Winsen MC101 Catalytic Flammable Gas Sensor
User's Manual
Version: 1.4 | Valid from: 2018-03-15
Manufacturer: Zhengzhou Winsen Electronics Technology Co., Ltd
Website: www.winsen-sensor.com
Statement
This manual copyright belongs to Zhengzhou Winsen Electronics Technology Co., LTD. Without written permission, any part of this manual shall not be copied, translated, stored in a database or retrieval system, nor spread through electronic, copying, or record ways.
Thank you for purchasing our product. To help customers use it better and reduce faults caused by misuse, please read the manual carefully and operate correctly according to the instructions. Zhengzhou Winsen Electronics Technology Co., Ltd shall not be responsible for losses if users disobey terms or remove, disassemble, or change components inside the sensor.
Specific details such as color, appearance, and sizes are subject to change. We are dedicated to product development and technical innovation, reserving the right to improve products without notice. Please confirm you are using the valid version of this manual. User comments on optimized usage are welcome.
Please keep the manual properly for future reference and assistance.
Product Overview
The MC101 is a Catalytic Flammable Gas Sensor that operates on the principle of catalytic combustion. Its electric bridge consists of a test element and a compensation element. When combustible gases are present, the resistance of the test element increases, causing a change in the bridge's output voltage. This voltage variation is directly proportional to the gas concentration. The compensation element helps to mitigate the effects of temperature and humidity.
Features
- Bridge output voltage is linear.
- Fast response time.
- Good repeatability and selectivity.
- Resistant to H₂S poisoning and organosilicone.
Main Applications
This sensor is widely used in industrial settings for detecting the concentration of natural gas, LPG, CO, and alkanes. It is also employed in combustible gas leakage alarm systems, combustible gas detectors, and gas concentration meters.
Sensor Structure and Test Circuit
Fig1. Sensor Structure: Diagram shows the physical structure of the MC101 sensor. It is a cylindrical component with a protective mesh cap on top. Electrical connection pins are visible at the base. Key connection points are marked with 'D' (detection) and 'C' (compensation).
Fig2. Basic Test Circuit: Diagram illustrates a basic test circuit for the sensor. It includes a Wheatstone bridge configuration with components labeled W (likely a load resistor), R1, and R2 (2kΩ resistors). The circuit is powered by a test voltage of 3.0V, and the bridge output is indicated.
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | MC101 |
| Sensor Type | Catalytic Type |
| Standard Encapsulation | Plastic |
| Working Voltage (V) | 3.0 ± 0.1 |
| Working Current (mA) | 110 ± 10 |
| Sensitivity (mV per 1% CH₄ / 1% C₃H₈) | 25~50 (for 1% CH₄) |
| 30~70 (for 1% C₃H₈) | |
| Linearity | ≤5% |
| Measuring Range (%LEL) | 0~100 |
| Response Time (90%) | ≤10s |
| Recovery Time (90%) | ≤30s |
| Working Environment | -40~+70℃, <95%RH |
| Storage Environment | -20~+70℃, <95%RH |
| Lifespan | 5 years |
Performance Characteristics
Fig3. Sensitivity Curve: Graph shows the sensitivity curve for Methane (CH₄) and Propane (C₃H₈). The Y-axis represents output voltage (mV), and the X-axis represents concentration (%). The curves indicate a generally linear relationship between concentration and output voltage within the tested range.
Fig4. Response and Recovery Curve: Graph illustrates the sensor's response and recovery characteristics over time (minutes). It shows how the output voltage changes when exposed to a gas and then returns to baseline after the gas is removed.
Fig5. Zero point at different temp: Graph shows the zero point output voltage (mV) versus temperature (°C). The data suggests a slight variation in the zero point across the temperature range of -20°C to 60°C, with RH at 60%.
Fig6. Sensitivity at different temp: Graph shows the sensitivity output voltage (mV) versus temperature (°C). The data indicates that sensitivity is relatively stable across the temperature range of -20°C to 60°C, with RH at 60%.
Fig7. Zero point at different humidity: Graph shows the zero point output voltage (mV) versus relative humidity (%). The data indicates a slight variation in the zero point with changing humidity from 0% to 90%, with temperature at 60%.
Fig8. Sensitivity at different humidity: Graph shows the sensitivity output voltage (mV) versus relative humidity (%). The data indicates that sensitivity is relatively stable across the humidity range of 0% to 90%, with temperature at 60%.
Fig9. Zero Drift with different voltage: Graph shows the zero drift (output voltage in mV) in air versus supply voltage (V). The drift is minimal across the tested voltage range of 2.8V to 3.2V.
Fig10. Sensitivity with different voltage: Graph shows the sensitivity (output voltage in mV) in 1% CH₄ versus supply voltage (V). The sensitivity is relatively stable across the tested voltage range of 2.8V to 3.2V.
Long-term Stability
Fig11. Zero and Sensitivity stability curve: Graph shows the zero (VO) and sensitivity (VS) stability over time in weeks. The graph indicates that both zero and sensitivity remain relatively stable over a period of 120 weeks, with minor fluctuations.
The sensor exhibits a drift of within ±2mV per year in air and within ±2mV in 1% CH₄. For short-term storage (up to 2 weeks), the sensor requires 8 hours of continuous galvanical aging to reach stability. For long-term storage (one year), it requires 48 hours of aging.
Cautions
1. Conditions to Prohibit
- 1.1 Exposed to organic silicon steam: Sensing material will lose sensitivity and never recover if the sensor absorbs organic silicon steam. Sensors must avoid exposure to environments containing silicon bond, fixature, silicon latex, putty, or plastic with silicon.
- 1.2 High Corrosive gas: Exposure to high concentration corrosive gases (such as H₂S, SOₓ, Cl₂, HCl, etc.) can corrode the sensor's structure and cause significant sensitivity attenuation.
- 1.3 Alkali, Alkali metals salt, halogen pollution: Sensor performance can be severely affected if exposed to alkali metals salts (especially brine) or halogens like fluorine.
- 1.4 Touch water: Sensor sensitivity will be reduced if splashed or dipped in water.
- 1.5 Freezing: Avoid icing on the sensor's surface, as it can break the sensing material and cause loss of sensitivity.
- 1.6 Applied higher voltage: Applying a voltage higher than the stipulated value, even if it doesn't physically damage the sensor, can damage the down-line or heater, leading to significantly altered sensitivity characteristics.
- 1.7 Pins connection: When connecting the sensor, one pin from the detection part and one from the compensation part serve as the signal output. The other detection pin connects to the negative electrode, and the other compensation pin connects to the positive electrode. The 'D' mark indicates the detection pin, and 'C' indicates the compensation pin on the bottom of the sensor.
2. Conditions to Avoid
- 2.1 Water Condensation: Slight water condensation in indoor conditions may lightly influence sensor performance. However, prolonged condensation on the sensor surface can decrease its sensitivity.
- 2.2 Used in high gas concentration: Prolonged exposure to high gas concentrations, whether the sensor is electrified or not, can affect its characteristics. Lighter gas sprays can cause extreme damage.
- 2.3 Long time storage: Sensor resistance may drift reversibly if stored for extended periods without power. This drift is related to storage conditions. Sensors should be stored in an airtight bag without volatile silicon compounds. For sensors stored long-term without power, extended galvanical aging (at least 24 hours) is required for stability before use, especially if storage exceeds half a year.
- 2.4 Long time exposed to adverse environment: Prolonged exposure to adverse environments (e.g., high humidity, high temperature, high pollution) can negatively impact sensor performance, regardless of whether it is electrified.
- 2.5 Vibration: Continuous vibration can lead to sensor down-lead response and breakage. This can occur during transportation or on assembly lines using pneumatic screwdrivers or ultrasonic welding machines.
- 2.6 Concussion: Strong concussion may lead to disconnection of the sensor's lead wire.
Usage Conditions
2.7 Welding
Handmade welding is the optimal method for this sensor. The recommended welding conditions are:
- Soldering flux: Rosin soldering flux with minimal chlorine content.
- Soldering iron: Homothermal soldering iron.
- Temperature: 250°C.
- Time: Less than 3 seconds.
If users choose wave soldering, the following conditions should be followed:
- Soldering flux: Rosin soldering flux with minimal chlorine content.
- Speed: 1-2 Meters per Minute.
- Warm-up temperature: 100 ± 20°C.
- Welding temperature: 250 ± 10°C.
- Machine: One-time pass wave crest welding machine.
Disobeying these terms may reduce sensor sensitivity.
Contact Information
Zhengzhou Winsen Electronics Technology Co., Ltd
Address: No. 299, Jinsuo Road, National Hi-Tech Zone, Zhengzhou 450001, China
Tel: +86-371-67169097 / 67169670
Fax: +86-371-60932988
Email: sales@winsensor.com
Website: www.winsen-sensor.com
