic sensors. The gas detector portfolio of Compur Monitors comprises the following Menthane detectors: Statox 501, Infratox, Statox 502, MC IR, LC IR, ARE, HRC, Micro 5 and Microclip.