System Overview | 2-7
Methane
The Methane Detector is a dual element device. The elements differ only
in that one is coated with a catalyst. The catalyst causes oxidation to occur
at a lower-than-normal temperature. The temperature of the catalyzed
element changes as the mixture burns. The temperature change causes
the resistance of the catalyzed element to change. The resistance change
is interpreted by the microprocessor and the corresponding reading is
displayed.
The AMETEK/Thermox catalytic methane detector will detect methane
gases present in a sample. The sample must, however, contain enough
oxygen to fully burn the methane present.
The methane span gas should be 2% CH4 with 8 - 10% oxygen present in
the mixture.