Technical Data of Gas Leakage Sensor

Technical Data of Gas Leakage Sensor
Page content

Introduction

We all know that during combustion or burning of any substance smoke is involved. This smoke is generally a mixture of a number of gases like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, carbon hydroxide, methane, propane, butane, isobutene, etc., to name a few. These emanate due to the breaking of the chemical bonds of substances being consumed under the influence of heat or fire.

A gas sensor, as can be understood from the name itself, is a device which can detect or sense the presence of any gaseous element in the atmosphere surrounding it.

They find an important place in numerous applications, with the most common being in fire alarm systems where they are configured as sensors to detect the presence of any smoke content in the air due to a possible fire. Thus an alarm is raised before the fire is able spread to drastic levels.

In this article we will discuss the technical data of gas leakage sensor, and we will take the example of the well-known Japanese made Figaro TGS-813 gas sensor and study its specifications.

Characteristics of TGS-813

The TGS-813 is basically a sintered type of semiconductor primarily made up of tin dioxide (SnO2). When it comes in contact with any gaseous element, its internal resistance immediately drops.

As the concentration of the gas rises, its resistance drops proportionately and can become as low as 20 times to its normal value.

The TGS-813 is rated as one of the most reliable and longest lasting gas sensors.

As shown in the diagram, it consists of six terminals, two of which are connected to a heater coil, while the other four contacts are wired across a gas sensing resistor.

To initiate the sensor, a preheating of the heater coil is necessary. It may take approximately three to five minutes before the actual sensing of the gases can take place.

TGS-813, Image

The electrical parameters of the sensor are as follows:

As discussed above the heater coil needs preheating for about five minutes; to do this a 5-volt DC supply is applied across it.

The resistance of the heater coil is around 30 Ohms, and thus the current required is quite significantly high, about 200mA.

Ideally a voltage regulator is recommended for this purpose. The versatile IC 7805, which should be able to supply 5 volts at 1 amp maximum current, can be used,.

The dynamic resistance of the sensing element of TGS-812 in normal conditions, i.e. in clean air, is approximately 50 K and may fall to about 3 K in the presence of a gas around it.

Even a puff of cigarette smoke when released from a distance of about 3 meters would make its resistance fall significantly.

You may refer to the shown diagrams in its DATASHEET to know more regarding the technical data of gas leakage sensor (TGS-813).

ImageTGs-813 credit : https://www.professionalequipment.com/product_images/G278_product.jpg