Gas Sensor Saturation: MPS™ vs. Catalytic Bead Sensors
Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of flammable gases can damage catalytic bead (pellistor) sensors, causing baseline shifts, reduced sensitivity, and inaccurate gas concentration readings—even after the gas has cleared. This can create serious safety risks when sensors underreport hazardous gas concentrations.
Watch this side-by-side demonstration to see how NevadaNano’s MPS™ Flammable Gas Sensor maintains accurate methane detection following prolonged exposure to high concentrations of hydrogen, while a catalytic bead sensor experiences lasting performance degradation.
Why Gas Sensor Saturation Matters in Flammable Gas Detection
Catalytic bead sensors rely on a heated catalyst to detect flammable gases. Exposure to gas concentrations above the lower explosive limit (LEL) can generate excessive heat, potentially damaging the sensing element. Even catalytic bead sensors equipped with protective circuitry can experience baseline shifts and reduced sensitivity following prolonged exposure.
In this demonstration, the catalytic bead sensor reports just 19% LEL when exposed to 50% LEL methane after prolonged hydrogen exposure—significantly underreporting the actual concentration. NevadaNano’s MPS™ sensor, by contrast, returns to its normal baseline and accurately detects methane without requiring recalibration.
Learn more about the limitations of catalytic bead gas sensors.
