Electronics

MQ 6 Gas Sensor Module (Petroleum Isobutane Propane)

AED 15.75

1

Description

The MQ-6 Module is an advanced device designed to precisely measure the concentrations of propane and butane in the surrounding air. As the fundamental components of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), these gases provide essential insights into the overall flammability levels within an environment. Not only that, but this cutting-edge sensor is also capable of detecting other hazardous gases, such as methane, amplifying its value for comprehensive gas monitoring applications. With the MQ-6 Module, you can confidently ensure safety and proactively address potential risks by accurately assessing the presence of various flammable gases in real time.

 

Package Includes:

  • 1x MQ6 LPG Sensor Module

 

Features:

  1. High sensitivity to LPG, iso-butane, and propane: The module is designed to detect and measure the concentrations of these gases with a high level of sensitivity, ensuring accurate and reliable results.
  2. Good sensitivity to combustible gases in a wide range: In addition to LPG, iso-butane, and propane, the module also exhibits good sensitivity to a broad range of other combustible gases, expanding its utility for detecting various flammable substances.
  3. Fast response time: The module is engineered to provide a rapid response to changes in gas concentrations, enabling quick detection and timely alerts in critical situations.
  4. Long life: The MQ-6 Module is built to be durable and have a long operational life, ensuring consistent performance over an extended period.
  5. Simple drive circuit: The module features a straightforward drive circuit, simplifying the integration process and reducing the complexity of setup and operation.
  6. Concentration range: The module is capable of accurately measuring gas concentrations in the range of 200 to 10,000 parts per million (ppm), providing detailed information about the gas levels present in the environment.
  7. Preheat duration: The module requires a preheat duration of approximately 20 seconds before it becomes fully operational and ready to detect gas concentrations effectively.
  8. Digital or analog sensor: The MQ-6 Module can be used as either a digital or analog sensor, allowing flexibility in the choice of output format based on specific project requirements.
  9. Sensitivity adjustment: The module offers the ability to vary the sensitivity of the digital output pin using a potentiometer, enabling fine-tuning and customization to suit different sensing scenarios or environmental conditions.

 

Description:

The MQ-6 Module is an exceptional device designed specifically for measuring the concentrations of propane and butane in the surrounding air. These gases are integral components of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and the MQ-6 module's highly sensitive SnO2 semiconductor material enables it to accurately detect and measure their presence. Moreover, due to its ability to respond to changes in conductivity, this versatile module can also effectively detect other flammable gases, including methane, further enhancing its applicability for comprehensive gas monitoring. This module offers both digital and analog outputs, empowering users to choose the most suitable format for their specific application or project requirements. Additionally, the module incorporates an LED indicator that serves as a visual cue for power status and gas detection, providing convenient and accessible feedback.

 

Principle of Work:

The MQ-6 Module operates based on the conductive properties of its SnO2 (tin dioxide) semiconductor material. In an environment of pure air, the SnO2 material exhibits low conductivity. However, as the concentrations of target gases, such as propane, butane, and methane, increase in the air, the conductivity of the SnO2 material also increases. This change in conductivity serves as a reliable indicator of the presence and relative abundance of the gases. To convert the changes in conductivity into corresponding changes in gas concentration, the module incorporates a potentiometer. This allows users to adjust the sensitivity of the module and fine-tune the relationship between conductivity and gas concentration. By manipulating the potentiometer, precise and adaptable monitoring of gas concentrations can be achieved. The MQ-6 Module provides multiple output options for gas detection. The digital pin and analog pin can both be utilized for this purpose. When the module is powered with 5V, the output LED remains off, indicating that the digital output pin is at 0V and not detecting any gas. Before using the module, it needs to be preheated for a specific duration. If the output LED and digital pin do not become active (go high) when the module comes into contact with the target gas, the potentiometer can be adjusted until they do respond. Once adjusted correctly, the digital pin will go high (5V) when the sensor is exposed to the specific concentration of the target gas. If the gas concentration is below the threshold, the digital pin will remain low (0V). The same gas detection can also be achieved using the analog pin. By reading the analog values (0-5V) using a microcontroller, the measured value can be directly proportional to the amount of gas detected by the sensor. To optimize the performance and responsiveness of the module, experimentation with different gas concentrations and adjustments to the potentiometer can be conducted, allowing users to observe and understand how the sensor responds under varying conditions. Based on the observations, the program controlling the module can be adjusted accordingly.

 

Pinout of the Sensor:

Pin No:

Pin Name:

Description:

1

Vcc

This pin powers the module, typically the operating voltage is +5V

2

Ground

Used to connect the module to system ground

3

Digital Out

You can also use this sensor to get digital output from this pin, by setting a threshold value using the potentiometer

4

Analog Out

This pin outputs 0-5V analog voltage based on the intensity of the gas 

 

 

Applications:

 

  1. Home and Industrial Safety: The module can be used in residential and industrial settings to detect and monitor the presence of flammable gases like propane, butane, and methane. It enables early detection of leaks, helping to prevent accidents, fires, and explosions.
  2. Gas Leakage Detection: The MQ-6 Module can be integrated into gas leakage detection systems in homes, offices, or commercial establishments. It provides a reliable means of detecting gas leaks, allowing for prompt action and mitigating potential hazards.
  3. Fire Detection and Prevention: The module's sensitivity to flammable gases makes it suitable for fire detection systems. It can be utilized to detect the presence of gases that indicate potential fire risks, triggering alarms and enabling timely evacuation or fire suppression measures.
  4. Industrial Gas Monitoring: In industrial environments where the use or storage of flammable gases is common, the module can be employed for continuous monitoring of gas concentrations. It helps maintain safe working conditions and enables early detection of gas leaks or abnormal gas levels.
  5. Gas Detection in Appliances: The module can be integrated into gas-powered appliances, such as stoves, ovens, or heaters, to monitor gas concentrations and ensure their proper functioning. It adds an extra layer of safety by detecting gas leaks or malfunctions in the appliances.
  6. Environmental Monitoring: The MQ-6 Module can be used in environmental monitoring systems to detect and measure gas concentrations in the atmosphere. It aids in monitoring air quality, identifying pollutant sources, and supporting environmental research.
  7. Research and Development: The module serves as a valuable tool for researchers and developers working on gas sensing technologies, gas detection algorithms, and related fields. Its affordability and versatility make it a popular choice for prototyping and experimentation.
  8. DIY Projects: The MQ-6 Module can be utilized in various do-it-yourself (DIY) projects that involve gas detection and monitoring. Hobbyists and enthusiasts can incorporate the module into their projects, such as gas detectors, automated ventilation systems, or gas concentration visualization tools.

 

Circuit:

  1. Connect the GND pin of the MQ6 sensor to any GND pin on the Arduino board. This ensures a common ground reference between the sensor and the board.
  2. Link the VCC pin of the MQ6 sensor to the +5V power source pin on the Arduino board. This provides the necessary power supply for the sensor to operate.
  3. Connect the A out pin of the MQ6 sensor to the Arduino board's Analog pin A0. This enables the sensor to transmit analog voltage readings to the Arduino board for further processing or analysis.

 

Library:

This Module doesn't need any Library to function.

 

Code:

This code reads the analog input from a gas sensor connected to pin A0 (analog input pin 0) of an Arduino board. It configures pin 13 as an output for an LED indicator reads the analog value from the gas sensor, prints the sensor value to the Serial Monitor, and checks if the sensor value exceeds the threshold of 400. If the sensor value is above 400, it turns on the LED and prints "Gas Detected!" to the Serial Monitor. Otherwise, it turns off the LED and prints "No Gas Detected." The loop function then waits for 2 seconds before repeating the process:

#define MQ6pin 0
int sensorValue; // variable to store sensor value

void setup() {
  pinMode(13, OUTPUT);
  Serial.begin(9600); // sets the serial port to 9600
  Serial.println("MQ6 warming up!");
  delay(20000); // allow the MQ6 to warm up
}

void loop() {
  sensorValue = analogRead(MQ6pin); // read analog input pin 0
  Serial.print("Sensor Value: ");
  Serial.println(sensorValue);

  if (sensorValue > 400) {
    digitalWrite(13, HIGH);
    Serial.println("Gas Detected!");
  } else {
    digitalWrite(13, LOW);
    Serial.println("No Gas Detected.");
  }

  delay(2000); // wait 2s for the next reading
}
  • #define MQ6pin 0: This line defines a constant MQ6pin and assigns it the value 0, representing the analog input pin A0 on the Arduino board where the MQ6 sensor is connected.
  • int sensorValue;: This line declares an integer variable called sensorValue to store the analog reading from the sensor.
  • void setup(): This is the setup function, which runs once when the Arduino board is powered on or reset.
  • pinMode(13, OUTPUT);: Sets pin 13 as an output pin to control an LED. This pin is typically connected to the built-in LED on most Arduino boards.
  • Serial.begin(9600);: Initializes the serial communication at a baud rate of 9600 bits per second. This allows communication between the Arduino board and a computer via the Serial Monitor.
  • Serial.println("MQ6 warming up!");: Prints the "MQ6 warming up!" message to the Serial Monitor. This serves as an indication that the MQ6 sensor needs time to warm up and stabilize before accurate readings can be obtained.
  • delay(20000);: Pauses the program for 20,000 milliseconds (20 seconds) to allow the MQ6 sensor to warm up.
  • void loop(): This is the loop function, which runs repeatedly after the setup function.
  • sensorValue = analogRead(MQ6pin);: Reads the analog value from the MQ6 sensor connected to the A0 pin and assigns it to the sensorValue variable. The analogRead() function converts the analog voltage value from the sensor into a digital value ranging from 0 to 1023.
  • Serial.print("Sensor Value: ");: Prints the label "Sensor Value: " to the Serial Monitor.
  • Serial.println(sensorValue);: Prints the actual sensor value read from the MQ6 sensor to the Serial Monitor on a new line.
  • if (sensorValue > 400) { ... } else { ... }: Checks if the sensor value is greater than 400, indicating the presence of a certain gas concentration above a threshold.
  • digitalWrite(13, HIGH);: Turns on the LED connected to pin 13 by setting it to a HIGH state.
  • Serial.println("Gas Detected!");: Prints the message "Gas Detected!" to the Serial Monitor to indicate that a gas concentration above the threshold has been detected.
  • digitalWrite(13, LOW);: Turns off the LED by setting pin 13 to a LOW state if the sensor value is below the threshold.
  • Serial.println("No Gas Detected.");: Prints the message "No Gas Detected." to the Serial Monitor when the sensor value is below the threshold.
  • delay(2000);: Pauses the program for 2,000 milliseconds (2 seconds) before starting the loop again to allow time between consecutive sensor readings.

 

Technical Details:

  • Operating Voltage: 5V 
  • Operating Current: 150mA
  • Operating Temperature: -10 to 50 degrees Celsius
  • Detecting Concentration: 300 to 10000 ppm
  • 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

 

Resources:

 Tutorial

 

Comparisons:

The MQ-5 sensor is similar to the MQ-6 and is also designed to detect various flammable gases, including liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas, and propane. It operates on the same principle of detecting changes in conductivity based on gas concentration. and when comparing the MQ-5 and MQ-6 gas sensors, there are a few key differences to consider:

  1. Target Gases: The MQ-5 sensor is primarily designed to detect flammable gases such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas, and propane. On the other hand, the MQ-6 sensor is specifically designed to detect propane, butane, and methane gases.
  2. Sensitivity: The sensitivity of the sensors may vary. Generally, the MQ-6 sensor has higher sensitivity to propane and butane gases compared to the MQ-5 sensor. The MQ-5 sensor, being more focused on LPG and natural gas detection, may have a higher sensitivity to these gases than the MQ-6 sensor.
  3. Response Time: The response time refers to how quickly the sensor can detect changes in gas concentration. The response time of the MQ-5 sensor is typically faster than that of the MQ-6 sensor. This faster response time can be advantageous in applications that require quick detection of gas leaks or changes in gas concentration.
  4. Operating Conditions: Both sensors require a warm-up period to stabilize before accurate readings can be obtained. The warm-up time for the MQ-6 sensor is typically around 20 seconds, whereas the MQ-5 sensor may require a warm-up time of approximately 5 minutes.

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