Two types of brand new laser methane sensors will be launched on March 15th, 2023 by Winsen Electronics. Updated technology, increased detection strength from Winsen!

Methane CH4 is a harmful greenhouse gas that can be found in a variety of environments, including natural gas pipelines, underground storage tanks, and landfill sites. Methane is the main composition of natural gas, accounting for 70%-90%, and other components include acetylene, propane, butane and pentane. These compounds are colorless and odorless. In the process of production, storage, transportation, distribution and use, gas leakage is very easy to occur and difficult to recognize in early time. After leakage, it is easy to cause serious safety accidents such as fire and explosion.

Sensors are designed to detect methane gas leaks quickly and accurately, widely used in civil and industrial fields helping to prevent environmental damage and the potential for explosions.

Methane Gas Leakage Detection Technology

From the view of sensor working principle, there are three types of sensors to detect methane gas leakage: semiconductor gas sensor, catalytic combustion sensor, and NDIR infrared sensor. NDIR infrared wave absorption detection technology is the latest method for methane leak monitoring.

Laser Methane Sensor- High End Detector of Methane

Working Principle of Laser Methane Sensor

Laser methane sensor works by using a laser beam to detect methane gas in the air. The laser beam is directed at the area being monitored, and any methane gas present will absorb some certain wave of the light (Lambert-Beer Law). The absorption intensity is proportional to the methane gas concentration. The sensor measures the amount of light that is absorbed and uses this information to determine the concentration of methane gas in the air.

Features of Laser Methane Sensor

The laser gas sensor is an optical sensor that does not need to be in direct contact with the gas. One of the main advantages of laser methane sensors is their speed and accuracy. They can detect methane gas leaks quickly and with a high degree of accuracy, even in remote or hard-to-reach areas.

Under normal pressure, the laser sensor is not affected by changes in pressure and humidity, so neither poisoning nor adjustment will occur. The CH4 laser sensor has the only selectivity to methane gas, without interference from other gases due to the use of near-infrared laser technology. It has more features of anti water vapor, stable performance, etc.

In addition to the advantages in product performance, the new laser methane sensor launched by Winsen is based on completely self-owned technology. The core components of the sensor are developed, produced, and packaged and tested by Winsen independently. The entire chain is controllable, and there is no "stuck neck" factor. The unique advantages in terms of technology and cost control give the new sensors great competitiveness.

Laser needs to be produced by a laser generator. To detect varying gases, corresponding laser generators are needed. Based on self-developed laser generators and detectors, Winsen laser sensor can not only detect methane CH4 gas, but also can be expanded to detect NH3 ammonia, CO carbon monoxide, NO nitrogen monoxide, H2S hydrogen sulfide and other gases.

On March 15-17, Winsen New Series of Laser Methane Sensor for industrial, commercial and residential use, laser generator, detector, etc. will be firstly presented on the Combustible Gas Security Communication Conference 2023 held in Jiaxing City Zhejiang Province. Keep following us for updated information!

Application of Laser Sensors

Natural gas pipelines: Laser methane sensors are used to monitor natural gas pipelines for leaks. This helps to prevent environmental damage and protect public safety.

Underground storage tanks: Laser methane sensors are used to monitor underground storage tanks for leaks. This helps to prevent groundwater contamination and protect public health.

Landfill sites: Laser methane sensors are used to monitor landfill sites for methane gas emissions. This helps to prevent environmental damage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

More aspects of social life: Medical diagnosis, energy exploration, smart agriculture, and industrial safety, and gradually enter the civil field, bringing security protection to more families.

In recent years, with the increasing development and maturity of semiconductor lasers in the near-infrared, mid-infrared and terahertz bands, it has provided important support for the remarkable progress of laser gas sensing technology. At present, laser gas sensors have been gradually applied to all aspects of the society.

Development History of Winsen’s Methane Sensors

Since its establishment in 2003, Winsen has always been committed to the business of sensors. In the past 20 years, it has been devoted to research and development, has nearly 200 invention and utility patents, and has led or participated in the formulation of 14 national and industry standards. Adhere to self-research and independent packaging and testing of technology, Winsen actively develop to the upstream of the industrial chain, solve "stuck neck" technical problems, and create a road of innovation that integrates R&D, production and sales.

In 1998, Hanwei Electronics Group, the parent company of Winsen, has successfully developed and produced a semiconductor methane sensor, which is the earliest company in China with this technology.

In 2005, the catalytic combustion sensor of Winsen was successfully developed and obtained the national utility model patent, and it has a catalytic methane sensor independently developed and produced.

In 2008, Winsen MH-4R NDIR infrared gas sensor passed the product technology appraisal organized by Henan Science & Technology Department; Winsen fully mastered the core technology of NDIR infrared methane sensor.

In 2023-In the following 10 years, the research and development strength of Winsen continue to accumulate, and sensor series are also expanded. Now, Winsen has owned 8 types and 200 series of sensors for wide use of various occasions.