MIPEX‑04 and MIPEX‑05: Simultaneous ppm and LEL measurement in one NDIR sensor

Low-power MIPEX-04 ppm and MIPEX-05 ppm sensors address one of the most persistent design problems in gas analytics: the simultaneous detection of early leaks and emission monitoring at the ppm level and the measurement of explosive concentrations in %LEL. 

In industrial gas analytics, two distinct monitoring levels are traditionally separated: the ppm Lower Detection Limit (LDL) is associated with early leak detection and emission monitoring at low concentration levels, while the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) defines the risk of forming an explosive mixture. The most frequent applications are control of methane emissions in closed gas and oil production sites using fixed and transportable detectors, early control of methane leaks at industrial facilities before reaching the LEL level and control of emissions in animal husbandry. Moreover, there is a potential need for LDL control in traditional portable detectors in terms of preventing the harmful effects of hydrocarbons’ low concentrations on human health.

These objectives are often resolved using different sensor technologies, which increases the complexity of gas analysers, integration costs, and reduces the predictability of system behaviour in the field. 

MGS Technology provides an ultra-low power solution that closes this gap directly!

High-performance NDIR sensors MIPEX-04 ppm (52×24×18 mm) and MIPEX-05 ppm (in standard Series 4 size - ⌀20.1×16.6 mm) are designed for automatic continuous hydrocarbon measurement in hazardous areas covering both ppm and LEL concentrations. 

Key advantages of MIPEX ppm sensors:

• Low power consumption, averaging below 0.3 mW;
• Lower Detection Limit from 10-20 ppm with resolution 10 ppm. 
• Extended measurement range:

• • Methane (CH₄): 0–1000 ppm, 0.1–5 vol.% LEL
  • Propane (C₃H₈): 0–600 ppm, 0.06–2.5 vol.% LEL

• Linearised, temperature-compensated signal processing; 
• Explosion-proof design in compliance with IECEx, ATEX, UL913, CSA;
• Lifetime of continuous operation: > 20 years

Why the NDIR technology matters

MIPEX sensors are based on NDIR sensing — selective infrared absorption responding reliably across the full hydrocarbon range. This provides MIPEX core advantages over alternative sensor types:

• Catalytic bead (pellistor): loses accuracy as catalytic poisons degrade the sensing element  and unable to be used in ppm range;
• PID: costly, short service life (<10,000 hours), and unable to measure concentrations of alkanes (C₁–С₆) as well as TLV and LEL simultaneously;

With stable metrology and ultra-low power energy consumption, MIPEX sensors hold calibration far longer, directly lowering total cost of ownership in the field.

Practical value for manufacturers of gas detectors

For gas analyser manufacturers, the utilisation of MIPEX-04 ppm and MIPEX-05 ppm sensors provides significant advantages: 

• Single‑technology coverage: one sensor simultaneously measures ppm and LEL concentrations, enabling the final detector to include more sensors 
• Increased service life: dual-wavelength technology, long‑term stability, and immunity to contaminant poisoning, ensuring reliable performance in harsh environments with minimal maintenance.
• Ideal for early leak detection and emission monitoring, MIPEX sensors with LDL 10…20ppm with 10 ppm resolution and ultra-low power consumption are designed for integration into portable battery-powered and wireless fixed gas detectors. 

For more information and assistance in development of gas analyser’s design visit the website or contact the sales team today.