Why use an SO2 sensor?

Why use an SO2 sensor?

Sulfur Dioxide gas (SO2) is a toxic gas with a strong irritating smell. It is present at very low concentrations in the atmosphere and is naturally emitted during volcanic eruptions. Inhaling sulfur dioxide has been associated with respiratory disease and difficulty breathing. It is also a precursor to acid rain and atmospheric particulates. Sulfur dioxide gas can be an active component or a waste product of several different industrial processes.

Atmospheric Sulfur Dioxide

Fossil fuel combustion at power plants is the largest emission source of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. Other sources include extracting metal from ore and the burning of high sulfur containing fuels by ships, trains and machinery. Perimeter monitoring at industrial sites is common to measure the concentration of sulfur dioxide being emitted into the atmosphere. isweek offer both fixed and portable monitors with an SO2 sensor suitable for long term outdoor perimeter monitoring as well as shorter term human exposure studies.

Industrial Uses of Sulfur Dioxide

Sulfur dioxide is an intermediate component in the formation of sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid is a very important commodity chemical used in several industrial processes including the removal of oxidation and rust from metal sheeting. Sulfur dioxide gas is also used directly in many industries. It acts as a preservative for dried fruits due to its antimicrobial properties and is used in wine making to protect the wine from spoilage. isweek can provide a range of instruments for industrial monitoring of sulfur dioxide.

isweek SO2-B4 Sulfur Dioxide Sensor SO2 Sensor 
Alphasense Sulfur Dioxide gas sensors operate using proven fuel cell technology.

Sensors are available in the following sizes:
A: 20mm diameter, the industry standard size for portable gas detectors
B: 32mm diameter package, the best choice for fixed site applications
D: miniature, with proven long-term performance. Sensors designed for the next generation of portable gas detectors.

The SO2 range provides OEMs with reliable sensors for use in a variety of applications. Strong signal levels combined with low zero current allows resolution below 1ppm and an operating range for safety applications up to 2,000ppm. The sensors are designed for use in both fixed site and portable instrumentation.

The SO2 sensors offer our electrolyte leak-free guarantee and reliable long-term detection performance. The leakproof housing is moulded with a colour coded top for ease of identification.

Things to Consider When Buying Carbon Monoxide Sensors

Things to Consider When Buying Carbon Monoxide Sensors

Before you buy, it’s good to break down exactly what to look for in a carbon monoxide Sensor. We’ll highlight several key factors that were part of our decision-making process to help you become a more informed consumer, but if you’d like to skip to the details on our recommended models, you can do that here.

What Are the Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Carbon Monoxide doesn’t have a smell or taste, so you might not know right away that you’re being poisoned, but your body will. If you have carbon monoxide poisoning, you may feel dizzy, become nauseous, throw up, develop a headache, get confused, or pass out. It’s often been said that the signs of CO poisoning might resemble the flu.
Every year, 400 Americans die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning (from fuel burning, not fires), and 20,000 are admitted to the emergency room.1 If you become unconscious while carbon monoxide is filling your home, it can be life threatening. That's where carbon monoxide Sensors come into play. Once installed, they can alert you about high levels of carbon monoxide in your home, which will give you more time to get to safety.

Who Is Most Susceptible to CO Poisoning?

Everyone is susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning. But, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children, older adults, people who are physically ill, and pets are more likely to be affected by CO.2 The Mayo Clinic adds that unborn babies’ blood cells take in more CO than adult blood cells, which makes them more susceptible to poisoning.3 Older adults who experience high levels of CO could be more likely to incur brain damage.
When it comes down to it, a CO Sensor can help save your life and the lives of the people you love.

What to Do If You Suspect High Levels of Carbon Monoxide

If you or your family members experience carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms, quickly walk outside for fresh air and call 911. Even if you start to feel better, you can still have toxic levels of CO in your system and might require medical help. In this situation, it’s a good idea to have your whole family checked for poisoning, including your pets. Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning don’t always happen right away—it can happen over the period of days and possibly even weeks, depending on the levels of CO in your home.

What Is a Carbon Monoxide Sensor?

Carbon monoxide Sensors are a lot like smoke Sensors, but instead of looking for signs of fire, they detect levels of carbon monoxide. Depending on the brand, Sensors operate in one of three ways: with a biomimetic sensor, metal oxide semiconductor, or electrochemical sensor.
Biomimetic Sensors use gels that change color after absorbing a certain amount of carbon monoxide—and then a sensor sounds an alarm. Metal oxide semiconductors have silica chips that detect CO and send electrical signals to trigger an alarm. Electrochemical sensors are considered to be the best in the industry. They use electrodes in chemical solutions that sense changes in electrical currents when carbon monoxide is present, and they sound an alarm.
If you have a professionally monitored security system installed, it should come with a CO Sensor.

Where to Install Carbon Monoxide Sensors

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends putting a carbon monoxide Sensor outside every separate sleeping area in your home.4 You might also want to add a carbon monoxide Sensor in your kitchen and basement for added safety. Also, make sure you install Sensors close to bedrooms so alarms will wake you up if you're sleeping.
If you have an attached garage, you’ll want to place a CO Sensor by the entranceway. A vehicle that’s been left running in a closed space is a common cause for CO poisoning. In the grand scheme of things, it’s better to be overly cautious by placing CO Sensors in every room, floor, and hallway than suffering CO poisoning.

How to Maintain a Carbon Monoxide Sensor

Most carbon monoxide Sensors last an average of five years. Although the product’s lifetime will vary depending on your make and model, you can still get the most out of your Sensor by wiping it down weekly to keep it clean from dust and debris.
It’s also a good idea to test your CO Sensor monthly. Start by pressing the “test” button to ensure the siren works. If your Sensor is older, you can purchase a carbon monoxide test kit to ensure that it’s fully functional. If the Sensor doesn’t go off when you test it, it’s probably time to buy a new one.