Security sensors are an ever-expanding field in science and technology as they offer enhanced protection to people and machinery within working environments. These sophisticated devices are installed to detect and monitor potential hazards, such as fire outbreaks, gas leaks, unauthorized access, and more. In this blog post, we look at how security sensors work in a range of applications.
What is a Security Sensor?
A security sensor is an electronic device designed to alert a security system when something specific is detected, such as gas, motion, or temperature changes. These sensors are the first line of defence against hazards and enable those within the environment to act quickly to prevent further risks. Thanks to their outstanding capabilities, security sensors are widely used in home and workplace security, gas analysis, fire suppression, and manufacturing processes.
How do Specific Security Sensors Work?
As mentioned above, security sensors are available for a range of applications, including gas analysis, fire detection, and non-contact measurements. We provide an overview of how sensors work in the following situations.
Gas Analysis
Gas sensors are used to detect the presence of gases in the air in many medical and life science fields. Different types of gas sensors are available, including fiber optic, infrared IR), optical, and gas sensor arrays. However, IR gas detection systems are favorable due to their high accuracy and sensitivity.
Gas sensors are used to monitor air quality, and the presence and concentration of gases, vapors, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may pose risks to workers and the environment. These are commonly used in environmental monitoring applications and in the food, oil and gas, and transportation industries.
Fire Detection
Gas sensors can also be used for early fire detection by detecting combustible gases or flames. Additionally, smoke detectors and heat detectors are other types of sensors used for fire detection. The difference between these two options is that smoke detectors use photoelectric or ionization technology to detect smoke particles in the air, while heat detectors detect changes in temperature.
Non-Contact Temperature Measurement
Infrared sensors are used for non-contact temperature measurement in multiple industries, such as food processing, oil and gas, and manufacturing. These sensors detect infrared radiation emitted by objects and convert it into an electrical signal, which is then used to calculate the temperature of the object. These accurate temperature measurements take place without physical contact, therefore preserving the integrity of the object being measured.
Dexter Research Center and Sensor Solutions
At Dexter Research Center, we take pride in being the leading company for infrared sensing and detect-and-manage solutions. With our extensive knowledge and experience, we offer superior sensitivity, unmatched signal-to-noise ratios, and reliable form factors built to MIL-Spec standards. Our Temperature Sensing Module, delivering medical-grade accuracy, is the go-to solution for non-contact temperature sensing.
With over 30 core thermopile products, surpassing all global competitors combined, each detector undergoes rigorous 100% testing for industry-leading quality. Providing our customers with a wide selection of over 1,000 thermopile configurations, we are dedicated to supporting them worldwide. We are committed to continual improvement, ensuring we meet our customers’ mission-critical sensing needs for decades to come with competitive strategies in marketing and pricing.