Because of this, companies have long used Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) gas leak detectors equipped with infrared technology. Infrared sensors are far more stable and reliable than traditional catalytic bead sensors. To gain a better understanding of how and why these sensors are better long term solutions, let’s take a closer look at the risks and rewards associated with infrared LEL meters.

Sensor Costs

Unlike catalytic bead sensors, infrared sensing elements require intelligent signal processing to generate a stable, linearized output. This means that each infrared sensor contains a dedicated microprocessor that performs multiple operations on the sensing elements signal that include analog-to-digital conversion, temperature compensation, response curve linearization and fault checking. While they are more expensive than simple cat-bead sensors, they are considered very good investments due to their stability over time and reduced need for calibration. As a result, they are far more likely to operate when needed and keep employees and multi-million dollar equipment and facilities safe.

Broad-spectrum Monitoring

Modern infrared combustible gas sensors can sense methane, propane, butane, methane, benzene, and many more combustible hydrocarbons.  However, note the importance of the word ‘hydrocarbon’. Infrared absorption sensors work by detecting a drop in infrared light levels due to the absorption of infrared light by the hydrogen-carbon bonds in combustible hydrocarbons. Combustible gases such as hydrogen that have no H-C bonds cannot be detected and so do require cat-bead sensors. Given this limitation, however, infrared detectors can be placed virtually anywhere in a facility to provide constant monitoring for hazardous conditions. 

Locating Sensors

Infrared combustible gas sensors do not have a ‘detection radius’ but rather respond to the presence of combustible gases in ambient air. To maximize the effectiveness of combustible gas detectors, they should be placed in areas where gases are most likely to be present – around valves or fittings, or next to air return ducts. If lighter-than-air combustible gases are a hazard, placing detectors in or near the ceiling will be beneficial; for heavier-than-air gases such as propane, placing sensors a few feet above the floor is recommended. 

Pro Tip: For fence perimeter monitoring, consider using an Open Path combustible gas detection system. While they use the same absorption principle as ambient detectors, they transmit long-range beams of infrared light between a separate transmitter and receiver.

Harsh Environments

LEL detectors are designed, certified, and tested to withstand the harshest work environments. From an industrial plant that has confined spaces with high humidity levels to an offshore drilling platform where high temperatures, vibration, and other factors may make some detectors unreliable, modern infrared LEL units are the ideal solution.  A quality LEL gas detector is a worthwhile investment for any facility with potentially hazardous conditions.

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Portable Detectors
As companies move toward providing employees with portable gas detection capabilities, numerous kinds of portable infrared gas detectors have started to become popular. Designed to detect numerous types of gases, these detectors are very useful for workers who spend much of their time in confined spaces, where toxic or combustible gases may build up in a short period of time. In addition to their ability to go with a worker into almost any type of work environment, these detectors have also made great strides in providing real-time information to management and safety personnel in the event of an emergency situation. In doing so, they are looked at as equipment which provides greater levels of safety as well as using technology to its maximum potential.

Open Path Detectors
Seen as a breakthrough in gas detection, open path detectors are used in various facilities where the need for quick detection is crucial. By not relying on one specific path to detect gas leaks, these detectors are seen by many companies as the future of infrared gas detection. In addition to being able to measure many undefined paths to detect dangerous gas levels, they also have proven to be reliable in harsh work environments. Whether it’s hot or cold temperature extremes, high humidity levels, or areas that may be prone to dust or other contaminants, open path detectors have proven to be key in making work environments much safer.

Whether it’s an open path detector used on an offshore oil rig or a portable gas detector being used in confined spaces, there is little doubt infrared gas detectors are seen as one of the best ways to keep workplaces safe for everyone. In the years ahead, new advances in technology are expected to make these detectors even more accurate, reliable, and efficient.