Design, Simulation, and Manufacture of a Detector for High Concentrations of C3H8 Gas Based on the Electrical Response of the CoSb2O6 Oxide: A Prospectus for Industrial Safety

In industrial combustion processes, high concentrations of propane (C3H8) gas are employed. Therefore, developing gas-detecting devices that operate under high concentrations, elevated temperatures, and short response times is crucial. This paper presents the design, simulation, and construction of a novel propane (C3H8) gas detector. The design was based on the dynamic electrical response of a gas sensor fabricated with cobalt antimoniate (CoSb2O6). The simulation considered the device structure and programming criteria, and the final prototype was constructed according to the sensor response, design parameters, and operating principles. Design, simulation, and fabrication results were in concordance, confirming the correct operation of the detector at high gas concentrations. A mathematical model was derived from the sensor’s electrical response, establishing a resistance value that allowed a two-second response time. This resistance was used to adapt the signal between the gas sensor and the PIC18F2550 microcontroller. Input/output signals, safety criteria, and functionality principles were considered in the programming device. The resulting propane (C3H8) gas detector operates at 300 °C, detects high C3H8 concentrations, and achieves a 2 s response time, making it ideal for industrial applications where combustion monitoring is essential.