Lesson 10 Flammable Gas DetectionΒΆ

Introduction

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Gas Sensor MQ-2 is a sensor for flammable gas and smoke by detecting the concentration of combustible gas in the air. They are often used in gas detecting equipment for smoke and flammable gasses such as LPG, i-butane, propane, methane and alcohol in household, industry or automobile.

Components

  • 1 * SunFounder Uno board

  • 1 * USB data cable

  • 1 * MQ-2 gas sensor module

  • 1 * 4-Pin anti-reverse cable

Principle

MQ-2 gas sensor applies SnO2 (an oxygen-deficient n-type semiconductor) which has a lower conductivity in the clear air as a gas-sensing material. In an atmosphere where there may be inflammable gases, the conductivity of the gas sensor raises along with the inflammable gas concentration increases. MQ-2 performs a good detection to different inflammable gases such as natural gas, especially sensitive to liquefied gas, propane and hydrogen.

In this experiment, release some combustible gas around the sensor and the value at A0 increases. Once the concentration of the gas exceeds a limit, D0 outputs low level and the corresponding LED will light up. Please note that the sensor needs burn-in time so the readings can be more consistent and reliable.

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Experimental Procedures

Step 1: Build the circuit

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Step 2: Open the code file

Step 3: Select correct Board and Port

Step 4: Upload the sketch to the SunFounder Uno board

Code

Now, ignite a lighter. Then the sensor detects the gas emitted. Thus, the LED on the gas sensor and that attached to pin 13 on the SunFounder Uno board will light up. Also you can see the value at A0 and D0 printed on Serial Monitor.

Note

It is normal that the gas sensor generates heat. Actually, the higher the temperature is, the sensor is more sensitive.

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