Glossary

Deutsch: Detektor / Español: Detector / Português: Detector / Français: Détecteur / Italiano: Rivelatore

In the industrial or industry context, a detector refers to a device or instrument used to identify, locate, or quantify particular substances, physical conditions, or changes in an environment. Detectors are crucial for monitoring and control processes in various industrial applications, ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with regulatory standards.

Description

Detectors in industry are designed to sense specific types of materials, energy forms, or environmental changes and convert these detections into measurable signals that can be monitored, recorded, and analyzed. They are widely used in automation, manufacturing, safety systems, and quality control.

Application Areas

• Safety Systems: Detectors such as smoke detectors, gas leak detectors, and flame detectors are used to enhance safety in industrial settings by providing early warnings of potentially hazardous conditions.
• Quality Control: In manufacturing, detectors are used to inspect and verify product quality. Examples include metal detectors in food processing and spectrometers in chemical manufacturing.
• Environmental Monitoring: Detectors are used to monitor environmental parameters like air quality, water quality, and radiation levels, helping industries comply with environmental regulations.
• Process Control: In sectors like oil and gas, chemical plants, and pharmaceuticals, various types of detectors monitor process conditions continuously to ensure optimal operation and prevent deviations that could lead to inefficiency or accidents.

Well-Known Examples

A well-known example is the use of carbon monoxide detectors in industries to prevent poisoning in areas where combustion engines are used or where fossil fuels are burned. Another example is the use of particulate matter detectors in manufacturing plants to ensure air quality standards are met to protect worker health and safety.

Treatment and Risks

Effective implementation and maintenance of detectors are crucial for their reliability and accuracy. Failure of detectors can lead to undetected leaks, fires, or environmental pollution, posing serious risks to health, safety, and compliance with laws. Regular maintenance, calibration, and testing are required to mitigate these risks.

Similar Terms

Related terms include sensors and monitors. While sensors often refer to simpler devices that respond to specific physical inputs (like heat, light, motion), detectors usually have a more complex role in identifying specific substances or conditions. Monitors generally refer to systems or devices used for continuous observation or tracking over time, often incorporating one or more detectors or sensors.

Weblinks

• environment-database.eu: 'Detector' in the glossary of the environment-database.eu

Articles with 'Detector' in the title

• Flaw detectors: Flaw detectors are non-destructive testing instruments that can detect or measure defects in raw materials or finished products. Depending on the specific technique used, a wide variety of defects can be located such as surface cracks, subs . . .

Summary

In the industrial context, detectors are essential devices for monitoring various parameters that influence the safety, quality, and efficiency of industrial operations. Their accurate and reliable functioning is crucial for preventing accidents, ensuring product quality, and maintaining environmental safety.

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