Sensing Technology - Sensing Technology

Sensing Technology

Dräger’s Advancing Sensor Technology

Our sensor technology has evolved significantly as technology advances and customer demands grow. In the future, sensors are becoming increasingly compact, powerful, and sensitive. A reduction in failure rates accompanies this progress, thanks to our constantly improving capabilities and manufacturing processes.

Given the crucial role of gas detection systems in protecting plant assets and personnel, along with customer cost pressures, sensor development holds the utmost importance in our gas detection solutions. We understand that reliable and efficient sensors are essential for ensuring the overall system’s effectiveness while meeting our customers’ financial considerations.

Infrared Detection

Infrared Detection

Flammable gases and vapors, predominantly hydrocarbons, are commonly detected using NDIR sensors (Nondispersive Infrared). These sensors operate based on the principle of measuring the absorbance of infrared light at specific wavelengths within the range of 3.3 to 3.4 micrometers. A temperature-compensating linearisation algorithm is employed to ensure accurate and reliable detection, enabling precise substance-specific signal output.

NDIR sensors exhibit exceptional sensitivity and effectiveness in detecting a wide range of hydrocarbons. Their capabilities extend to virtually all types of hydrocarbons, ensuring reliable and sensitive detection across various applications.



Infrared gas detection is a reliable gas detection technology that utilizes infrared radiation to detect the presence of gases in a specific area. The system works by emitting an infrared beam, which is absorbed by the gas molecules, causing a change in the beam's intensity. By measuring the intensity of the beam after passing through the gas, the system can accurately identify the type and concentration of the gas present.

Dräger PIR 7000

Point Gas Detection

Compared to other gas detection technologies, point IR gas detection offers several advantages, including high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. It can detect a wide range of gases at low concentrations, including hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide, making it an ideal choice for applications requiring gas monitoring. Point IR gas detectors are also highly resistant to interference from other gases or environmental factors such as temperature and humidity, making them more reliable than other gas detection methods. Additionally, point IR gas detection systems are easy to install and maintain, requiring minimal calibration and upkeep, reducing the total cost of ownership.

Open Path Gas Detection

Open Path Gas Detection

Open path IR gas detection offers several advantages over point IR gas detection, including wider coverage and faster response times. Since open path systems cover a larger area, they are ideal for monitoring gas leaks in outdoor environments, where gas plumes can travel further distances. Additionally, open path systems can provide real-time gas detection, alerting personnel to the presence of hazardous gases immediately.

calibration service for h2o2 sensors

Electrochemical sensors

Electrochemical sensors produce an electrical signal through a chemical reaction with the target gas at a sensing electrode. In most electrochemical cells, the electrical current generated exhibits a linear relationship with the gas concentration being detected. To ensure accurate measurements, the quantitative correlation between the current and gas concentration is maintained constant by a reference electrode, which stabilises the electrolytic process turnover rate at the working electrode (sensing electrode).

Our gas detectors employ highly sensitive electrochemical sensors that can effectively detect a wide range of toxic gases. These gases include chlorine, ammonia, carbon monoxide, hydrogen peroxide, nitrogen oxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur oxide, and oxygen. Our sensors are designed to provide reliable and precise measurements, enabling prompt detection of hazardous gas levels.

Catalytic Bead

Catalytic Bead

Under specific conditions, flammable gases and vapors can undergo oxidation through a heat-releasing reaction with atmospheric oxygen. To facilitate this process, a catalyst material is employed. The catalyst material experiences measurable heating as the reaction occurs, increasing temperature.

This temperature rise impacts the resistance of an element installed in a Wheatstone bridge configuration. By measuring the changes in resistance, the gas concentration can be determined. The resistance variations in the Wheatstone bridge provide valuable data that can be utilised to assess the target gas concentration accurately.

Visualisation of Methane

Visualisation of Methane

Our MetCam is specifically designed to monitor Methane or Natural gas clouds in large industrial Ex areas. It is a fully integrated camera unit that can autonomously detect methane and natural gas clouds that exceed safety levels, providing timely warnings to prevent accidents. MetCam can also detect small emissions for routine preventive maintenance operations and serves as a situational awareness camera. MetCam is built with high reliability components and has no moving parts, enhancing its operability and eliminating the need for special maintenance or calibrations, except for external cleaning periodically.

MetCam Gas Camera

The MetCam is an explosion-proof gas camera that continuously monitors large areas for hazardous methane leaks and fugitive emissions. Watch how it works.

UGLD sensor polytron

Ultrasonic Gas Leak Detection

Ultrasonic gas leak detection works by utilising specialized sensors that detect high-frequency sound waves emitted by gas leaks. These sensors are designed to detect the distinct ultrasonic frequencies produced by the turbulence and vibrations caused by the escaping gas. When a gas leak occurs, the sensor picks up these ultrasonic signals and converts them into electrical signals. The electrical signals are then analysed by the system to identify and locate the gas leak. Ultrasonic gas leak detection is known for its effectiveness in detecting leaks in various gas systems, including compressed air, steam, natural gas, and other industrial gases. It offers a non-intrusive and reliable method for early detection of gas leaks, enhancing safety and minimising the risk of accidents.

PID Sensor

PID

The Photo-Ionization Detector (PID) is a sensor integrated into our portable or fixed detectors, used for the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as Benzene, Butadiene, Toluene, and some inorganic compounds. It can detect these compounds within a range from parts-per-billion (ppb) to thousands of parts-per-million (ppm). The key component of a PID is the UV lamp, which emits photons to ionize the gases. When ionizable substances enter the sensor’s measuring chamber, their electrical conductivity increases, resulting in a charge exchange and current flow between the installed electrodes. The current level is directly proportional to the gas concentration and is displayed in parts per million (ppm) on the detector’s screen.

Dräger Flame Detectors

Flame detectors are specialised devices that detect radiant energy in various sections of the electromagnetic spectrum, including UV, IR, and the visual spectrum. They can identify specific spectral ranges emitted by different types of flames. These detectors can detect flames generated by fuels, gases, and specific fire types like H₂ and metal fires. They are designed to be robust and suitable for use in explosion-prone areas, ensuring reliable flame detection and enabling prompt response to fire incidents.

Flame 5000

Flame detector - optical imaging

The Dräger Flame 5000 is specifically designed for the detection of hydrocarbon flames. It visually detects flames using live video and an onboard flame recognition algorithm. Common sources of false alarms, such as hot CO2 , welding work, or black body radiation often seen on FPSOs, no longer pose a problem for you.

FGDS Flame Family Brochure

The Dräger flame detection family

The Dräger flame detection range offers a comprehensive solution to ensure safety in various environments. With five flame detector types, including three radiation-based detectors and two visual flame detectors, tailored to specific flame types, customers benefit from reliable detection capabilities. Click the link below and find out more

Flame cone blue





The cone of vision of the visual flame detectors is formed like a slice of pizza rather than a drop of water. Therefore, the visual flame detectors are able to detect fires at the very edge of their field of vision whereas the UV/IR type flame detectors will not cover these corners.


Flame 1500

Flame detector - IR3

The Dräger Flame 1500 flame detector uses its triple IR sensor to detect hydrocarbon fires. It provides excellent false alarm immunity, as approved by FM while maintaining a response time of under 4 seconds.

The powder-coated housing made of stainless steel or aluminium is very robust and weatherproof. The viewing window is heated to protect against icing and fogging and is therefore used in harsh environments. The three-color LED on the front lets you quickly see the unit’s status.

Flame cone IR3




General field of view of an IR3 and a UV-IR flame detector. The UV-IR units usually have a larger angle of view, but a shorter distance (see figure on the left side).

Flame 1750

Flame detector - IR3 - Focussed on H₂ flame detection

The Dräger Flame 1750 His specifically designed for the detection of hydrogen fires. Its three IR sensors measure in the range of 2 to 4 μm relevant for hydrogen flames, guaranteeing high thereby high performance and a low false alarm rate. Common sources of false alarms, such as hot CO2 or welding work.

Flame-detection-wp-pdf-DMC-108242-en-master

Hydrogen Flame Detection Whitepaper

Detecting hydrogen flames, invisible and challenging for the human senses, plays a crucial role in safety across multiple industries. To help you overcome these challenges, we dissect the specifics of hydrogen flames, the key aspects of detection, and explain the innovative Dräger Flame 1750 H2 specifically designed for hydrogen flame detection

Download whitepaper

Flame-1350-FGDS-D-6464-2022-3-2

Flame detector - UV/IR

The Dräger Flame 1350 combines a UV and an IR sensor to safely and reliably detect hydrocarbon-based fires. Due to its reliability and performance, it meets IEC 61508 safety integrity requirements according to SIL2, as well as the high performance requirements of EN54-10 and FM3260.

The flame detector also features HART® and RS-485 interfaces and has low power consumption.

Get in touch

If you have a fixed gas detector enquiry - complete the short form below, and one of our experts will get back to you as soon as possible.

More related topics

Click on the links below to visit our other FGDS topic areas

Get in touch with Dräger

Contact us

Draeger Safety UK Ltd.

Ullswater Close, Blyth Riverside Business Park
Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 4RG

+44 (0) 1670 352 891

Call us from Mo - Thurs 8:30 - 17:00h
Fri - 8:30 - 14.00

Draeger Marine and Offshore

Unit E1, ABZ Business Park, International View,
Dyce, Aberdeen, AB21 0BJ

+44 (0) 1224 701 569