Electronic nose purging technique for confined space application

Abstract

Confined space is an enclosed area with limited space to perform work activity which could contribute towards atmospheric hazards accidents. To avoid this, the environment needs to be observed. The air sample can be monitored using the integration of Electronic Nose (e-nose) and mobile robot. This work proposed the development of e-nose purging technique for confined space application. An active carbon filter was installed at the e-nose body to perform purging. The e-nose system comprises of sensors chamber, electric air pumps, controller unit, wireless communication and a computer for data analysis. The Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) readings from gas sensors response is measured and defined into parts per million (ppm) and percentage level. To verify e-nose discriminative ability, two parameters are used which include normal laboratory air sample and hand sanitizer air sample. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) developed the discriminant analysis models from data collection. Results obtained proved the developed e-nose is successful in purging and it is reliable to produce correct measurement with high discriminative ability.