CO2meter.com is a world leading manufacturer and supplier of gas detecting equipment located in Florida, USA. In this article, CO2meter.com outlines the 2021 trends in gas detecting technology and what may be expected in the near future.

In the past, gas sensing technologies focused on size and ease of integration. Recently, there has been an increasing focus to easily integrate gas sensing technology into unique applications such as indoor air quality (IAQ), healthcare, agriculture, safety, university research, and much 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.

That includes sensors and gas detection devices, too.

The improvements in technology now allow for the user to have full peace of mind in knowing their sensor is able to accurately provide measurements, analyze across multiple gases, and is easy enough to orchestrate, all within a simple touch screen panel or smartphone app.

The real game-changer in terms of present-day gas detection solutions is this futuristic ability to now be able to monitor gas concentrations with a more modern-day approach. Sensors used to be enormous and cost a lot, too.

Advances over the last few decades have downsized sensors to the size of a coin, reduced the cost to under $100, 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 is the best gas detection device?

In terms of overall gas detection, customers often want to understand what distinguishes the best from the worst? Our engineering team decided to take a look at the technological advancements and key features that currently make certain devices standout in terms of accuracy, multiple measurement, lifespan, and wireless connectivity.

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.

Our team is here to help simplify your search by offering some educational insight into the important aspects of sensing in order to distinguish and simplify your choice of a gas detection device or sensor.

Below, we have categorized the top gas sensor technologies by important capability and those that our customers ask about the most frequent.

 

accuracy

One key component in a gas detector is its accuracy. Customers tend to look for accuracy as it is used as a performance specification which often combines the effects of conformity and repeatability.

Simply put, 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 an 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.

 

multiple gas detection

Another key component sought after in gas sensors is the ability to monitor across a wide range of multiple 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 several sensor configurations across CO2, CO, and O2 gases - the most advanced portable detector that most customers find as an ideal solution is the GasLab Pro 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.

The GasLab Plus series of meters can also measure multiple gas parameters including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, oxygen and ammonia. The GasLab Plus measures additional parameters including particulate matter, temperature, humidity and barometric pressure. Therefore, the GasLab Plus meters are ideal for air quality applications.

Also, the GasLab Pro and GasLab Plus meter are data loggers. Therefore, the meters monitor air quality unattended and data is downloaded later.

 

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 ensure a long lifespan towards the future.

Individuals from a variety of industries today often look for a device or sensor with a long life to ensure that the device can work correctly at all times given the critical nature of many 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 or gas sensor. 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 crucial.

When one looks for the perfect 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 was designed to protect customers and workers near stored carbon dioxide (CO2) and features a modern 8" touchscreen display panel, 12 unique sensor configurations, audible/visual alarms settings, and 4 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 facilities, and safety industries.

 

the future technology of gas detection

After taking a look at the main components of Accuracy, Wireless Connectivity, Multiple Measurements, Lifespan, and Integration, sensing solutions as we know them today will continue to evolve to meet customer demands and their everchanging requirements.

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.