Gas Detection in Houston Basics

There are several things you need to know about gas detection in Houston. While digital gas sensors are a modern invention, gas detection itself has been around for years, like canaries in coal mines to help identify dangerous carbon monoxide levels. Today’s systems are much more innovative, sophisticated, and accurate to help improve safety for many different applications. We’ve gathered some basic information that can help you as you consider your gas detection system needs.

Gas Detection in Houston is Essential for Safety in Many Industrial Facilities

Industrial operations come with many different hazards, including potentially harmful gases. So, part of improving safety in industrial facilities is conducting hazard surveys to find potential threats and then finding life safety solutions to help mitigate those risks. Gas detection systems are one such solution that can have a positive impact on safety. 

wall mounted alarm for gas detection in Houston
Gas detection in Houston helps sound an alarm to start safety protocols for hazardous gases.

Gas Sensors Offer Important Life Safety Solutions

There are many different hazardous gases on the planet, and a lot of them are practically undetectable by our senses. In industrial processes, some of the most common hazardous gases include:

  • Carbon monoxide
  • Hydrogen fluoride
  • Hydrogen sulfide
  • Ammonia

Gases can harm us in a few different ways as well. For instance, some are toxic to inhale and can cause health issues or even death. Some can displace oxygen, which can cause humans in the area to suffocate. In addition, some harmful gases are combustible, which can cause fires or explosions. 

Gas detection in Houston helps identify these potential issues and alert people to these hazards. These systems use alarms to tell people to take action and follow your safety policies for gas leaks, which can help save lives should a leak occur.

However, the key for gas detection systems is to make sure your system is designed for the hazards that exist in your facility. For instance, for gases that tend to sink toward the floor, like ammonia, you probably want to place sensors closer to the floor. By contrast, for gases that float, like natural gas, you want to place sensors up high. You’ll also need to choose the right sensors for the types of gas your facility might be vulnerable to. 

Types of Sensors for Gas Detection in Houston

There are many different types of gas sensors. Some of the most common include:

  • Catalytic Bead Gas Sensors: These sensors are great for detecting flammable gases like carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and methane. However, they can be prone to “poisoning,” which is where they can become desensitized to gases. 
  • Infrared Gas Detectors: IR gas sensors help detect gases that absorb infrared light, like hydrocarbon gases. However, they’re not the best option for areas where hydrogen might be present, as this type of gas doesn’t absorb IR wavelengths. 
  • Electrochemical Gas Sensors: Electrochemical sensors convert gas into an electrical current through an electrochemical reaction. These are better for detecting toxic gases or gases that might affect oxygen levels. 

So, as you can see, each type of sensor comes with its pros and cons. Also, different sensors may be better for different facilities. Therefore, it’s best to work with gas detection experts to help design a system that is customized to your facility’s potential gas hazards. 

Fire and Life Safety Experts at Wilson Fire Equipment

Looking for cost-effective, customized safety systems? Our team at Wilson Fire Equipment offers high quality services for fire, life safety, and security systems for your facility. Whether you’re looking for gas detection system design, fire alarm testing, or life safety and security systems monitoring in Houston, we have the solutions you need for your commercial or industrial facility. Call us now at (713) 896-4747 for a free quote!