The methane gas detector detects the presence of flammable natural gas and is used by people who need to identify possible hazards such as natural or propane gas leaks in appliances, plumbing fixtures or gas connectors. It also helps prevent fires and explosions caused by methane gas accumulation in poorly ventilated areas.

There are several different types of methane gas detectors in the market today. Most of them are designed for the coal, oil and gas industries but some are also useful for domestic use in households. The most common type of methane detector is the electrochemical sensor which consists of a working electrode where the methane undergoes an oxidation reaction, a counter electrode to balance the current at the working electrode and a reference electrode to measure the potential difference between the two electrodes [85].

Detecting Methane: The Functionality of Methane Gas Detectors

Another type of methane detection device is the optical gas sensor that uses light or electromagnetic waves to measure emissions. This works through a technique called spectroscopy where certain gases are detected by their characteristic absorption spectra. The advantage of this type of methane detector is that it can detect multiple gases at once and is suitable for the harsh industrial environment.

Another option for methane leak detection is the catalytic bead sensor that relies on catalyst-loaded pellets that change their resistance in the presence of combustible gases. However, these sensors are prone to poisoning by silicone, lead, sulfur and halogenated compounds so they need to be replaced regularly.