What Does a Carbon Monoxide Detector Do?
A Carbon Monoxide Gas Detector measures the presence of carbon monoxide gas within the encompassing area, as well as gas leakage due to industrial processes.
Additionally, carbon monoxide gas detectors can send alarm signals or manage the leak by shutting the system down once levels reach a certain point.
Applications of Carbon Monoxide Gas Detectors
The Carbon Monoxide Gas Detector is widely utilized in manufacturing, textile, petroleum, metallurgy, chemistry, papermaking, and coal mining. The detector is also used in other industries, including telecommunication, restaurants and cafes, firefighting, and municipal administration.
How Does a Carbon Monoxide Gas Detector Work?
A carbon monoxide gas detector uses different methods to measure and indicate the levels of carbon monoxide in the air. It’s equipped with different functions, such as alarm signals and a digital LCD output screen, and is often powered by batteries for safety reasons.
Modern carbon monoxide gas detectors are multisensory; they can simultaneously measure and detect various sorts of gases besides carbon monoxide at the same time. They use IoT technology to send the measurements through communication modules to the central system, which can lead to quicker action being taken during any abnormal gas level.
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Types of Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Most carbon monoxide gas detectors are handheld devices, which are portable devices that measure CO2 gas, with the potential of sending warning alarms.
Gas detector devices are categorized to sort gases through the use of catalytic, infrared, or metal oxide sensors.
* Biomimetic sensor: Holds a gel which is capable of changing color when carbon monoxide gas is detected, this change in color will set the alarm off.
* Metal oxide semiconductor: When the silica chip detects carbon monoxide gas, it lowers the electric resistance; this alteration triggers the alarm.
* Electrochemical sensor: Has a chemical solution containing electrodes. When these electrodes contact carbon monoxide gas, the electrodes inside the solution will generate an electrical current that will set off the alarm.
Factors Affecting Measurements of Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Environmental  Â
Dirt and dust can block gases and water vapor from entering the sensor area of the device leading to an inaccurate reading.
- Gas Exposure
High gas exposure that exceeds calibration will lead to damaged sensors.
- Catalytic Sensors Affected by Poisons
The function of catalytic combustible gas sensors can be limited by the presence of silicon-based compounds and airborne lead in the surrounding air, causing inaccurate measurements or even failure to detect some gases.
- Temperature Affect
Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can cause sensors to fail.
- Moisture
Moisture condensation on the sensor may lead to damage.
Factors Affecting The Selection of Carbon Monoxide Gas Detectors
When choosing a carbon monoxide gas detector, there are many things to look out for when selecting:
- Range of measurement
- Resolution
- Precision
- Response time
- Physical connectivity
- Operating language
- Inclusion of an alarm
- Durability
- Sensor life
- Portability (size & weight)
- Maintenance