Learn About The Technical Aspects Of Methane Sensors

In today’s world, the oil and gas industry is focused on keeping employees as safe as possible. To make this happen, many companies have concentrated on purchasing and installing methane sensors at manufacturing facilities, processing plants, offshore rigs, and pipelines. Considered to be the most important part of a fixed gas detection system, a methane sensor can literally mean the difference between life and death. But to make sure a plant or offshore rig has the best possible methane sensor, there are many technical aspects they should know more about.

Gas Detection
The main purpose of methane sensors is to monitor and detect levels of methane gas in the air, making sure that personnel are alerted to levels that approach dangerous conditions. Measuring levels of gas in relation to the Lower Explosive Limit, sensors can also measure methane by its volume in the air, ensuring there is little chance that potentially dangerous levels will not be detected.

Catalytic Beads
Used before infrared sensors, catalytic bead sensors have nevertheless proven to be very effective over the years. Although being prone to contamination from lead, sulfur, silicone, and other compounds, catalytic bead sensors have provided good results. However, these sensors do require calibration on a regular basis in order to keep them in excellent working order. As a result, even though these sensors are relatively inexpensive, they do need to be replaced regularly. Because of this, the cost associated with replacing them must be taken into consideration.
Infrared Sensors
Now looked upon as the leading sensor technology when it comes to methane detection, infrared sensors have a distinct advantage in that they do not require oxygen to operate. Due to this, these sensors can be used in many more work environments that previous types of sensors. Whether it’s a natural gas pipeline, offshore rig, or chemical processing plant, infrared sensors can be easily adapted to a variety of work environments.
Individual Preferences
While both catalytic bead and infrared sensors have their advantages, most companies ultimately rely on individual preferences depending upon their needs. One of the major reasons for this is that catalytic bead converters can sometimes be used in environments where other combustible gases may be present. In these potentially dangerous situations, the catalytic bead sensors may be able to pick up traces of these gases, where infrared sensors may not.
Work Conditions
When it comes to methane sensors, several factors in the work environment can play a role in the effectiveness of these sensors. The most common factors involve workplace temperatures and humidity, which can greatly influence the effectiveness of the sensors. In most situations, work environments that have humidity levels above 70 percent present the greatest challenges. In these situations, the wet air can sometimes play havoc with getting proper results, leading more companies to use infrared sensors due to their reliability and accuracy. Along with this, areas prone to being filled with dust or dirt also use these sensors to gain accurate results for workers in those areas.

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