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Unit 2 (2nd) Gas Measuring Instruments

The document provides an overview of various gas detecting instruments, including the MSA CO Detector, Methanometer, and Multigas Detector, detailing their components, operating principles, and detection capabilities. It explains how these instruments utilize different sensor technologies such as electrochemical, metal oxide semiconductors, catalytic, and infrared sensors to measure gas concentrations and activate alarms when dangerous levels are detected. Additionally, it highlights the historical development of these devices and their applications in coal mines.

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3 views

Unit 2 (2nd) Gas Measuring Instruments

The document provides an overview of various gas detecting instruments, including the MSA CO Detector, Methanometer, and Multigas Detector, detailing their components, operating principles, and detection capabilities. It explains how these instruments utilize different sensor technologies such as electrochemical, metal oxide semiconductors, catalytic, and infrared sensors to measure gas concentrations and activate alarms when dangerous levels are detected. Additionally, it highlights the historical development of these devices and their applications in coal mines.

Uploaded by

pradhansohankumar822
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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AS DETECTING INSTRUMENT

Training Course on Gas Detecting Instruments


MSA CO
Detector
It generally consists of an aspirator, a colour
comparing scale and co-detecting tubes.

The tube contains chemical ( yellow silica gel


impregnated with palladium sulphate and
ammonium molybdate) and is sealed at both ends.

The closed tube tips are broken by inserting it in the


aperture
provided within it the apparatus.

Then the tube is fitted in the apparatus at both


ends.

10 ppm to 1000ppm of gas can be detected with


Fig. 1: CO detector tube
this instrument.
MSA CO Detector (contd.)

The change in colour of the indicating gel of the detector


tube is matched with the colour chart available on the
rotatory knob of the detector and percentage of CO is read
off corresponding to the no. of squeezes.

The self life of the detector tube is generally 18 months.

The aspirator bulb ( 60 cc) capacity is squeezed 2,3 or 5


times and the CO sucked into the instrument changes the
colour of the chemical in the tube.

The extent of colour change depends on the percentage of


CO.
Fig. 2: MSA CO Detector Present at Talcher Colliery
Fig. 3: MSA CO Detector
Present at Talcher
Colliery
Methanometer
History
The first electrical methanometer for use in coal mines was
developed
by MSA in 1949. It was known as the W8 methanometer and
was
powered by an Edison cap lamp battery.

The C4 methanometer was introduced by MSA in 1966 and was later


replaced by the D6 which is still the main hand held electronic
methane detector used in coal mines.

The first recording methanometer was developed by Maihak in


Germany.

As a result of the work done at SMRE to develop a butane lamp


methanometer, in 1961, the Sigma Recording Flame Methanometer
Methanometer operating principles

In early, Methanometer sensors which


were used, comprised of two filaments
arranged in a Wheatstone Bridge
circuit.
One arm of the Wheatstone Bridge
consisted of an electrical filament that
was heated to a high enough
temperature to burn any methane in the
air sample that passed over the filament
(housed within a porous flame proof
barrier).

The process of burning raised the


temperature of the filament further Fig. 4: Methanometer based Wheatston
which in turn increased the electrical Bridge Circuit
Methanometer operating principles (Contd.)
This change of resistance could then be
calibrated as a current change proportional
to the volume of methane present.

In operation, a current is passed through the


coil, which heats up the bead to a high
temperature. When a flammable gas
molecule comes into contact with the
catalyst layer, the gas "burns" in a
controlled environment behind a flameproof
barrier known as a sinter.

Just as in a normal burning reaction, heat is


released which increases the temperature of Fig. 5: Analog & Digital (display)
the bead. This rise in temperature causes Methanometer
the electrical resistance
Video of the coil to rise &
Press the button (L/S)
to check Methane

Press the button (R/S)


to check Battery Level

Fig. 6: MSA D6 Methanometer (0% to 5%) Present at Talcher Colliery


Telescopic Probe

MSA D6 Methanometer

Aspirator

Fig. 7: MSA D6 Methanometer Present at Talcher Colliery


Fig. 8: MSA D6 Methanometer Present at Talcher Colliery
Fig. 9: Methanometer Present at Talcher Colliery
Multigas Detector
Gas detector measure and indicate the
concentration of certain gases in an air via
different technologies.

It works by signifying high levels of gases


through a series of audible or visible
indicators, such as alarms, lights or a
combination of signals.

As detectors measure a specified gas


concentration, the sensor response serves
as the reference point or scale. When the
sensors response surpasses a certain pre- Fig. 10: Multi Gas Detector
set level, an alarm will activate to warn the
user.
Different Sensor Technologies Used In
Detectors
Gas detectors are categorized by the type of
gas they detect: combustible or toxic. Within
this broad categorization, they are further
defined by the technology they use: catalytic
and infrared sensors detect combustible
gases and electrochemical and metal oxide
semiconductor technologies generally detect
toxic gases
Electrochemical Sensors or cells are most
commonly used in the detection of toxic
gases like carbon monoxide, chlorine and
Fig. 11: Electrochemical Gas Sens
nitrogen oxides. They function via electrodes
signals when a gas is detected.
Metal Oxide Semiconductors, or MOS, are also used for
detecting
toxic gases (commonly carbon monoxide) and work via a
gas
sensitive film that is composed of tin or tungsten oxides.
The
Catalytic sensors This technology is
sensitive film reacts
used to detect with gases,
combustible triggering
gases such the device when toxic
levels are present.
as hydrocarbon, and works via catalytic
oxidation. The sensors of this type of
detector are typically constructed from
a platinum treated wire coil. As a
combustible gas comes into contact
with the catalytic surface, it is oxidized
and the wiring resistance is changed by Fig. 12: Catalytic Gas Sensor
heat that is released. A bridge circuit is
typically used to indicate the resistance
Infrared sensors or IR detectors work via a system of
transmitters and receivers to detect combustible gases,
specifically hydrocarbon vapors. If a gas is present in the
optical path, it will interfere with the power of the light
transmission between the transmitter and receiver. The
altered state of light determines if and what type of gas
is present.

Fig. 13: Infrared Gas Sensor (IR)


Fig. 14: Multigas Detector (Methane, Hydrogen Sulphide, Oxygen &
Carbon Monoxide) Present at Talcher Colliery

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