An Ammonia Leak Detector is a specialized device that identifies and measures ammonia gas concentrations in the air. It's essential for safety in industrial settings, refrigeration systems, and agricultural facilities where ammonia is present. The detector provides early warning of leaks through alarms and concentration readings.
Pros |
Cons |
✅ Sensitivity: High-precision detection of ammonia gas concentrations. ✅ Quick Response: Rapid alert system for potential ammonia leaks. ✅ Versatility: Suitable for industrial, commercial, and refrigeration applications. ✅ Safety Features: Multiple alarm types for different concentration levels. |
⛔ Calibration: Regular calibration needed for accurate readings. ⛔ Cross-Sensitivity: May react to other gases causing false readings. ⛔ Temperature Impact: Environmental conditions affect sensor performance. ⛔ Battery Life: Limited operation time for portable units. |
What Is The Best Ammonia Leak Detector?
There are various ammonia leak detectors on the market. Ensure you purchase a unit with a built-in pump and a probe to allow you to locate your ammonia gas leak.
- Forensics Detectors Ammonia Gas Analyzer | USA NIST Calibration
- RC Systems Ammonia Leak Detectors
- MSA Ammonia Leak Detector
- Drager Ammonia Leak Detector
- Cool Air Ammonia Detection Systems
Who Uses an Ammonia Leak Detector?
Ammonia gas has various applications, some of which include:
- Fertilizer Production: Ammonia is a key component in the production of nitrogen-based fertilizers that are used to enhance plant growth.
- Refrigeration: Ammonia is used as a refrigerant in industrial refrigeration systems due to its high cooling capacity.
- Cleaning: Ammonia is used as a cleaning agent in many household and industrial cleaning products.
- Textile Industry: Ammonia is used in the textile industry as a scouring agent to remove impurities from fabrics.
- Food Industry: Ammonia is used in the food industry as a pH regulator, antimicrobial agent, and leavening agent in baked goods.
- Pharmaceuticals: Ammonia is used in the production of various pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Water Treatment: Ammonia is used in water treatment to remove impurities and to control the pH levels of water.

What is a Ammonia Leak Detector?
Ammonia leak detectors are devices designed to detect the presence of ammonia gas in the air. These detectors are commonly used in industrial settings where ammonia is used, such as refrigeration systems, chemical plants, and food processing facilities. Ammonia is a hazardous gas that can cause respiratory irritation, burns, and even death in high concentrations. Therefore, it is essential to have a reliable ammonia leak detector in place to ensure worker safety and prevent environmental damage.
What are Different Ammonia Leak Detector Types?
Ammonia leak detectors work by sensing the presence of ammonia gas in the air and triggering an alarm when the gas concentration exceeds a pre-set threshold. There are various types of ammonia leak detectors available, including:
- Fixed detectors: These detectors are installed in a fixed location and continuously monitor the air for the presence of ammonia gas. They are commonly used in industrial settings where ammonia is used regularly.
- Portable detectors: These detectors are handheld and can be carried around to different locations to detect ammonia gas leaks. They are commonly used by maintenance workers and first responders. Some portable units like our FD-600-NH3 have a built-in pump and come with a probe making it ideal for Ammonia Leak detection applications.
- Area monitors: These detectors are designed to monitor a specific area for the presence of ammonia gas. They are commonly used in large spaces, such as warehouses or production facilities.
What is Ammonia Gas?
Ammonia gas is a compound made up of nitrogen and hydrogen, with the chemical formula NH3. It is a colorless gas with a pungent odor and is highly soluble in water. Ammonia is a common compound in nature and is produced by the decomposition of organic matter, such as animal waste and plant material. It is also produced naturally in the human body as a byproduct of protein metabolism.
Ammonia gas has various industrial applications, including its use in the production of fertilizers, refrigerants, cleaning agents, and textiles. It is also used in the food industry as a pH regulator, antimicrobial agent, and leavening agent in baked goods.
Ammonia is a hazardous gas that can cause respiratory irritation, burns, and even death in high concentrations. Therefore, it is important to handle and store ammonia gas safely and to have proper ventilation and protective equipment when working with it.
Ammonia Gas Calibration?
Calibration of an ammonia leak detector is a technical process that should be performed every 12 months to ensure that your ammonia leak detector is functioning accurately. Over time, the electrochemical ammonia sensor may drift and degrade, making it necessary to perform gas calibration to ensure accurate and repeatable measurements.
Gas calibration involves exposing the ammonia analyzer to a traceable concentration of test gas.
How do I use the Ammonia Leak Detector?
To test for an Ammonia gas leak, take the following steps:
- Use an Ammonia Leak Detector: Acquire an ammonia leak detector and use it at suspected leakage locations or use it to simply detect the air concentration of NH3 gas.
- Monitor the Ammonia ppm Readings: Allow the ammonia leak detector sufficient time to sample the air and provide accurate readings. Monitor the detector's display or indicators for any changes in hydrogen levels.
- Leak fixing: If a leak has been found. Take note of its location and tag the location. Address the leakage with an appropriate engineer or technician.
- Improve Air Quality: If Ammonia is accumulating (such as in a barn), increase the ventilation.
How Long Does the Ammonia Gas Sensor Last?
The Ammonia Leak Detector is equipped with an electrochemical sensor, which lasts between 2 to 3 years.
Can The Human Nose Detect An Ammonia Leak In Industrial Or Domestic Settings?
Yes, humans can detect ammonia leaks through its distinctive sharp, pungent odor.
Conclusion
- The Ammonia Leak Detector by Forensics Detectors is made to detect Ammonia leaks or to provide a quantitative Ammonia concentration reading in ppm.
- It is used for analyzing gas mixes, leak detection, and various applications such as barn air quality for livestock or used for research and development, and industrial settings.
- Ammonia Leak Detectors require regular calibration at least on an annual basis.
- Ammonia leak detectors are also called ammonia gas sniffers, ammonia gas analyzers, and ammonia gas testers.
- Ammonia Gas Leak Detectors are not cheap. They are expensive items.
- Ammonia Gas Leak Detectors are a niche and exotic device. They are not purchased daily, so make sure you are well-educated and know exactly what you are getting.
About The Author
Dr. Kos Galatsis ("Dr.Koz") is the President of FORENSICS DETECTORS where the company operates from the scenic Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los Angeles, California. He is a subject matter expert on gas sensor technology, gas detectors, gas meters, and gas analyzers. He has been designing, building, manufacturing, and testing toxic gas detection systems for over 20 years.

Every day is a blessing for Dr. Koz. He loves to help customers solve their unique problems. Dr. Koz also loves spending time with his wife and his three children going to the beach, grilling burgers, and enjoying the outdoors.
Read more about Forensics Detectors here.
Email: drkoz@forensicsdetectors.com
Phone: +1 424-341-3886