What is the difference between a flammable gas detector and a toxic gas detector?

Gas detectors play a vital role in industrial safety and environmental monitoring by identifying the presence of hazardous gases (flammable gases or toxic gases).

The flammable gas detector mainly detects flammable gases. Flammable gases are those that can cause a fire or explosion if the gas is exposed to an ignition source such as a spark, a hot surface, an open flame or even friction caused by gas escaping through a pipe fissure.

The toxic gas detector needs to know which specific gas or gases to detect. A toxic gas can cause harm to humans, ranging from minor irritation to death. Toxic gases include, but are not limited to, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ammonia and chlorine.

Toxic and flammable gas detectors: which technologies to use

The choice of detection technology depends on the type of gas and the characteristics of the environment in which the detector is to be installed.

Flammable gases: the most common detectors use catalytic combustion gas sensors or infrared gas sensors.
Applications: Commonly used in industrial environments such as refineries, chemical plants, and gas storage facilities.

Toxic gases: the most common detectors use electrochemical sensors or PID sensors.
Applications: Commonly used to detect gases like carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, VOCs, and ammonia in workplaces, parking garages, and mining operations.

The importance of gas detection

Installing a gas detection system is the most effective measure to prevent accidents. It possible to:

Detect the presence of toxic or flammable gases early.
Trigger audible and visual alarms to evacuate personnel.
Trigger automatic safety systems, such as forced ventilation or shutoff valves.

We have over 20 years in the gas detection industry. Whether it is a small factory, laboratory to large complex petrochemical plants; Hanwei Electronics have the hazardous gas detector solution.

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