All You Need to Know About Infrared Gas Detectors

Industrial fires and explosions can kill and injure people, costing government companies billions yearly. Fire accidents can happen for many reasons, but prevention is key to avoiding such disastrous events. While many prevention measures exist, infrared gas detectors are superior in deterring fire accidents in various situations. However, it’s important to understand how infrared red gas detectors work and the advantages of utilising this technology. In this article, we’ve explained everything you need to know about infrared gas detectors to help you understand their purpose and benefits in the workplace and residential settings.

What Is an Infrared Gas Detector, and How Does It Work?

An infrared gas monitor is a device that detects various types of gas. It can be used to detect methane, natural gas, propane, and other hydrocarbons.

What Are the Benefits of Infrared Gas Detectors?

Compared to other detectors, infrared gas monitors offer various benefits, including:-

·         Rapid response in less than ten seconds.

·         Less maintenance; however, periodical cleaning of the optical windows and reflectors is required to ensure reliable performance.

·         Reliability in both oxygen-poor and oxygen-high environments.

·         Accurate measurement of gas concentration levels in a single location or over larger areas.

·         Immune to contamination and poisoning.

·         Capable of detecting levels above 100% LEL.

·         High performance in the continuous presence of gas.

How Does It Work?

InfraRed detectors use the infrared absorption of hydrocarbon gases in the 3.4 micrometers wavelength to detect when a combustible gas is present. These detectors utilize an infrared light transmitter to detector at the target gas wavelength as well as control the wavelength.Infrared red gas monitors detect combustible gases by emitting an invisible light wave that is absorbed by gases in proportion to their concentration. The light waves are then reflected by a photoelectric detector, which converts them into electrical current. This current is processed by a microprocessor which calculates the concentration of combustible gases following a predetermined algorithm and displays it on a digital display. When there’s no gas present, the signals of the measurement detector are balanced. On the other hand, when combustible gas is present, there will be a drop in the output from the measurement signal detector as the gas absorbs the light.

However, it’s vital to maintain infrared detectors and regularly calibrate them using calibration gas for optimal performance. Infra Red gas detectors such as the Simtronics GD10P utilise dual wavelengths and Solid State Infra Red Sources, thus negating the need for any re calibration over the life of the instrument

While industrial fire explosions are unfortunately common, they are preventable, and the right gas monitoring systems can help save lives and avoid property damage. Prodetec offers a range of fire protection solutions, including personal gas monitors, infrared gas detectors, and flame detectors to avoid fires, protect machinery and property, and save lives. Get in touch with Prodetec to choose the right fire prevention system. 

All IR gas detectors are NOT the same!

 

Gas detectors play a significant role in the health and safety system within the workplace. Be it a personal gas monitor or fixed gas detection system, these systems help to combat the threats from hazardous and potentially lethal environments.

Simtronics Unique Technology:

Simtronics Infrared gas detectors are incredibly unique with features not available in other IR gas detectors and when compared with our competitors, you will find the Simtronics GD10P more technically advanced and a much more reliable gas detector.

Simtronics is a world leading manufacturer of night vision equipment since 1960’s. They have mastered the use of the Infrared technology for various applications. In the early 1980’s North Sea Oil & Gas operators approached Simtronics for a solution to replace problematic catalytic combustible gas detectors.

The GD100 was introduced in 1986 and it was an instant success with the offshore operators, some detectors are still in operation until now. In 1997 new manufacturing technologies and surface mount electronics allowed Simtronics to make the gas detector more compact and much more price competitive (GD10P series); this has led to a significant increase in sales. This is a proven technology with well over 100,000 detectors installed worldwide – The Simtronics SimSource™ IR sources have an RMTBF of over one hundred years and the Simtronics detectors are offered with a 15 years extended warranty on the IR sources.

The Simtronics SimSource™ is a patented solid state Silicon IR source used in the GD10P making it the only Point IR Gas detector that does not require field calibration or recalibration. In addition, the GD10P uses Lead Selenide detectors which are much more stable if exposed to rapid temperature changes than pyroelectric sensors used by other IR gas detectors. Lead Selenide will NOT give false readings if the detector is exposed to vibration.

No calibration– Simtronics uses “SimSource™” a Patented IR Source, to generate the IR signals –filament lamps require regular calibrations and have a limited lifespan.