Home » Wearable Wireless Toxic Gas Detector 

Wearable Wireless Toxic Gas Detector 

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Here is good news for all new development lovers. An inexpensive chemical sensors produce from manoeuvred chemical carbon nanotubes, which allows both smartphones and other categories of wireless appliances to detect some degree of gases (toxic ones), have been developed by MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) researchers.  These researchers by using these sensors believe to construct cheap and lightweight badges made of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) with the purpose of being used for both personal security and safety.

One of the groups of people that these badges will benefit is soldiers. They can wear it to swiftly detect any presence of weapons especially the chemical ones. This will be an additional assistance for them when combating their enemies. Some likely examples of these deadly chemicals are choking agents or nerve gas. Apart from soldiers, people working around harmful chemicals where leakages are common will also find these badges to be useful. The credit card that soldiers often carry about as well as other similar devices is way too heavy compared to these newly developed badges. Since they all are always equipped with wireless applications, the integration of this newly developed technology into their uniforms will be quite easy.

In terms of sensitivity, these sensors are able to detect one tenth of a million toxic gases within 5 seconds. Unlike other similar equipment that requires acquisition of prior skills before their operation, this comes handy without such prior knowledge. Considering the low cost value on which each sensor was made (each sensor costs approximately one nickel), it is easy to produce large quantity and also easily get it across to as many people as possible. If you are wondering what this sensor contains, here is a brief summary of how it is.

It is circuit fully composed of carbon nanotubes. Under a normal situation, these nanotubes are highly conductive in nature, but the degree of its conductivity has been reduced by wrapping it inside an insulating property. This state helps to keep them in a very resistive form. Immediately they detect or are exposed to any form of toxic gases, the insulating material with which they are wrapped breaks; making the nanotubes highly conductive. Upon the breaking apart of the insulating device, the conductive nanotubes send signal using a smartphone. Since this signal is readable, it connects NFC (Near Field Communication) technology with the mobile device; allowing data to be transmitted over reasonable distances.

These researchers have in the recent years developed similar wireless and inexpensive sensors known as “chemiresistors”. While these have been used in detecting the degree of ripe fruit or its ripeness as well as being used to detect spoiled meat and other similar things, this new discovery focuses on chemically produced carbon nanotubes. They were produced using similar design and method though different functions.  The difference between the earlier discovery or chemiresistors and the newest is the fact that when they are exposed to any targeted chemical, they have the tendency to develop electric current changes. This discovery is the answer to many cries on security consciousness. It will definitely save companies, families and individuals from unexpected situations.

 

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