The Last Word on gas detection with Sensitron
Iain Hoey
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Sensitron’s Key Account Manager HVAC-R, Emanuele Barbieri, explains how accurate gas detection safeguards people and assets in regulated high-risk environments
How long have you worked at Sensitron, and what does your current role involve in HVAC-R?
I’ve been working at Sensitron for over five years as a Key Account Manager focusing on the HVAC-R sector.
My role involves developing the refrigeration market by identifying customer needs and providing bespoke solutions, ranging from integrated machine-side systems for chillers and heat pumps to standalone gas-detection products.
For new audiences, what does Sensitron do and which industry problems is it addressing?
Sensitron designs and manufactures gas-detection systems, including both detectors and control panels, capable of monitoring more than 70 different gases.
We are committed to staying ahead of technological developments, particularly with new refrigerants, and to addressing the potential risks they introduce, such as flammability, toxicity, and environmental concerns.
Our goal is to help our customers protect people, environments, and infrastructure from gas-related hazards.
Can you outline Sensitron’s main product series and how they are used in daily operations?
Our product portfolio includes four main series: SMART 3G, SMART 3, SMART S, and the PARK system.
Each is designed to meet specific application needs; for instance, the SMART 3G series is ideal for high-performance settings.
We provide complete gas-detection systems, including both control panels and detectors, that operate autonomously when a gas hazard is detected.
However, regular maintenance is essential to ensure continued performance.
Maintenance personnel play a critical role in keeping each system efficient and reliable.
How do Sensitron’s detectors manage various gases, and why is accurate differentiation important?
Each type of gas requires a specific detection technology to ensure accurate readings.
We use infrared sensors for A1 and A2L refrigerants, carbon dioxide, and flammable gases; electrochemical cells for toxic gases and oxygen; catalytic sensors for flammable gases; and photo-ionisation detectors for volatile organic compounds.
New-generation refrigerants, owing to their complex compositions, have been particularly challenging, but we’ve achieved excellent results by using infrared sensing technologies.
We remain open to evaluating new detection technologies to continuously improve performance and accuracy.
How does Sensitron ensure product reliability in harsh or industrial environments?
Our approach always starts with understanding the customer’s specific requirements so we can provide the most suitable solutions.
Our systems are built to perform in difficult environments, including classified areas, and meet rigorous standards such as ATEX and EN 60079-29-1.
This ensures both reliability and accuracy, even under the most demanding conditions.
What developments should safety professionals expect next from Sensitron’s HVAC-R division?
We are focused on responding to evolving market needs by continuously adapting and reinventing ourselves.
We are currently developing new products that we believe will align with future safety requirements.
The HVAC-R sector, in particular, is experiencing strong growth, and we anticipate further consolidation in ATEX-classified areas as well as expansion into non-classified environments.
