Here is an introduction to semiconductor - type gas detectors:
Semiconductor gas detectors are manufactured based on the principle that some metal oxide semiconductor materials, at a certain temperature, have their electrical conductivity change with the variation of the composition of the ambient gas. For example, an alcohol sensor is prepared using the principle that when tin dioxide encounters alcohol gas at a high temperature, its resistance will decrease sharply.
1. Advantages of semiconductor gas detectors:
Semiconductor gas sensors can be effectively used for the detection of many gases, such as methane, ethane, propane, butane, alcohol, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ethylene, acetylene, vinyl chloride, styrene, acrylic acid, etc. In particular, these sensors are of low cost, making them suitable for the needs of civilian gas detection. The following types of semiconductor gas sensors have been successful: methane (natural gas, biogas), alcohol, carbon monoxide (town gas), hydrogen sulfide, ammonia (including amines, hydrazines). High-quality sensors can meet the requirements of industrial detection.
2. Disadvantages of semiconductor gas detectors:
They have relatively poor stability and are greatly affected by the environment. In particular, the selectivity of each sensor is not unique, and the output parameters cannot be determined either. Therefore, they are not suitable for use in places where high accuracy in measurement is required.
