Colorimetric Sensor System for the Detection of Low Co-Concentrations in Real Fire Tests

A novel colorimetric sensor system for the detection of carbon monoxide (CO) in low ppm concentrations for early fire gas detection is described. Due to its low power consumption and low fabrication costs the sensor enables the integration into a commercial fire detector. Screen printing methods for depositing thin films allow a fast gas interaction and a high degree of integration of the sensor system. The response of the sensor system to carbon monoxide was characterized both in the laboratory and in real firing tests.