Zone-Specific Alarm Threshold Configuration
In multi-zone industrial facilities, uniform alarm thresholds often fail to address varying risk profiles across different operational areas. High-risk zones such as chemical processing units or confined storage tanks require lower detection thresholds for early warning, while low-risk administrative or maintenance areas may tolerate slightly higher limits without compromising safety. Implementing zone-specific alarm settings ensures that each area operates under optimized sensitivity parameters aligned with its unique hazard potential.
Shanghai Gewei Electronic Safety Equipment Co., Ltd. addresses this need through configurable alarm logic in its GM810/GM820 series gas alarm controllers. These controllers support independent threshold programming for up to 32 detection zones, enabling facility managers to assign distinct low/high alarm levels based on gas type, concentration risk, and operational activity. For example, a refinery’s reactor zone might trigger an alarm at 10% LEL (Lower Explosive Limit), whereas a warehouse handling inert gases could be set at 25% LEL.
Sensor Technology Selection by Environment
The core of reliable gas detection lies in selecting the appropriate sensor technology for the target environment. Different gases and operating conditions demand specific sensing principles to ensure accuracy, longevity, and resistance to interference.
Catalytic vs. Infrared Sensors for Combustible Gases
For combustible gas monitoring, facilities must choose between catalytic combustion and infrared (IR) sensing. Catalytic sensors are cost-effective and widely used but can be poisoned by silicones, sulfides, or halogenated compounds—common in chemical plants. In contrast, infrared sensors offer non-consumptive detection, immunity to poisoning, and longer service life (>5 years), making them ideal for harsh or contaminated environments.
Gewei’s GDE series employs high-performance infrared and laser gas sensors, delivering ±3% measurement accuracy and stable output even under fluctuating temperatures. With built-in auto temperature compensation and zero-point calibration, these detectors maintain precision across extreme conditions from -40°C to 70°C. Their modular design allows pre-calibrated smart sensor replacement without field recalibration, reducing downtime.
Electrochemical and PID Sensors for Toxic Gases
Toxic gas detection—such as H₂S, CO, or VOCs—relies on electrochemical or photoionization (PID) sensors. Electrochemical sensors provide high selectivity and low power consumption, suitable for fixed installations in confined spaces. PID sensors excel in detecting volatile organic compounds at ppm levels, critical in semiconductor or pharmaceutical cleanrooms.
While Gewei’s current portfolio emphasizes combustible gas detection, its GDC and GDA series support multi-sensor integration, allowing hybrid configurations that combine catalytic, IR, and semiconductor elements within a single detection network. This flexibility enables comprehensive coverage across diverse zones using a unified control platform.
Centralized Monitoring with IoT Integration
Modern gas detection systems must go beyond local alarms to enable real-time, facility-wide visibility. Gewei integrates 4G and Wi-Fi modules into its detector lineup, enabling seamless data transmission to its proprietary cloud platform. This IoT-enabled architecture allows remote monitoring of gas concentrations, device status, and alarm history from any location via web or mobile interfaces.
Each detector—whether GDE, GDC, or GDA series—outputs standardized signals including 4–20mA, RS485, and relay contacts, ensuring compatibility with existing SCADA or BMS systems. The GM8 controllers act as centralized hubs, aggregating data from distributed detectors and executing zone-based response protocols, such as activating ventilation or isolating equipment upon confirmed leaks.
For facilities requiring fail-safe operation, Gewei detectors feature redundant communication paths and dual power inputs. The explosion-proof certification (Exd IIC T6Gb) and IP66 rating ensure reliable performance in Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous areas, while color-coded LED displays provide immediate visual status confirmation up to 25 meters away.
Effective alarm management in complex industrial settings demands more than hardware deployment—it requires intelligent zoning, technology-matched sensing, and integrated data ecosystems. By leveraging customizable controllers, adaptive sensor technologies, and cloud connectivity, facilities can achieve proactive hazard mitigation. Explore Gewei’s full range of gas detectors designed for scalable, zone-aware safety architectures.