At Edinburgh Sensors, we produce a diverse range of gas sensors for the fast, reliable and continuous detection of a range of gases that can be used across a range of industries.
Our sensors are manufactured in the UK and use infrared (IR) detection technology, measuring absorption by the gas with signals present at all gas concentrations. Our IR gas sensors can be selectively sensitive to a specific gas or group of gases and with a global reputation for high performance, they are the ideal solution for applications where accuracy, safety and reliability are paramount.
This article presents an overview of the main industries we provide for. If you can’t find the specific industry that you are looking for, please get in touch with a member of our team. We would be delighted to assist you with a bespoke solution to meet your requirements.
Agriculture
Agriculture is the practice of farming, including the cultivation of soil for the growing of crops and the rearing of animals to provide food, wool, and other products. Gas sensing technology has the power to greatly assist the productivity of agriculture, allowing farmers to keep up with growing food demands and make their lives a lot easier.
Sensors are essential for the following applications within the agricultural industry…
- Commercial greenhouse control systems measure and control temperature and Carbon Dioxide concentration for optimal crop growth.
- Carbon dioxide concentrations must be monitored in Pig and Poultry farming during the process of gas stunning.
- The spoilage of stored grains can be detected with gas sensors for CO2 measurement.
- The Anaerobic Digestion process in the production of biogas relies on early gas detection through carbon dioxide and methane sensing.
- Methane emissions must be monitored from Agriculture and Dairy Farming.
Landfill
A landfill site is a site for the disposal of waste materials by burial. Landfill gas is created by the action of microorganisms within a landfill, which includes the evaporation of volatile organic compounds, chemical reactions between waste components and microbial action. The emitted gas consists of 40-60% methane, and the rest mostly carbon dioxide. Legislation requires that landfill gas is safely removed to avoid an explosion. Instead of escaping into the air, landfill gas can be captured, converted, and used as a renewable energy resource. This requires the measurement of the Methane content (and in many cases the CO2 concentration).
Edinburgh Sensors provide gas sensors for both Methane and CO2 that can be integrated into landfill gas processing systems enabling easy monitoring of these gases. Find out more… (include links)
- Methane and Carbon Dioxide sensing for landfill gas monitoring.
- Waste to syngas production
- Measuring gases produced by waste gasification.
TOC
Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Analysis is a measure of water quality. The TOC is the total amount of carbon that is found in an organic compound. It has become an important indication of approximate levels of organic contamination and can therefore be used as a suggestion of water quality. TOC is measured by oxidising the organic carbon to produce CO2, which can be quantified by measurement using a gas sensor. This process is essential because water purity is critical for a number of industries including pharmaceutical, manufacturing, power generation and water supplying. The presence of bacteria or other inorganic compounds can indicate filtration, storage or system failure.
Edinburgh Sensors supply TOC analysers to measure the CO2 concentration produced by oxidising the organic carbon in a water sample, and allowing the TOC to be calculated.
Biogas
Biogas is the mixture of gases produced by the process of anaerobic digestion, which is the breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen. Biogas can be used as a source of energy and is produced from raw materials. Methane and CO2 concentration measurements are a key part of the evaluation of the anaerobic digestion process. Too high or too low gas concentration levels can indicate a change in the efficiency of the fermentation process.
If you are interested in the specific applications of gas sensing for biogas production and would like to find out more, why not have a read of our relevant application notes and articles:
- Carbon Dioxide and Methane Sensing for Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Applications.
- Anaerobic Digestion of Slaughterhouse Wastes after Thermal Treatment using ADM1.
- Using Anaerobic Biomass Digestion to Produce Hydrogen and Biofuel.
HVAC
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) is the technology of indoor and vehicular environmental comfort which aims to provide optimal wellbeing, safety and cost efficiency of those inhaling the air. This cannot be achieved without measuring the air quality by determining the carbon dioxide content of the room. Using a gas sensor to measure the CO2 concentration in the atmosphere inside a building provides an economical way of ensuring that there is sufficient air circulation for us to be safe and comfortable, as well as preventing over-ventilation which can add unnecessary heating or cooling costs.
Read our related articles:
- Carbon Dioxide monitoring for indoor air quality.
- Indoor air quality testing for heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
- The use of air quality testing in the prevention of sick building syndrome.
- Integrating Gas Sensing into Centralised HVAC Systems
- An Introduction to the Different Types of Air Sampling Techniques
Horticulture
Controlled environment horticulture is a technology-based approach towards food production. Modern systems have been developed that are designed to protect, maintain and optimise the growing conditions of crops. Carbon dioxide enrichment through controlling the environment is required in large glass greenhouses when the CO2 present in the air becomes depleted as this slows down the photosynthesis process and reduces productivity. Therefore, modern Controlled Environment Horticulture systems often have carbon dioxide sensors to control the release of additional carbon dioxide into the environment.
Find out more:
- Carbon dioxide sensing for controlled environment horticulture applications
- Creating the perfect environmental and atmospheric conditions for vertical farming.
- Simulating Agricultural Climate Change Scenarios using Controlled Growth Chambers.
Modified Atmosphere Packaging
Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) enables fresh and minimally processed packaged food products to maintain visual, textual and nutritional appeal. Through the precise control of the package’s gaseous environment, the shelf life of the product can be extended without the requirement of adding chemical preservatives or stabilisers. MAP consists of the optimal blend of atmospheric gases within a high barrier or permeable package. These gases include a finely balanced mix of pure oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen.
Gas sensors are an essential piece of equipment needed in order to accurately monitor and determine the concentrations of the different gases when producing the optimal blend. Read the following articles to learn more.
- Creating Gaseous Micro Environments for Packaged Produce to Maintain the Quality of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables.
- Gas sensors for the development of Modified Atmosphere Packaging.
Controlled Atmosphere Storage
A controlled atmosphere is an agricultural storage method in which the concentrations of oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen, as well as the temperature and humidity of a storage room are regulated. Both dry commodities and fresh fruit and vegetables can be stored in controlled atmospheres. It is effective because the low temperatures involved in freezing food, and the low moisture content involved in drying, kill and prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms and help to reduce nutrient loss.
For frozen and dried food storage, real-time gas monitoring and logging can help prevent unnecessary wastage while keeping produce in its optimal conditions. Read of our related articles to find out more…
- Gas monitoring in frozen and dried food storage.
- Measuring CO2 to optimise the bulk storage of food.
Endothermic process control
Endothermic process and heat treatments are essential for ensuring high-quality metal and alloy products. Heat treatments are commonly used to alter the physical or chemical properties of materials such as metals and alloys, including steel. Heat treatments result in changes in material microstructures that provide increased hardness, temperature resistance, ductility, and strength. Carburising is a heat treatment process in which iron or steel absorbs carbon while the metal is heated in the presence of a carbon-bearing material, such as charcoal or carbon monoxide. The intent is to make the metal harder.
Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide levels must be carefully controlled in heat treatments. Find out more:
- Endothermic Process and Heat Treatment Furnaces – CO and CO₂ Control Considerations
- Perfecting Heat Treatment and Endothermic Processing
Find out more
If you have enjoyed reading this article about the different industries that require gas sensing and would like to find out more, please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team today. We look forward to being of assistance.
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