As one of the leading companies in gas detection we often get asked, "What is trending in gas sensing technologies over the years? What should I look for?"
Every year continues to bring more innovations across the industry. In general, the leading trends are:
- Smaller size
- Easy integration (IoT)
- Low power
- Longer lifespan
In the past, customers focused on speed, sensor technology, and accuracy. To date, customers are looking much more closely at low power and the ability to integrate with web-based or mobile technologies in order to easily integrate them into unique applications including environmental monitoring, pharmaceuticals, scientific, agriculture, industrial safety and more.
Much like purchasing or buying a reputable car, customers now want the same high-class features, bells, and whistles in the latest gas sensing technologies.
This includes sensors and gas detection devices, too.
The maturing of previous gas sensor technologies now allows users to have full confidence in knowing their sensor is able to accurately provide measurements, analyze across multiple gases, and is easy enough to orchestrate, all within an easy-to-use, simple, and intuitive software.
The real game-changer is the size of new sensors. Advances over the last few decades have miniaturized sensors to the size of a coin, reduced the cost significantly, and allowed for the design and manufacturing of the compact, sleek modules you can fit in the palm of your hand today.
Not to mention these sensors have the ability to sense measurements at rapid speed and are packed with an abundance of capabilities and features.
What makes the best gas sensor?
Customers often want to understand what distinguishes the best from the worst. Our engineering team is constantly looking at the technological advancements and key features that currently make certain devices standout.
Whether you need to detect CO2, O2, CO, or any other gas concentration finding the most effective, accurate, and reputable technology to do so, is not always an easy task.
Below, we have categorized the top gas sensor technologies by core capability and those features that our customers frequently ask about the most.
Accuracy
One key tried-and-true component in a gas detector is its accuracy. Customers still want consistently accurate readings (as they should). This is easy to compare from a sensors datasheet, which all list accuracy and repeatability usually towards to the top.
Accuracy describes how closely the indicated value represents the actual measurement being monitored while taking into account all possible sources of error that could be relevant in ones application.
In the world of gas sensors, you will notice that accuracy is normally given two formats: +/- ppm and the percentage (%) of the measured value. The +/- ppm reading is an indicator of the range for an accurate reading. The percentage of the measured value is generally thought of as the "worst-case scenario" for the accuracy of that sensor.
In terms of top solutions for accuracy, and reliability, we turn to the K30 FS Fast Response 10,000ppm CO2 Sensor.
The SE-0117 is one of the fastest CO2 sensors on the market, using NDIR technologies which can measure up to 10,000ppm CO2 while taking readings 2x per second!
This sensor's main competitive advantage is its fast response rate, making it an ideal low-cost solution for individuals who want to integrate CO2 sensing into applications like modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), occupancy detection, or anywhere rapid data sampling is needed.
Built on best-in-class NDIR technology, this sensor module is extremely popular across CO2Meter customers and also has a lifespan of more than 15 years.
Additionally, this sensor module can be connected to a sensor development kit for those who want to gain further analysis and measure or graph the gas concentration levels over time for data logging purposes.
Display
Aside from accuracy, another important factor in sensing technology is how to effectively read and collect data. This could be through traditional analog or digital outputs, connectivity to the cloud or wireless monitoring.
With the ability to remotely monitor gas concentrations "on-the-go", customers are able to gain critical measurements and updates, all from a smartphone or PC. Customers looking for an intuitive display with wireless monitoring via their smartphone, lean on the Aranet4 PRO Indoor Air Quality Monitor.
The device features a sleek, modern, wireless design and can accurately detect CO2, temperature, relative humidity, and barometric pressure - all from the Aranet4 iOS or Android app.
This device is most commonly designed for monitoring indoor air quality across homes, universities, office buildings and commercial spaces; or anywhere CO2 levels should be monitored for occupant comfort.
Multiple Gas Detection
Another key component sought after when choosing a gas detector is the ability to monitor across a wide range of gas concentrations. Continued application advancements across a variety of industries have opened a need to not just monitor one gas but several gases, simultaneously, in any one given environment.
With the flexibility to monitor up to 64 sensor configurations across CO2, CO, O2, and CH4 gases - the most advanced handheld detector that most customers find as an ideal solution is the Multi Gas Sampling Data Logger.
Additionally, this device also utilizes a micropump and draws samples into the sensing chamber allowing each sensor to take incredibly fast and accurate measurements. The CM-1000 can be used across a wide range of industries such as Fire Suppression Testing, Medical, Scientific, and Industrial processes.
Lifespan
Another area of specific interest in terms of sensing capabilities is the desire for not only high-speed measurements and accuracy, but selecting a technology that will last until the end of time.
Individuals from a variety of industries today often look for a device with a long life to ensure that the device can work correctly at all times given the critical nature of many aggressive gas detection environments.
When discussing lifespan, we first note the need for specific gas concentrations and then discuss the sensor method for the particular gas device.
While there are multiple gas sensing technologies available, the life expectancy of a sensor is most commonly linked to the technology it holds.
For reference a typical lifespan of an electrochemical sensor can usually be between 2-3 years, whereas a nondispersive infrared sensor can last anywhere from 15 years or greater.
For those interested in understanding what features can directly affect the sensor lifespan we have included the following:
- Relative Humidity
- Temperature
- Cross-Sensitivity to interfering gases
- Vibration or Impact
- Cleaning Agents
- Contamination of environmental conditions (dust, debris, sand, pests)
- Exposure to poisoning when sensor is not powered
Application Integration
Lastly, a final critical feature that we will discuss in this article is the trend towards ease of integration with existing platforms and systems.
As an end-user, being able to have gas detection technology with all of the bells and whistles, while being able to easily integrate into a variety of applications or environments is critical.
When one looks for the perfect gas sensing solution to provide such a broad span of features, there is no other comparison for the CM-7000 CO2 Multi-Sensor System.
The CM-7000 series was designed to protect customers and workers near stored carbon dioxide (CO2) and features a modern 8" touchscreen display panel, customized sensor configurations, audible/visual alarms, and distinct relays which meet OSHA/NIOSH standards.
The incredibly fast, accurate end easy to use device has made its presence known as a top choice for many individuals in applications such as restaurants, beverage dispensing, indoor agriculture, and safety industries.
The Future Technology of Gas Detection
The future of gas sensor technologies will only continue to provide the end-user with completely new user experiences, exceeding expectations and futuristic technologies for years to come.
For more information on CO2Meter.com sensing technologies or gas detection devices, please contact us at Sales@CO2Meter.com or (877) 678 - 4259