Ammonia Detection in Cold Storage & Industrial Refrigeration-Challenges

Ammonia is an essential refrigerant used in food processing, cold storage, and industrial manufacturing due to its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. However, detecting ammonia leaks in cold environments presents significant challenges. Many traditional ammonia sensors fail, provide inaccurate readings, or require frequent maintenance due to freezing conditions.

PureAire engineered its Universal Gas Detectors to overcome these challenges. Unlike conventional ammonia sensors, it features a proprietary renewable electrochemical (EC) sensor with an advanced electrolyte formulation designed to prevent freezing. This innovation ensures reliable performance in ultra-cold environments without sensor degradation.

Why Do Most Ammonia Sensors Fail in Cold Environments?

Most ammonia sensors fall into three primary categories, each with inherent limitations when used in cold storage and industrial refrigeration settings:

1. Chemisorption (MOS) Sensors – Unreliable in Cold & Low-Humidity Environments

• Non-specific to ammonia, leading to inaccurate readings and false alarms.
• Prone to failure in ultra-cold conditions due to dried-out sensing elements.
• Fluctuations in humidity cause inconsistent readings.
• Requires frequent calibration, leading to increased maintenance costs.

2. Standard Electrochemical (EC) Sensors – Susceptible to Freezing & Short Lifespan

• Temperature Sensitivity – Standard EC sensors freeze in low temperatures, causing sensor failure.
• Short Operational Life – Typically lasts only 1-2 years and degrades quickly in ammonia-rich environments.
• Electrolyte Freezing Issues – The internal electrolyte solution in traditional EC sensors cannot withstand freezing temperatures, leading to operational failure.

3. Infrared (IR) Sensors – Unstable in Extreme Temperature Fluctuations

• Vulnerable to frost buildup, which interferes with sensor readings.
• Requires additional environmental protection, increasing overall system costs.
• Frequent recalibration is necessary, reducing operational efficiency.

PureAire – Renewable Freeze-Resistant Electrolyte Electrochemical Sensor

Unlike conventional EC sensors, PureAire’s ammonia sensor is uniquely engineered with an electrolyte solution that prevents freezing, ensuring consistent performance in extreme cold, making it ideal for applications such as meat processing plants, refrigerated warehouses, and pharmaceutical cold storage.

Key Advantages of PureAire’s Advanced Ammonia Sensor Technology

✔ Cold-Resistant Electrochemical Sensor – Designed to prevent freezing, ensuring accurate ammonia detection in ultra-cold environments.

✔ Extended Sensor Lifespan – Up to 8 Years – Significantly outlasts standard EC sensors, which typically last 1-2 years and require frequent replacement, making them more costly. PureAire’s long-life EC sensors reduce replacement frequency and costs.

✔ Minimal Maintenance Requirements – Unlike MOS and standard EC sensors that require frequent recalibration, PureAire’s sensor is nearly maintenance-free.

✔ Continuous Monitoring with Self-Diagnostics – Automated system checks eliminate the need for manual monitoring, ensuring uninterrupted operation.

✔ Seamless Integration with Building Automation Systems – Compatible with SCADA, PLC, BACnet, and Modbus systems via 4-20mA output and dual-level alarms, making it an ideal solution for industrial refrigeration.

Industries That Benefit from PureAire’s Ammonia Sensors

PureAire’s advanced ammonia detection technology is a game-changer for industries that require reliable monitoring in cold environments, including:

• Food Processing and Cold Storage – Meat, poultry, dairy, and seafood processing facilities rely on ammonia refrigeration.
• Beverage and Brewery Facilities – Large-scale beverage production plants utilizing ammonia-based cooling systems.
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing – Facilities requiring ultra-cold storage for sensitive medications and vaccines.
• Ice Production and Frozen Goods Warehousing – Reliable, needing robust ammonia leak detection for safety and compliance.

Choose PureAire for Reliable Ammonia Detection in Cold Environments

Traditional ammonia sensors are often unreliable in freezing conditions for food processing, cold storage, and industrial refrigeration facilities. MOS, standard EC, and IR sensors struggle with temperature and humidity fluctuations, require constant maintenance, or fail entirely.

PureAire’s Universal Gas Detector Benefits

✔ Unmatched reliability in ultra-cold environments due to its freeze-resistant electrolyte technology.

✔ Extended sensor life of up to 8 years with minimal recalibration.

✔ Reduced maintenance costs and fewer false alarms compared to traditional sensors.

✔ Continuous, accurate ammonia monitoring with zero downtime.

Ensure your facility is safe and compliant with the most advanced ammonia detection technology on the market. Contact PureAire today to learn more.