Why Ammonia Detection Matters

Ammonia (NH₃) is an essential component in food refrigeration, agriculture, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Despite its benefits, ammonia is toxic and highly volatile — requiring robust gas detection for workplace safety and OSHA compliance.

• OSHA PEL: 50 ppm (8-hour TWA)
• NIOSH STEL: 35 ppm (15 minutes)
• IDLH: 300 ppm

Even short-term exposure can lead to respiratory injuries or death, making fixed gas monitoring an essential safety control in NH₃ environments.

Ammonia Usage is on the Rise

Global ammonia production reached over 190 million metric tons in 2023, with continued growth driven by:

• Increased adoption of ammonia refrigeration in cold chain logistics
• Rise of green ammonia for sustainable energy storage
• Expanding use in fertilizers and pharmaceuticals

As ammonia infrastructure expands, so does the need for long-lasting, low-maintenance gas detection systems.

PureAire’s NH₃ Gas Detection Solution

PureAire’s Universal Gas Detector for ammonia offers unmatched reliability:

• 0–100 ppm or 0–1,000 ppm range
• No sensor replacement for 5+ years
• Annual calibration only
• Dual alarm relays and 4–20 mA output
• Works in cold, humid, or high-altitude environments without drift

✅ NH₃ Gas Detector Comparison: PureAire vs Disposable EC Models

Feature	PureAire Universal Gas Detector	Disposable EC Gas Detector
Sensor Life	5+ Years	12 Months
Calibration Required	Yes (Annual, $42)	Yes (Twice/year typical)
Initial Detector Cost	$2,170	$1,895
Replacement Sensor Cost	Not Needed	$250/year
Total 5-Year Cost	$2,380	$3,145
Downtime Risk	Low	High during sensor swap
Temp/Humidity Sensitivity	Not Susceptible	May Affect Readings
Barometric Pressure Sensitivity	Not Susceptible	May Affect Readings

Key Takeaway: PureAire provides a lower cost of ownership, less maintenance, and better environmental stability over 5 years.

 

Integration and Cloud Monitoring

PureAire’s detectors integrate with:

• 8-Channel and 16-Channel Controllers
• Building automation systems (SCADA/BMS) via Modbus or 4–20 mA
• PureAire CloudConnect™ for remote alerts and data visualization

CloudConnect enables live NH₃ monitoring, SMS/email alerts, and downloadable compliance reports — all from a single online dashboard.

Why Ammonia Remains a Leading Industrial Refrigerant

Ammonia (NH₃) continues to be a top choice in industrial refrigeration because of its exceptional thermodynamic properties. It has a higher latent heat of vaporization than most synthetic refrigerants, meaning it absorbs more heat per pound — making ammonia systems extremely energy-efficient. It also operates at lower pressures, which reduces the workload on compressors and results in lower energy consumption over time.

From a sustainability perspective, ammonia is a natural refrigerant with zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and zero global warming potential (GWP). This makes it increasingly attractive as governments phase out hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)-based systems under international climate agreements. Ammonia is also readily available and inexpensive, further lowering total lifecycle costs compared to synthetic alternatives.

The Tradeoff: Greater Efficiency, Higher Risk Without Detection

Despite its efficiency and environmental benefits, ammonia is toxic and corrosive — and even small leaks can present serious health risks. Its strong odor provides a natural warning, but in confined areas or unmanned facilities, that’s not enough. Without continuous fixed gas detection, leaks may go unnoticed until concentrations reach hazardous or even life-threatening levels.

That’s why fixed NH₃ gas monitors, such as PureAire’s Universal Gas Detector, are critical in cold storage warehouses, food processing facilities, and chemical plants. These detectors continuously measure ambient ammonia levels and trigger alarms well before concentrations become dangerous, providing an essential layer of safety without compromising on the advantages ammonia offers as a refrigerant.

Gas Detector Use and Safety Conclusion

As ammonia use expands across industries, long-life, low-maintenance gas detection becomes a necessity. PureAire’s Universal Gas Detector delivers proven performance, real-time integration, and significant cost savings over the product lifecycle.

Ready to protect your facility?
Visit pureairemonitoring.com/universal-gas-detector to learn more or request a quote.