Application of New Carbon Monoxide Sensors in Fire Detection

In recent years, gas cylinders have been gradually replaced by pipeline natural gas. However, gas cylinders are still widely used in some rental houses and restaurants. Although gas cylinders are flexible, convenient and inexpensive, they pose relatively high risks. Gas fuel is easy to use and ignites quickly, but improper installation or use may lead to explosions, fires and poisoning accidents. Firefighters remind the public to take preventive measures in gas usage, as any small negligence could trigger accidents resulting in property destruction and casualties.

At around 11:00 a.m. on October 13, a gas explosion occurred at a snack bar on Xinyang Road, Ehu Town, Xishan District, Wuxi City. Preliminary judgment indicated that the accident was suspected to be caused by a gas leak. As of 17:00 that day, the accident had caused 9 deaths and 10 injuries. The incident immediately became a hot news topic and aroused public concern about the safety of kitchen gas in their daily lives.

Carbon monoxide is produced in the early stage of a fire. Inhalation of carbon monoxide first causes symptoms such as dizziness and blurred vision, and in severe cases, even syncope. Once entering the human body, carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the blood, preventing hemoglobin from combining with oxygen. This leads to hypoxia in body tissues and ultimately suffocation and death. Therefore, the application of carbon monoxide sensors in fire alarms is crucial. These sensors transmit real-time carbon monoxide concentration data inside buildings to fire control centers to guide fire rescue operations.

Shenzhen Wuliang Sensor Technology Co., Ltd. mainly supplies the imported British DDS electrochemical carbon monoxide sensor with high hydrogen resistance, model GS+4CO2H. This sensor is designed to measure carbon monoxide in environments with high hydrogen content and is widely used in steel mills, the chemical industry, civil applications and other fields. Carbon monoxide sensors can detect extremely low concentrations of carbon monoxide. Meanwhile, photoelectric sensors are used to detect visible smoke particles. By analyzing the ratio and correlation of data received from these two sensors and applying specific fire detection algorithms, the sensitivity of fire detection can be significantly improved.

The detection principle is as follows: when a gas leak occurs in the environment and the gas concentration detected by the gas alarm reaches the critical point set for explosion or poisoning alarms, the sensor converts the gas signal into a voltage or current signal and transmits it to the alarm instrument, which then triggers an alarm. Carbon monoxide sensors detect low concentrations of flammable gases in the surrounding environment and send detection signals to the controller or control circuit in analog or digital form. When the flammable gas concentration exceeds the preset value of the controller or control circuit, the controller sends an alarm signal or triggers actions such as closing the gas valve through an actuator or executive circuit. On-duty personnel can then take timely safety measures to prevent gas explosion accidents.

Carbon monoxide is an invisible, colorless, odorless and non-irritating gas that cannot be perceived by human senses. This is why a carbon monoxide sensor for early warning and prediction is particularly important. In the United States, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that every household should be equipped with at least one carbon monoxide alarm, which is an essential part of a family safety plan.