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Power plants, mines, chemical plants and many other industries release toxic or combustible gases which can indicate fire or which can have severe human health effects when concentrations reach a certain level. This is why continuous gas detection is key to safe operations.

For instance,CO and methane are two combustible gases that are byproducts of coal. Thus, to prevent fire or explosion, coal-fired power plants using coalshould have integrated gas detection systems. When CO levels increase; there may be danger of fire or explosion. And since CO is a tasteless, odorless gas, a good risk management plan for coal-fired power plants must include continuous CO gas monitoring system, which employ gas detectors formethane and carbon monoxide. Gas detectors and gas monitors are crucial. CO gas detection and monitoring is key.

Many toxic or combustible gases are invisible, tasteless and odorless. Some are detectable at low levels. but can reach a threshold where they are not detectable by human sense. For such gases, a gas detection system, including gas detectors carefully placed throughout the plant, is key to human health and safety as well as for fire or explosion prevention.

Types of Gas Detectors

The major gas sensor types are:

• Electrochemical
• Semiconductor
• Catalytic
• Infrared

Electrochemical sensors used to detect toxic gases, while catalytic and infrared sensors are used to detect combustible gases. They can be for detecting oxygen levels, measuring any reduction in to detect toxic gases, electrochemical gas detectors monitor for elevated levels of that gas.Infrared gas detectors are increasingly in demand. Infrared gas sensors register a higher growth rate as they last longer. Some users are reluctant to use catalytic gas detectors/gas sensors are still preferred mainly due to the reluctance of some end users who are uncomfortable shifting to IR infrared gas sensors. The installed base of the former is large. However, electrochemical sensors, or electrochemical gas detectors, are still the preferred detection method for toxic gases. These sensors are inexpensive and reliable, offering great advantages over the other toxic gas sensor types.

Why Gas DetectionIs Crucial

CO and methane gas detection and gas monitoring are key to fire detection in power plants. An increase in carbon monoxide levels in a power plant can signal danger. Continuous detecting of CO can set off audible and visual alarms to alert personnel to the potential for fire in the facility, and automatically stop coal-handling equipment such as coal conveyors, thus preventing a fire or explosion. A continuous CO gas detection system, gas monitoring and control system can be integrated into a new or existing control system. CO gas detectors are placed at key points, such as conveyors, bunkers and silos in the power plant or co-generation facility to provide effective early warning and gas detection of the potential for fire.

This article is provided by Conspec-Controls.com – A industrial gas detection company that specializes in Gas Detection Company and Gas Detection Systems.