NMHC sensor
Non-methane hydrocarbons
Reliable real-time
data on NMHC
GasPlug TECHNOLOGY | PATENTED DESIGN
Where are they found?
Non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC) are mainly emitted by anthropogenic sources related to energy and transport such as combustion from gasoline and diesel engines, industrial boilers, traffic, refineries, petrochemical plants, port terminals, and service stations. In addition, they are generated during forest fires and agricultural biomass burning, and to a lesser extent by natural sources such as vegetation and organic matter decomposition.
These emissions accumulate in urban, transport, and industrial areas, and can disperse on a large scale, contributing to regional air pollution.
Why are they harmful?
Many NMHC are toxic or carcinogenic and can cause respiratory irritation, headaches, and neurological effects, posing chronic health risks. Photochemically, they are key precursors of tropospheric ozone and secondary organic aerosols, which worsen smog and PM2.5 episodes.
Furthermore, the ozone generated damages vegetation, reduces crop yields, degrades ecosystems, and contributes to climate change. The most severe episodes occur in cities and industrial hubs during heat waves and atmospheric stagnation, particularly affecting vulnerable populations.
NMHC cartridge
The NMHC cartridge incorporates a new state-of-the-art sensor designed for applications requiring reliable and affordable monitoring of non-methane hydrocarbons.
The Kunak algorithm corrects the effects of temperature and humidity, enabling accurate measurements from very low concentrations (ppb) up to 5 ppm. Its compact design, cost-effectiveness, and cutting-edge performance make it an ideal solution for continuous monitoring and leak detection.
Technical specifications
- Measurement range: concentration range measured by the sensor.
- Resolution: smallest unit of measurement that can be indicated by the sensor.
- Operating temperature range: temperature interval at which the sensor is rated to operate safely and provide measurements. (**) In PM sensor Type A: -40 to 50ºC with heater (more information on this version on request).
- Operating RH range: humidity interval at which the sensor is rated to operate safely and provide measurements.
- Recommended RH range: Recommended relative humidity range for optimal sensor performance. Continuous exposure outside the recommended range may damage the cartridge.
- Operating life: time period during which the sensor can operate effectively and accurately under normal conditions.
- Guarantee range: concentration range covered by Kunak's guarantee.
- LOD (Limit Of Detection): measured at laboratory conditions at 20ºC and 50% RH. The limit of detection is the minimum concentration that can be detected as significantly different at zero gas concentration, calculated according to the Technical Specification CEN/TS 17660.
- Repeatability: measured at laboratory conditions at 20ºC and 50% RH. Closeness of the agreement between the results of successive measurements of the same measure carried out under the same conditions of measurement, calculated according to the Technical Specification CEN/TS 17660.
- Response time: time needed by the sensor to reach 90% of the final stable value.
- Typical precision - R2: statistics obtained between the device hourly measurements and reference instruments in field test between -10 to +30ºC at different locations. (*) For the type B PM sensor, the expected error for PM10 is higher in presence of coarse particles.
- Typical accuracy: for criteria pollutants is the average Mean Absolute Error (MAE) obtained between the device hourly measurements and reference instruments for 1 to 8 months field test between -10 to +30ºC in different countries. For other pollutants is the expected error of the measurement at the reading.
- DQO-Typical U(exp): Data Quality Objetive expresed as the Expanded Uncertainity in the Limit Value obtained between the device hourly measurements and reference instruments for 1 to 8 months field test between -10 to +30ºC in different countries, calculated according to the European Air Quality Directive 2024/2881 and from the Technical Specification CEN/TS 17660. (*) For the type B PM sensor, the expected error for PM10 is higher in presence of coarse particles.
- Typical intra-model variability: calculated as the standard deviation of the three sensor means in 1 to 8 months field test between -10 to +30ºC in different countries.
A, B, C, D superindex: the super indexes refer to different types of cartridges related to the same target pollutant but with different technical specifications.
