I would like to find makers and/or suppliers of detectors similar to
smoke or carbon monoxide detectors (ie low-power-consumption units which
preferably run off of standard 9-volt batteries) for warning of leaks
of the following fuels:

propane(of primary interest), natural gas, "white gas", gasoline,
kerosene, methane.  The application is for residential use in houses
without wired-in electricity.  12 VDC-powered units would be a second
choice if low-powered.

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Request for Question Clarification by jackburton-ga on 08 Jan 2003 16:45 PST

hi alb,
 
I have found two companies which supply these kinds of detectors:
 
ENMET
P.O. Box 979, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106-0979 
Phone (734) 761-1270, FAX (734) 761-3220 
E-mail: info@enmet.com
Home page: http://www.enmet.com
Gas detectors page:
http://www.enmet.com/personal.html
  
and,
  
PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT
90 Plant Avenue, Suite 3,
Hauppauge, NY  11788
Phone:
800-334-9291
631-951-0242 (International)
Fax:
888-776-3187
631-951-0499 (International)
Email: http://www.professionalequipment.com/xq/ASP/qx/contactus-form.htm
Home page: http://www.professionalequipment.com
Gas detectors page:
http://www.professionalequipment.com/xq/ASP/gasdetectors/ID.7/qx/default.htm
 


Let me know if this is what you're looking for. 
- thanks.

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Clarification of Question by alb-ga on 08 Jan 2003 19:38 PST

Neither page has what I'm looking for.  It's a residential
monitor-alarm like a smoke alarm to warn of dangerous levels of
combustible gases or fuels like the ones listed in the original
question and in that order of importance.  Ideally it would have a
9-volt battery with a life comparable to a smoke or carbon monoxide
detector and be mounted similarly on a wall or ceiling.  I would hope
for several sources or choices with a list of fuel gases they can
detect.  Thanks.

The problem is that these gases/vapours are explosive so any detector
has to be designed and constructed so as not to itself become a hazard
in an explosive atmosphere. Most devices are designed for checking for
leaks in LPG storage areas and confined spaces.

If such a device as you describe could be manufactured at an
reasonable price I am sure it would be, as it would find a ready
market worldwide in caravans, boats etc as well as houses that use
bottled gas. I have searched caravanning websites and newsgroups and
it appears that people use a variety of leak detectors when/after
changing bottles, but there is no detector for prolonged general
monitoring.

I have found the following device at two URLs:
http://campingsurvival.com/perpropandna.html and 
http://www.hvactool.net/hvactool-store/perpropandna.html

Portable gas detector DB2000G Function: Detecting the gas leakage and
absorbing the static electricity Power Consumption: DC 200mA Battery
size: 1.5V x 2 ea (AAA Size) Detectable Gas: LNG, LPG (including
methane gas, isobutane gas) Temperature: -10°C~ 50°C Humidity: 95% RH
or lower Duration of Use: About 3~4 hours continuously Weight: 28g
Dimension: 164mm, ø16.5mm

Note that this is for periodic detecting of gas leaks in a confined
space rather than general monitoring. Cost about USD 60.

This is not what you require, but it may be a sufficiently economical
detector to purchase to test the integrity of your gas system
periodically against leaks. You would then be reliant on the flame
failure devices on the appliances to prevent escape of gas from an
unlit jet.

Owain