Study of a Low Cost and Wearable Gas Sensor for Safety of Workers and Workplaces

Based on the Project S.A.L.V.O. that aims to realize a new, smart technology, partly wearable, for the safety of workers and workplaces, bringing together wireless localization systems, low-energy artificial intelligence techniques and innovative sensors to detect harmful gases and fine dust. This work illustrates a first characterization campaign for the gas sensor candidate. Metal Oxide Gas Sensors (MOX) are the most suitable gas sensor typology thanks to their miniaturization and high sensitivity. ST microelectronics produced a miniaturized MOX prototype that can be evaluated and optimized for the Project. In the preliminary stage the gas sensor is classically conditioned and exposed to Methane and Carbon Monoxide. The output response is measured also under an environmental humidity change and response to humidity itself is also evaluated. Results illustrate the arising crucial-points for the optimization of the device.