The Gases that Portable Gas Analyzers Detect

An infrared gas analyzer was developed to detect particles in the atmosphere that might be harmful to humans. Through advanced light technology, the instrument is able to measure the concentration of gases in the atmosphere and sound an alert if a harmful gas reaches a dangerous level. MRU-Instruments has created a portable, handheld-device that can be used for research or to detect pockets of gas within buildings, signaling a dangerous leak. There are four main gases that can be measured.

Oxygen

One of the most common particles in the atmosphere is oxygen. Portable gas analyzers measure oxygen to compare the amount of other elements present and determine the concentration of potentially harmful gases. Oxygen is one of the elements most commonly found in compounds and readily oxidizes with other gases.

Methane

Methane exists in several different forms in the atmosphere and has multiple uses. Compressed natural gas uses methane to fuel vehicles and heat buildings. Methane was first discovered as a marsh gas emitting from a lake and is commonly extracted from natural gas fields, but can also be created by fermenting organic matter, including manure and other waste. Pipelines carry it in bulk in its natural form to support households and buildings worldwide, but due to its volatility, few countries choose to transport it by truck. While not toxic, methane is still extremely flammable and violently reactive with oxidizers and halogen. It can also displace oxygen in enclosed spaces and can produce asphyxia if the oxygen concentration drops below 16%. Portable gas analyzers can be used to detect high concentrations of methane and low concentrations of oxygen and alert residents of the danger.

Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide is present virtually everywhere that living things exist. Animals exhale it, plants use it for photosynthesis and it’s a natural byproduct of bacteria and fungi decomposition. It can also be produced when materials with carbon in them combust, such as wood, coal, carbohydrates and petroleum. Carbon dioxide is necessary for life in the Earth’s atmosphere to exist, but the industrial revolution has led to a rapid increase in its concentration. Even with sufficient oxygen, a concentration of 7% to 10% can cause suffocation, causing victims to feel dizzy, have a headache, and have difficulty seeing and hearing. Levels typically sit at less than 0.04%, but even an increase to 0.5% has shown kidney calcification and bone loss in animals. When there are not enough carbon atoms to produce carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide is formed, which is highly toxic to humans. Portable gas analyzers can be used to test the levels of carbon oxides in the atmosphere and determine air quality.

Nitrogen Oxide

Also known as nitric oxide and nitrogen monoxide, nitrogen oxide is another combustion by-product of things such as car engines and fossil fuel power plants, but is also produced by lightning during thunderstorms. Nitrogen oxide is sometimes used in medicine as a last resort treatment for infants with lung problems and has been known to save lives, but it can also have deadly effects in nature. When mixed with oxygen, it has creates a brown toxic gas and has been thought to be a culprit in acid rain. Portable gas analyzers can be used in research to determine levels of nitric oxide and effects on the environment.

These four gases are increasingly being measured for a variety of purposes. Using a portable gas analyzer to detect high concentrations of substances can save lives and provide needed information for research programs.