1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
This project presents the design and implementation of gas detection system using GSM network. The gas detection system using GSM network is a newly designed gas detector device using MQ-6 gas sensor and microcontroller. It is a sophisticated gas detection method different from the existing system due to its unique features. The use of gas detector started with a gas detector system from Mr. Naoyoshi Taguchiwhich can measure the concentration of a target gas by oxidizing or reducing the target gas at an electrode and measuring the resulting current. Beginning his research in 1962, Mr. Naoyoshi Taguchi became the first person in the world to succeed in the development of a semiconductor device which could detect low concentrations of combustible and reducing gases when used with a simple electrical circuit. This gas detector device based on this technology are often called “TGS” (Taguchi Gas Sensors).
The sensors contain two or three electrodes, occasionally four, in contact with an electrolyte. The electrodes are typically fabricated by fixing a high surface area precious metal on to the porous hydrophobic membrane. The working electrode contacts both the electrolyte and the ambient air to be monitored usually via a porous membrane. The electrolyte most commonly used is a mineral acid, but organic electrolytes are also used for some sensors. The electrodes and housing are usually in a plastic housing which contains a gas entry hole for the gas and electrical contacts. The gas diffuses into the sensor, through the back of the porous membrane to the working electrode where it is oxidized or reduced.
This electrochemical reaction results in an electric current that passes through the external circuit. In addition to measuring, amplifying and performing other signal processing functions, the external circuit maintains the voltage across the sensor between the working and counter electrodes for a two electrode sensor or between the working and reference electrodes for a three electrode cell. At the counter electrode an equal and opposite reaction occurs, such that if the working electrode is an oxidation, then the counter electrode is a reduction.
Fig 1.1: An Automatic Gas Detector (available in the complete material)
In this project, a gas detection system is designed and implemented using GSM network so that information or a call as alert will be sent to an authorized person's GSM mobile cell phone to inform him or her about the gas leakage.There are mainly three units in this system: the sensor unit, microcontroller unit and GSM modem. For detecting dangerous and flammable gas leaks in any closed environment such as a car, house, service station or storage tank, a gas sensor is used which detects natural gas, LPG and coal gas. The sensor is shown below:
Fig 1.1: MQ-6 Gas Sensor (available in the complete material)
This MQ-6 gas sensor can also be used to sense other gases like iso-butane, propane and even cigarette smoke. This unit can easily be incorporated into an alarm unit to sound an alarm.
1.2 Statement of problem
Gas leakages are a common problem in households and industries. If not detected and corrected at the right time, it can be lead to lost of lives and properties. Gas leakage can be life threatening. People who are working in hazardous atmospheres are in danger of open flame which causes fire outbreak. Fatalities and injuries are risk of their job. Potentially deadly carbon monoxide is also very dangerous to life.
A leakage of natural gas can be dangerous because it increases the risk of fire or explosion. Local gas companies 'work hard to provide adequate warning in the event of a gas leak. Because methane–and therefore, natural gas–does not have any odour, the gas company adds a warning “rotten-egg” smell (mercaptan or a similar sulfur-based compound) that can be easily detected by most people. However, people who have a diminished sense of smell may not be able to rely upon this safety mechanism. Also the leak might occur at a time when no one is in the vicinity which increases the risk of an explosion.
1.3 Aims and Objective
The aim and objectives of this project is to design and implementation of gas detection system using GSM network.
Other objectives of the project are as follows:
- To build a potable and lower cost gas detector to improve the feasibility of smart detection networks for health and safety.
- Unlike a traditional gas leakage alarm system which only senses a leakage and sounds an alarm, the idea and objective of our solution is to call the user via GSM when even gas leakage occurs.
- The user can pick the gas detector alert call to hear the conversation in the location.
1.4 Scope of work
The gas detection system uses GSM network and detects LPG from concentration of 200 parts per million to 10,000 parts per million in an area using microcontroller and MQ6 sensor.
The gas detector is a battery operated device considered for detection of various gases within an area usually as part of a safety system/risk control.
1.5 Significance of the Project
This project can be used to detect gas leakages at home, in a car, storage tank environment or in a service station. It can be easily implemented to industrial level by upgrading its ranges. The implementation of this project is important in every home, office and industries because there are many gases that can be harmful to organic life, such as humans or animals. This project helps people to upgrade their safety standards, comply statutory even though it has small sensitivity to detect alcohol, it can be used as liquor tester.
The project has excellent sensitivity combined with a quick response time. It's most important and basic function is to prevent accidents and protect life and property from disaster. It provides along lasting safety means for detecting the leakage of gas into the area of an appliance when the appliance is in a shutdown condition or not in operation. It provide a novel gas detection and monitoring system which is economical to manufacture and which may be readily installed in conventional trailers, boats or the like which are normally dependent upon a stored supply of pressurized gas.
1.6 Overview of the Write-Up
This project report is written in such a way that each chapter is related to the next as shown in the block diagram below.
The organization of the project report is well detailed and vast in its coverage. It covers all the activities encountered during the research and construction work.
