Causes of Poisoning in Combustible Gas Detection Sensors and Protective Measures
Combustible gas detector is a widely used safety protection instrument in the process industry. The currently used detectors are mostly catalytic combustion combustible gas detectors. However, this type of detector suffers from catalytic element poisoning, which prevents it from functioning and poses a safety hazard. Therefore, it must be taken seriously. Today, following Blue Moon Measurement and Control, we will take a look at the causes and protective measures of combustible gas detector poisoning.
Cause of poisoning
In the process industry, many chemicals are absorbed by catalysts or react with them to form new compounds, thereby inhibiting catalytic reactions and even poisoning catalytic components, leading to a decrease in sensitivity or even complete failure. Long term operation of sensors in environments containing these chemicals can lead to catalyst poisoning and deactivation, significantly reducing the sensitivity of catalytic components and shortening their lifespan. The most common types of these chemicals are silicides and sulfides.
There are various reasons for the poisoning of combustible gas detection sensors, but by selecting catalytic elements with strong anti toxicity capabilities, installing filters, avoiding contact with harmful substances, reducing exposure time, and following installation and maintenance guidelines, sensor poisoning can be effectively prevented, ensuring its normal operation and monitoring accuracy. This is of great significance for preventing fire and explosion accidents and ensuring industrial safety.
1: Silicide
Silicides are often abundant in compounds such as lubricants, cleaning agents, adhesives, and sealants, and are widely used in the petrochemical industry, which can significantly suppress the response of sensors. When the concentration of silicon compounds reaches parts per million, the response of the sensor will decrease. Organic silicon will decompose catalysts in high-temperature environments and form solid substances on the catalyst surface, resulting in a decrease in sensor sensitivity, while higher concentrations of organic silicon compounds will immediately damage gas detectors.
2: Sulfides
Sulfides are easily oxidized into mineral acids, which can corrode catalytic components and even lead to their failure in severe cases. Hydrogen sulfide and many other sulfides may corrode sensors when oxidized to inorganic acids. High temperature organic acids (such as acetic acid) or direct exposure to acid vapors (such as hydrochloric acid vapor, sulfuric acid vapor) can also corrode sensors.
