Infrared Technology For Fail-To-Safe Hydrocarbon Gas Detection

Catalytic-type combustible sensors have commonly been used to detect potentially flammable levels of hydrocarbon gas leaks and buildups but suffer from several drawbacks such as sensor poisoning and contamination by harsh environments, and the need for oxygen to maintain sensor accuracy. In the past few years, continuing advances in infrared technology have provided a more reliable yet reasonably priced alternative in infrared absorption based combustible gas sensors. The increased reliability also results in cost savings via reduced maintenance in refineries, petrochemical and gas producing plants. As described in this article, infrared absorption is an active technology to be distinguished from passive technologies of which the electrocatalytic bead is the most common.