Usage of gas is a major part of our lives, from our kitchen to our vehicles, the need for gas is the everyday routine of humans of this era. However, safety is also necessary because leakage or excessive utilization of different gases is also harmful to the environment and humans as well. So, engineers are working hard to make the equipment that meets the requirements of a certain environment. So, if you are looking for a sensor for your project that detects or measures the gasses like LPG, or butane, then let’s have a look at the MQ6 sensor.
An Overview about MQ6 Sensor
The MQ6 gas sensor is a device that has a fast response to Liquid petroleum gas, generally used in equipment to detect gas leaks in industrial and other works. This is a simple sensor suitable for detecting LPG in the air that mostly contains butane and propane. The sensor allows us to detect if there are gas concentrations anywhere and we can hence use it in various industrial and commercial projects. The Digital Pin of this sensor allows it to operate even without a microcontroller and that is manageable when you are trying to catch one specific gas. The sensor can also detect different combustible gas.
Internal Structure
The internal structure of the Sensor is constructed of a micro AL2O3 ceramic tube, Sno2 (tin dioxide) layer, measuring electrode, and heater, fixed into a crust formed by plastic and stainless steel net. The heater provides certain work conditions for the work of sensitive components.
Working Principle
The sensor comprises a sensing material that ionizes the gases which come in its contact. As an outcome, the ionization process of the gases adjusts the resistance across the circuit.
Features and Specifications of MQ6 Sensor
Features
- High sensitivity to LPG, iso-butane, propane
- Small sensitivity to alcohol, smoke.
- Fast response
- Stable and long life
- Simple drive circuit
- Preheat duration 20 seconds
- Can be used as a Digital or analog sensor
- You can vary the Sensitivity of Digital pin using the potentiometer
Specifications
- Detecting Concentration: 300 to 10000 ppm
- Input Voltage: 5 VDC
- Power: 150 mA
- Digital Output Voltage: TTL digital 0 and 1 (0.1 V and 5 V)
- Analog Output Voltage (relatively clean): 0.1 V to 0.3 V
- Analog Output Voltage (highest concentration): 4 V
- PCB Size: 32 x 20 x 22 mm
Pinout of MQ6 Sensor
| Pin Name | Description |
| Vcc | Power Pin requires an operating voltage of 5V. |
| GND | Ground pin. |
| DO | Digital out the pin, to get the digital output from the sensor, need to set the threshold value using Pot. |
| AO | Analog out the pin. It based the output of this pin on the intensity of the LPG or other gas. |
Applications
LPG Gas Leakage Detectors
Natural gas is a part of every kitchen household and that’s why it is necessary to use the sensor that protects the environment. We can install LPG gas detectors that employ MQ6 sensors in home kitchens.
Gas Leakage Alarms
MQ6 is a remarkably sensitive gas sensor to petroleum-based gases and therefore is employed in Gas leakage alarms to generate warnings when there is leakage of those gases from the source.
Air Quality Monitor
Due to its flexibility and low cost, air monitoring systems that use MQ6 have the greater potential to improve and recover breathing standards by interfacing with other IoT systems that can develop better breathing monitoring devices.
