Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Sta. Mesa, Manila

Enhanced Liquefied Petroleum Gas Leak Detector with Sound Alarm: An

Effective Way to Detect and Prevent Gas Leaks

Electronics and Communication Engineering Technology

DECET 3-1

Aguilar, Exequiel Andrew

Barredo, Criselda Diana

Gorospe, Aaron Gregory

Magno, John Rhey

Pinlac, Kurt Russel

Rullan, Ivan Nandene

Submitted to: Mr. Gerhard P. Tan

Table of Contents

Abstract………………………………………………………………………

Introduction…………………………………………………………………………

Statement of the problem………………………………………………………………………

Scope and delimitation………………………………………………………………………

Significance of the study……………………………………………………………………

Conceptual framework………………………………………………………………………

Figure 1………………………………………………………………………

Hypothesis………………………………………………………………………

Hypothesis null Ho………………………………………………………………………

Hypothesis Ha………………………………………………………………………

Objectives………………………………………………………………………

Definition of terms………………………………………………………

Review of relevant scholarship………………………………………………………

Methods………………………………………………………

Measure and covariates……………………………………………………

Research design……………………………………………………

Result……………………………………………………………………………………

Discussion……………………………………………………………………………………

Summary of findings…………………………………………

Conclusion…………………………………………

Recommendation…………………………………………

References
ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a refined crude oil, extracted from the wet natural

gas stream during natural gas processing. LPG is composed of a group of flammable

hydrocarbon gases that are pressurized and commonly used as fuel. When a pressured liquid

is released from pressure at certain room temperature, the composition of carbon and

hydrogen atom combine and it form into a gaseous state primarily propane gas (C3H8) and

butane (C4H10), while in the natural gas methane is the primary constituent. Under the LPG

products label, LPG is made up of several gases, including propane, butane, isobutane, and

mixtures of these gases, which are also known as natural gas liquids – NGL.

LPG is mainly used as fuel, commonly used as cooking fuel by most people.

According to Thirumalaikumaran A., et. al. (2022), LPG cook stoves are relatively portable,

clean, very efficient and requires less upkeep. According to the Philippines Statistics

Authority (n.d.), LPG is the second most common fuel used for cooking with a 36.9% of the

total household Philippines. Although, it being a necessity for cooking due to its convenient

use, there are still some drawbacks to consider like its possible risks002E

The explosion on an LPG gas cylinder was caused by a few factors, including leaks in

the cylinder. Aside from this failing to meet the standards, tools and supplies like Tubing,

Valves, Regulators, and accessories can cause a massive explosion. The mixing activities of

certain elements also caused damage to the LPG gas tube.

The first method for gas detection was used by coal miners in the 19th and early 20th

centuries during the Industrial Revolution. The first type of portable gas detection equipment

was the flame safety lamp, and it was invented by Sir Humphrey Davy in 1815. The modern
era of gas detection began with the creation of the catalytic sensor by Dr. Oliver Johnson in

1926. The sensor could detect a mixture of combustible elements in the air to prevent

explosions in fuel storage tanks. The history of gas leak detection is full of fascinating stories

about the different ways people used to discover whether an area was filled with toxic gas or

other substances (Cory, 2019).

In addition, Cory also defines a gas detector as a device that detects the presence of

gases in an area, often as part of a safety system. This type of equipment is used to detect a

gas leak or other emissions and can interface with a control system, so a process can be

automatically shut down. A gas detector can sound an alarm to operators in the area where

the leak is occurring, giving them the opportunity to leave. This type of device is important

because there are many gases that can be harmful to organic life, such as humans or animals.

More than three (3) quarters of fire incidents in Metro Manila occur in residential

areas, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) data. According to the data provided,

most of these fires occur in residential buildings, with apartment buildings and family houses

being the most common. These fires can be caused by a variety of factors, from cooking

accidents to electrical problems such as: faulty electrical wirings and open flames. Gas leaks

are also a common cause of house fires, especially in households that use liquified petroleum

gas (LPG) on a daily basis. According to the latest data from the Philippine Statistics

Authority (PSA), forty (40) percent of Filipino households use LPG daily.

LPG-fire related incidents are a major problem in the Philippines, particularly in Metro

Manila. These fires often occur in residential areas and can be caused by a variety of factors,

from cooking accidents to electrical problems.

The device is intended for the kitchens of every hotel around Sta. Mesa Manila where

gas stoves are often used. Though the idea of using electric stoves in hotels to get rid from the
dangers of the liquefied petroleum gas might be much more convenient, it is known that

electrical stoves use a lot of electricity, where some even use backup generators to be able to

handle the heat the stove requires. (Francis et al. 2014)

To conclude this introduction, the aim of this research is to create a device using the

components of MQ4 gas leak sensor, LED light, buzzer, 4V battery, jumper wires, switch and

exhaust fan. This will create a liquefied gas leak detector with a sound alarm, which will

fulfill the purpose of the research. The purpose is to increase fire preventive measures and

systems in the hotels in Sta. Mesa. If the liquefied gas leak detector with a sound alarm

successfully detects a gas leak, it will alarm the user and help to prevent future fire incidents.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

LPG gas cylinders is a supply commonly used in our homes for cooking, heating and
various purposes. It consists of 70% butane and 30% propane. However, there have been
cases in the past about the leakage in the LPG tanks that caused a devastating consequences,
including financial loss and human life. Gas leaks in residential homes are often difficult to
detect and can cause explosion, suffocation, and fire risks are all determined by physical
attributes like as flammability and toxicity. In this research, titled “Enhanced Liquefied
Petroleum Gas Leak Detector with Sound Alarm: An Effective Way to Detect and Prevent
Gas Leaks” these are some of the model’s specific problem statements:

1. Gas leaked have a spread of consequences, including financial losses additionally as

human life.

2. Gas leaks occurs from poor handling of gas appliances, faulty regulator fitting and from
defective rubber tubing that connects the cylinder’s outlet to the burner.

3. What is the efficacy of an LPG leak detector with a sound alarm system?

4. What are the advantages of using an LPG leak detector with a sound alarm system in

residential kitchens around PUP Sta. Mesa?

5. How long will it take for the LPG leak detector to respond to gas leakage?

6. How long will it take to produce an audible signal and start the exhaust system?
SCOPE AND DELIMITATIONS

The present study focuses on developing a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) leakage

detector system that can automatically detect, alert and control gas leakage. The system is

built on a sensor that conveniently detects gas leakage within four millimeters range and

provides necessary safety measures to stop any possible fire outbreak accident. This research

will also provide enough data to show the effectiveness of the proposed GLDAS prototype in

residential homes around Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Sta. Mesa, Manila.

This research study will be conducted within a two-kilometer range residential area

from Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Sta. Mesa, Manila.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study must be conducted to know the effectiveness of the proposed Liquefied

Petroleum Gas (LPG) leakage detector system. The result of the study is beneficial for the

following:

· Community (Around PUP Sta. Mesa, Manila)

The results of this study will redound to the benefit of the community since it will

provide essential safety parameters for averting possible fire outbreak disasters.

· Environment

This study is beneficial to the environment because LPG leakage can be harmful to

organic life, such as humans or animals. Additionally, it can also result in accidental fires and
cylinder explosions, both of which have been proven to have caused significant harm to the

environment and economy in the past.

· Manufacturer

This study will provide information that helps manufacturers create an economical

and affordable LPG leakage detector system.

· Future Researchers

The results of the study will provide information to the other researchers in terms of

giving some knowledge on developing an LPG leakage detector system. It can also be a help

for them as a future reference for more studies in the future.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

-MQ4 Sensor -Designing & Enhanced

Input

Output
Process

-Buzzer Modelling Liquefied

-Prototyping Petroleum Gas
-Exhaust Fan Leak Detector
-Size -Prototype with Sound
Testing & Alarm: An
-Appearance Assessment Effective Way
-Data Analysis to Detect and
of Product Prevent Gas
Leaks
Figure 1.

According to Afribary (2020), a conceptual framework illustrates the relationships of

variables and fundamental concepts in a research study. The conceptual framework will
support and guide the study with the major and minor details that are related to the research

study.

The concept evaluation determines if the prototype is feasible or not. Within the

process, the prototype will be tested to see if it adequately answers the formulated questions

and constraints and if it achieves the desired proposed prototype and fills the gaps. The

evaluation will require comparison of the prototype and a regular LPG monitor. The result

will vary on the analysis and up to the extent if the prototype is capable and viable.

HYPOTHESIS

The hypothesis null Ho

There is no successful result that the LPG leak detector with a sound alarm system is

effective. The LPG leak Detector with a sound alarm system did not reduce the damages from

unexpected threats like explosions in the residential kitchen around PUP Sta. Mesa. The

effectiveness of LPG leak detector depends on the sensor to respond to gas leakage. It took a

minute for the LPG leak detector to produce audible signal and start the exhaust system.

The hypothesis Ha

The LPG leak detector with sound alarm system is proven effective at detecting unsafe levels

of gas leakage. The advantage of equipping the kitchen in the residential area around PUP

Sta. Mesa with an LPG leak detector is that it reduces the number of fatalities that are caused

by unexpected circumstances such as fire, gas inhalation, and explosions. The LPG leak

detector responds to the level of gas in the air and checks if it exceeds the safe value. It took

the LPG leak detector a miniscule second to activate the exhaust system and sound the alarm.
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The researchers will develop an Enhanced Liquefied Petroleum Gas Leak Detector

with Sound Alarm: An Effective Way to Detect and Prevent Gas Leaks; and a prototype

project that when a leak is detected in close proximity of MQ4 sensor, the initial light (LED)

will go off and the two red lights (LED) will turn on. At the same time, the buzzer will sound

to alert anyone nearby, and the exhaust will begin to work to clear the area of gas leak. The

triggered alarm sound will last until there is no leak detected.

The researchers' specific goal is to develop a gas leak detector device that can

withstand high gas pressure leakage. If no leak is detected, the buzzer and exhaust fan will

turn off, and the two red lights will blink out, and the system will then return to its initial state

in order to advance the prototype project and make it more engaging and convenient for

everyone.

DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS

1.) 9V Battery – a rechargeable battery that acts as the life support of the device

2.) Butane – is a colorless, flammable gas at room temperature.

3.) Buzzer – an audio signaling device

4.) Exhaust Fan – to provide ventilation which will pull potentially hazardous substances

away. Used to vent rooms so leak gases are dispersed.

5.) GLDAS – Gas Leakage Detection and Alert System

6.) LED – Light-Emitting Diode

7.) MQ4 – part of the device which will act as the gas sensor.

8.) Propane – is a flammable hydrocarbon gas that is liquefied through pressurization and

commonly used for fuel in heating, cooking, hot water and vehicles. One of the gases that fits

the definition of LPG - Liquefied Petroleum Gas

REVIEW OF RELEVANT SCHOLARSHIP

Intro of rrl (Magno)

Gas leak seems to be perceived as an insignificant environmental problem. The

general public, even the media, fails to comprehend how dire the situation we are facing. The

massive natural gas leak that took place in Aliso Canyon, California, about 25 miles north of

Los Angeles has been spewing about 62 million standard cubic feet of methane per day into

the atmosphere after a well was mysteriously damaged on October 23. There were no trials or

discussion of major fines put into action. The incident is just an example of how people view

a disaster in the future. It is with hope that in the future, damage like these will be contained

soon and natural gas storage will be addressed properly. (Andrei, 2015)

In a study conducted by Pooja. B.M, Sandhya. S.M, Chethan. K.E, Siriparpu

Abraham, et.al. (2020), they showcase their research on new approaches for gas leakage

detection systems at low-cost concentration. They used an MQ-6 gas sensor and sent a signal

to the microcontroller. Multiple SMS can be sent by changing the program of the GSM

module.
 K.Padmapriya proposed the design of wireless LPG monitoring system. In this

project, the user is alerted about the gas leakage through SMS and the power supply is turned

off. (K.Padmapriya et.al., 2020)

According to Attia, Hussian A., et.al. (2016), the number of deaths has risen in recent

years as a result of LPG explosions. To avoid this problem, a system for detecting LPG

leakage is required. The method of detecting potentially harmful gas leaks using multiple

sensors is known as gas leak detection.

Many people ignore this wise counsel by failing to install smoke alarms and carbon

monoxide detectors in their homes. Both devices save lives, although they do so in different

ways. (Rogers, 2018) Victims of a fire usually die from smoke inhalation, not from the heat

or fire itself. Carbon monoxide kills in much the same way as a flame, but it is impossible to

know the presence of it without a detector.

According to Rogers (2018), several household appliances emit carbon monoxide,

including gas stoves or ovens, water heaters and space heaters. Because its symptoms are

similar to the flu (nausea, headache, dizziness, light-headedness, confusion), the initial stages

of carbon monoxide poisoning are difficult to recognize and often overlooked. People don't

usually install a specific smoke alarm because they think that its presence is obvious. Smoke

alarms and fire alarms work in different ways. Smoke alarms detect smoke in two ways. One

method, called photoelectric detection, uses a light sensor. Other smoke detectors, known as

ionisation detectors, pass a small electrical current from one diode to another. These alarms

sound when smoke particles interrupt this electrical current. Carbon monoxide detectors work

in one of three ways. Biomimetic sensors contain a gel that changes colour when it absorbs

carbon monoxide. The carbon monoxide detector monitors the colour of this gel and sounds

the alarm when it changes. Other detectors use a metal oxide semiconductor. In terms of
installation, it is best to put smoke alarms where you would typically put fire alarms and

place them in an area that is prone to the aforementioned hazards.

According to Verwymeren (2017), while a smoke detector can keep you safe from

fire, other deadly dangers lurk in the home and many people don’t have the equipment

necessary to sound the alarm. So, to supplement your smoke detector and make your home a

safer place, here are five alarms to warn you of potential household threats. (1) Radon, this

colourless, odourless gas when left without proper prevention, can become trapped in the

home, a problem that plagues one in 15 homes, according to the Environmental Protection

Agency. (2) Carbon Monoxide can leave you feeling seriously ill, causing symptoms like

dizziness, nausea, vomiting and chest pains. (3) Radiation, though produced naturally, can be

life threatening if humans were exposed. (4) Natural gas, such as gas leaks from major

companies and/or industries. (5) Propane is heavier than air, so a leak could potentially fill up

a room, creating both a risk of asphyxiation and an explosion.

LPG gas leakage can occur through a non-waterproof hose connection or through the

hose itself. Because of poor hose quality, the pores are porous and can be penetrated by a

gas. This is accomplished by the valve of the tube itself that does not fit on the stand.

Cooking gravy food that has overflowed will cause the stove to catch fire. This causes the gas

to erupt. Continue unabated until the gas fills the kitchen. (Materials Science and Engineering

336, 2018)

A buzzer is a term for an electronic component. The problem is that it doesn't really

buzz. A buzzer is a type of speaker in a circuit. It can beep and make tones based on

frequency and voltage, and these are usually higher-frequency pitches rather than buzzing or

low tones. It's just a two-terminal speaker on a circuit board. The most basic is a

piezoelectric buzzer, which is simply a flat piece of piezoelectric material with two

electrodes. This type of buzzer requires an oscillator (or something more complicated, such
as a microcontroller) to drive it—applying a DC voltage will result in a click. They are used

in places where an audible tone is required but high-fidelity sound reproduction is not

required, such as microwave ovens, smoke alarms, and electronic toys. Piezoelectric buzzers

are also used as crude pressure sensors or microphones because they generate voltage in

response to complaints. (Quetchenbach, 2018)

Carbon Monoxide is a hazardous gas that can kill 430 individuals annually. It is

synthesised from carbon containing fuels. Carbon monoxide gas can harm the health of

people with symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. There are many ways to prevent being

exposed but installing or having carbon monoxide detectors is the fastest prevention. This

detector works the same as fire and smoke alarms and if it senses carbon monoxide it will

produce a loud siren. The detector will turn off if the carbon monoxide level decreases to

nearly 50ppm which may take up to 8 hours. The detector will be composed of a biomimetic

sensor, metal oxide semiconductor, and electrochemical sensor. (Carlsen, 2022)

In a study conducted by Xiao Kunhua (2020), there are problems associated with

smoke prevention and exhaust systems that are left unchecked and not taken with utmost

concern. The paper shows that the current systems of prevention and exhaustion in high-rise

buildings have flaws and need a proper upgrade. It also summarizes important and easily

ignored aspects of inspection of prevention and exhaust systems along with its maintenance.

In a study conducted by Qiqi et al., (2013), the efficacy of heat exhaust system was

estimated and associated factors influencing the said system were discussed based on

experimental data gathered from a series of fire tests in a model tunnel. In tunnel fires with

transverse mechanical exhaust system, heat exhaust efficiency varies from 20% to 50%. Heat

exhaust efficiency increases along with the reduction of the number of exhaust inlets turned

on while extracting and decreases along with the increase of the area of exhaust inlet. (Qiqi et

al., 2013)
 Methods

Measure and Covariates (Exe)

Research Design

The researchers used a quantitative research approach to gather data and monitor the

prototype project. This type of research is frequently used to test hypotheses and to

understand the relationships among variables. The materials, tools, and equipment that will

be used in the experiment process were the first step in the project. Liquefied petroleum gas

(LPG), the MQ4 sensor, and an audible alarm are all included. The researchers also added a

case to protect some components and make the prototype more presentable (glass fiber). The

MQ4's efficiency as a gas transducer and gas leak alarm will then be tested during the testing

phase. The researchers also added an exhaust ventilator to the LPG leakage detection

prototype project to enhanced it. This prevented a gas leak from an LPG reservoir from

igniting due to a sudden valve on a light switch. This approach is widely used and applicable

for a broad range of topics.

The research project utilized a descriptive-experimental quantitative research model

to investigate a particular phenomenon in a natural environment. The researchers observed

and documented the results of the prototype project in order to identify the causal

relationships between the variables. This research design was useful for testing the Prototype

Project Enhanced Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) with sound alarm as an effective way to

detect and prevent gas leaks.

 Result

Discussion

Summary of Findings (Aaron)

Conclusion (Ivan)

Recommendation (Diana)

References

1. Materials Science and Engineering 336, (2018). Several factors that may cause LPG

gas cylinders to produce a blast. Retrieved from

https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1757-899X/336/1/012021/pdf

2. Andrei, M. (2015). Largest Gas Leak in History taking place in California. Retrieved

from

https://www.zmescience.com/ecology/gas-leak-california-30122015/

3. Pooja. B.M, Sandhya. S.M, Chethan. K.E, Siriparpu Abraham, et.al., (2020). GSM

based Gas Leakage Detection System. IJESC 2020; 2321, 3361, p1-3. Retrieved from

http://ijesc.org › upload › 26...PDF GSM Based Gas Leakage Detection System - IJESC
 4. Anurupa, A., Gunasegaram, M., Amsaveni, M. (2015). Efficient Gas Leakage

Detection and Control System using GSM Module. Int. J. Eng. Res. Technol 2015; 3,

p.1–4.

5. Attia, Hussain A., and Halah Y. Ali. "Electronic Design of Liquefied Petroleum Gas

Leakage Monitoring, Alarm, and Protection System Based on Discrete Components."

International Journal of Applied Engineering Research, vol. 11, no. 19, pp. 9721-

9726, 2016.

6. Rogers, T. (2018). Differences Between Smoke Alarms & Carbon Monoxide

Detectors. Retrieved from

https://www.hunker.com/13419438/differences-between-smoke-alarms-

7. Verwymeren, A. (2012). Five alarms you must have in your home. Retrieved from

https://www.foxnews.com/real-estate/5-alarms-you-must-have-in-your-home

8. Materials Science and Engineering 336, (2018). Several factors that may cause LPG

gas cylinders to produce a blast. Retrieved from

https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1757-899X/336/1/012021/pdf

Wiring Diagram
Figure 3.2: The circuit above shows the wiring schematic and integration of all the electrical

components

Construction of the Prototype

Figure 3.3.2: Top view of Prototype
Electronic Circuitry

Components and Equipment

Figure 3.4.1: Wiring Diagram

MQ4 Gas Sensor

5V Relay5-pin

470 Ω Resistor

330 Ω Resistor
BC557 Transistor

IN4007 Diode

LEDs
 Buzzer

5V DC Fan

Switch
9V Battery

Connector

Breadboard
Chassis