Natural Gas Detectors
Natural gas detectors monitor the amount of methane in a given area and, when the gas is detected, trigger an alarm to signify that there is a leak. Natural gas is a common energy source used in homes for cooking, heating and water heaters. A methane based gas, natural gas is highly flammable. Low levels of this gas are not harmful, though prolonged exposure to large amounts can cause dizziness, fatigue, irregular breathing and in some instances even death. The flammability of natural gas provides further danger as any spark coming into contact with it can generate a fire or even explosion. Natural gas detectors are vital to the safety of any industrial, home or office setting where natural gas is a source of energy. Natural gas leaks are not only potentially dangerous to health and property, but can be costly as well.
As the use of this gas is widespread and detection of this odorless gas is difficult without them, permanent natural gas detectors are built in to most modern heating systems and stoves that use it as an energy source. These detectors use sensors that are set off by the presence of methane. Often natural gas providers will mix a smelly substance in so a leak may be more noticeable. Many detectors release a rotten-egg smell at the first sign of a leak to alert inhabitants. Light and audio alarms are also used to draw attention to a leak. Gas detectors can signal alarms at many different levels. While many are triggered by the smallest amounts of natural gas, others react only when the lower explosive limit is reached. This is the lowest amount of gas that will cause an explosion or fire. The most basic detectors are programmed only for natural gas while others can discriminate between the many different methane based gases. Although permanent detectors are used for safety reasons, portable devices with small sensor probes can be used to identify specific locations. As natural gas is highly flammable, portable detectors that use flame or heat should not be used.