General information on CₙHₘ / Hydrocarbons
CₙHₘ – this term covers all compounds in which carbon and hydrogen are present.. The alkanes form a defined subgroup. Since the known measurement methods (NDIR, FID, PID,…) do not allow selective analysis of individual hydrocarbon compounds, a summary is always given. The weighting of the individual hydrocarbons is known for the respective measurement method.
Calibration with propane allows the meter to be adjusted to the specific properties of hydrocarbons and ensure that it provides accurate measurements for these types of compounds.
Properties for CₙHₘ
- Physical state: Propane is gaseous at room temperature and normal pressure. However, it can be liquefied under pressure and is then used as a liquefied gas.
- Odor: Propane is odorless in itself. For safety reasons, however, the odorant ethyl mercaptan is added to it to produce an easily recognizable, unmistakable odor signal in the event of a gas leak.
- Flammability: Propane is highly flammable and forms explosive mixtures between 1.7 % and 10.8 % by volume in air. Its ignition temperature is 470 °C (according to DIN 51794). The calorific value is 12.874kWh/k
- Boiling point: The boiling point of propane is -42 °C. This means that it vaporizes easily at normal temperatures and pressures and changes to the gaseous state.
- Density: The density of propane in the gaseous state is about 1.88 kg/m³ and in the liquid state about 493 kg/m³. It is therefore heavier than air and can collect at the bottom when it escapes.
Application examples for CₙHₘ
- Industrial process monitoring: In industrial plants where CₙHₘ gases are used or generated, it is important to monitor the concentration of these gases in the air. This can help identify potential hazards and take timely action to prevent accidents or fires.
- Environmental monitoring: Monitoring CₙHₘ gases in the environment is important to assess air quality and identify possible sources of pollution. This can be done in urban areas, near industrial facilities, or near transportation hubs.
- Safety in residential and commercial buildings: In residential and commercial buildings where CnHm gases such as natural gas or propane are used, gas detection can help identify leaks or leakage to minimize potential hazards. This is especially important in enclosed spaces where high concentrations of CₙHₘ gases can lead to explosion hazards.
- Vehicle Emissions: Monitoring CₙHₘ gases in vehicle exhaust is important to ensure compliance with emission standards and to assess the environmental impact of transportation. This can help develop cleaner vehicles and improve air quality in urban areas.
- Gas leak detection in the petrochemical industry: In the petrochemical industry, where large quantities of CₙHₘ gases are used, gas leak detection is crucial to prevent accidents or fires. Continuous monitoring of gas leaks can help to detect potential hazards at an early stage and take appropriate measures.
In summary, the detection of CₙHₘ is of paramount importance in a wide variety of applications to minimize potential hazards.
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Some relevant Applications to CₙHₘ
- Simultaneous gas analysis of nitrous oxide N₂O, methane CH₄, carbon dioxide CO₂ and oxygen O₂
- Continuous gas measurement (Real Time Monitoring)
- Long-term stable NDIR technology down to the trace range
- For high carbon monoxide ranges additional gas filter for suppression of interfering gases are integrated
- Low N₂O measurement without CO₂ interference powered by software algorithm
- Wide range of solution in the area of renewable energy sources and infrastructure
- Development in progress for a new kind of portable H₂S detektor
- Low power consumption (< 10 Watt)
- Small size (28 cm x 20 cm x 10 cm)
- Fast response time (t90 = 10 sec.)
- No complex calibrations required
- Temperature and pressure compensated gas measurements
- Designed for high pressure range up to 15 bar
- You have a measurement task that goes beyond the usual standards and are looking for a competent partner?
- Please contact us. Your measurement task is our challenge!
- The employees of Wi.Tec-Sensorik GmbH have extensive expertise in the field of industrial gas measurement technology and sensor signal processing.
Your requirement is our challenge – You have a measuring task beyond the usual standards and are looking for a competent partner? Please contact us. Your measurement task is our …
- Costumer specific projects, CF₄ Gas Sensor, CH₄ Gas Sensor, Cl₂ Gas Sensor, CnHm Gas Sensor, CO Sensor, CO₂ Gas Sensor, H₂O Gas Sensor, H₂S Gas Sensor, NDIR Gas Sensor, NDUV Gas Sensor, NO Gas Sensor, Non OEM, NO₂ Gas Sensor, NOₓ Gas Sensor, N₂O Gas Sensor, SO₂ Gas Sensor
- Detection limit: < 5 ppm H₂O
- Fast response time (t90 < 10 sec)
- Efficient alternative for a dew point mirror measurement
- Low maintenance operation
- Can be combined with other gas measurements such as CO₂, CO, CₙHₘ, CH4 etc.
