I. Introduction to Ammonia
Ammonia is a colorless, toxic gas with a hazard level of 2.2. It has a pungent odor. It is a common refrigerant. Its molecular formula is NH3. Its molecular weight is 17.03. Its relative density is 0.7714 g/L. Its melting point is -77.7℃. Its boiling point is -33.35℃. Its autoignition point is 651.11℃. Its vapor density is 0.6. Its vapor pressure is 1013.08 kPa (25.7℃). It is highly soluble in water.
II. Harmful Effects of Ammonia on Livestock
1. Ammonia is highly soluble in water, and its aqueous solution is alkaline. In livestock farms, NH3 is mainly produced by the decomposition of nitrogen-containing organic matter such as feces and feed. Low concentrations of ammonia can excite the respiratory and vascular centers, while high concentrations can paralyze the central nervous system, causing toxic liver disease and myocardial damage. Long-term exposure of livestock and poultry to low concentrations of ammonia can lead to decreased resistance, increased morbidity and mortality, and decreased productivity.
2. Ammonia is often dissolved or adsorbed on damp floors, walls and livestock mucous membranes in farms. When the temperature in the farm rises, the ammonia dissolved in the water separates from the water, causing secondary pollution to the air and will re-adhere to the mucous membranes of the livestock.
3. Urea in urine (nitrogen compounds in fecal microbial proteins are more difficult to degrade than urea nitrogen in urine, so urea produced from fecal nitrogen is not considered here) degrades to produce ammonia (NH3); low concentrations of ammonia have an irritating effect on the skin and mucous membranes, and often dissolve easily on the respiratory mucosa and conjunctiva of livestock, causing conjunctival congestion and edema, leading to conjunctivitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and pulmonary edema.
Ammonia also affects the growth of broilers and the egg production of laying hens, increasing the rate of broken eggs and the incidence of disease. For example, only 40% of chicks exposed to Newcastle disease virus in an ammonia-free environment will be infected; however, chicks raised in a house containing 15.2 mg/m3 of ammonia for 3 days will be 100% infected with Newcastle disease virus upon exposure.
Why are ammonia sensors used in livestock sheds?
As everyone knows, if poultry manure is not cleaned for a long time, it will produce a gas called ammonia. If it remains in the shed for a long time and is not removed in time, it will cause certain harm to the poultry. Nowadays, scientific farming is the norm, so many farmers use scientific methods to raise poultry. Ammonia sensors will monitor the concentration of ammonia online 24 hours a day. Once the concentration exceeds the alarm set, the ammonia alarm will sound, prompting people to take certain measures or drive the exhaust fan to remove the ammonia.
ISweek offers a high-quality ammonia sensor solution to address the persistent presence of NH3 gas in livestock farms. This solution enables timely and accurate monitoring and control of ammonia levels in the environment, facilitating efficient and profitable livestock farming.
The TGS826 ammonia sensor (NH3 sensor) has extremely high sensitivity to ammonia, and can detect ammonia concentrations as low as 30 ppm in the air. It is an ideal sensor for critical safety detection of refrigerants and can also be used for ammonia leak detection in the agricultural field.
I. Application of Ammonia Gas Sensor (NH3 Sensor) TGS826:
The TGS826 ammonia sensor (NH3 sensor TGS826) is mainly used for gas detection in refrigerators, ammonia leak detection in cold storage, and ventilation control in agriculture and animal husbandry.
II. Characteristics of the Ammonia Gas Sensor (NH3 Sensor) TGS826:
High sensitivity to ammonia;
The later circuitry is simple;
Ceramic substrate, strong environmental resistance;
The response time to low concentrations of ammonia is extremely short;
III. Main parameters of the ammonia gas sensor (NH3 sensor) TGS826:
Measurement range: 30-300ppm
Sensitivity (resistivity ratio): 0.4-0.7
Circuit voltage: Maximum 24VDC
Heater voltage: 5V±0.2V (AC/DC)
Choosing a suitable ammonia sensor can monitor the concentration of ammonia in the air in a timely and effective manner, which is not only suitable for poultry growth, but also greatly reduces the occurrence of injury and danger.
