Ammonia gas detector is mainly used to detect the concentration of ammonia (NH3) in the air. These instruments are used for personal protection in hazardous gas environments. Poultry and pig farms use NH3 gas detectors to ensure indoor air quality is safe for livestock. Gaseous ammonia is also present in many industrial processes. Because ammonia leaks are very dangerous, continuous ammonia monitoring is required for worker safety.
Pros
Small and low cost detectors available for NH3 safety.
High volume of products, which drives costs down.
Many NH3 monitor models are available for less than $200.
What Is an Ammonia Gas Detector?
An ammonia gas detector is an instrument used to detect the concentration of ammonia in the air. These devices have a long-life battery, large screen that displays NH3 concentration, and a belt clip to connect to clothing. In order to protect users, NH3 gas detectors also have LED, vibration, and buzzer alarms.
Ammonia gas detector are also known as NH3 monitors, ammonia sniffers, ammonia analyzers, or ammonia gas testers. These names all refer to the same device, an ammonia gas detector.
What Does an Ammonia Meter Detect?
An ammonia detector senses ammonia (NH3) gas and displays the levels in parts per million (ppm).
What Is Ammonia Gas?
Ammonia has the chemical symbol NH3. It is a very useful yet dangerous gas.
When we are exposed to NH3, its corrosive nature burns our skin, eyes, and lungs. Inhaling ammonia gas is a major problem as it will irritate the throat, nose, and lungs.
Despite its harmful effects, ammonia is useful in many manufacturing processes. NH3 is used as a refrigerant, in fertilizers, and the creation of plastics, dyes, and textiles.=
Ammonia gas has always been a challenge for poultry and swine (pig) farmers. For example, ammonia in a poultry house is directly produced by the chickens. Due to poor waste management, ammonia gas can accumulate to dangerous levels for both livestock and humans.
What Are the Different Types of Ammonia Detectors?
Ammonia Detector for Personal Protection
The majority of Ammonia gas detectors are portable. These are small, battery-powered units with an NH3 sensor that can be clipped onto your clothes. Portable detectors provide continuous protection with LED, buzzer, and vibration alarms.
Fixed, wall-mounted units provide continuous protection. These devices are perfect for an indoor poultry farm. If the levels of ammonia pass the preset threshold, the unit will alarm and automatically trigger the ventilation system.
How Does an Ammonia Gas Sensor Work?
An ammonia gas sensor is made up of electronics and an NH3 sensor. The gas sensor converts the detected gas concentration to an electronic signal for analysis by the onboard microprocessor. After receiving a signal, the processor displays the reading. If the measurement exceeds the pre-set alarm value, the alarms will be triggered to warn the user.