Gas concentration meter or gas analyzer – which term is more appropriate? Or perhaps the instrument should be called a gas monitor? Which of these instruments do we calibrate, and why? Read on for a brief explanation.
Gas concentration meter / gas analyzer / gas monitor
1. Gas concentration meter
A gas concentration meter is primarily used for measurement.
Its purpose is to determine how much of a particular gas is present in the mixture being tested. The measurement result is displayed as a numerical value, for example in ppm, % by volume, or % LEL.
Example: a meter measures the CO₂ concentration in air and displays a reading of 850 ppm.
A meter can measure one or more gases simultaneously. The fact that an instrument measures several gases does not, in itself, make it an analyzer.
Primary function: measuring gas concentration.
2. Gas analyzer
A gas analyzer is used to analyze the composition of a gas or gas mixture.
Compared with a simple meter, its role is broader. An analyzer can determine the concentrations of multiple components in a mixture, process the results, and provide information needed to assess the process or medium being tested.
For example, a flue gas analyzer can simultaneously determine the concentrations of O₂, CO, CO₂, NO, and other components.
Gas analyzers are often used in laboratories, industrial process control, the energy sector, and flue gas analysis.
Primary function: analyzing gas composition.
3. Gas monitor
A gas monitor is primarily used to continuously or periodically monitor gas concentrations and indicate a specific hazard or a limit being exceeded.
A monitor can, of course, measure gas concentrations—and usually does. The difference is that measurement is not its only purpose. Its primary role is to keep A monitor can, of course, measure gas concentrations—and usually does. The difference is that measurement is not its only purpose. Its primary role is to keep track of specific conditions.
A gas monitor can therefore, for example:
- continuously monitor the atmosphere,
- monitor one or more gases,
- indicate when a preset threshold is exceeded,
- activate an audible or visual alarm,
- record readings,
- transmit information to a supervisory system.
One example is a portable monitor used by a worker in a confined space. The instrument measures the concentrations of oxygen, combustible gases, and toxic gases, but its primary purpose is to warn the user when conditions become unsafe.
Primary function: monitoring and warning.
Whether an instrument is called a gas concentration meter or gas analyzer, its technical condition and measurement accuracy are what matter most. Instruments used to measure or monitor gas concentrations, or to warn of dangerous concentrations, should undergo appropriate checks periodically. Depending on the type of instrument and its application, these may include calibration, verification, or adjustment.
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What is calibration?
Calibrating gas analyzers involves checking the accuracy of these instruments. The aim of calibration is to ensure reliable measurements of the concentrations of chemical substances in the air. Toxic gas analyzers are used to monitor the presence of substances that may be harmful to human health even in small amounts. These include carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and carbon dioxide (CO₂). This list is by no means exhaustive. Many other substances can be toxic or irritating to the respiratory tract.
Why are instruments calibrated?
Calibrating toxic gas analyzers is essential for several reasons:
- Ensuring safety:
Accurate measurements of toxic gas concentrations are crucial to ensuring the safety of workers and residents, as well as protecting the environment. Calibration serves this purpose by checking an instrument’s metrological characteristics. It involves comparing the readings of the instrument under test with those of an appropriate measurement standard under specified conditions and at defined calibration points. - Supporting regulatory compliance:
Many air quality regulations set emission limits for toxic gases that must be met. Gas analyzer calibration results play an important role in making informed decisions, for example by accounting for measurement error in the final results. - Effective emergency response:
Equipment failures or accidents are often accompanied by the release of toxic gases. Measuring their concentrations is essential for effective emergency management and for making decisions about rescue operations.
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