A Gas Sensor for Application as a Propane Leak Detector

Abstract

A propane gas detector was built based on the semiconductor nickel antimonate oxide (NiSb2O6) by means of an analog electronic circuit. The gas detector was designed for monitoring atmospheres where the leakage of propane gas could possibly occur. The prototype’s construction methodology is presented in 5 stages: (1) synthesis of NiSb2O6 oxide powders, (2) characterization of the powders by XRD and TEM, (3) manufacture and electrical characterization of the chemical gas sensor, (4) design of the analog circuit based on the electrical response of the gas sensor, and (5) functionality tests. The gas detector was built at low cost and showed excellent functionality. The operating conditions were as follows: 200°C, gas concentration of 5 ppm, electronic circuit gain of 5, and sensor sensitivity of 0.41.

Electrical Response of the Spinel ZnAl2O4 and Its Application in the Detection of Propane Gas

“…Therefore, we consider that the ZnAl 2 O 4 is a strong candidate to be applied as a sensor of toxic gases, mainly propane. Comparing the results in Figure 2 with those reported in the references [9,15,23], we found that our sensor ZnAl 2 O 4 had better sensitivity, excellent dynamic response, good reproducibility, shorter response and recovery times at 250 • C. In addition, the curves obtained from the experiments performed at 1000-ppm propane concentrations (see Figure 2), were consistent with those reported in reference [1].…”

“…That was repeated on several occasions (cycles), which indicated that the pellets maintained a stable process of reversibility and stability in air-propane atmospheres [1]. The excellent response of the ZnAl 2 O 4 was attributed mainly to the reaction that took place on the pellets' surface between the oxygen and the test gas because of the operating temperature (250 • C) [15,23,24]. The temperature provoked the activation of the charge carriers (electrons) [1], making them move faster on the sensor's surface [23,25], causing an almost immediate change in electrical resistance and an increase in the sensitivity of the pellets [1].…”

“…Some reports have stated that the ZnAl 2 O 4 possesses high sensitivity, good linearity, small hysteresis, and short response and recovery times in humid [9] and propane [1] atmospheres, which is attributed to the porosity and the nanostructures (such as nanorods) obtained during the compound's synthesis [9]. The goal now is to apply new materials (such as the semiconductors) to toxic gas detection systems [15][16][17]. These devices are intended to provide safe zones for humans in C 3 H 8 , CO, or CO 2 atmospheres, among others [18][19][20].…”

Numerical Description of Jet and Duct Ventilation in Underground Garage after LPG Dispersion

“…Effective air pollution prevention and control measures are required when designing ventilation systems [36]. The results obtained from this study predict the nature of LPG dispersion from the chosen source (illegal car parked in an underground garage equipped with LPG installation), which plays a crucial role in the estimation of proper places for the sensors [37].…”

Synthesis and Sensing Response of Magnesium Antimoniate Oxide (MgSb2O6) in the Presence of Propane Atmospheres at Different Operating Voltages

“…The electrical response of these semiconductors is based on the adsorption and desorption of oxygen ions on the surface [3,4] and the mobility of the charge carriers (holes or electrons) due to the temperature employed in the tests [1][2][3][4][5][6]. The variation in the electrical signal (resistance) shown by the semiconductor oxides depends on the detected gas and the type of semiconductor (p or n) [6,7]. In the gas sensor field, n-type semiconductors are the most studied [8] because they show excellent electrical response, thermal stability, and efficiency toward almost any gas (CO, O 2 , CO 2 , SO 2 , CH 4 , etc.)…”