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Methane (CH4)

Learn all about methane (CH4) and find the right gas detection system for methane monitoring.

Methane (CH4) and its properties

Methane (CH₄) is a colourless, odourless gas and the main component of natural gas. It is a powerful greenhouse gas that drives climate change because it traps more heat in the atmosphere than CO₂. Methane is produced by natural processes, such as in swamps, and by human activities such as agriculture and natural gas extraction. Reducing methane emissions is crucial for climate protection.

Gasmessfühler

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limit values

Information on methane limit values

limit values

Lower explosion limit (LEL) 4.4 vol. – %

Pre-alarm 20% LEL (0.44 vol. – %)
Main alarm 40% LEL (0.88 vol. – %)

gas density

Relative gas density 0.56
ceiling mounting

Gasmerkmale

Colourless: Methane is a colourless gas that is invisible to the naked eye.
Odourless: It has no smell, so it cannot be detected without special detectors.
Tasteless: Methane is tasteless, which makes it even more difficult to detect.
Density: Methane is lighter than air
Density: Methane is lighter than air. Toxicity: Methane is not toxic, but in high concentrations in poorly ventilated rooms it can lead to oxygen deficiency and suffocation.
Explosion hazard: 5–15% methane in air. This means that it can react explosively with air in this concentration range.
Use: It is mainly used as fuel, in the chemical industry (for the production of ammonia, methanol, etc.) and as a starting material for various organic compounds.

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Questions about methane detection?

DANGERS

Flammability and explosion: Ignition sources such as sparks, open flames or hot surfaces can cause explosions.
Suffocation: As an inert gas, methane displaces oxygen in the air, which can lead to suffocation in poorly ventilated rooms.
Air pollution: As a greenhouse gas, methane is a factor in global warming and has a much higher heat absorption capacity than CO2, although it remains in the atmosphere for a shorter period of time.
Leaking gas pipes or tanks: If gas pipes, tanks or industrial facilities are leaking, methane can accumulate, increasing the risk of ignition or explosion.
Undetectable: Due to methane’s lack of odour, leaks often go unnoticed until it is too late without additional safety measures (such as gas detectors).

HIGH-RISK SCENARIOS

Gas explosion in a landfill site: In a landfill site, the decomposition process of organic waste produces methane, which accumulates in unhealthy, decayed and poorly ventilated areas. A spark or a sudden rise in temperature (such as from welding work or vehicles) can cause an explosion.
Suffocation from methane in an enclosed space: Methane can escape into an enclosed space, such as a cellar, tank or tunnel, if it enters through a leak in a pipe or boiler system. Methane is odourless and invisible, which is why it is not detected in time.
Leak in a private natural gas network: Methane escapes through a damaged gas pipe in a residential building or housing complex. The gas spreads throughout the rooms, and without ventilation, dangerous levels of methane can accumulate.
Methane emissions from agricultural operations: In agriculture, particularly in livestock farming, methane is released as a by-product of animal digestion (e.g. cattle). Methane can accumulate in stables or silos if ventilation is inadequate or emissions are not controlled.

Health risks and handling of methane

Konzentration

Konzentration	Symptome/folgen
Over 1%:	Potentially hazardous in poorly ventilated areas, risk of suffocation
Less than 5%:	No risk of explosion, but risks due to oxygen displacement.
5 % - 15 %:	No explosion risk, but risks due to oxygen displacement. Explosion zone, highest risk of explosions.

Konzentrationstabelle nur im Querformat sichtbar.

Erste Hilfe

Methane (CH4) poisoning is potentially life-threatening and requires immediate first aid. The following are the steps for first aid in the event of CH4 poisoning:

1. Ensure safety:

Avoid the danger zone, ensure ventilation and avoid open flames.

2. Take the person out into the fresh air:

In case of symptoms such as shortness of breath or loss of consciousness, immediately move to a safe area.

3. Make an emergency call:

In case of heavy exposure, call the emergency services immediately.

4. Artificial respiration:

If the person is unconscious and not breathing, you should perform artificial respiration.

5. Medical assistance:

Betroffene zur Untersuchung ins Krankenhaus bringen.

Bei Unbeabsichtigter Freisetzung

1. Leave the danger zone immediately:

Evacuate people from the affected area to avoid the risk of suffocation or explosions.

2. Ensure ventilation and air circulation:

2. Ensure ventilation and air circulation: Ensure good ventilation as far as possible to minimise methane concentration.

3. Prevention of fires and sparks:

All ignition sources (such as fire, sparks or electrical devices) should be avoided at all costs to prevent an explosion.

4. Find and repair the source of the leak:

If possible, stop the source of the release without creating sparks or open flames.

5. Make an emergency call:

Contact professional help from the fire brigade or gas emergency service.

6. No self-repair:

If you have no training in this area, do not attempt to repair the leak yourself. Wait for the experts.

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Methane (CH4)

Methane (CH4) and its properties

Gasmessfühler