Gas detector: carbon monoxide leak detector, household gas analyzer in the apartment, CO for the home

In an apartment or house, many appliances are powered by gas. For this purpose, a gas detector is installed in the room. The principle of its work is simple. When a problem is detected, he makes this known by a specific signal. For added safety, we recommend installing a shut-off valve.

The need for a gas sensor in the apartment

The gas detector monitors the level of flammable gases in the air. When the indicators exceed the norm, the gas detector makes it known by special sound and light signals. Such analyzers are widely used in industrial enterprises, in boiler houses and even in home apartments.

Household sensors can detect methane, propane and carbon monoxide in the air.

That is why the detection sensor can be divided into industrial and domestic. Industrial options have a more complex structure. The set includes the control panel and the device itself. The household gas trap is simpler in structure and use.

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Carbon monoxide is the most dangerous. Unlike other components, it cannot be recognized by smell or color. It quickly connects to hemoglobin and enters the bloodstream. Carbon monoxide can quickly lead to death.

The functions of gas detectors:

• Notification with the help of light and sound about the problem;
• It has a hole for connecting additional communications: sirens, fans;
• It can be connected to the electromagnetic valve and turn off the gas supply;
• It can work autonomously.

Different models from different manufacturers have a unique device. A purchase should be made based on your own needs. But in general, the devices are universal in their functions.

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The principle of operation of gas leakage sensors

The principle of operation of different types is slightly different. Conventionally, all signaling devices are divided into wired and wireless. This indicates their source of nutrition. But behind the leak detection technique, there is another classification of sensors.

Types of gas detectors:

• Semiconductor;
• Catalytic;
• Infrared

The principle of operation of the catalytic device is to change the platinum coil when carbon monoxide passes through the device. Another coil with a measuring device is used to determine the temperature increase. There is a direct correlation between resistance and the number of particles of carbon monoxide.

To prevent the coil from responding to environmental factors, thermally matched balls covered with glass are located at different ends of the chain. They serve as a compensator.

Semiconductor devices are a bit similar to catalytic devices for the principle of operation. A recognition element covered with a thin film of metal oxide. When carbon monoxide touches the film, it absorbs the substance and changes the resistance to inversely proportional. This option is great for home, but rarely used in industry. It is believed that the alarm is not accurate enough. In addition, the device has a slow reaction.

Infrared sensors are widely used for industrial buildings. They are quite accurate, do not squeak unnecessarily, consume little energy and quickly respond to a possible leak. They work under the influence of solar energy.

Types of carbon monoxide sensors

There are 2 main types of gas detectors: industrial and domestic. Industrial sensors are more complex in design, because it is necessary to control a large area. Several devices and a common control panel are provided.

The home sensor is easier to install and use. It should not show the quantity, but signal a clear problem. For this, the device begins to emit a special signal and light.

Types of sensors for gas detection:

• Methane;
• Propane;
• Carbon monoxide.

But there are also combined devices that control several concentrations at once. For a room with gas devices, it is necessary to install precisely combined types. If there is stove heating in the house, then one sensor is also suitable with the detection of carbon monoxide leak.

Sensors begin to respond if 0.1-1% methane, 0.46-0.05% propane and 0.005-0.01% carbon monoxide are detected in the air.

When buying an alarm, you must consider the power of the system. Also take into account the devices with which it will interact. The best indicator is 220 watts.

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Acquisition of gas pollution sensor and shut-off valve in the boiler room

The shut-off valve is a device that is installed at the inlet of the gas pipeline. It acts by applying an electrical impulse to its coil. At this time, it should shut off the supply of natural gas to all devices.

Distinctive features of the shut-off valve:

• Caliber of conditional pass. It can be from 15 to 25 mm for domestic needs.
• Energy supply. For home use, the best option is 220 watts.
• Allowable pressure. For low pressure gas pipelines, the optimal indicator is 500 Mbar.
• Different types of valves. It is normal in the open state and closed.

Normally open is also called impulsive. It is an element with a manual cocking. During operation, an electrical impulse is not supplied to its coil. When the gas pollution sensor acts on the coil, a small voltage is supplied from the device. This causes the sensor to trip and shut off the gas supply.

It is the type of valve that is the decisive characteristic for working in conjunction with a gas detector.

A normally closed device also applies to manual cocking devices. But in order to start his work, it is necessary to apply an impulse to his coil. When the alarm is triggered, the voltage on the coil dies away and gas is cut off.

An excellent home valve is a normally open device with an energy supply of 220 watts. So turning off the power will not cause it to trip. This gives the opportunity to use independent gas devices. In this case, you can save on electricity.

Difficulties in the synchronous operation of the sensor and valve may arise when, when turned on, the analyzer starts checking the status of its outputs. The alarm will energize the valve, and provoke its operation. That is why the analyzer in the boiler room needs to become familiar with the principle of its operation.

Install gas sensor with valve

The good news is that all the installation work on the device can be done do it yourself. It is necessary to choose the installation location correctly, based on the instructions and conduct power supply to it. Auxiliary devices should be connected in accordance with the scheme indicated in the instructions.

In gasification projects, all the necessary information on the location of the instruments is indicated. The gas service will be able to help in this matter, relying on standards. The gas trap should be installed on a vertical surface where there is an increased risk of gas leakage. It is important to observe an interval of 4 m from gas devices.

Rules for the correct placement of the gas analyzer:

1. A distance of 1 m must be observed from ovens and gas burners;
2. Do not install the device in places of abundance of condensate, ash, dust and grease;
3. It is not recommended to carry out installation near ventilation and open windows;
4. Do not place the gas analyzer near combustible materials, paints;
5. If the chimney is not insulated, it is best not to install a measuring device nearby.

Each type of measurement has its own optimum fixing height. Each gas has its own accumulation sites. Some gases settle down, the second rise up.

Combined sensors are installed at a height of 30 cm from the floor and 50 cm to the ceiling. Sensors by definition of methane and propane are mounted as follows: 50 cm from the ceiling and floor, respectively. For carbon monoxide analyzers, 1.8 m from the floor and 30 cm from the ceiling is considered the optimal height.

To install the gas analyzer on the wall, you do not even need to open the case. It is enough to fix the device on nails using a special hole. Next, the valve is installed. The cutter must be installed only by special organizations with the appropriate license. The connection of the analyzer with the valve is carried out according to the scheme indicated in the passport.

Checking the operability of a domestic gas analyzer

Every year it is necessary to carry out a metrological check of the device. With your own hands, this event is not recommended. This may cause damage to the device.

If you find a clear problem, contact the gas service yourself.

You can independently monitor only the external cleanliness of the gas trap. Usually a 2 year warranty is given on the device. But on average, the device is able to last 8 years.

Gas trap brands:

• STG-1;
• ECO;
• BUG;
• SZ-2;
• SOU-1.

The above options apply to the domestic manufacturer. On the market you can find imported models. But when buying domestic appliances it is easier to carry out repairs.

What is a gas detector (video)

An autonomous gas trap is needed not only in industrial facilities, but also in residential buildings. A convenient monitoring system helps to determine the minimum leakage from gas boilers and other appliances. To install the device you do not need to have special skills, you can do everything yourself.