Seed NanoTech - Infrared Point Sensors

The difference in energy between these two wavelengths is proportional to the concentration of gas present. The advantages of these sensors that they do not have to be placed into the gas to detect it and can be used for remote sensing. The infra-red sensors are used for detecting hydrocarbons and other infrared active gases such as carbon dioxide and water vapour. These sensors are commonly found in refineries, waste-water treatments, chemical plants, gas turbines, chemical plants, and other facilities where flammable gases are present and there is a possibility of explosion. The remote sensing can monitor large volumes of space. Infrared sensors are also being researched in the area of Engine Emissions. The sensor detects high levels of carbon monoxide and other abnormal gases present in vehicle exhaust.

Gas sensors are devices used to detect the presence of gases in an area. Such sensors can be used to detect a gas leak or other emissions and can help shut down the process automatically by interfering with a control system. This is done in many different ways, one way is by sounding an alarm, which warns the operator in the area and indicates the location of the gas leak. What makes gas sensors so significant, is that they can detect gases that are harmful to organic life, animals, and humans.

Gas sensors are used mostly to detect flammable, combustible and toxic gases, as well as oxygen depletion. These sensors can be found in locations such as oil rigs, to monitor the processes of manufacturing, and are used emerging technologies such as photovoltaics.

Gas leak detection is the process in which potentially hazardous gas leaks are identified by sensors, and an alarm is sent off to inform people of the danger.  Another way of detection is the visual identity that can be carried out by using a thermal camera.

Gas detectors are classified as per their mechanism of operation such as oxidation, semiconductors, photoionization, catalytic, infrared, etc. They are classified into many categories:

• Portable gas detectors are used to monitor the atmosphere around us, they are usually worn on clothing, a belt or harness. Such detectors are mostly battery-driven and they transmit warnings through audible and visible signals, such as flashing lights and alarms.
• Fixed types of gas detectors are used to detect one or more types of gases. Such detectors are mounted near the process area of a plant, in control rooms, or an area of interest, such as a bedroom of a residence. Normally, industrial sensors are installed on a mild steel structure that is rigid where continuous monitoring can be carried out.