Lower Explosive Limit Sensor
Ethylene Oxide (EtO) is the most widely used sterilant method for medical devices. While effective, it does present safety challenges as it is a combustible gas that can form explosive mixtures. ChemDAQ's Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) sensor helps protect against fire and explosion.
Product Overview
One of the greatest risks with EtO is that it is a combustible gas and can form explosive mixtures in the air at concentrations at or above 3% by volume. Most combustible gases have an upper combustible limit in air, because the reaction is limited by the availability of oxygen. However, EtO mixtures remain potentially explosive up to 100% by volume. This greater reactivity is because in addition to combustion, EtO can also undergo a very exothermic polymerization reaction.
Fortunately, gas monitors are available to monitor these combustible gases and provide a warning if the concentration gets too high. ChemDAQ's LEL sensor is calibrated for EtO and displays the concentration as a percentage of the alarm limits--typically set around 10% of the LEL. If the LEL monitor alarms, it can indicate a large leak of EtO given that a much larger concentration is needed for it to alarm compared to an EtO ppm sensor.
Pairs with Steri-Trac® Sensor
The ChemDAQ EtO Steri-Trac sensor provides protection from EtO toxicity; whereas, the ChemDAQ LEL sensor helps protect against fire and explosion.
Non-Dispersive Infrared Sensor
The LEL sensor employs a non-dispersive infrared sensor to reliably detect the LEL concentrations of EtO.
Intrinsically Safe
The ChemDAQ LEL sensor is intrinsically safe, so it can be used in areas that are classified as hazardous. Here, the sensor is connected via a barrier box to either the ChemDAQ Steri-Trac 2/2+ monitor or to a ChemDAQ Sensor Communication Interface (SCI).
Sensor Exchange Program (SXP®)
Accuracy and dependability is also the driving force behind ChemDAQ’s Sensor Exchange Program (SXP®), a leading service-based program to routinely ship factory pre-calibrated sensors at regularly scheduled intervals throughout the year to all ChemDAQ monitor users, to ensure accuracy and reliability of monitoring data.
Monitoring Systems
The LEL sensor can be connected to some of ChemDAQ's most advanced monitoring systems.
Sensor Communication Interface (SCI™)
The SCI is a multi-configurable monitoring solution to accurately and reliably detect vapors throughout your facility and communicate readings to a compatible data system for enhanced connectivity.
Steri-Trac® Series
As ChemDAQ’s premier fixed area monitoring system, the Steri-Trac series of products are designed to continuously measure and alert you to hazardous vapor levels in the air.
Connect with a Product Expert
Ready to accurately and reliably detect chemical vapor levels using our LEL Sensor? Connect with a safety expert today.