Air Monitors
Description
Air monitors are devices that measure the quality of air by monitoring the amount of pollutants contained in it. Air monitors detect the gases by electrochemical or infrared process. Sensors are an important part of air monitors. Air monitors having one sensor can detect one specific gas whereas those having more than one sensor can check for different gases like chlorine, oxygen, ammonia, carbon monoxide, methane, hydrogen sulfide etc. Selection of air monitors depends on the type of pollutants, expected level of the pollutants, average time as specified by the air quality standards, availability of resources, presence of interfering materials in the air. Air monitors have temperature limitations since at high or low temperatures, sensors may fail to work properly.
Types
Air monitors are of the following types:
Continuous air monitors (CAM)
Gas air monitors
Indoor air quality monitors
Outdoor air monitors
Ambient air monitors
Portable air monitors
Particulate air monitors
Handheld air quality monitors
Features
Applications
Air monitors can monitor landfills, detect volatile organic compounds and monitor process areas. Continuous air monitors are preferred in areas where there is a potential for the spread of radioactive material. Oxygen deficiency or presence of toxic gases in air can lead to illness; the risks can be avoided by using air monitors for checking air quality. Air quality monitors are helpful for asthma patients, babies and for personnel working in hazardous environment, as poor quality of air can have an adverse impact on their health. For measuring hazardous particles within the building such as microbial contaminants and chemicals, indoor air quality monitors are preferred.