Draeger’s fixed Infrared sensor technology is a patented technology. Draeger’s infrared sensors use a dual beam, dual reflector technology; all of their competitors use a single beam, single receiver technology. The dual beam technology results in much lower detection limits – Draeger IR sensors can measure in percent by volume, percent LEL, and part per million. All of Draeger’s competitors can only measure in percent by volume or percent LEL.
Being able to measure gases in PPM, particularly organic gases, allows customers to find leaks much more quickly than measuring in percent LEL. 1% LEL is 10,000 PPM, so it’s a much higher detection range than measuring in part per million. The dual beam infrared technology also has the advantage of being able to distinguish between true gas absorption and particles or humidity in the sample. Particles and humidity block the IR light from getting to the receiver, causing incorrect higher readings that the actual gas that’s present. Single beam infrared sensors can’t distinguish between the absorption.