What are Catalytic Sensors?
Catalytic sensors are appropriate for detecting flammable gases and vapors in the LFL range. When a flammable gas enters the sensor, it reacts with a catalyst-coated electrical coil. The resulting resistance change offsets the balance of a Wheatstone bridge circuit. The output signal is proportional to the concentration of flammable gas. Catalytic sensors have numerous strengths, including low cost, long life, and simplicity of design. But they can be affected by “catalytic poisons” such as silicones, plasticizers, and sulfur compounds that coat or corrode the sensor’s catalyst.
