In today’s industrial landscape, various hydrocarbons are often released as mixtures in the same environment. Monitoring environmental safety under these conditions is no longer a challenge.

With Prosense MPS ™ Hydrocarbon Detectors, there’s no need for additional adjustments related to Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) levels during monitoring. 

Molecular Property Spectrometer (MPS™) Technology

Until recently, the industry faced technological challenges in flammable gas detection. However, the Molecular Property Spectrometer (MPS™) now represents groundbreaking technology.

Let’s compare it with other methods:

• Catalytic Bead Sensors:

These sensors use heated beads—one coated with a catalyst and the other inert. In the presence of flammable gas, the catalyst-coated bead reacts exothermically, heating up more than the reference bead. The temperature difference indicates gas concentration. While catalytic sensors offer low-cost solutions for a wide range of flammable gases (from hydrogen to heavy hydrocarbons), they are susceptible to poisoning and sensitivity loss. They are not fail-safe and require individual calibration for each gas, affecting accuracy. Users often resort to practical cross-response values, leading to false measurements.

• Non-dispersive Infrared (NDIR) Sensors:

NDIR sensors use infrared light passing through an air-exposed chamber. Flammable gas molecules absorb specific wavelengths, allowing detectors to compare absorbed vs. non-absorbed light and determine gas concentration. Although NDIR sensors have a long lifespan and resist contamination and poisoning, they cannot detect hydrogen. Additionally, they often generate false alarms due to susceptibility to humidity and ambient infrared light.

• MPS™ Flammable Gas Sensors:

MPS™ Flammable Gas Sensors utilize cutting-edge microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology. These sensors feature an embedded heater and thermometer, allowing them to measure the thermal properties of air and gases. Once built and factory-calibrated, their responses remain stable over time, eliminating the need for periodic field calibration. With a lifespan exceeding 15 years, MPS sensors are immune to poisoning and consistently provide accurate readings, regardless of environmental conditions.

In summary, Prosense Hydrocarbon Gas Detectors, equipped with MPS™ technology, provide accurate and reliable results without the need for frequent calibration or cross-response adjustments. They offer immunity to poisoning and ensure safety in industrial environments.

Practical Advantages of MPS™ Sensors: TrueLEL™

Accurate Multi-Gas Detection:

Unlike other sensors that struggle with multiple gases, MPS™ sensors automatically and accurately detect over 15 different flammable gases in real-time. No false alarms or missed detections.

Consistent Performance:

Rigorous testing across diverse conditions consistently yields the same results. This level of accuracy is unmatched by other technologies.

Example test results (no device modification):

- Measures 50% LEL when 50% LEL Methane is applied.

- Measures 30% LEL when 30% LEL Methane is applied.

- Measures 50% LEL when 50% LEL Pentane is applied.

- Measures 35% LEL when 30% LEL Hydrogen is applied.

- Measures 36% LEL when a mixture (30% LEL Methane + 50% LEL Pentane + 30% LEL Hydrogen) is applied at a flow rate of 0.5 liters per minute.

Total LEL Calculation for Mixtures:

In the case of mixtures, the total LEL can be calculated as follows:

Total LEL = 1 / ((0,33/30) + (0,33/50) + (0,33/30))

Total LEL = 1 / (0,011 + 0,0066 + 0,011)

Total LEL = 1 / 0,0286

Total LEL = %34,96 LEL

Prosense MPS™ Sensors redefine accuracy and reliability in hydrocarbon detection. Their longevity and performance outweigh their initial cost.

Let’s highlight the key advantages of MPS™ sensors based on the provided information:

• Hydrogen Detection:

MPS™ sensors accurately detect dangerous levels of hydrogen gas, even in harsh conditions. Unlike NDIR technology, which cannot detect hydrogen due to its lack of spectrum in the infrared band, MPS™ technology ensures safety by identifying volatile hydrogen explosions, even when mixed with other gases.

• No More Sensor Poisoning:

Designed for multi-gas environments, MPS™ sensors resist contamination and prevent sensorpoisoning. This reliability ensures accurate measurements across various conditions, enhancing safety in industrial settings.

• No Calibration Required:

MPS™ sensors eliminate the need for frequent calibration or scheduled maintenance. Self-monitoring capabilities automatically report any operational issues, reducing interruptions and increasing uptime.

• Process Efficiency and Safety:

Plants dealing with mixed gas releases (e.g., oil and gas refineries) benefit from MPS™ sensors’ easy and correct measurements. Painting plants and printing systems, which use different solvents, no longer require frequent adjustments and re-calibration during various processes.

Prosense detectors equipped with MPS™ sensors offer a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) and address process-related challenges effectively.

See you in our next article!