{"id":25043,"date":"2025-05-05T12:16:11","date_gmt":"2025-05-05T10:16:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sensitron.it\/gas-detection-periodic-maintenance-and-sensitive-elements\/"},"modified":"2025-06-13T08:35:28","modified_gmt":"2025-06-13T06:35:28","slug":"gas-detection-periodic-maintenance-and-sensitive-elements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.sensitron.it\/en\/gas-detection-periodic-maintenance-and-sensitive-elements\/","title":{"rendered":"Gas detection: periodic maintenance and sensitive elements"},"content":{"rendered":"

As part of gas detection<\/strong>, it is possible to measure the presence of flammable gas concentrations<\/strong> both using detectors with catalytic sensors<\/strong> (also known as Pellistori) and infra-red detectors<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, the detection<\/strong>, of toxic gases<\/strong> is possible with the aid of electrochemical cells<\/strong>, with the exception of CO2<\/strong> which is detected using infra-red sensors<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The main advantage guaranteed by catalytic sensors<\/strong> regards not only their long life<\/strong> (about four years) but also excellent output linearity, up to 100% LEL<\/strong>. However, the performance of these systems may be altered by the presence of certain substances<\/strong>, which can significantly modify sensor response and, in some cases, even go so far as damaging it irreparably.<\/p>\n

One of the main causes of problems in gas detection<\/strong> is the presence of inhibitors or poisons<\/strong> and, for this reason, it is always advisable to ensure that there is no contamination<\/strong>. Toxic substances and inhibitors which could alter the result of gas detection include silicones, halogens, hydrogenated hydrocarbons, tetraethyl lead, hydrogen sulphide and sulphur dioxide<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

However, it is important to bear in mind that these compounds do not cause any damage to<\/strong> infra-red absorption<\/strong> sensors which therefore prove to be the ideal application where flammable gas is required to be detected in environments where catalytic sensors would be ineffective or cannot be used<\/strong>. Infra-red gas detectors<\/strong> boast undoubtedly advantageous technology since they are totally immune from environmental factors<\/strong> such as humidity and temperature.<\/p>\n

Electrochemical sensors<\/strong> are the most suitable for detecting toxic gases and oxygen<\/strong>. They have a life expectancy of approximately two years<\/strong>, with the exception of models for ammonia detection<\/strong>, which have a shorter<\/strong> life<\/strong> (equal to one, maximum two years). The actual life of the sensor is strongly interconnected with the concentration of gas in the environment, and it is inversely proportional<\/strong>: this means that, compared with a high gas concentration<\/strong>, life expectancy of the system will be shorter<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Electrochemical CO detection sensors<\/strong> have an estimated life of three years<\/strong> when used in garages or car parks, and two years<\/strong> for applications in laboratories and industrial environments.<\/p>\n

Special attention should be paid to the installation of these gas detectors<\/strong> in environments with poor ventilation<\/strong>, resulting in the constant presence of CO<\/strong>, as these conditions could adversely affect the life of the appliance. This reduction in life expectancy cannot be accurately estimated<\/strong>, since it depends on the actual ppm<\/strong> concentration<\/strong> to which cells are regularly exposed.<\/p>\n

The importance of periodic checks in gas detection<\/h2>\n

In the context of gas detection<\/strong>, a crucial role is played by periodic checks<\/strong>, which have the aim of monitoring the proper working of detectors<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Depending on the emission type<\/strong> (I0 or II0 degree) present in the environment where they are installed, gas detector checks <\/strong>need to be carried out at three-monthly or six-monthly intervals<\/strong> (Ref. CEI 31-35 <\/strong><\/a>\u00a0for explosion detectors; also applicable by analogy to other detection technologies).<\/p>\n

Sensitron branded gas detectors<\/strong><\/a> are suitably calibrated during production<\/strong>. Their alarm threshold and measurement range<\/strong> are parameters that can be changed at the customer’s request, directly at our laboratories.<\/p>\n

We remind you that the product warranty<\/strong> is not valid in the cases of appliances that have been:<\/p>\n