Explosions and fires often occur due to fuel leaks in a building. To avoid this, it is worth installing a household gas sensor for gas leakage. The device determines its concentration in the air. When the indicators exceed the norm, the device notifies about this with a signal. You can install such equipment anywhere. Often the sensor is used for safety in everyday life, but there are also models designed for industrial premises.
Content
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Types of devices
- Features and characteristics
- Principle of operation
- Installation and maintenance
Types of devices
Natural gas sensors monitor changes in the air-gas mixture around the clock. Connect them to a network with a voltage of 220 V. There are models that operate from 12-24 V DC, it is rational to install them in those rooms where there are frequent power outages. To connect such a modification, you will need an additional uninterruptible power supply and battery.
There are two types of household gas leakage sensor:
- Wired.
- Wireless.
Their difference is in the power source. The first type is powered by a 200 V household network. And to connect the second, you need a special battery, which is placed directly in the sensor itself.
Depending on the method that helps to determine the concentration of fuel entering the OS, devices are divided into the following types:
- Semiconductor - functioning is carried out by semiconductors, which absorb heated gas oxides.
- Infrared - a design of this type resembles an explosive lamp, the work of which is based on the combustion of gas and its decomposition into water and carbon dioxide.
- Catalytic - capable of determining the amount of gas within the range of the infrared spectrum.
Features and characteristics
The wired type of device operates on a consumer network with a standard voltage value of 220 V. Many people assume that this type of product is dangerous. A large amount of gas in the OS can lead to an explosion due to a short circuit. However, this is not entirely correct. This type of device is made according to a special technology, so an explosion due to a short circuit will not occur.
Such home appliances are cheap and easy to use. Their disadvantage is that they consume a lot of electricity, which is needed for the continuous operation of the sensors.
For wireless device operation battery required, which is built into the case. Due to this, the sensor can be installed anywhere. It, like the first type, consumes a lot of energy, therefore it is not used in industry. In addition, this type of device is distinguished by its high price.
Modern devices are equipped with wireless communication elements, which makes it possible to use alarm details. The sensing element will work as soon as the fuel concentration exceeds normal values. After that, the owner receives a signal on the mobile phone and can fix the problem on his own.
A gas leak detector with a valve is used as a stand-alone device, as well as in addition to an alarm. When the amount of gas exceeds the permissible threshold, the sensor energizes the shut-off valve, as a result of which the gas line is closed. It can only be reopened manually by lifting the red lever up. In case of emergency, manual control is provided. To do this, remove the cap and press the red button at the top of the valve.
Principle of operation
Depending on the type (semiconductor, infrared or catalytic), devices work differently.
A reacting element in a semiconductor sensor silicon plate protrudescoated with metal oxide. This method is also used in details for a computer. The settling of gas particles on such a surface leads to a change in resistance, it is equal to the number of harmful elements in the air. In everyday life, such devices have reached widespread use. In industry, they are not used, since the amount of some fuel is very difficult to determine. The disadvantage of semiconductor sensors is slow response and time-consuming recovery of a product that needs to be monitored by personnel.
In catalytic sensors, the fuel is split into H2O and CO2 during combustion. When a low concentration of air with a large amount of fuel passes through the device, combustion occurs, which leads to a change in resistance in one coil, the second determines the rise in temperature. The higher the concentration of gas in the air, the greater the resistance. Thermal balls covered with a glass layer are installed at the ends of the coil. This device plays the role of a compensator. It only takes a few seconds to determine the gas concentration in the room.
Infrared sensors are used in industry. They have advantages over catalytic ones: they turn on quickly and consume little electricity. The sensor analyzes gas particles using infrared light. During the analysis, the reference and the investigated wave will lie down. The two media pass through the light source and return to their original position. The device then analyzes the signals and displays the gas concentration in the room air.
Installation and maintenance
The sensor installation depends on the type of gas being produced. If its mass is heavier than air, then the device must be placed at the bottom of the wall. For natural gas applications, the sensors are located at the top of the wall.
There are installation rules, which you need to adhere to:
- It is not permitted to mount the device near or on a gas appliance.
- Installation should be carried out in rooms where air does not penetrate.
- Installation at doors and windows is prohibited.
- Installation in rooms with a high concentration of ammonia is prohibited.
After purchase, the household sensor is in a fully configured form, so it does not need additional preparatory operations. After installation, it is worth observing the device for some time. It also requires regular cleaning from dirt and dust. The main thing is not to overdo it, otherwise it threatens the failure of the sensitive unit.
To check the functionality, you need to supply gas to the device, for example, using a lighter. When the sensor is triggered, follow the alarm, it should be loud. After the gas has evaporated, the device will recover itself.
If a shut-off valve is provided in the sensor, then its operation is checked manually.
Sensors are an important element in everyday life that should not be neglected. Their cost depends on the gas, the concentration of which needs to be determined, as well as on the type of device. Wireless, naturally, are cheaper, their price varies from 800 to 4 thousand rubles.
