What Do You Need to Know About Methane Sensors

A Methane Sensor is a device used as an integral part of a fixed Methane gas alarm detector for the purposes of monitoring and detecting levels of methane in air in % LEL (Lower Explosive Limit) levels or in percent by volume levels.

There are two technologies used to manufacture Methane Sensors, Catalytic Bead and Infrared sensor technologies. Catalytic Bead sensors predate Infrared sensors, and are prone to being poisoned by silicone, lead, sulfur and halogenated compounds. They also require frequent calibration and although less costly than an Infrared sensor, require replacement on a more frequent basis. Because they are lower in cost, some end users still prefer to use Catalytic Bead gas sensors as a Methane Sensor, especially where there could be other combustible solvent vapors preset that the Catalytic Bead sensor will detect, while an Infrared sensor would not.

Application of methane sensors

As a Methane gas Sensor, Infrared sensor technology has now become the dominant Methane Gas Sensor in a fixed gas detection system for combustible detection of hazardous levels of methane in air. Because an Infrared Methane Sensor does not require oxygen to operate, Infrared Methane Sensors can also be used in a 0-100% by volume methane or other hydrocarbon gas process gas environment, such as in natural gas pipelines, utility applications and bio gas applications.

A Catalytic Bead Methane Gas Sensor works as a simple Wheatstone bridge circuit, where an active and reference filament wound from platinum wire with a palladium based catalyst changes the proportional resistance between the active and reference bead of the methane sensor in proportion to the amount of methane detected in a background of air.

Infrared Gas Detection instruments that use infrared methane sensors often use two wavelengths of infrared energy, with one active wavelength used for gas absorption, and the other as a reference wavelength to compensate the output signal of the Infrared Detection system for the effects of temperature and humidity.

Contact JXCT Corp. to Learn More About Methane Gas Sensors

Welcome to JXCT Corp. For years, we have led the way in providing gas and flame detectors for the industrial and commercial sectors. Reliability, safety, ease of use and cost effectiveness are our top priorities in all we do. Further, we use nothing less than the most advanced technologies and trusted methods.

If you’re from the military, utility, oil, gas, water and waste water, offshore, semiconductor, chemical processing, municipal or one of many other industries, our application engineers will be glad to speak to you about your needs. Whether you need methane gas sensors or something else, JXCT is your source for the highest quality and best service.

When you have questions or concerns about your methane sensors or CH4 sensors, call JXCT Corp. with our number provided. You can also use the contact form on the website. Thanks for getting in touch!