XCell Ammonia (NH3) Sensor

Technical Data Sheet

Performance Specifications Cross Sensitivity Data

RANGE 0-100 ppm Concentration Cross
Gas Applied Applied Sensitivity
GAS CODE
X5000 40 ACETONE 1,000 ppm 0 ppm
S5000 D40 ACETYLENE 100 ppm 0.5 ppm
DEFAULT SPAN VALUE 25 ppm ACRYLONITRILE 1,000 ppm 0 ppm
DEFAULT ALARMS METHYL ALCOHOL 100 ppm 0 ppm
ALARM 1 10 ppm ETHYL ALCOHOL 100 ppm 0 ppm
ALARM 2 20 ppm
BENZENE 50 ppm 0 ppm
SENSOR DESIGN Non-consuming electrochemical sensor
BUTADIENE 2,000 ppm 0 ppm
SAFESWAP Sensor can be changed under power
CARBON DIOXIDE 10,000 ppm 0 ppm
WARRANTY/SHELF LIFE 3 years
CARBON MONOXIDE 100 ppm 0 ppm
SENSOR LIFE2 >5 years
CARBONYL SULFIDE 50 ppm 0 ppm
CALIBRATION For greatest accuracy and zero stability, allow
CHLORINE 2 ppm -2 ppm
powered sensor 24 hours to acclimate before
performing first calibration. ETHYLENE 20 ppm 0 ppm
REGULATOR 1 LPM ETHYLENE OXIDE 100 ppm 0 ppm
ZERO GAS Recommended ETHYL ETHER 100 ppm 0 ppm
CYLINDER BALANCE N2 or air FREON 22 1000 ppm 0 ppm
CAUTION Calibration gas expires faster than other gases. FREON 404A 2000 ppm 0 ppm
Check expiration date before use.
HEXANE 10,000 ppm 0 ppm
ACCURACY1,4 < ±1% of measured value HYDROGEN 500 ppm 0 ppm
LINEARITY1 < ±2% of measured value HYDROGEN CHLORIDE 40 ppm 0 ppm
OPERATING TEMPERATURE RANGE –40°C to 60° C (–40°F to 140° F) HYDROGEN CYANIDE 35 ppm 0 ppm
OPERATING HUMIDITY RANGE HYDROGEN SULFIDE 40 ppm 9 ppm
INTERMITTENT 0% to 100 % relative humidity
ISOBUTANE 100 ppm 0 ppm
CONTINUOUS 10% to 95% relative humidity, non-condensing
ISOBUTYLENE 100 ppm 1 ppm
TEMPERATURE EFFECTS
ZERO < 0.01 ppm / °C METHANE 10,000 ppm 0 ppm
SENSITIVITY < 0.1% of measured value / °C METHYL MERCAPTAN 50 ppm 4 ppm
HUMIDITY EFFECTS ETHYL MERCAPTAN 30 ppm 3 ppm
ZERO No effect NITROGEN OXIDE 50 ppm 0 ppm
SENSITIVITY No effect
NITROGEN DIOXIDE 5 ppm -3 ppm
ZERO DRIFT1 <1% FS/mo
NITRIC OXIDE 100 ppm 0 ppm
SPAN DRIFT1 <2% FS/mo
SULFUR DIOXIDE 10 ppm -5 ppm
RESPONSE TIME
T501 < 20 seconds
T901 < 60 seconds
RECOVERY T901 < 25 seconds
1
All performance values are typical as applied to new sensors
in ambient laboratory conditions
GAS EXPOSURE LIMITATION None 2
Individual results may vary based on individual sensor environmental
exposure conditions
WARM-UP TIME (X5000, S5000) 1
2 minutes 3
As tested per ISA standards
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS None 4
Does not account for variations in calibration gas accuracy
 Ammonia Electrochemical Sensor Design Challenges
Ammonia electrochemical sensors are challenged by
(1) extreme humidity, (2) temperature levels and (3) a relatively
short sensor life compared to other plant safety equipment.
Humidity is the environmental variable that has the greatest
impact on an electrochemical cell performance. When the
humidity level rises, additional moisture is forced into the
sensor. As the moisture increases, the sensor generates a
higher current flow and thus a greater response to the target
gas. Conversely, in dry locations, moisture is drawn out of the
sensor. Lower moisture levels decrease the sensor’s ability to
generate the current flow and this condition decreases the
responsiveness of the sensor.
The second issue is consumable catalysts or consumable
electrodes. In this case, every reaction that occurs between the
target gas, the catalyst and the electrolyte consumes the catalyst.
Again, once the catalyst has been exhausted, then the sensor
is dead and unable to react with the gas. The materials choices
made in the design of the sensor are the cause.
Another phenomenon is physical failure or damage to the sensor.
This typically occurs in either very cold applications where the
electrolyte freezes, expands and cracks the sensor housing.
Conversely in very humid, hot applications, large quantities of
moisture are forced into the center of the sensor and cause leaks.
The final challenge with these sensors is they have been
criticized for having some of the shortest life spans among toxic
gas sensors. There are several causes for this problem, and the
first issue is the evaporation of the electrolyte within the cell.
When weather conditions are relatively dry or over time, the
electrolyte liquid (or in some cases, a gel) evaporates. Once there
is no more electrolyte left in the cell, the chemical reaction is no
longer possible, and the sensor is dead and unable to detect gas.
The Next-Gen Solution
In addressing the challenges and problems with traditional
electrochemical cells in the detection of ammonia, some
conclusions were reached about legacy sensor designs. One of
the most important issues is the use of consumable water-based
electrolytes and electrodes. To resolve electrolyte evaporation
and consumable electrodes, a new electrolyte material was
chosen by MSA Safety that withstands large swings in humidity
and temperature.
Note: This Bulletin contains only a general description of the products shown. While product uses and performance capabilities are generally
described, the products shall not, under any circumstances, be used by untrained or unqualified individuals. The products shall not be used until
the product instructions/user manual, which contains detailed information concerning the proper use and care of the products, including any
warnings or cautions, have been thoroughly read and understood. Specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
0720-257-MC / 12.2020
© MSA 2020
MSA’s new next-gen electrochemical sensor for ammonia
features ionic liquid electrolytes. This new class of ionic liquids
has an extremely low vapor pressure, and they don’t evaporate
within the environment. They will not dry out even under
exposure to long durations of dry weather.
The second thing that is different in these new sensors is
the choice of catalyst in the electrode material. They’re not
consumed by the gas reaction. Contact with ammonia has
virtually no effect on the lifespan of the sensor. They can
withstand background gas concentrations without reducing the
sensor’s life.
The third significant breakthrough is the mechanical design of
the sensor. Dramatic improvements have been made in the
position of the components in the sensor--where all the pieces
lie with the objective to develop the best possible, most-efficient
interaction of the electrolyte, the electrode catalyst, and the
target gas regardless of environmental conditions to overcome
extreme humidity and temperature levels (very wet, very dry,
freezing, or frying).
Conclusions
The breakthrough design of the MSA XCell ammonia
electrochemical sensor for the Ultima X5000 and General
Monitors S5000 Gas Detectors represents an industry-first
leap forward in safety. The bottom line is more stable, more
dependable sensor performance over a longer life span under
demanding operating conditions. Stringent laboratory and field
tests have proven its advantages over legacy sensor designs.
For example, the temperature range of the XCell ammonia sensor
is now -40 to +60°C, which in itself is impressive, but it results in
a much more stable sensor that eliminates shift changes and the
erratic behavior of some legacy sensors. If it is -20°C one day and
+20°C the next day, the sensor’s responsiveness is the same. That
means more reliable gas detection with fewer nuisance false alarms.
The next generation of XCell ammonia gas sensors feature
a lifespan greater than five years as a result of these design
changes. MSA is backing it up with a three-year warranty.
That’s in comparison to previous generations of ammonia gas
sensors that might function over a life span of eight to twelve to
sixteen months at the most. These design advancements improve
the electrochemical sensor’s performance and life expectancy
which can help keep plants safe from ammonia gas leaks.
MSA operates in over 40 countries
worldwide. To find an MSA office near you,
please visit MSAsafety.com/offices.
MSAsafety.com