What is one advantage of an infrared methane sensor over a catalytic combustion methane sensor?

An infrared methane sensor has a distinct advantage when it comes to operating in low oxygen concentrations. This is particularly important because catalytic combustion sensors rely on the presence of oxygen to function correctly; they react with methane in the presence of oxygen to produce heat, which is then measured to indicate the concentration of the gas. In environments where oxygen levels are low, catalytic sensors may fail to provide accurate readings or could be rendered ineffective entirely.

In contrast, infrared sensors detect methane by measuring the absorption of specific wavelengths of infrared light that methane molecules absorb. This process does not require oxygen, allowing infrared sensors to maintain accurate performance even in oxygen-deficient conditions. This capability makes infrared sensors particularly valuable in various industrial applications, where varying oxygen levels can be a significant factor.

By understanding the benefits of infrared technology, one can appreciate its role in gas monitoring, particularly in safety-sensitive environments.