Infrared Gas Sensor for CH4, Methane, Hydrocarbons, Ethylene Detector         

                                    Model Number: Prime Pell                                                     

 

Features Patented GB2449433
? Operates independent of supply polarity, as a pellistor
? Pellistor mimic Bridge output
? Voltage rises across detector connections in gas, as a pellistor
? Relative responses to key hydrocarbons are similar to a pellistor
? Operating voltage range 3.0V – 5.0V
? Operating current 80mA typical
? Latest technology MEMS detectors
? Sensing ranges: 0-100% LEL Methane, 0-100% LEL Hydrocarbons or 0-100% Volume Methane
? All metal construction with isolated housing
? Small internal volume
? Flexible electronic configuration access
? User calibration also enabled by hardware connections
? Wide operating temperature range
? Fast response
? Immunity from 'poisoning'

 

Description and Operation
The PrimePell sensor uses the non-dispersive infrared method to detect the presence of hydrocarbon gases. The
sensor contains an infrared radiation source, a dual element custom infrared detector, a unique optical waveguide
into which gas diffuses and internal ARM7 core microprocessor based electronics to provide a voltage output
which is independent of the power supply polarity. The sensors can be configured to provide a pellistor format
output, typically mid supply at zero with the voltage output increasing with respect to the detector pin by 100mV at
range, or a linear voltage output, typically 0.4V – 2.0V over range with respect to the negative supply pin. In
addition, the output can be read and the internal configuration can be accessed by a serial communications link.
The communication link contacts are pads in the 3 pin version PrimePell and pins in the 5 pin version PrimePell.
The internal electronics perform all the functions of driving the optical parts of the sensor, extracting the detector
signals, converting the signals to a concentration, applying temperature compensation and scaling the output.
When in a pellistor configuration, the PrimePell can replace catalytic sensors in existing circuitry subject to the
power supply requirements. External components will be required to meet the power supply requirement when a
PrimePell is used in constant current pellistor circuitry. The PrimePell is not currently Ex approved so should be
housed in a suitable Ex enclosure when used in Hazardous areas.