Can a Catalytic Bead Sensor Cause Combustion ?

19th Apr 2023

NO, a catalytic combustion gas sensor installed in a certified intrinsically safe instrument will not cause combustion or flame propagation, or excessive heat, for any reason when used in accordance with its design and ratings.

Combustion caused by a catalytic bead sensor is, typically, only possible if the sensor has a compromised flame arrestor.

The flame arrestor's job is to prevent any flame, or sufficient heat, generated by the catalytic bead from reaching the detection environment where there could be flammable vapors and gases.The flame arrestor’s surface, itself, also does not get hot enough to cause an issue. 

Catalytic bead sensors have been a safe and reliable technology for detecting a wide array of combustible gases and have been used for many, many decades.