Gas Sensors Market

Gas Sensors: A Comprehensive Overview

Gas sensors are devices that detect and measure the presence and concentration of gases in the environment. These sensors play a crucial role in ensuring safety, quality control, and process monitoring across various industries such as chemical, pharmaceutical, automotive, and environmental. In this essay, we will discuss the various types of gas sensors, their working principle, applications, and recent advancements.

Types of Gas Sensors

There are several types of gas sensors available in the market, each with a unique working principle and application. Some of the commonly used gas sensors are:

• Electrochemical Gas Sensors: These sensors work on the principle of electrochemistry and use electrodes to detect and measure gas concentrations. They are commonly used for detecting toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and nitrogen dioxide.
• Catalytic Gas Sensors: These sensors use a catalyst to detect the presence of combustible gases such as methane, propane, and butane. They are commonly used in industrial settings where combustible gases are present.
• Infrared Gas Sensors: These sensors work on the principle of infrared absorption and can detect gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons. They are commonly used in HVAC systems, indoor air quality monitoring, and industrial gas detection.
• Photoionization Gas Sensors: These sensors use ultraviolet light to ionize gas molecules, which are then detected by a charged electrode. They are commonly used for detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in industrial and environmental settings.

Working Principle

The working principle of gas sensors varies depending on the type of sensor. However, most gas sensors work by detecting changes in the electrical or optical properties of a material when exposed to a gas. For example, electrochemical gas sensors use a chemical reaction between the gas and an electrode to produce an electrical signal. Infrared gas sensors measure the amount of infrared radiation absorbed by the gas, while catalytic sensors detect the heat generated by the combustion of a gas.

Applications

Gas sensors have a wide range of applications across various industries. Some of the common applications of gas sensors include:

• Industrial Safety: Gas sensors are used to detect and monitor the presence of toxic and combustible gases in industrial settings to ensure the safety of workers.
• Environmental Monitoring: Gas sensors are used to monitor air quality and detect pollutants in the environment.
• Medical Applications: Gas sensors are used to monitor the concentration of anesthetic gases during surgery and in respiratory therapy.
• Automotive Applications: Gas sensors are used in automotive exhaust systems to measure the concentration of harmful gases and ensure compliance with emission standards.

Recent Advancements

Recent advancements in gas sensor technology have led to the development of smaller, more sensitive, and more affordable sensors. Some of the recent advancements in gas sensor technology include:

• Nanotechnology: Nanotechnology has enabled the development of gas sensors with improved sensitivity and selectivity.
• Wireless Connectivity: Gas sensors with wireless connectivity can transmit real-time data to a central monitoring system, improving safety and efficiency.
• Smart Gas Sensors: Smart gas sensors can perform self-diagnosis, calibration, and adjustment, reducing the need for human intervention.

Dynamics of Gas Sensors Market

Drivers in Gas Sensors Market

Gas sensors are becoming increasingly popular in critical industries due to the surge in demand. Essential industries such as chemical and power plants release a multitude of gases, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and hydrocarbons, into the atmosphere. These gases can have detrimental effects on human health and the environment. Consequently, regulatory bodies in the US, UK, Germany, China, and France are implementing measures to reduce harmful gas emissions.

To prevent accidents caused by the release of gases, continuous monitoring is required using gas monitors and detectors equipped with gas sensors. The power industry generates flue gas through fossil fuel combustion, which contains mercury, other metals, and fly ash. Monitoring and detecting these gases are necessary to prevent the release of harmful emissions into the atmosphere. Gas sensors are used to control and monitor gas emissions from domestic and industrial processes.

Advancements and innovations in technology are leading to the development of smart gas sensors. Companies are also developing drone-based gas leak detection systems to enhance safety for pipeline operators worldwide. The rising demand for gas sensors in critical industries to control harmful emissions is driving the growth of the gas sensors market.

Restraints in Gas Sensors Market

The gas sensor market has seen increased shipments due to the broad range of applications in automobiles, HVAC systems, air quality monitoring systems, and consumer devices. However, the sales growth of gas sensors is impeded by the intense competition among sensor manufacturers, leading to pricing pressure and a decline in the average selling price (ASP).

This price erosion is a result of several companies focusing on developing cost-effective gas sensor solutions that use MEMS technology and IoT-compatible sensors. As a result, manufacturers are forced to reduce the potential price of gas sensors, especially in high-volume applications. While this is beneficial for consumers, it leads to shrinking profit margins for suppliers.

The gas sensor market is highly competitive, and the decrease in ASP hampers revenue growth. Moreover, new sensor technologies, such as substance-specific electrochemical sensors and Non-dispersive Infrared (NDIR) sensors, are being developed to detect methane and other gases in industries.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented growth opportunities for the gas sensor industry. Hospitals are in urgent need of oxygen sensors to efficiently manage oxygen use, and manufacturers have developed new sensors, such as the SFM3019 by Sensirion, to meet the increasing demand from ventilator manufacturers.

In summary, while the widespread use of gas sensors leads to increased shipments, intense pricing pressure among manufacturers results in a decline in the ASP and hampers revenue growth. However, new sensor technologies and the outbreak of COVID-19 present opportunities for growth in the gas sensor market.

Opportunities in Gas Sensors Market

The deployment of IoT, cloud computing, and big data in gas sensors presents significant opportunities for the industry. IoT has emerged as a critical technology in the IT sector, enabling the integration of various information-sensing devices with the internet to form a network of sensors. The demand for advanced connected devices that enable machine-to-machine (M2M) communication and interoperability with other devices has increased with the growing adoption of IoT. Renesas, for example, has developed a 32-bit RX130 MCU that is connected to a sensor network by a smart Wi-Fi module to feed data to a suitable gateway, which then connects to the cloud for detecting flammable gases in the environment.

The use of mobile devices and the rise of IoT, coupled with advancements in cloud computing and big data analytics, have fueled the need for gas sensors with advanced gas sensing capabilities. Several startups are investing in developing a network of sensors capable of providing pollution data using gas sensors. Aclima, a US-based environmental sensor network design and deployment company, is using the Google Cloud platform to analyze data to measure, map, and understand air quality in various US cities. The company collects environmental data from over 2.1 billion data points daily, indicating the vast potential for the gas sensor market.

Challenges in Gas Sensors Market

Although the gas sensor market is expanding rapidly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, technical issues may hinder its growth. One major challenge is high energy consumption, along with sensitivity to environmental conditions, high costs, and difficulties in fabrication. Proper maintenance and replacement are necessary to avoid accuracy and sensitivity problems. Furthermore, the manufacturing process is complex and costly, leading to high sensor costs.

Developing and commercializing innovative gas sensors is a challenging and time-consuming process that must meet stringent regulations and performance requirements. Stringent government regulations aimed at reducing car emissions are expected to drive demand for gas sensors during the forecast period. Governments worldwide impose rules and regulations on car gas emissions. For example, in April 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the EPA revised the Corporate Average Fuel Economy and greenhouse gas emission standards for passenger cars. The imposed limitations on gas emissions from vehicles create demand for gas sensors, reducing atmospheric pollution and increasing fuel efficiency.

Gas sensors play a crucial role in numerous industries such as chemical, oil & gas, and power by detecting various combustible and toxic gases. These industries release a vast number of gases, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, and ammonia, into the air, which can adversely affect human health if emitted in excess.

Ecosystem of Gas Sensors Market

Gas detectors are a crucial product type in the gas sensor market due to their significant share. They are essential devices for ensuring the safety of premises, particularly in industries that produce potentially dangerous chemicals and gases during the manufacturing process. Gas detectors find extensive applications in various industries, including automotive, metal & chemical, oil & gas, food & beverage, mining, medical, and power stations.

The growing adoption of gas detection products and development strategies by major market players are driving the market's growth. For instance, in 2021, Honeywell launched two new Bluetooth-connected gas detectors that provide continuous monitoring for dangerous gases, even in adverse weather conditions such as fog, rain, and snow. This technology helps industrial sites and workers in the oil and gas, petrochemical, chemical, and other industries stay safe.

During the forecast period, smart cities and building automation are expected to create lucrative growth opportunities for gas sensors. Air quality monitoring is crucial for both indoor and outdoor environments and can be achieved using gas sensor units distributed over the required area to measure various critical gases such as CO, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

In smart cities, gas sensors can be used for various environmental monitoring applications, including weather stations and monitoring the environment at public places. The HVAC system is used for building applications to monitor and regulate environmental conditions in all types of buildings. Ventilation units are used to control the concentrations of gaseous compositions of indoor air, which is based on measurements conducted using gas sensors.

The increasing environmental pollution levels and declining indoor air quality have created a significant demand for gas sensors for HVAC applications. The most common gas sensors used in HVAC systems include CO2, NOx, CO, O2, and VOC.

The gas sensor market is expected to experience lucrative growth opportunities during the forecast period, especially due to the rising adoption of smart cities and building automation. Oxygen sensors are primarily used to monitor air quality and combustion of gases in industrial and automobile applications, with the concentration of oxygen measured in parts per million (ppm) in the air or dissolved water.

Gas sensors are employed in a variety of end-use applications, including automobiles, smart cities and building automation, the food and beverage industry, the medical industry, the oil and gas industry, and water treatment plants, to detect the level of oxygen. Major companies that provide oxygen sensors include City Technology (UK), MEMBRAPOR (Germany), Alphasense (UK), Figaro Engineering (Japan), and Dynament (UK), among others.

The Asia Pacific (APAC) region is expected to witness the highest demand for gas sensors, according to GSMA Intelligence. With the largest number of smartphone users in the world, advancements in gas sensing technology are expected to lead to the integration of gas sensors with smartphones, smart bands, and tablets, driving the growth of the gas sensors market in the region. The growing awareness of the impact of air pollution on human health is also contributing to the demand for smart air quality monitors, air purifiers, and air cleaners equipped with gas sensors. China, which is one of the leading automobile manufacturers in the world, plays a significant role in the gas sensor market. The country has a significant number of smart city projects and the automotive and smart cities and building automation sectors are expected to contribute significantly to the growth of the gas sensor market in the country. Other industries such as mining, chemical, and energy, as well as oil refineries, also utilize gas sensors in China.

During the forecast period, the carbon dioxide gas sensor segment was the dominant segment in the gas sensor market, accounting for more than 33.7% of the global revenue share. Carbon dioxide sensors are commonly used in monitoring indoor air quality in various applications such as homes, office buildings, healthcare, automotive, and IoT. Companies are focusing on developing miniaturized, low-power carbon dioxide sensors, such as TDK Corporation's TCE-11101, for accurate measurement in different applications, which is expected to drive the growth of this segment.

The carbon monoxide sensor segment is expected to grow significantly during the forecast years. The need for carbon monoxide sensors is driven by the fatal outcomes of carbon monoxide poisoning, and the demand is further increased by the government regulations that ensure safety in the workplace. As an example, U.S. schools in states such as California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, and Maryland are required to have carbon monoxide detectors.

Asia Pacific dominated the market during the forecast period, accounting for a share of over 39.8% of the global revenue. The growing awareness of the impact of air pollutants on human health in countries such as China and India is driving the demand for gas sensors for air quality monitoring. The continuous urbanization in the region is also contributing to the rising demand for gas sensors. Additionally, governments in the Asia Pacific region are investing heavily in smart city projects, creating potential for smart sensor devices.

Europe is expected to experience steady growth during the forecast period, with stringent regulations related to gas emissions and the consequent need for emissions monitoring driving the regional market growth. The regulations in Europe require vehicle OEMs to incorporate gas sensor technologies in their offerings for safety reasons, and as pollution levels are becoming more regulated, the popularity of gas sensors in the automotive sector is expected to rise in the future.

During the forecast period, the wired gas sensor segment dominated the market, representing a share of over 58% in global revenue. Wired gas sensors offer various advantages such as low maintenance, compact size, low cost, and high accuracy, making them a reliable system for use in different sectors, including mining, oil rigs, and nuclear power plants. Moreover, the increasing adoption of wired gas sensors in residential applications is a significant factor contributing to the segment's growth.

On the other hand, the wireless gas sensor segment is expected to witness growth due to the benefits it provides, such as high scalability, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and portability. Wireless gas sensors can be used in various industries, including petrochemical, manufacturing, and oil & gas, to provide continuous monitoring of gases remotely. In the oil & gas sector, these sensors can be operated from base stations, thus reducing the risk of leakage and explosion of hazardous gases.

During the forecast period, the electrochemical segment was the market leader and accounted for more than 25.6% of the global revenue. Electrochemical sensors are in high demand because they consume less power, have safer operations, and offer better specificity to target gases. With electrochemical technology, the target gas undergoes oxidation in the electrode, which results in an efficient measurement of the resultant current. These advantages are likely to boost the demand for electrochemical technology in gas sensors, especially in the mining sector.

The infrared segment is projected to register the fastest growth during the forecast period. Infrared gas sensors can detect a variety of gases, including methane, carbon monoxide, and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), such as acetylene, benzene, and butane, among others. These gas sensors are also used to monitor oxygen levels in ventilators and incubators. The rise in pollution levels worldwide is also expected to fuel the growth of the infrared segment.

During the forecast period, the industrial segment dominated the market and accounted for more than 19.2% of the global revenue. Industrial gas sensors are used to monitor and detect hazardous vapors and gases, triggering visual and audible alarms. Several gas sensor manufacturers are focusing on developing miniature industrial gas sensors. For instance, DD-Scientific launched a range of high-performance industrial gas sensors in October 2020. The petrochemicals segment is anticipated to experience significant growth during the forecast period. The LPG and LNG industry verticals are deploying gas sensors aggressively as they require monitoring at every step of gas storage, production, and transportation. With the growth in natural gas production worldwide, the emphasis on safety and security at processing facilities has also been increasing, which is expected to drive the growth of the segment.

Dominating Companies in Gas Sensors Market

• HONEYWELL ANALYTICS
• MSA SAFETY INCORPORATED
• AMPHENOL CORPORATION
• FIGARO ENGINEERING INC.
• ALPHASENSE
• SENSIRION AG
• DYNAMENT LTD.
• AMS-OSRAM AG
• MEMBRAPOR AG
• SENSEAIR AB (ASAHI KASEI MICRODEVICES)
• NGK-NTK
• NISSHA CO., LTD.
• FUJI ELECTRIC
• RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORPORATION (RENESAS)
• BREEZE TECHNOLOGIES
• ELICHENS
• BOSCH SENSORTEC GMBH
• DANFOSS
• EDINBURGH SENSORS
• GASTEC CORPORATION
• NEMOTO SENSOR ENGINEERING COMPANY LIMITED
• SPEC SENSORS
• MIPEX TECHNOLOGY
• MICROSENS SA
• CUBIC SENSOR AND INSTRUMENT CO., LTD
• ABB
• City Technology Ltd.
• Siemens
• GfG Gas Detection UK Ltd.
• FLIR Systems, Inc.

Recent Developments in Gas Sensors Market

• In 2021, a leading gas sensor manufacturer, City Technology, was acquired by Honeywell. The acquisition strengthened Honeywell's gas sensing capabilities and expanded its product portfolio. City Technology specializes in the development of sensors for detecting toxic and flammable gases.
• In 2020, Amphenol Advanced Sensors announced the acquisition of Abracon Holdings LLC, a manufacturer of frequency control and timing devices, sensors, and antennas. The acquisition allowed Amphenol Advanced Sensors to expand its portfolio of sensing solutions, including gas sensors.
• Also in 2020, AerNos announced a partnership with Arrow Electronics to expand the distribution of its gas sensing technology. AerNos develops small, wearable gas sensors that can detect a wide range of gases, including nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and volatile organic compounds.
• In 2019, Figaro Engineering, a Japanese gas sensor manufacturer, was acquired by a Chinese investment firm, GOWIN Semiconductor. The acquisition allowed GOWIN to expand its product portfolio to include gas sensors for use in various applications, including air quality monitoring.
• In the same year, Bosch Sensortec announced a partnership with Akustica, a subsidiary of Bosch that specializes in micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology. The partnership aimed to improve the performance and functionality of Bosch's gas sensor portfolio by incorporating Akustica's MEMS microphone technology.
• In 2022, a Canadian company called Field Upgrading announced its acquisition of OptiEnz Sensors, a company that specializes in developing gas sensors for the oil and gas industry. The acquisition is expected to help Field Upgrading improve its efficiency and safety measures in oil sands operations.
• In 2021, Bosch Sensortec partnered with Singapore-based company PSM to develop a new kind of gas sensor that can detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in automotive applications. The partnership aims to address the growing demand for air quality monitoring in cars.
• In 2020, the German company Infineon Technologies acquired the US-based company Cypress Semiconductor for $10 billion. While Infineon Technologies does not specialize in gas sensors, the acquisition is expected to strengthen its portfolio of sensors and power semiconductors, which could include gas sensors in the future.
• In 2020, a Japanese company called Figaro Engineering announced a partnership with US-based company NevadaNano to develop a new type of gas sensor for detecting flammable gases. The partnership aims to combine Figaro's expertise in gas sensing technology with NevadaNano's advanced materials to create a more accurate and reliable sensor.
• In 2019, a British company called Cambridge CMOS Sensors was acquired by the US-based company ams AG for $25 million. Cambridge CMOS Sensors specializes in developing gas sensors for applications such as indoor air quality monitoring and automotive emissions control. The acquisition is expected to help ams AG expand its presence in the gas sensor market.

In conclusion, gas sensors are vital components in ensuring safety, quality control, and process monitoring across various industries. There are several types of gas sensors available in the market, each with a unique working principle and application. Recent advancements in gas sensor technology have led to the development of smaller, more sensitive, and more affordable sensors. With the increasing demand for gas sensors, it is likely that we will see further advancements in this field in the coming years.