Methane gas detection: technologies, safety and applications
Methane gas (CH4) is a fuel widely used in both domestic and industrial settings. However, its flammable nature makes it dangerous in the event of a leak. Detection of methane gas is therefore critical to ensure safety.
Methane gas: where it is used and why it is important to detect it
Methane is highly flammable and can cause explosions when mixed with air in specific concentrations (5% to 15%). In addition, an indoor methane leak can cause asphyxiation. Early detection of methane leaks is essential to prevent these hazards. Normally, methane gas is colorless and odorless, which is why an odorizer is often added within commercial applications. It has a variety of uses, within thermal power plants it is used as a fuel, in the production of hydrogen, ammonia or methanol it is a raw material and can also be used as a vehicle fuel. It has various applications, from agriculture to industry to domestic use.
Methane Gas Detection Technologies
Methane gas can be detected with two different technologies:
- Catalytic
- Infrared
Inside the catalytic sensor, a heated filament is used that catalyzes the combustion of flammable gases. This process increases the temperature of the filament and changes its electrical resistance, allowing for the correct detection of not only methane but also other gases such as propane or hydrogen. The infrared sensor, on the other hand, works through the absorption of infrared light by gas molecules; each gas, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) or other specific gases in fact have a characteristic absorption that can be identified.
If you would like to learn more about how the different technologies work, you can read the dedicated article at this link.
Our Methane gas detection products
For methane gas detection, Sensitron fixed and portable gas detectors are 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.
MULTISCAN ++S1/++S2
Designed to meet the widest demand from the market, they allow management of up to 264 detectors. ATEX and SIL certified.
Our certifications
Methane gas can be used within hazardous environments where strict safety standards must be met, which is why all our products are certified and in line with regulations.
ATEX
The Directive establishes the requirements and evaluation of equipment intended for potentially explosive atmospheres.
IECEx
The IECEx system is an international certification system. It is developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission.
SIL2 (3)
The Safety Integrity Level (SIL) is the ability to reduce the assessed risk while ensuring the reliability of the safety systems.
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