Greenhouse gas detection
Greenhouse provide a controlled environment in which climatic conditions can be optimised for the growth of specific crops throughout the year. However, this ecosystem is also subject to risks related to the presence of potentially dangerous gases, both for human health and plant productivity. Gas detection within greenhouses is therefore a key aspect in ensuring safety and sustainability.
Greenhouse gas detection: what are the risks
Inside greenhouse, various biological, chemical and technological processes can generate harmful gases or alter air quality. Among the main reasons why it is crucial to monitor gases are:
- Safeguarding workers’ health: Gases such as carbon monoxide (CO) or ammonia (NH3) can reach dangerous concentrations, especially indoors
- Crop health: Excessive levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) or oxygen (O2) can adversely affect photosynthesis and plant growth
- Prevention of fire or explosion: Some gases, such as methane (CH4) or hydrogen sulphide (H2S), can create hazardous conditions if accumulated in high concentrations
- Energy efficiency and optimisation: Monitoring gases allows ventilation and heating systems to be regulated, reducing waste and consumption
Greenhouse gas detection: which are the most common gases
Depending on the type of crop and the technologies used in the greenhouse, several gases must be kept under control. Among the most common are:
- Carbon dioxide (CO2): Essential for photosynthesis, but in too high concentrations can be harmful
- Carbon monoxide (CO): Often derived from heat generators or equipment that is not working properly
- Ammonia (NH3): Especially present in greenhouses using nitrogenous fertilisers
- Oxygen (O2): Important to monitor in hydroponic or aeroponic growing systems
- Methane (CH4) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S): Can result from decomposition of organic material
Greenhouse gas detection: which technologies are used
The sensors used by stationary gas detectors in greenhouse can make use of different technologies, each suitable for specific gases and environmental conditions. Among the most widely used are:
- Infrared (IR) sensors: Ideal for detecting gases such as CO2 and CH4. They utilise the ability of gases to absorb specific wavelengths of infrared light to determine their concentration
- Electrochemical sensors: Used to detect gases such as CO, NH3 and H2S. These sensors measure chemical reactions between the target gas and an electrolyte, producing an electrical signal proportional to the concentration
- Catalytic sensors: Suitable for flammable gases such as CH4. They work by detecting the heat produced by the combustion of the gas on a catalyst.
The sensors are chosen according to the type of gas to be monitored and the specific needs of the greenhouse, such as the level of accuracy required and compatibility with other monitoring systems.
Discover our products for gas detection in greenhouse
For gas detection within greenhouse the SMART 3G series of gas detectors is ideal:
SMART 3G D2
Suitable for detecting flammable substances, toxic gases, refrigerants and oxygen in classified areas.
Certified ATEX, IECEx and SIL2/3
SMART 3G D3
Suitable for detecting in classified areas, Certified ATEX, IECEx and SIL2/3, allows non-intrusive field calibration.
SMART 3G C2-LD
SMART 3G-C2-LD gas detectors are used to detect, in classified areas, the presence of flammable substances (% LFL), toxic gases in ppm, refrigerant gases or for the detection of oxygen deficiency or excess.
