1. Project Background
A facility operating agricultural chambers for livestock and fertilizer processing required continuous methane monitoring inside enclosed spaces. Methane, produced during organic decomposition and animal activity, poses fire and asphyxiation risks when present at elevated concentrations within chambers.
To enhance safety and effectively manage atmospheric methane risk, the customer evaluated laser based methane sensing solutions. After comparing options, they selected the TDLAS200B laser methane sensor for installation inside the chamber to provide continuous, real time methane concentration measurements.
2. Measurement Challenges
The application involved the following challenges:
- Methane generation is variable and depends on environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, organic load)
- Enclosed chamber requires accurate detection across low to moderate methane concentrations
- Harsh agricultural environment with dust and ammonia vapors
- Need for reliable operation with minimal maintenance
- Requirement for stable digital output for integration with local control systems
The customer initially considered the TDLAS200A (laser methane pump equipped sensor) due to its active sampling design, but practical evaluation showed that a direct line of sight laser sensor (TDLAS200B) offered better long term reliability for their chamber configuration without external pump requirement.
How to quickly and correctly select the TDLAS200 Laser Methane Gas Sensor you need?
3. Solution
The chosen solution was the TDLAS200B laser methane sensor, designed for direct optical path methane monitoring without moving parts. Its core advantages include:
- High linearity across the full measurement range, ensuring consistent and reliable trend monitoring
- Low detection limit, allowing early identification of methane concentration changes before reaching risk thresholds
- High measurement accuracy, suitable for continuous monitoring and data logging applications
These characteristics enabled the customer to obtain stable, repeatable methane concentration data over long operating periods, supporting both safety management and process optimization inside the chamber.
3.1 Equipment Configuration
The monitoring system included:
- TDLAS200B laser methane sensor, wall mount version
- Industrial enclosure suitable for chamber environment
- RS485/Modbus digital communication for data acquisition
- Mounting bracket inside chamber with direct line of sight
- Integration with local alarm and ventilation control
3.2 Key Technical Highlights
| Feature | Value |
| Detection Principle | Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) |
| Precision | ±2 ppm(best) |
| Output | Digital RS485 with Modbus |
| Response Time | Fast (0.2s) |
| Maintenance | Low (no pump) |
| Installation | Wall/Bracket mounted inside chamber |
3.3 Implementation Process
Installation
The TDLAS200B sensor was mounted on the inner wall of the agricultural chamber at a location with unrestricted optical path. The sensor’s digital output was connected to the facility’s monitoring and control system using RS485 with Modbus protocol.
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How to use the TDLAS200 series Laser Methane Gas Sensor?
Operation
During operation, the TDLAS200B performed continuous methane measurements. Data was logged locally and forwarded to the SCADA system, enabling real time dashboards, thresholds, and alarms.
Integration
Alarm thresholds were configured so that when methane concentration exceeded safe limits, the control system would trigger ventilation and notify operators.
4. Project Results
| Performance Indicator | Result |
| Detection Reliability | High and stable |
| Data Continuity | 24/7 continuous monitoring |
| Maintenance Requirement | Minimal |
| Alarm Integration | Fully integrated |
| Long-Term Stability | Excellent |
5. Conclusion
The TDLAS200B laser methane sensor provided a reliable, low maintenance solution for methane monitoring inside an agricultural chamber.
Compared to the pump assisted TDLAS200A, the TDLAS200B demonstrated better long term reliability and easier integration, making it ideal for enclosed agricultural environments where continuous gas safety monitoring is essential.
This solution is well suited for livestock chambers, composting facilities, enclosed agricultural storage, and similar applications where real time methane concentration monitoring enhances safety and operational control.
For more technical details, wiring diagrams, or model selection guidance, please click here to learn more or contact our technical team.
