Gas Detection

Different types, advantages and disadvantages

Remember
• A Gas is a substance that is normally in gaseous state at ordinary
temperature and pressure.
• Vapor is a gaseous form of a substance that is liquid or solid at
ordinary temperature and pressure.

• Classifications of gases according to their associated hazards are:

1. Combustible gases (Methane (CH4) , Hydrogen (H2))
2. Toxic gases (Carbon monoxide (CO); Hydrogen sulphide (H2S))
3. Asphyxiate (Nitrogen (N2); carbon dioxide (C02))

Note that many gases fall into all three-hazard categories. For example, carbon
monoxide is combustible, toxic and asphyxiates in nature.
 Remember
• For Combustible gases, detectors monitors %LEL of the gases.
• LEL/LFL : Low explosive limit / Low flammable limit.
• HEL/HFL : High explosive limit / High flammable limit.

Each gas has its own

combustion zone.
 Remember
• A fixed combustible gas detector measures the concentration of a
combustible gas in air, but the detector does not display the gas
concentration as a percentage by volume in air.
• Instead, the detector displays the gas concentration as a percentage of the
lower explosive limit (% LEL).

• Typical alarm settings are:

Low alarm = 20% LEL,
High alarm = 40% LEL,
High-High alarm = 60% LEL
Remember

• Toxic Gases are measured by PPM (Parts “Molecule” of toxic gas per
million Parts “Molecule” of Air)
• Could be measured in mg/m3 with the input of molecular weight of
the gas.
• Each toxic gas will have a different effect on the human body.
• The severity of the toxic gas effect is usually dependent on both the
concentration of the gas present, and the time of exposure.
Remember

• The problem of Asphyxia is caused by a lack of oxygen for the body to

use.
• Rather than measuring the concentration of unwanted gas, it is more
usual to measure the oxygen level to check that it is between
acceptable limits. (18- 20.8%)
• Alarm levels are generally set at 19%.
What is a gas sensor?
• A transducer is any device that converts one form of energy to
another.
• A gas sensor is a transducer that detects gas molecules and which
produces an electrical signal with a magnitude proportional to the
concentration of the gas.
• Unlike other types of measurement, types that are relatively
straightforward and deal with voltage, temperature, and humidity,
the measurement of gases is much more complicated.
What is a gas sensor?

• Because there are literally hundreds of different gases, and there is a

wide array of diverse applications in which these gases are present,
each application must implement a unique set of requirements.

• For example, some applications may require the detection of one

specific gas, while eliminating readings from other background gases.
Conversely, other applications may require a quantitative value of the
concentration of every gas present in the area.
 Types of Gas Sensors
• There are many different technologies currently available for the
detection of gases, each with certain advantages and disadvantages.
 Combustible Gas Detection
1- Catalytic bead sensors
• Catalytic = ‫ يحفز‬/ ‫عامل حفاز‬
• It is the most popular sensing method for Combustible Hydrocarbon
(CHC) gases.
• It is simple, reliable, and inexpensive.
• In a variety of industries as single-point detectors for combustible gases.

• Catalytic gas detectors are based upon the principle that when gas
oxidizes it produces heat, and the sensor converts the temperature
change via a standard Wheatstone Bridge-type circuit to a sensor signal
that is proportional to the gas concentration.
 Combustible Gas Detection
1- Catalytic bead sensors
• The sensor components consist of a pair of heating coils (reference and
active).
• The active element is embedded in a catalyst. The reaction takes place
on the surface of the catalyst, with combustible gases reacting
exothermically ‫ تفاعل طارد للحرارة‬with oxygen in the air to raise its
temperature. This results in a change of resistance.
 Combustible Gas Detection
1- Catalytic bead sensors
• There is also a reference element providing an inert reference signal by
remaining non-responsive to gas, thereby acting as a stable baseline
signal to compensate for environmental changes which would otherwise
affect the sensor’s temperature.

Advantages
• Robust & Simple to operate.
• Easy to install, calibrate and use.
• Long life with a low replacement cost.
• Proven technology with exceptional reliability and predictability.
• Can perform more reliably in dusty & dirty atmospheres (not as sensitive as
optics).
• Are less sensitive to humidity and condensation.
• Can detect most combustible hydrocarbons.
 Combustible Gas Detection
1- Catalytic bead sensors
Disadvantages
• Catalysts can become poisoned or inactive due to contamination
(chlorinated & silicone compounds, prolonged exposure to H2S and
other sulfur &/or corrosive compounds).
• The only means of identifying detector sensitivity loss is by
checking with the appropriate gas on a routine basis and
recalibrating as required. (Not as simple as IR optics check)
• Requires oxygen for detection.
• Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of combustible gas may
degrade sensor performance.
• If flooded with a very high gas concentration, may show
erroneously low or no response, and sensor may be damaged.
Combustible Gas Detection
1- Catalytic bead sensors
Combustible Gas Detection
1- Catalytic bead sensors
 Combustible Gas Detection
2- Point Infrared sensors
• The Infrared (IR) detection method is based upon the absorption of
infrared radiation at specific wavelengths as it passes through a volume
of gas.

• Typically two infrared light sources and an infrared light detector

measures the intensity of two different wavelengths, one at the
absorption wavelength and one outside the absorption wavelength.

• If a gas intervenes between the source and the detector, the level of
radiation falling on the detector is reduced. Gas concentration is
determined by comparing the relative values between the two
wavelengths. This is a dual beam infrared detector.
Combustible Gas Detection
2- Point Infrared sensors
Combustible Gas Detection
2- Point Infrared sensors
 Combustible Gas Detection
2- Point Infrared sensors
• Infrared gas detection is based upon the ability of some gases to absorb
IR radiation. Many hydrocarbons absorb IR at approximately 3.4
micrometers.
• As mentioned earlier, there are some hydrocarbons and other
flammable gases that have poor or no response on a general purpose IR
sensor.
• In addition to aromatics and acetylene, hydrogen, ammonia and carbon
monoxide also cannot be detected using IR technology with general
purpose sensors of 3.4 micron specifications.
• Detectors have Optical components (e.g., lenses, filters, reflectors, and
signal interruption devices).
 Combustible Gas Detection
2- Point Infrared sensors
• Very short distance or path (e.g., 15cm) between the IR source and the
detector.
• Used for early detection of combustible gas leaks, and are often
installed near potential leak sites (e.g., valves).
• Most IR point detectors have a capsule-like outer housing that contains
the IR source, receiver, and built-in IR reflectors and filters.
• Gas enters the detector through a tube in the housing
Combustible Gas Detection
2- Point Infrared sensors
 Combustible Gas Detection
2- Point Infrared sensors
Advantages
• Immunity to contamination and poisoning. (unlike catalytic it can be
detected by optics when 2 wavelengths are absorbed). Fail-to-safe
technology
• Consumables (source and detector) tend to outlast catalytic sensors.
• Can be calibrated less often than a catalytic detector.
• Ability to operate in the absence of oxygen.
• Ability to operate in continuous presence of gas.
• Even when flooded with gas, will continue to show high reading and
sensor will not be damaged.
• Able to detect at levels above 100 % LEL.
 Combustible Gas Detection
2- Point Infrared sensors
Disadvantages
• The initial higher cost per point. IR detectors typically are more
expensive than catalytic detectors at initial purchase.
• Higher spare parts cost.
• Gases that do not absorb IR energy (such as hydrogen) are not
detectable. Ex. acetylene, hydrogen, ammonia and carbon monoxide
• High humidity and dusty field environments can increase IR detector
maintenance costs.
• Temperature range for detector use is limited compared to catalytic
detectors.
• May not perform well where multiple gases are present.
 Combustible Gas Detection
3- Open Path Infrared detectors
• Pretty much the same concept of the IR point gas detector with the
exception that the transmitter and receiver are installed apart from
each other with significant distance up to 120 meters.
• Used to monitor large areas or perimeters of facilities for combustible
gases but limited in measuring gases that don’t absorb IR “Hydrogen”.
 Combustible Gas Detection
3- Open Path Infrared detectors
• The gas concentration output for open path detectors is expressed in
ppm meters (parts per million of combustible gas times the path length
in meters) or LEL meters (a hazardous gas level).
 Combustible Gas Detection
3- Open Path Infrared detectors
 Combustible Gas Detection
3- Open Path Infrared detectors
Applications
• Used to detect combustible hydrocarbon gases, such as: methane,
ethane, propane, butane, pentane, hexane
• Detect one or more combustible gases, depending on type and model

Advantages
• Same as Point IR detector
• Other advantages are :
- Do not require regular field calibration
- Can be easily tested using flexible plastic filters
- Can monitor relatively large areas
 Combustible Gas Detection
3- Open Path Infrared detectors
Disadvantages
• The main limitation of IR combustible
gas detectors is their relatively high
purchase cost in comparison to catalytic
detectors.
• High humidity and dusty field environments
can increase IR detector maintenance costs.
 Combustible Gas Detection
4- Acoustic / Ultrasonic gas detectors
• Ultrasonic gas leak detectors detect outdoor hydrocarbon gas leaks by
sensing the distinct high frequency acoustic ultrasound emitted by all
high-pressure gas leaks.
• Based on sophisticated microphone gas sensing technology, acoustic gas
detectors only need to detect the sound of the leaking gas in order to
operate.
 Combustible Gas Detection
4- Acoustic / Ultrasonic gas detectors
 Combustible Gas Detection
4- Acoustic / Ultrasonic gas detectors
Advantages
• Ultrasonic gas leak detectors can detect gas leaks as small as 0.1kg/sec at
distances up to 12m from the leak source.
• Responds to the source of the hydrocarbon release, not the effect of the
release.
• Can detect ultrasonic noise generated from gas releases in open, well-
ventilated areas.
• A single detector can cover a relatively large area of process plant or
pipework -up to 10 m radius.
• No calibration drift.
• They appear to be able to withstand significant contamination and require
little maintenance.
• Current developments include EX enclosure rating, analogue output and a self
test facility.
 Combustible Gas Detection
4- Acoustic / Ultrasonic gas detectors
Disadvantages
• Can not give an indication of gas concentration.
• It cannot detect accumulations of gas in enclosed areas.
• Also, following cessation of a leak, would not give an indication of gas
still present within the area.
• Susceptible to interference from continuous and short timescale
background ultrasonic noise.
• Will detect both toxic and flammable gas releases. (No discrimination)
• Will not respond to low pressure sources of flammable or toxic gas such
as vaporization de-pressurized liquids.
 Combustible Gas Detection
4- Acoustic / Ultrasonic gas detectors
• Acoustic ultrasound is generated when gas escapes from a leak. The
ultrasound is generated when the gas travels from high pressure to a
lower pressure at the speed of sound.
• A process plant environment can be very noisy -e.g. Due to machinery,
wind, and people working. Most of the noise is so called low frequency
noise in the audible frequency spectrum (20-15000 Hz).
• The ultrasonic gas leak detector efficiently filters out these noises.
However, there will always be a small amount of ultrasound mixed into
the low frequency background noise.
• To prevent this small amount of ultrasound from triggering the detector,
it is necessary to adjust the sensitivity of the detector to be above the
ultrasonic background noise for every installation site.
 Toxic Gas Detection
For toxic gases, it is critical that the detection system initiate alarms
before personnel are likely to be harmed. The detector must be able to:

• Detect the gas before gas concentrations exceed the Permissible

Exposure Limits
• Provide real-time signals to the controller or PLC (i.e., no significant
delay between the time the air is sampled and the time the controller
receives the signal).
• For highly toxic gases, a delayed signal could result in fatalities.
• Because the structure, composition, size, and toxicity of toxic gas
molecules are highly variable, no single detector technology is suitable
for detecting every type of gas.
 Toxic Gas Detection
5- Electrochemical gas detectors
• Electrochemical sensors are highly sensitive, and so are ideal for the
detection of low levels of toxic gases.

• It uses an electrochemical reaction to generate a current proportional to

the gas concentration.
• Like a battery, its sensor is a chamber containing a gel (Electrolyte) and
two active electrodes, the measuring electrode (anode) and the counter
electrode (Cathode).
• A third electrode (Reference) is used to build up a constant voltage
between the anode and the cathode.
 Toxic Gas Detection
5- Electrochemical gas detectors
 Toxic Gas Detection
5- Electrochemical gas detectors
 Toxic Gas Detection
5- Electrochemical gas detectors
• The gas sample enters the casing through a membrane, oxidization occurs at the anode and
reduction takes place at the cathode.
• When the positive ions flow to the cathode and the negative ions flow to the anode, a
current proportional to the gas concentration is generated.
• Used for sensing multiple types of toxic and non-toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide, sulfur
dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, chlorine, ammonia, and oxygen

• Electrochemical detectors are typically used for detecting:

–Ammonia in refrigeration plants and cold storage facilities
–Chlorine in water treatment facilities
–Oxygen in hospitals, confined spaces, and process areas where combustible gases are monitored
–Nitrogen in hospitals and packaging facilities
–Ethylene oxide in fruit storage/ripening warehouses
–Sulfur dioxide in emissions stacks at chemical processing facilities
 Toxic Gas Detection
5- Electrochemical gas detectors
Advantages
• Accurate and repeatable results
• Can detect many different gases. different sensors are used for different
target gases.
• Require less frequent calibration than some other detectors (can go up
to 90 days between calibrations)
• Consume relatively low amounts of electricity
 Toxic Gas Detection
5- Electrochemical gas detectors
Disadvantages
• Cannot operate in oxygen-deficient environments
• Operate over a narrow temperature range. The electrolyte may freeze in very
cold conditions or evaporate in very hot conditions.
• High humidity reduces the sensor’s sensitivity
• Most of the sensors have a short shelf life and relatively short service life (2-
year range)
• Cross sensitivity. The presence of non-target gases may impair accuracy of
detector readings for the target gas. For example, a chlorine gas detector:
–May produce inaccurately low chlorine readings when hydrogen sulfide is present
–May produce inaccurately high chlorine readings when nitrogen dioxide is present
 Toxic Gas Detection
5- Electrochemical gas detectors
Disadvantages
• Cannot detect very low gas concentrations (ppb range)
• Silicone sprays may coat the detector membrane and prevent the target
gas from reaching the sensor.
• Some types of industrial spray compounds may cause false alarms in
some models
• Can be contaminated by cleaning agents and alcohols
• Can be desensitized by prolonged or excessive exposure to toxic gas
 Toxic Gas Detection
6- Metallic Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) Detectors

• Made of metal oxide that changes resistance in response to the

presence of a gas. This change is measured and translated to a
concentration reading.
 Toxic Gas Detection
6- Metallic Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) Detectors
• A semiconducting material (Metal oxide) is applied to a non-conducting substance
(Substrate) between two electrodes.
• The substrate is heated to a temperature at which the presence of the gas can cause
a reversible change in the conductivity of the semi-conducting material.
• When no gas is present, oxygen is ionized onto the surface and the sensor becomes
semi-conductive.
• When molecules of the gas of interest are present,
they replace the oxygen ions, decreasing the resistance
between the electrodes.
• This change is measured and it is proportional to the
concentration of the gas being measured.
 Toxic Gas Detection
6- Metallic Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) Detectors
Advantages

• Accurate and repeatable results when regularly calibrated

• Depending on the make and model, reliable
–In humid atmospheres
–In high concentrations of toxic gas
–Over a wide range of temperatures, including up to 75°C
–Less prone to cross interference gases compared to electrochemical sensors
• Long service life (up to 10 years for some models)
 Toxic Gas Detection
6- Metallic Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) Detectors
Disadvantages

• Require regular and frequent calibration (e.g., once per month). A

sensor that has not been calibrated according to the recommended
schedule may fail to detect the toxic gas (zero–drift effect).
• cannot detect very low gas concentrations (ppb range)
• consume relatively high amounts of electricity
• signal output diminishes over the detector’s service life
 Toxic Gas Detection
7- Ultraviolet or IR toxic gas detector

• Ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) toxic gas detectors operate on the
basis that different toxic gases absorb different wavelengths of
electromagnetic energy
 Toxic Gas Detection
7- Ultraviolet or IR toxic gas detector
• Optical detection systems include:
–A source of Ultraviolet and/or infrared energy
–A receiver of electromagnetic energy (sensor)
–An energy path (area between the source and receiver) that is open to the target toxic gas
–Optical components (e.g., lenses, filters, reflectors, and signal interruption devices)

• Optical detectors have filters (either at the source or the receiver) that
provide:
–an absorption band (wavelengths that only the target toxic gas can absorb)
–a reference band (wavelengths that the toxic gas cannot absorb)
 Toxic Gas Detection
7- Ultraviolet or IR toxic gas detector
The Fixed UV open path detector:

• Fixed UV open-path detectors have

long energy paths—up to 100m (325 ft.).
• Used to monitor toxic gas in large areas
and perimeters of facilities
• An open-path detector consists of two
parts that are mounted separately:
a UV source and a sensor/receiver
 Toxic Gas Detection
7- Ultraviolet or IR toxic gas detector
The Fixed UV open path detector:

• Although IR point detectors can detect many combustible gases, IR point detectors
can only detect two toxic gases:
– carbon monoxide
– carbon dioxide

• UV open-path detectors can detect a limited number of toxic gases, including:

–ammonia
–oxygen
–hydrogen sulfide
–carbon dioxide
 Toxic Gas Detection
7- Ultraviolet or IR toxic gas detector
Advantages

• Used in oxygen-deficient atmospheres

• Highly specific for toxic gases that can be detected
• Not poisoned by contaminants or desensitized by exposure to high gas
concentrations
• Less frequent calibration required for point type detectors
• Continuously self-check optics. if optics are impaired, the system displays a
malfunction instead of an incorrect reading
• Open-path UV detectors:
–Do not require regular calibration and hence convenient for difficult-to-access locations
–Monitor relatively large areas
 Toxic Gas Detection
7- Ultraviolet or IR toxic gas detector
Disadvantages

• Can only detect a few toxic gases

• Cannot detect very low gas concentrations (ppb range)
• Higher purchase costs for open-path UV detectors compared to some other
types of detectors
 Toxic Gas Detection
8- Paper Tape (Chemcassette) toxic gas detector

• Used for applications where it is critical to detect very

low concentrations of toxic gases (in the ppb range).

• All paper tape detectors have two essential

components:
–Colorimetric tape––paper tape that is impregnated with
a chemical that changes color in the presence of the target gas
–An optical sensor––a photocell that detects and interprets
(reads) the intensity of the color on the tape
 Toxic Gas Detection
8- Paper Tape (Chemcassette) toxic gas detector
 Toxic Gas Detection
8- Paper Tape (Chemcassette) toxic gas detector

• The colorimetric tape is fed through the detector (see figure).

• The detector draws a sample of air through a tube and directs the
air across the tape.
• If the air sample contains the target gas, the tape changes color.
• After a designated period, the optical sensor reads the color’s
intensity: the more intense the color, the higher the target gas
concentration.
• The detection system uses a colorimetric calibration curve to
determine the gas concentration
 Toxic Gas Detection
8- Paper Tape (Chemcassette) toxic gas detector
Advantages
• Paper tape detectors are highly sensitive and are used to detect
very low concentrations (ppb range)
• Detecting gases that are highly toxic or have delayed toxic effects
on the body at low concentrations.
• Can be used in oxygen-deficient atmospheres
• Are not prone to interference from non-target gases
• Provide physical evidence to confirm gas concentration
 Toxic Gas Detection
8- Paper Tape (Chemcassette) toxic gas detector
Disadvantages

• Significant wait between the time the sample is drawn into the
detector and the time the reading is displayed
• Unsuitable for locations where the gas concentration is likely to
increase to toxic levels within the delay period.
• Costly to install and maintain. The paper tape is costly and must be
replaced on a continuing basis.
• Mechanical components are subject to failure
• Optics must be cleaned and, in some models, calibrated frequently
• Work only within a specific temperature and humidity range and are
not suitable for very dry conditions
 Gas Detection
Combination gas detectors
• Combination (multiple-gas) detectors have individual sensors for
detecting different hazardous gases

• Different models provide different

sensor combinations; for example:
- Combustible gas, oxygen, and hydrogen sulfide
- Combustible gas, oxygen, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide
- Combustible gas, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and chlorine
Comparison between gas detection Methods
Comparison between gas detection Methods
Comparison between gas detection Methods
Comparison between gas detection Methods
Comparison between gas detection Methods
Comparison between gas detection Methods
 Comparison between gas detection Methods

Photoacoustic infrared technology

observes what happens to the gas
once it has absorbed the infrared
light. The molecules of any gas are
always in motion, and as they move
around inside the measurement
chamber, they generate pressure.
When a gas absorbs infrared light, the
molecules’ temperatures rise, and the
molecules begin to move more
rapidly. As a result, the pressure
inside the measurement chamber
increases. This pressure creates an
audible pulse that can be detected by
an extremely sensitive microphone
located inside the photoacoustic
infrared monitor.
Comparison between gas detection Methods
Comparison between gas detection Methods
 Fixed Gas Detectors vs. Portable Gas Detectors
• Fixed gas detection systems and portable gas monitors are both
essential to protecting workers and equipment and meeting
OSHA/EPA requirements.
• Both products are equally capable of doing the job they are
meant to do, in the type of area they are meant to do it in.
• When deciding which system to use you must take into
consideration
1- The physical area protected. 2- The type of gas(es) being measured
3- Whether the hazard is permanent or transitory
4- The level of risk to workers
5- The practicality and cost effectiveness of using either or both systems.
 Fixed Gas Detectors vs. Portable Gas Detectors
• The portable gas monitor is advantageous for locating the exact
point of a leak that has first been detected by the fixed system
when using an attached probe.

• The portable gas monitor is convenient for detecting a single gas

that may be likely to leak in a small area where workers
occasionally go, while the fixed system concurrently and
constantly monitors the general areas for other hazardous gases
Fixed Gas Detectors vs. Portable Gas Detectors
Fixed Gas Detectors vs. Portable Gas Detectors
 Gas Detectors Selection & installation techniques
• Different types of gas detectors measure in different gas
concentration ranges.
• A toxic gas detector measures in a lower range than a
combustible gas or oxygen detector
• Readings for the three types of gas detectors are typically
expressed in different units:
–Toxic gas detector readings––parts per million (ppm)
–Combustible gas readings––% LEL
–Oxygen––% by volume
 Gas Detectors Selection & installation techniques
• When considering the design of a combustible gas detection system,
it is important to select the correct product for the purpose intended.
It is likely that a combination of point and open-path detection will be
appropriate, so it is a good idea to discuss the selection with the
chosen manufacturer.

• To summarize, an analysis of the risk and equipment selection process

will likely include:
• Potential leak sources
• Factors affecting rate and direction of gas diffusion when a leak occurs
• Density and other physical properties of the gas
• Detector environment, e.g., temperature, vibration, cleanliness, ventilation, etc.
Gas Detectors Selection & installation techniques
 Combustible Gas Detectors Calibration
• The manufacturer calibrates each combustible gas detector in a controlled
environment before the detector leaves the factory,
• Over time, the detector settings may change (drift).
• Catalytic detector sensors may also be poisoned or desensitized to
combustible gases.
• To ensure that combustible gas readings are accurate and sensors are
operating properly, the combustible gas detector is calibrated.
• Two types of calibration are performed:
–Laboratory calibration
–Field calibration (also called performing a calibration test or calibration testing)
 Combustible Gas Detectors Calibration
• Laboratory calibration of fixed detectors is conducted offsite, at the
manufacturer’s or vendor’s facility or at a third party calibration laboratory.
 Combustible Gas Detectors Calibration
Field Calibration is required when:
• On a scheduled basis (the recommended
schedule depends on the type and model of
the detector)
• Whenever operators and maintenance
personnel suspect that the detector is not accurate
or is not operating properly
• When certain detector components are replaced
• When the target gas changes (e.g., from methane to propane)
 Combustible Gas Detectors Calibration
Field Calibration (Point IR, Catalytic)
• Catalytic and IR point detectors are tested by using a test gas(a small cylinder of
the target gas, formulated in a concentration at or above the alarm setting).
• To calibrate the combustible gas detection system:
–While the detector is exposed to a zero gas (i.e., 0% LEL), the setting is adjusted
to read zero.
–While the detector is exposed to a calibration gas (e.g., 50% LEL propane), the
span setting is adjusted to match the calibration gas concentration.

• All components of the system must be tested, including:

Detectors, Transmitters, Controllers, Alarms (audible, visible, and HMI),
Equipment response to automated commands and Power supply
 Combustible Gas Detectors Calibration
Field Calibration (Open Path IR)
• IR open-path detectors are tested by pointing a test lamp at the receiver.
The test lamp beam emits the same IR pattern that would be.
• Alternative method (Very common) is using plastic filters that simulated
different LEL.m levels. Using the suitable 50% LEL.m filter should activate
the device.
• The detector comes with these filters and also comes with alignment kit
(Telescope).
• You can perform 0% when gas is not present for the detector. For further
complete calibration, it will need to be sent to vendor.
Combustible Gas Detectors Calibration
Combustible Gas Detectors (Troubleshooting)
Combustible Gas Detectors (Troubleshooting)
Combustible Gas Detectors (Troubleshooting)
 Combustible Gas Detectors (Response time)
Typical response times that should be complied with unless faster responses
are specified elsewhere:

• IR detector response time (T90) should be less than 5 s for general area
applications, and less than 2 s if used in HVAC ducting. Some are up to 90
sec !
• Acoustic detector response time including delays employed to improve
false alarm immunity should not exceed 30 s
• The time from detector alarm limit is reached until alarm is
presented/tagged on operator station should be less than 2 s
 Toxic Gas Detectors Calibration
• MOS sensors can be poisoned by chemicals or, if not calibrated
frequently, fail to detect a toxic gas that is present
• Detectors may be damaged or a buildup of dust or grease may
prevent toxic gas from reaching the sensor or delay sensor
response
• While the detector is exposed to zero gas (i.e.,0 ppm of the
applicable toxic gas), the toxic gas reading is adjusted to read 0
ppm.
• While the detector is exposed to a calibration (span) gas, the
toxic gas span setting is adjusted to match the span gas
concentration
 Toxic Gas Detectors Calibration
• Electrochemical, MOS, IR point, and paper tape detectors are tested with a
test gas.
• If the system is functioning properly, exposing the detector to the test gas
activates the expected alarm and equipment responses.
• It is critical to ensure that only certified test gas is used to test toxic gas
detectors. Using non-certified gases may result in an invalid test
• UV open-path detectors are tested by pointing a test lamp (Or optical
filters) at the receiver.
• The test lamp beam emits the same pattern of light that would be
detected if the target gas were present.
 Toxic Gas Detectors (Troubleshooting)

• The generic troubleshooting chart on the following page can be used to

identify and correct faults in a toxic gas detection system.

• For more specific troubleshooting information, refer to the instruction

manuals for your facility’s toxic gas detection systems
Toxic Gas Detectors (Troubleshooting)
Toxic Gas Detectors (Troubleshooting)
Toxic Gas Detectors (Troubleshooting)
Toxic Gas Detectors (Troubleshooting)
 Sensor Sensitivity, Selectivity and Response time
• Strongly affects the reliability of gas measurements
• Sensitivity is the lowest concentration of the target gas that the sensor can
detect.

• Cross-sensitivity (also called interference) is the tendency of some sensors

to respond not only to the target gas, but also to other specific gases.
Varies depend on:
–An electrochemical oxygen sensor has little cross-sensitivity to other gases.
–An electrochemical ammonia sensor has cross-sensitivity to at least nine other gases.
–A catalytic combustible gas sensor calibrated to methane has cross-sensitivity to most
other hydrocarbon gases
 Sensor Sensitivity, Selectivity and Response time
• Selectivity (specificity)
–Is the sensor’s ability to detect the target gas without interference from non-target gases in the
test environment
–Highly selective sensors have minimal cross-sensitivity to non-target gases and are preferred for
test environments that have multiple gas sources
• Response speed : The delay from the time the sample enters the probe to the
time the correct reading for that sample is displayed
• Expressed as the time it takes the sensor to respond to a specific percentage of
the gas concentration
–T90 = 20 sec (the sensor senses 90% of the gas concentration in 20 seconds)
–T80 = 50 sec (the sensor senses 80% of the gas concentration in 50 seconds)
• Some detectors take 30 seconds or less to produce the correct reading; other
detectors can take up to 3 minutes.
 Combustible Gas controllers
• Combustible gas system controllers are usually classified according to the
number of channels: single-channel, dual-channel, and multiple-channel
controllers
 Combustible Gas controllers
The advantages of a single-channel controller include:
• Clarity of results
• Ease of maintenance
• Versatility of configuration

Dual-channel controllers
• Monitor data from two detectors. The two detectors may be installed to monitor the same area
of the facility or to monitor two different areas
• The display of % LEL and alarm conditions depends on the controller model:
–Some models can only display the % LEL and alarm condition for one channel at a time.
–The display continuously cycles through the two channels.
– Whenever combustible gas is detected by one or both channels, the controller displays only the higher of the two %
LEL readings.
–Operators must use the controller controls to call up the data for the other channel.
–Only one alarm display is provided, even if the %LELs for both channels reach the alarm setting.
–On some controller models, each channel has separate %LEL and alarm readouts on the controller face panel
 Combustible Gas controllers

Multiple-channel controllers
• Can monitor data from several detectors(often 4, 8, or 16).
• The detectors may be installed to monitor the same area of the facility, or
to monitor several different areas.
• Multiple-channel controllers continuously monitor all channels. However,
the display of % LEL and alarm conditions depends on the controller
model:
 Toxic Gas controllers
• Toxic gas system controllers are usually classified according to the number
of channels: single-channel, dual-channel, and multiple-channel controllers
 Toxic Gas controllers
Single-Channel Controllers
• Continuously monitor and display the data (gas concentration and alarm
condition) from only one detector. (see Figure)
The advantages:
• Clarity of results
• The toxic gas concentration at the detector is always displayed on the controller;
–Ease of maintenance
–Versatility of configuration
• Allows maintenance personnel to:
–Configure each controller for one specific application
–Change the controller location without affecting the other controllers
 Toxic Gas controllers
Dual-Channel Controllers
• Can monitor data from two detectors
• Dual-channel controllers continuously monitor both channels
• Toxic gas is detected by one or both channels, the controller displays only
the higher of the two gas concentrations/alarm conditions.
• Only one alarm display is provided, even if gas concentrations for both
channels reach the alarm setting.
• On some controller models, data and alarm conditions for both channels
can be viewed at the same time
 Toxic Gas controllers
Multiple-Channel Controllers
• Multiple-channel controllers can monitor data from several detectors
(often 4, 8, or 16).
• The detectors may be installed to monitor one area of the facility or to
monitor several different areas
• Some multiple-channel controllers can monitor detectors for two or more
toxic gases
• Some models only display gas concentrations and alarm conditions of the
channel with the highest reading.
• On some controller models, data and alarm conditions for all channels can
be viewed at the same time
 Gas controllers
Controller outputs
–directly operate alarm devices, activate ventilation systems, and shut down processes,
or
–send an output signal to a PLC, which operates alarm devices, activates ventilation
systems, and shuts down processes
Controller location
–Inside a temperature-controlled, ventilated building where it is safe for personnel to
access
–Accessible location so that operators can easily see the gas concentration
–a safe distance from electrical installations and radio transmitters that can interfere with
detection system signals
• Controllers have malfunction lights or LED fault displays to indicate toxic
gas detection system malfunction
 Gas controllers
Alarms and Responses
Most controllers issue at least three types of alarms:
–Low level gas alarm
–High level gas alarm
–Malfunction alarm

• Some controllers provide additional gas

alarms, for example: Low, medium, high,
and high-high level gas alarms.