Battery-powered gas leak sensors: operating principle and types + best brands on the market
Every person sees their home as comfortable, and most importantly safe, right? But no one guarantees this, since dozens of indoor gas explosions. And yet it is possible to avoid becoming a victim of such accidents. And a battery-powered gas leak sensor will help with this.
We will talk about what such a device is and what types can be found on the market in this article. Let's consider the operating principle of various types of sensors and briefly describe the products of the most popular manufacturers on the domestic market.
The content of the article:
What is a leak sensor?
Modern battery-powered gas leak detectors are self-contained equipment.
Which is intended for:
- fuel leak detection — allow you to effectively and timely detect a leak even before its concentration reaches critical values;
- gas leak alarm — sound and light notifications, as well as messages to the mobile phone number specified in advance.
Wireless sensors are economical and small in size, so they can be placed almost anywhere without compromising the aesthetic properties of the room.
Batteries provide the presented equipment with independence from power sources. And they give you the opportunity to place them in any desired place.
Types and principle of operation
Today, the production of several different types of devices capable of detecting gas leaks has been mastered. Which, according to the principle of action, are semiconductor, infrared, electrochemical, catalytic.
These devices are divided into subtypes not only according to the principle of operation, but also according to a number of factors.
Namely by:
- scope of application — household, general industrial, explosion-proof and special sensors are supplied;
- installation method - stationary, portable;
- design - single-block, multi-block.
The most affordable household products are suitable for use in housing, and other characteristics do not play a special role.
Next, we will consider in more detail the operating principle of each type of sensor.
Type #1 - semiconductor sensors
Modern semiconductor sensors are capable of detecting natural gas and liquefied gases domestic gas. They are designed to measure the concentration of hydrogen sulfide, for which a semiconductor is used, the active material of which is tin oxide.
When heated, the surface of this chemical begins to actively absorb (absorb) oxygen molecules.Which further capture electrons, resulting in the formation of negatively charged oxygen ions. Which leads to an increase in the resistance of the semiconductor.
And when gas leaks, its particles replace oxygen. As a result, a redox reaction occurs on the surface of the tin oxide, causing the resistance at the surface of the semiconductor to decrease.
Which leads to the formation of a signal about the presence of gas in the room and further information using sound signals.
Additional information about the leak:
- appears on displays devices - if they are not provided, then light signals are used for signaling;
- redirected to mobile phone numbers.
As mentioned above, tin oxide is sensitive to changes in air characteristics, which makes it possible to generate a signal whose power is proportional to the gas concentration. As a result, for example, if there is a small amount of methane in the room, the sound warning may be intermittent. And when the concentration becomes explosive, the signal will become continuous.
An important feature of semiconductor devices is that they can be used not only for signaling, but also to work as part of the ventilation system of any room or building.
Type #2 - infrared devices
Infrared sensors are capable of detecting natural and liquefied gas in the air.
The principle of operation, unlike semiconductor analogues, is simple and consists of 3 stages:
- Indoor air intake.
- Study of air samples in the infrared range.
- Analysis, which is a comparison of the air composition of a sample taken with established reference values.
Infrared sensors are distinguished by accuracy and stability, as they are technological devices. To increase their efficiency, powerful processors and temperature sensors are used.
In addition, the presented variety of products has a long service life.
Type #3 - electrochemical devices
Electrochemical sensors are designed to detect the concentration of natural, liquefied gas in any room. Including during production processes.
Each device of this type has a sensitive element consisting of several electrodes intended for an electrochemical reaction, immersed in an electrolyte.
The principle of operation is that air from the room penetrates into that part of the device where the redox reaction occurs at the electrodes. As a result, the resistance changes and, if it decreases to a certain level, a command is generated to issue an audible warning signal. It is directly proportional to the gas concentration level.
Type #4 - catalytic type of sensors
Catalytic (thermochemical) sensors are designed to detect natural and liquefied gas.
The main design element of devices of this type is a spiral made of particularly sensitive platinum. The resistance of which changes in the presence of gas, which is monitored by electronics, which, when a critically low value is reached, begins to signal danger.
But the operating principle of catalytic sensors differs from semiconductor and electrochemical analogues. Since in this case the resistance changes depending on the amount of heat that is released as a result of the catalytic reaction (combustion without flame) when gas enters the internal cavities of the sensor.
Since during the described process there is a change in temperature, humidity, and pressure, the design of any device of the presented type includes a compensating element, the resistance of which changes simultaneously with a similar parameter of the sensitive element (ball). This makes it possible to eliminate measurement errors.
Regardless of the operating principle, leakage sensors can be equipped with shut-off valve — the shut-off valve shuts off the gas supply when the sensor is triggered.
Review of the best manufacturers
There are a large number of companies manufacturing sensors that detect gas leaks on the domestic market. And all of them are little known to the consumer, since there are no transnational concerns with big names in this area.
As a result, buyers will have to be content mainly with sensors from Russian and Chinese companies. Among the many, it is recommended to pay attention to manufacturers offering more reliable and high-quality products.
Rubetek - when import substitution succeeded
Rubetek is a Russian company that is already recognizable. Its peculiarity is that it is not exactly a sensor manufacturer, but rather a software developer, and a high-quality one at that.
That is, they take other people's products, call them by their own name, write programs for them and sell them. But since Rubetek does their job well, and they buy high-quality sensors, their products are in demand.
In addition, this developer should be given preference if there is an interest in installing, in the future, other devices that make housing safe - smoke detectors, alarms, video surveillance systems, etc. Since Rubetek is engaged in creating and combining all of the above into a single whole.
Reliability and efficiency of ALFA GAS products
ALFA GAS is a Chinese manufacturer. It has been working in Russia for many years, supplying quite reliable and technologically advanced sensors. And most importantly, they are inexpensive, which Russians like and therefore the company’s products from China are in demand.
Excellent price/quality ratio from Sapsan
Another manufacturer from China supplies products under the name Sapsan. Its sensors are quite capable of detecting gas leaks and reporting them.Moreover, the signals can be either audio or in the form of a message to the owner’s mobile phone.
The only drawback of Sapsan sensors is the cheap plastic used to make the housings. But at the same time they have attractive aesthetic qualities.
High-quality and technologically advanced SEITRON products
The homeland of this brand is Italy. But this, most likely, is all that connects SEITRON sensors with the European Union, since they are produced in China, and the developers are also located there. But this should not in any way diminish the quality of the products under the specified name.
Since these sensors are distinguished by high quality and manufacturability, which leaves a positive impression. In addition, they are often equipped with self-monitoring systems, which increases reliability.
But the cost of this company’s products falls into the most expensive category, which does not always contribute to popularity. But, if the buyer has safety as a priority, then SEITRON sensors should be the first thing to pay attention to.
You don’t have a gas leak detector yet, but are you bothered by the strong smell of gas in your apartment? We recommend that you read ways to check for leaks at home.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
The video attached below will help you understand how and when gas leak sensors alert you to danger.
Battery-powered sensors designed to detect gas leaks are modern high-tech products.Moreover, they are able to work offline for a long time (for example, in many cases - a year or more). Therefore, such sensors can be trusted to ensure the security of your home or any other premises. But at the same time, you need to use products exclusively from trusted manufacturers and follow their recommendations.
Would you like to supplement the above information with useful information that will be of interest to our readers? Write your comments and additions, participate in the discussion, and share your personal experience of using a wireless sensor. If you still have questions about the topic of the article, ask our experts - the comment block is located below.
