Combustible gases such as natural gas, propane, and hydrogen are often invisible and odorless. Without proper combustible gas detectors, they may accumulate undetected until a spark ignites an explosion.
PureAire Molecular Property Spectrometry (MPS) combustible gas detectors provide continuous gas monitoring and flammable gas detection to give you early warning before gas levels become dangerous. Whether you’re new to gas detection or looking to improve your current setup, we’ll cover the risks, explain how combustible gas detectors work, compliance and safety standards, and how gas detectors can help protect your personnel, operations, and facilities.
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The Risks of Going Without Detection
Many combustible and toxic gases are odorless and colorless, and without reliable combustible gas detection systems installed, they may go unnoticed until it’s too late.
- On March 24, 2023, at the R.M. Palmer Company candy manufacturing facility in West Reading, Pennsylvania, a natural gas leak from a utility pipeline allowed gas to accumulate in the basement of one of the production buildings. The resulting explosion and fire killed seven employees, injured ten others, caused major structural damage to multiple buildings, and resulted in an estimated $42 million in losses. The subsequent NTSB investigation identified a lack of awareness of gas leak detection and procedures as contributing factors. Read More: NTSB Accident Report
- According to research from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), structure fires involving flammable gases as the first item ignited average nearly 16,000 incidents per year in the U.S. (2018–2022 data). These fires lead to an average of 191 civilian deaths, 747 injuries, and $402 million in property damage annually, and the trend has been increasing. NFPA Structure Fires Involving Flammable Gases Report
Reliable gas detection gives your team time to respond before combustible gas concentrations reach explosive levels.
Understanding LEL Gas Detectors and Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) Sensors
LEL gas detectors use Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) sensors to measure how close combustible gases are to becoming explosive. Readings are shown as a percentage of the LEL. For example, 20% LEL means the gas has reached 20% of the concentration needed to ignite. The sensor continuously samples the air and uses technologies such as catalytic, infrared, or MPS gas detector technology utilizing molecular property spectrometer (MPS) sensors. When levels rise, it sends a signal through 4-20mA or relays to trigger alarms, ventilation, or shutdown systems. PureAire’s MPS detectors deliver clear, real-time readings with minimal false alarms and no sensor poisoning issues common in older technologies.
LEL combustible gas sensors provide:
- Continuous Monitoring: The sensor continuously samples the air in the space, measuring for the presence of combustible gases.
- Accurate Measurement: Advanced sensor technologies, such as catalytic, infrared, or molecular property spectrometer (MPS) sensors, measure gas concentrations and convert the data into an electrical signal. This signal is then sent out through a 4-20mA output or relay, which can trigger alarms, control panels, or ventilation systems. PureAire MPS Gas Detectors provide clear, real-time readings on an easy-to-read display.
- Smart Alerting: When combustible gas levels reach an unsafe threshold, the integrated combustible gas alarm immediately activates audible and visual warnings, alerting personnel to evacuate the area and follow facility safety protocols.
PureAire’s MPS gas detectors are designed to provide accurate, real-time readings without sensor poisoning or false alarms.
Because many gases are heavier or lighter than air, proper placement during installation is crucial. Our team can help determine optimal locations based on your specific gases, facility layout, and application.
Compare PureAire products to find the best fit for your application.
Combustible gas detectors don’t prevent leaks; they detect them early so you can act. Pairing them with proper maintenance, leak-detection training, and emergency procedures creates a strong safety net. Reliable early detection saves lives and downtime.
Staying Compliant: Meeting Industry Safety Standards
Safety isn’t just the right thing to do; it is often the law. Installing appropriate combustible gas detectors can help you meet regulatory expectations and demonstrate a strong commitment to protecting your workforce.
Key standards include:
- OSHA Confined Spaces (29 CFR 1910.146): Employers must evaluate and monitor permit-required confined spaces for hazardous atmospheres, including combustible gases, before and during entry. Continuous monitoring is often the practical way to stay compliant. OSHA Confined Spaces
- NFPA 54 – National Fuel Gas Code: Provides requirements for the installation, operation, and maintenance of fuel gas piping and equipment, with implications for leak detection and safety systems.
- NFPA 70 – National Electrical Code (NEC): Defines hazardous (classified) locations where flammable gases or vapors may be present (Class I, Divisions 1 and 2). Equipment installed in these areas, including gas detectors, must be suitable to prevent ignition.
- Local Fire Codes and Building Codes: Many jurisdictions, referencing the International Fire Code or similar, require gas detection systems in specific occupancies such as boiler and machinery rooms, areas with flammable liquid storage or use, and industrial processes.
PureAire Combustible Gas Detectors are engineered with these requirements in mind, offering explosion-proof enclosures, appropriate ingress protection (IP) ratings for dust and moisture, and outputs that integrate with your safety and alarm systems.
Why Choose PureAire Combustible Gas Detectors?
PureAire Monitoring Systems has long provided trusted gas detection for laboratories, chemical plants, oil and gas facilities, pharmaceutical manufacturers, wastewater treatment plants, and other demanding industrial environments. PureAire’s Combustible Gas Detectors deliver continuous, accurate readings of flammable gas levels with features that support safer facility operations and compliance:
- User-Friendly Interface: A clear, easy-to-read screen displays current gas concentrations so anyone on your team can quickly check status.
- Immediate, Multi-Channel Alerts: In the event of an increase in gas levels, the detector triggers loud audible alarms and visual strobes. The gas detector can also send signals to remote panels, SCADA systems, or automated responses to help contain the situation.
- Explosion-Proof Construction: Housed in robust enclosures designed and rated to prevent the device from igniting surrounding gases, essential for Class I hazardous locations.
- Long-Life, Low-Maintenance Sensors: Our long-life MPS sensors detect over 14 combustible gases while providing 15+ years of reliable service, and zero calibration in normal environments before needing to be replaced, reducing costs and downtime compared to shorter-lifespan alternatives.
- Multiple Gas Detection with One Sensor: PureAire’s MPS Gas Detector detects 14+ gases with a single sensor, including methane, propane, hydrogen, and more.
- Flexible Integration: Standard 4-20mA analog output or relay contacts make it simple to tie into your existing safety infrastructure.
Whether you need a single-point monitor, multiple units across a production floor, or a system for confined-space entry support, PureAire offers configurations to suit your needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Combustible Gas Detectors
What gases do combustible gas detectors monitor?
PureAire LEL detectors can detect a wide range of flammable gases and vapors, including refrigerant gases, natural gas (methane), propane, hydrogen, butane, acetylene, ethanol, isopropanol (IPA), and many others.
Do I need a combustible gas detector?
If you have natural gas or propane lines, fuel-fired boilers or ovens, processes that use or generate flammable solvents/vapors, battery charging areas (hydrogen), or any confined spaces where gases could accumulate, detection is highly recommended and often required. A simple site assessment can clarify your specific needs. Always check your state and local regulations.
What is an explosion-proof gas detector?
An explosion-proof gas detector is designed for hazardous areas where flammable gases or vapors may be present.
Unlike standard detectors, it has a rugged enclosure that contains any internal explosion and prevents ignition of the surrounding atmosphere. Explosion-proof gas detectors are certified for hazardous locations such as Class I, Division 1 or Zone 1 and are commonly used in oil & gas, chemical plants, and refineries.
How long do sensors last? How often do they need calibration?
PureAire’s MPS combustible gas detector features a long-life sensor designed to last 15+ years under typical conditions, with no calibration required. Periodic testing with a known flammable gas concentration to verify that the monitor reads within ±0.2% of this value, along with maintenance recommended in the manual and your company’s safety policy, helps ensure ongoing accuracy.
Can installing a combustible gas detector help with code compliance?
Yes. Approved, properly installed gas detection systems support compliance with OSHA standards, NFPA codes, and local fire prevention requirements. They also provide valuable documentation of due diligence, which can help during inspections, audits, or insurance reviews.
Organizations that invest in proper detection often see benefits in lower incident rates, smoother audits, and peace of mind for leadership and employees alike.
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Read our other related posts: LEL Gas Safety: Is Your Facility in Compliance?, Combustible Gas Detection: PureAire’s Expert Guide to LEL Safety, and What is a Fixed Gas Detector?
