An ammonia detector, also known as an ammonia sensor, is a critical safety device that accurately measures the concentration of ammonia (NH3) in the air for livestock. These detectors are essential for personal protection in hazardous gas environments where exposure to ammonia may occur such as farms. Poultry and pig farms rely on ammonia detectors to ensure the indoor air quality is safe for livestock, as high levels of NH3 can be detrimental to animal health. Additionally, gaseous ammonia is present in many industrial processes, necessitating continuous monitoring to protect workers from the dangers of NH3 gas leaks.
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Cons |
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✅ Small and low-cost ammonia detectors are available for NH3 safety. ✅ High volume of products, which drives costs down. ✅ Ammonia detectors helps farmers ensure good quality air for high-yield livestock |
⛔ Bump testing and calibration can be forgotten by users. ⛔ Sensors typically last from 24 to 36 months. ⛔ Tricky to measure in humid environments. |
What Is the Best Ammonia Detectors?
There are many ammonia gas detectors on the market. The reputable brands include the following:
- Forensics Detectors Ammonia Detector
- MSA NH3 Monitors
- RKI Portable NH3 Detectors
- Industrial Scientific NH3 Monitors
- Draeger NH3 Meters
- Sensidyne NH3 Detectors
What Is an Ammonia Detector?
An ammonia detector is an instrument used to detect the concentration of ammonia in the air. These devices have a long-life battery, a large screen that displays NH3 concentration, and a belt clip to connect to clothing. In order to protect users, ammonia gas detectors also have LED, vibration, and buzzer alarms.
Ammonia gas detector are also known as ammonia detectors, NH3 monitors, ammonia sniffers, ammonia analyzers, or ammonia gas testers. These names all refer to the same device, an ammonia gas detector or ammonia sensor.
What Does an Ammonia Sensor Detect?
An ammonia sensor detects ammonia (NH3) gas and displays the levels in parts per million (ppm).
What Ammonia Levels Are Considered Safe in Livestock Facilities?
OSHA sets 50 ppm as the permissible exposure limit for ammonia, while the short-term exposure limit is 35 ppm. People can smell ammonia at about 5 to 18 ppm, so levels above this range indicate potential air quality issues requiring immediate attention in barns and facilities.
How Often Should Ammonia Levels Be Monitored in Livestock Barns?
Ammonia levels should be monitored daily in enclosed livestock facilities, especially during winter months when ventilation is reduced. Continuous monitoring with digital detectors is recommended for large operations, while smaller farms can use spot-checking with portable meters during high-risk periods like manure handling or cleaning.
What Are the Health Risks of High Ammonia Exposure to Livestock?
High ammonia exposure causes respiratory irritation, reduced feed intake, decreased growth rates, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections in livestock. Studies show ammonia concentrations can reach 2.6-57.9 ppm during manure-handling processes, which can stress animals and reduce productivity if not properly managed.
What Types of Ammonia Detectors Work Best in Barn Environments?
Digital ammonia detectors with data logging capabilities work best for continuous monitoring in harsh barn conditions. Look for devices with weatherproof housings, long battery life, and remote alarm capabilities. Colorimetric tubes offer a cost-effective option for periodic spot-checking, while fixed-mount detectors provide 24/7 monitoring for critical areas.
When Do Ammonia Levels Typically Peak in Livestock Facilities?
Ammonia levels typically peak during manure removal, cleaning operations, and in poorly ventilated areas during cold weather when barns are sealed. Morning hours often show higher concentrations due to overnight accumulation, and levels increase significantly in areas with wet bedding or during high-humidity conditions when ammonia volatilization increases.
What Is Ammonia Gas?
Ammonia has the chemical symbol NH3. It is a very useful yet dangerous gas.
When we are exposed to NH3, its corrosive nature burns our skin, eyes, and lungs. Inhaling ammonia gas is a major problem as it will irritate the throat, nose, and lungs.
Despite its harmful effects, ammonia is useful in many manufacturing processes. NH3 is used as a refrigerant, in fertilizers, and the creation of plastics, dyes, and textiles.
Ammonia gas has always been a challenge for poultry and swine (pig) farmers. For example, ammonia in a poultry house is directly produced by the chickens. Due to poor waste management, ammonia gas can accumulate to dangerous levels for both livestock and humans.
What Is Anhydrous Ammonia?
In Greek, anhydrous means "without water." Anhydrous ammonia is pure, compressed ammonia that is typically stored and transported in liquid form. This chemical also easily dissolves in water. When referring to anhydrous ammonia, it typically is:
- In liquid form.
- Contains no water in the ammonia liquid (i.e. pure form of ammonia).
- Compressed, stored, and transported in tanks.
- Used as a nitrogen fertilizer. Anhydrous ammonia is applied directly to soil in corn fields. The below image shows a tractor with an anhydrous fertilizer applicator attached. By towing the anhydrous ammonia supply tank behind it, the vehicle constantly applies ammonia to the corn field.
Can I Smell Ammonia Gas?
Yes, humans can smell ammonia gas.
However, the odor threshold can vary from person to person.
- An academic study showed that the mean odor detection threshold was 2.6 ppm.
- A Japanese study showed an odor threshold of 1.5 ppm.
- Another study found the ammonia odor threshold within a concentration range of 1.1 – 1.5 ppm.
- OSHA mentions that the ammonia odor threshold is around 5ppm.
In general, it is a bad idea to depend on your sense of smell to determine the "potency" of an aromatic gas like ammonia. This is because your nose will become less sensitive to the odor as you get used to it.
This phenomenon is called olfactory fatigue. This is when the nose adapts, becoming blind to the odor. Other "aromatic" gases such as ozone also cause this effect. After a prolonged period of exposure, your sense of smell becomes less sensitive to the particular odor.
How Does an Ammonia Gas Detector Work?
An ammonia detector is made up of electronics and an NH3 gas sensing element. The gas sensor converts the detected gas concentration to an electronic signal for analysis by the onboard microprocessor. After receiving a signal, the processor displays the reading. If the measurement exceeds the pre-set alarm value, the alarms will be triggered to warn the user.
Gas |
Sensor Technology |
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Ammonia (NH3) |
Electrochemical Sensors The gas reacts with a working electrode, triggering an electrochemical redox reaction. The generated current is proportional to the detected gas level. |
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What Are Safe Ammonia Gas Levels?
Various government agencies and associations have recommended gas exposure limits, examples can be seen below.
Agency |
Recommendation / Requirement |
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National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL): 25 ppm, 10 hour TWA 35 ppm, 10-minute ceiling |
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Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) |
50 ppm average over 8 hours |
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American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) |
25 ppm average over 8 hours 35 ppm (Short Term Exposure Limit - STEL) |
Are Ammonia Detectors Used in Poultry Farms?
Yes it is. Poultry farmers are some of the most common customers of ammonia detecotrs. These devices help keep ammonia gas levels low to sustain healthy livestock and produce maximum yield for farms.
Measuring ammonia in farms and other indoor livestock facilities have additional benefits for farmers. NH3 detection is necessary to improve waste management, ensure proper ventilation and air flow, and control protein feed regiments.
What Is an Ammonia Detector Used For?
Ammonia is used in a plethora of manufacturing and industrial processes. In some cases, it is very important to detect any ammonia to protect employee health.
Ammonia as a Fertilizer
Ammonia is applied to the earth as a fertilizer that helps increase yields of crops, such as maize and wheat.
Ammonia as a Cleaner
Used in household cleaning agents and window cleaners. It has a streak-free shine, making it perfect for windows. Household cleaners range in concentration by weight from 5 - 10% ammonia.
Ammonia in Industry
Used as a precursor to derive nitrogen-based compounds. Nearly all synthetic nitrogen compounds are derived from ammonia. An important derivative of the chemical is nitric acid.
Ammonia in Farms
Ammonia is generated from livestock waste, which irritates the livestock and negatively impacts yield.
Ammonia in Refrigeration Systems
Commercial and industrial refrigeration systems use ammonia as a coolant. Detectors monitor for leaks in these systems to prevent toxic exposure and ensure worker safety in food processing plants, ice rinks, and cold storage facilities.
Ammonia in Wastewater Treatment
Water treatment plants use ammonia detectors to monitor nitrogen levels during the treatment process. They help optimize biological treatment processes and ensure compliance with environmental discharge regulations.
Ammonia in Chemical Manufacturing
Chemical plants producing plastics, explosives, and synthetic materials use ammonia detectors to monitor production processes, detect equipment leaks, and maintain safe working conditions around ammonia-based chemical reactions.
Ammonia in Laboratory Research
Research laboratories use ammonia detectors when working with nitrogen compounds, conducting environmental studies, or testing air quality samples. They ensure researcher safety and accurate experimental results.
Ammonia in Transportation and Storage
Trucking companies, rail operators, and storage facilities use portable ammonia detectors when handling ammonia shipments. They help detect container leaks during transport and storage operations.
Ammonia in Environmental Monitoring
Environmental agencies and consultants use ammonia detectors to assess air quality around industrial sites, monitor emissions compliance, and investigate pollution complaints in residential areas near ammonia-using facilities.
Can an Ammonia Sensor Be Used to Detect a Sewer Gas Leak?
No, we do not recommend using an ammonia detector for suspected sewer gas leaks. For that, we recommend a specific sewer gas leak detector.
How Long Does an Ammonia Detector Last?
Ammonia detectors incorporate small electrochemical sensors that usually last between 24 and 36 months.
How Do I Test My Ammonia Detector?
The best way to test your ammonia gas detector is to expose it to a known gas source. Generally referred to as bump testing, this is a good practice to perform daily. Frequent testing is especially important in personal protection applications where safety is paramount.
Can You Smell Ammonia?
Yes, ammonia has a strong, pungent odor that can be detected by humans. Its characteristic sharp smell serves as a warning sign of its presence.
Is Ammonia Gas Explosive?
Yes, ammonia is flammable at concentrations from 15 - 28% in air.
Therefore, ammonia gas has a lower explosive limit (LEL) of 15% - this means it is too lean to burn.
The upper explosive limits (UEL) of 28% means it is too rich to burn.
Final Words
An ammonia gas detector is a critical safety device that accurately measures the concentration of ammonia (NH3) in the air. With an OSHA-recommended 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) of 50 ppm, ammonia is a toxic gas that poses significant health risks. Ammonia detectors are most useful for personal protection in hazardous gas environments, ensuring the safety of workers exposed to potential NH3 leaks. The poultry and swine industries represent the largest market for ammonia detectors, where they are used to monitor indoor air quality for improved livestock health and employee safety. Additionally, ammonia gas is utilized in various industrial processes, and continuous monitoring is often required to prevent dangerous leaks. By providing real-time measurements and alerts when NH3 levels exceed safe thresholds, ammonia gas detectors play a vital role in maintaining a secure working environment and protecting workers from the hazards associated with ammonia exposure.
About The AuthorDr. 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. 
Dr. Koz loves to help customers solve their unique problems. He also loves spending time with his wife and his three children going to the beach and grilling burgers. Read more about Forensics Detectors here. Email: drkoz@forensicsdetectors.com
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