Natural Gas Leak Detector

Natural gas detectors have different level of sensitivity. Each product model has its own advantages and disadvantages. That is why; you need to have an informed decision. Only in having an informed decision done by enough researching is the best and proven way of getting what you really need.

There are several factors to consider when selecting the right natural gas leak detector. You have to consider the general aspects that include the price, quality, and performance. Aside from this, you also have to consider the features of the specific product. The product features are the ones that tell you how efficient your leak detection performance would be. There are products that offer detection despite the presence of smoke or high humidity in which others cannot possibly do.

The sensitivity rating of a natural gas leak detector is determined right through the information you see on the package, termed as LEL or Lower Explosive Limit. Your detector sensitivity rating is advised to be set into medium so that you would get the right results. Lowering the setting would mean quicker system trigger about the gas leak. This leads to wrong diagnosis of leaks most of the time. The higher setting, on the other hand, would not let you detect the right amount of leaking gas.

You have to take a look at the manual and follow the direction in installing correctly. The natural gas detector would not work properly if it is not installed the right way.

Human Factors against the Effectiveness of Leak Detection Methods

Environmental factors such as wind or breeze and ambient light, affects the effectiveness of leak detection process. Additional information is that ambient sound also plays a role in the ineffectiveness of the workability of detection methods applied.

Ambient sound obviously would affect the accuracy of result when you use ultrasonic detectors. This type of detector is not ideal for noisy environment or a type of refrigeration system such as parallel rack. The pressure-regulating valve also produces the same noise that leaks make.

Another factor to deal with is the human factors. If you are an experienced technician in leak detection process and able to master it, it is still not an enough ground to have successful leak detection. Using and maintaining your leak detection devices are two most important tasks you should keep in mind.

Although most detectors are easy to use such as bubble solution methods, you also need to upgrade you knowledge about it. With the advent of newer technology, even in bubble solution method, there are other ways of performing it better and more advanced.

Replacing the parts of your detection devices and cleaning it after use should not be overlooked. Once you have not performed any of the mentioned things, there are big chances of arriving at false results because of faulty working detector you are using.

Electronic Sound Detection Method: The Good and Bad Aspect

Ultrasonic sound detection method depends on a high-frequency sound created because of the movement of gas from one pressure to another; the orifice where the gas escapes normally produces 40 KHz and higher.

Try to imagine how humans create sound or voice; the air that escapes or pass through the vocal box, which is a hole enables the humans to produce sounds by letting the air pushes through that hole (vocal box). This phenomenon is similar to having leaks in refrigerants. With electronic sound detector, the leak can be pinpointed or determined.

The greater the pressure inside the gas container or refrigerants, the greater noise there would be because the gas pressure is directly proportional to the turbulence created. The noise is almost inaudible to human ears, much like the whistle of a dog which is at a very high frequency. Hence the detector is named “ultrasonic.” With their highly sensitive microphones, ultrasonic sound detectors are the only ones that can hear such almost inaudible sound.

The same situation also happens in vacuum; the vessel or evacuated system is where the gas rushes into, creating a high frequency sound. However, the only difference is that the noise or sound is generated inside the system, not like in a refrigerant or a gas container in which the noise is generated outside the system.

Continue reading here: “The Good and Bad about Electronic Sound Detection Method”