GAS LEAK

& FIRE DETECTION DEVICE

GUIDE: Dr. Bappadittya Roy

(Department of ECE)

NAME: Ashwin Vinod

REGISTRATION NO.: 17BES7042
 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the Capstone Project work titled “GAS LEAK & FIRE
DETECTION DEVICE” that is being submitted by ASHWIN VINOD
(17BES7042) is in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Bachelor
of Technology, is a record of bonafide work done under my guidance. The contents
of this Project work, in full or in parts, have neither been taken from any other
source nor have been submitted to any other Institute or University for award of
any degree or diploma and the same is certified.

Dr. Bappadittya Roy

Guide

The thesis is satisfactory / unsatisfactory

Approved by

PROGRAM CHAIR DEAN

B. Tech. ECE School Of Electronics Engineering
 Statement of student contribution

● I have independently carried out background research to complete

my Capstone Project.
● Starting from scratch, I have designed and did all research from
various papers which are acknowledged in References.
● Using our knowledge on communications and programming, we
produced several functional prototypes with design improvements.

(Ashwin Vinod)
Date – 28/01/2021 Signature
 Index

1.ABSTRACT
2.INTRODUCTION
3.BACKGROUND
4.PROBLEM DEFINITION
5.OBJECTIVE
6.METHEDOLOGY
7.RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
8.CONCLUSION AND FUTURE SCOPE
9.REFERENCES
10.CODES IN APPENDIX
 ABSTRACT

We are living in a fast moving world. We have a lot of work to tend to, a lot of tasks to
manage simultaneously. Thus, we keep favoring our work to be done.

Now, in the quest of easy access and simplicity, we tend to overlook the safety
precautions. This happens in many situations. For instance, when people buy cars, they
tend to check factors like cost, mileage and comfort, rather than safety measures such
as ABS, airbags, traction control, etc.
This situation arises even when we buy gas equipment for households. All we see is a
15KG cylinder, however, it’s essentially a 15KG container of highly inflammable
gases.

Once a cylinder system is set, which is the case in loads and loads of Indian
households, the only time this is checked is when the gas is over. People hardly check
the gas line as the material is reinforced.
Now, there are solutions available for detecting gas leaks. There are also sensors which
detect fire or flames. However, these also have their own demerits.
Safety is necessary. So there is no reason for it to be hazardous or costly. And that is
what this project aims to do.
 INTRODUCTION

This project is made with the objective to prove that flame and gas detection is possible in an
optimum and cost effective solution. What makes this project is it’s simplicity. This is
because of the components and it’s working principles that make it very simple for usage.

The use of conventional smoke detectors may seem low cost, however, the sensing method
involved is ionization of smoke particles. This is done using traces of radioactive Uranium.
Having such hazardous materials might be dangerous.
There are other methods also available, for instance, using we can detect flames instead of
smoke. This means, in such an event that a flame ignites, an ideal sensor that is capable of
sensing flames, can send off an alarm.

However, sensing principles available to detect flames or fires are also logistically expensive
to use. For instance, thermal sensors are a very good source to detect flames, and even give
out temperature readings for that matter. But, for applications restricted to households, such
expensive equipment would not be required.

BACKGROUND
For this project, I used a systematic method to find out the optimal sensing technique for gas
and flame detection. For this, I went through various methods that already exist and map all
the pros and cons of each method.

A. Sensing techniques to detect gas

There are various ways we can detect gases. For this, we must also bear in mind that LPG,
the common household gas, consists of Propane and Butane. So, based on this composition, I
have found these methods to detect gas:

● Electrochemical Gas Sensor

The amount of current generated is determined by how much of the gas in the
electrode is oxidized, indicating the gas concentration. However, the problem is the
sensors that incorporate this method cost close to USD100.

● Catalytic Bead
Electrically heated, up to a few hundred degrees, active and reference beads containing
platinum wire coils are located on opposite arms of a Wheatstone bridge circuit. This
method uses a device based on resistance. The drawback of this method is the
complication and many working parts involved in a Wheatstone bridge, asides from
the fact that these cost a little under USD10000.

● Infrared Imaging
IR imaging sensors typically scan a laser across the field of view of a scene and look
for backscattered light at the absorption line wavelength of a specific target gas. An IR
imaging sensor also costs around USD803. This is a very effective method to measure
LPG levels and even distinguish them between atmospheric gases.

● Ultrasonic
They identify the acoustic emission generated when a pressurized gas expands through
a small orifice in a low-pressure area (the leak). Now, the sensor used is effective,
however, the method by which it detects gases is on acoustic differences. This may
also include other hydrocarbons, but the range we intend to target is pretty restrictive.
Apart from this, it costs INR8000, which doesn’t serve our project goal.

● Semiconductor
 When it comes into contact with the monitored gas, the electrical resistance in the
sensor is decreased. Metal-Oxide semiconductors are also called (MOS).

Now, since this method is pretty straightforward, MQ-2 sensors (MOS sensors) are not
as expensive as other alternatives. So, under INR200, we can obtain a sensor module
and this will help out in interfacing.

B. Sensing techniques to detect fire/flames

● Photoelectric Detectors
When a light beam is directed towards a photocell in a photoelectric detector; the light
reaching the receiver drops when smoke interferes with the beam, initiating a signal.
This might have helped if all the flames or fires caused had smoke in them, however,
since smoke won’t arise until any incomplete combustion is observed. But since LPG
is inflammable, smoke may not arise as soon as a flame is ignited. Even though this
sensor may come for as low as INR100, the sensing method is not corresponding to
the application of the project.

● Ultraviolet(UV) Light Detectors

The sensing part of the ultraviolet flame detector normally consists of either a
solid-state unit, such as silicon carbide or aluminum nitride, or a gas-filled tube in
which ultraviolet radiation ionizes the gas. This leads the components to become
conductive, which results in a warning being initiated. Apart from this, such materials
cost more than USD6000.

● Infrared (IR) Flame detectors

The IR sensor would remain solar-blind under conventional sunlight, however, the
presence of hydrocarbon gas in the line of sight of the sensor would end up activating
the sensor, thus allowing the circuit to be completed for the sensor module.

This is the ideal sensor as the sensing method is appropriate for this application and
the sensor cost is optimal.

PROBLEM DEFINITION
When we examine the central issue and the motivation behind it, we discover the major
challenges that one faces with the absence and the ease offered with the presence of the
same.

Gas explosions are not only a danger to household occupants but a significant potential
health hazard, in addition to the possibility of fires.

Drawbacks of existing systems and sensors, however:

● Sufficiently costly for personal use

● Smoke detectors only detect smoke (gas sensing equipment bought separately.)

● Tiny amounts of radioactive compounds have ionizers in detectors.

● The complexity of such end products makes it difficult to understand and subsequently
makes troubleshooting hard for consumers.
 OBJECTIVE

What needs to be Done?

• Increase use of safe, but effective fire sensing techniques
• Increase use of safe equipment
• Decrease cost of production
• Decrease overall complexity
• Utilizing an active running circuit to check gas leaks
 METHODOLOGY

Materials required
• 8051 microcontroller (AT89C51)
• Semiconductor based gas sensor module(MQ-2 sensor)
• Flame detection sensor(IR based)
• Piezoelectric buzzers(Alarm sound)
• Conductive copper plate or breadboard

What makes each of these components an optimal solution?

• AT89C51 (8051 microcontrollers)
The 8051 families of microcontrollers have different variants like 8051, 8052, or 8031,
all with different memory and I/O architecture. Given below is the pin diagram of the
most known variants of 8051. We shall be using the 8051 architecture.
The pin diagram of the 8051 microcontroller consists of 40 pins as shown below. A
total of 32 pins are set away into four Ports such as P0, P1, P2, and P3(explained in
hardware design). Here, each port contains 8 pins. Each pin sends or receives one bit
of data. For the microcontroller to take an input, a port has to be programmed to take
inputs. This is generally done after a programmer is burned in 8051(explained in
software designs). On appropriate programming and burning code for the interfacing
of the microcontroller with both the sensors and the buzzers.
The purpose of this microcontroller, as opposed to Arduino Uno boards, is cost
effectiveness. AT89C51 costs INR150, which makes it an ideal choice for this
project’s core motive.
Salient features:
• 128 bytes of RAM
• 4K bytes of on-chip ROM
• Two timers
• One serial port
• Four I/O ports, each 8 bits wide
• 6 interrupt sources
• IR Flame sensor module
This module is sensitive to the flame and radiation. It also can detect ordinary
light sources in the range of a wavelength 760nm-1100nm, all credits to
YG1006. YG1006 is a high speed and high sensitive NPN silicon
phototransistor. Due to its black epoxy, the sensor is sensitive to infrared
radiation. The detection distance is up to 100 cm. The Flame sensor can output
digital or analog signal.

Fig:1. Circuit diagram with the sensor (YG1006) for flame detection module
Based on the circuits of the sensor module, the below circuit with the 8051 is
made.

P.S: The Rx photodiode in the original working is replaced with a normal diode
with a variable resistance to simulate the situation.
• Gas detection module
The semiconductor based gas sensors primarily work on the principle of
resistance. So, any change in the clear air around the sensor would lead to a
change in the resistance.
The star-shaped structure is formed by the sensing element and six connecting
legs that extend beyond the Bakelite base. Out of six, two leads (H) are
responsible for heating the sensing element and are connected through
Nickel-Chromium coil, a well known conductive alloy.

Fig.2: Pin configuration of MQ-2 gas sensor

Fig.3: Circuit schematic for gas sensor module

The final circuit with the buzzers is shown in the result.

• Piezoelectric Buzzers
They are used to alert the user in the event of a fire(in the range of the sensor)
and gas. Using 2 separate buzzers for each sensing system.

• Copper conductive plate/Breadboard

Usually, PCB printing using a copper plate is the most effective solution, along
with the reduction in wiring. But, since breadboards are rather easier to avail
and readymade, the process of PCB fabrication and printing is eliminated.
Software Component:

Fig.4: Algorithm for both the detection systems

To create a code for the project, some of the basic practices in programming were used,
which have proven to be effective in coding and debugging. This helps in visualising the
working components of the project and understanding functionality of the system as a whole.
Fig.5 shows how the flow of the program will be.
 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Being a simulation model, this project has two major divisions to present in the name of a
result.

● Hardware circuit(with all sources mentioned):

Fig.5: Circuit diagram(with both systems) using Proteus

Fig.4 highlights how the fire detection circuit and the gas detection modules are
connected to the controller with the buzzers connected and placed separately from the
sensing apparatus (this being a simulation, can be adjusted in real life). The Vcc is
mentioned in the circuit (+5V) and it will be common for all components operating.
This circuit diagram can easily be made connecting wires and a breadboard.
Software simulation and working:

Fig.6: IDLE state, right before the system starts up.

All systems are off and code is at line 13, as seen in fig.6. The pin configuration in the
circuit is what the coding pins are based on.The full C code of this project, along with the
assembly component is attached in the Appendix.

Fig.7 Flame sensor active state.

If this happens, pin 2.0 receives a high from the sensor, due to any flame detected in the
visible range of 100cm, pin 2.4 in turn is activated.
Fig.8: Gas sensor active state.
If this happens, the pin 2.1 receives a high from the sensor, pin 2.3 in turn is activated. This
means if the gas sensor is in presence of any of the hydrocarbons, Butane, Methane, etc, the
buzzer is triggered.

Fig.9: All sensors active.

This happens when P2.0 and P2.1 receive a high signal and also activates P2.3 and P2.4.
This means a flame and presence of LPG is detected, so both buzzers are triggered.
 CONCLUSION AND FUTURE SCOPE

In presence of any hydrocarbon gases, flame or both, the system works successfully and
alerts the user about the same. What makes this more effective is the fact that the cost of
making would make this a rather effective solution to an ever present problem.

● Future Scope:

This system can be made rather smarter by incorporating more modern boards like
Arduino Uno and making use of it’s advanced features.

For instance, we can connect the Arduino and monitor the temperature and gas level
by using the built in ADC present in Arduino.

We can also make this an effective IoT system by broadcasting alerts in the form of
SMSs using a GSM module.
 REFERENCES

Datasheets for Sensors:

• https://pdf.alldatasheet.com/datasheet-pdf/view/731746/LUXPIA/LYG1006.html

Datasheet for the IR flame sensor, YG1006

• https://4.imimg.com/data4/AV/UT/MY-23669504/flame-sensor-module-arduino.pdf

IR flame sensor module’s datasheet

• https://datasheetspdf.com/pdf-file/622943/Hanwei/MQ-2/1

MQ-2 Sensor datasheet

• https://5.imimg.com/data5/BG/QX/MY-1833510/mq2-gas-sensor-module.pdf

Gas sensor module’s datasheet

Paper referred:

• LPG Leakage Detecting and Alerting System

Shaik Asra Tabassum, Assistant Professor, Lords Institute of Engineering &

Technology, Hyderabad
Datasheet for AT89C51:
Full datasheet link: https://components101.com/sites/default/files/component_datasheet/AT89C51.pdf
 APPENDIX:
C code for the project:

#include <stdio.h>
#include <reg51.h>

sbit flame_sensor=P2^0; /* Read IR sensor's data on this pin */

sbit buzzer_flame=P2^4; /* fire alarm connected to the PORT2 pin 4 */
sbit gas_sensor=P2^1; /* Read MQ-2 sensor's data on this pin */
sbit buzzer_gas=P2^3; /*gas leak alarm connected to PORT2 pin 3*/

void MSdelay(unsigned int val);

void main(void)
{
P2=0; /* Initially whole system is turned OFF*/
MSdelay(3000); /* Power-on delay for system */
while(1)
{
/*Fire detection section*/
if(!flame_sensor) /* YG1006 active to detect flames in its
spectrum(active high O/P of sensor) */
buzzer_flame = 0; /* alarm inactive for no flame
detected */
else
buzzer_flame = 1; /* alarm active as flame detected */
/*Gas detection section*/
if(!gas_sensor) /*MQ-2 active to detect gas which */
buzzer_gas = 0; /*alarm inactive for no gas detected*/
else
buzzer_gas = 1; /*alarm active as gas detected*/
}
}
void MSdelay(unsigned int val)
{
unsigned int i,j;
for(i=0;i<=val;i++)
for(j=0;j<112;j++); /* Delay of 1 ms for 11.0592MHz Frequency */
}