Design and Testing of a Gas Detector Device using Internet of Things

I., Isa, U. H. Abubakar and A. Umar

Department of Mining Engineering, University of Jos, Nigeria

Keywords: Gas sensor, Internet of Things (IoT), Arduino Uno, Arduino tooth, Bluetooth HC-05.

Abstract

The research aimed at studying, analyzing, and designing a gas detection device using the Internet of Things (IoT). The research addressed a fundamental and significant element of contemporary life. The focus of the research were to create a gas detector using an Arduino microcontroller, build a gas detector that sounds a buzzer and alerts an Android device when gas is detected, and use the Internet of Things to test a gas detector. Background data on gas detection technologies, pertinent standards and recommendations, field research, and durability aspects related to underground mines were gathered during the study in order to formulate a methodology for the research. The control unit, an Arduino Uno, and other relevant components in the design were employed and they performed well. The globally accepted threshold for the MQ-4 sensor (for the methane gas) was set to 100 ppm. In real-time monitoring, the device was able to continuously detect gas levels with instant alerts via smartphone. The show that the device can also be used remotely with an average distance of 500 meters away from the gas leakages in underground mine.