Product Spotlight – Refrigerant Gas Detection

March 17, 2025

Reliable refrigerant gas detection ensures safety and sustainability, preventing leaks that harm workers and the environment while ensuring regulatory compliance in industrial settings

Refrigerant gases are widely used in industrial refrigeration, HVAC and air conditioning systems. However, accidental leaks can pose a risk to safety and the environment. Some of these gases, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), contribute to the greenhouse effect and ozone layer depletion, while others, such as ammonia (NH₃) and carbon dioxide (CO₂), can be hazardous to human health in high concentrations.

In the industrial sector, early detection of these leaks is essential to prevent accidents, ensure compliance with environmental regulations and reduce operational costs related to refrigerant leakage. Production plants, storage facilities and large cold chains must adopt reliable solutions for continuous gas monitoring, protecting both workers and the environment.

Refrigerant gas detection technologies

There are different technologies for refrigerant gas detection, each suited to specific types of gas and environments of use:

Infrared (IR) sensors: Ideal for detecting gases such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and carbon dioxide (CO₂), these sensors measure the absorption of infrared light by the target gas. They offer high accuracy, long life and are particularly effective in complex industrial environments.

Electrochemical sensors: Used primarily for gases such as ammonia (NH₃), these sensors utilise chemical reactions to detect the presence of the gas with high sensitivity and accuracy, making them ideal for industrial and environmental safety applications.

The choice of the most suitable technology depends on the type of refrigerant, the environment of use and regulatory requirements. Sensitron gas detectors guarantee accurate refrigerant gas detection: the SMART 3 series is designed for use in unclassified areas, while the SMART 3G series allows safe detection even in more difficult environments and classified areas.

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