
Gas Detector "See's" EthanolApril 23, 2008
![]() A new gas detector that reacts to toxic or explosive concentrations of ethanol has been developed by Sensor Electronics of Minneapolis. Like gasoline, ethanol is extremely volatile and explosive. It’s also toxic: In high concentrations it displaces oxygen, leading to asphyxiation and possible death. This new infrared gas detector “sees” even minute traces of ethanol, making it ideal for protecting biofuel refineries converting corn, soybeans, sugar cane, beets, seaweed and other vegetation into the gas. It’s designed for applications in biofuel processing plants, pipelines, pumping stations, storage facilities, fuel dumps, distribution networks and the like. Calibration is quick, easy: The gas detector simply sniffs a whiff of ethanol, then locks itself into ethanol’s chemical “signature.” Thereafter, any significant concentration triggers an immediate warning. Because this self-contained gas detector uses no mirrors or beam-splitters, it shrugs off rain, snow, fog, smog. It also ignores temperature/pressure/humidity extremes, as well as interference (false signals) from other gases. The cylindrical unit measures 8 inches high overall, 2.5 inches diameter. The stainless-steel housing cannot rust or corrode, meaning exceptional operating life. Sensor Electronics has many other gas detection products available – see our website at www.sensorelectronics.com or call us at 1-800-285-3651 for more information. |