Application by function
Safety
In response to a series of major accidents related to gas explosions which took place in Japan during the 1960's, Figaro's founder Naoyoshi Taguchi developed and commercialized semiconductor gas sensors, the first of their type in the world. This breakthrough made possible the low cost detection of dangerous gases, even at low concentrations. Safety was the driving force behind the birth of Figaro, and to this day, Figaro's product line shows continued commitment to prevention of accidents and early warning wherever hazardous gases can be encountered. Throughout the world, the name Figaro has become synonymous with the word safety. There are many aspects of safety in which Figaro offers safety solutions, such as:
Combustible gases - While fossil fuels and other combustible gases provide the world with the energy which makes a comfortable and modern lifestyle possible, they also pose an inherent risk of explosion in the case of an unexpected leak. Figaro's sensors have been incorporated into millions of gas detection products which can be used to monitor a wide variety of potential sources of gas leakage in both the residential and industrial fields. Figaro sensors can monitor boilers and furnaces, cooking appliances, fueling stations, just to name a few. With hydrogen fast becoming the energy source for fuel cells, which represent the future of clean energy yet is extremely explosive, especially in the confined spaces where fuel cells are typically situated, Figaro's sensors will help to keep the future safe.
Toxic gases - When poisonous gases exist, even a small concentration can lead to death or severe health problems, making timely detection critical to preventing an accident. Though deadly, sometimes these gases are undetectable by human senses. In the case of carbon monoxide, which is both odorless and tasteless, gas sensors are the only viable means of protecting lives from this silent killer. Figaro's sensors are widely used in both residential and industrial products which warn of the presence of toxic gas.
Refrigerant gases - Many types of refrigerant gases are used such as freon and ammonia, and now CO2 has gained popularity as an environmentally friendly refrigerant gas. But when any of these pressurized gases are inadvertently released in closed spaces, oxygen deprivation may result, posing risk of death or severe injury, thus necessitating the need for early warning of leakage. In addition, some freons and ammonia are also very toxic and corrosive. Figaro's sensors are well suited to detect these gases before they build to potentially harmful concentrations.
Comfort and Health
Figaro's sensors not only protect lives, they also can be used to enhance the quality of life. Today, increasing attention is paid to the quality of air which people breathe in their homes, in their workplace, even in their automobiles. Government regulation of air quality is increasing, frequent reports of costly 'sick building syndrome' gain media attention, and the dangers of second-hand smoke are being acknowledged publicly. The need for comprehensive air quality systems to monitor and eliminate airborne pollutants is greater than ever, and Figaro delivers products to meet these needs:
Automation of ventilation and air conditioning systems - Indoor air quality can be impaired by a number of sources such as cigarette smoke, outgassing from carpets and furniture, etc. To keep the air safe to breathe, Figaro sensors can monitor these gases and be used to interface with controls built into ventilation and air conditioning systems in buildings. In addition, buildup of CO2 gas in indoor environments can lead to fatigue and lack of concentration, and in extreme cases, severe health consequences. By interfacing Figaro's CO2 sensors into building ventilation systems, CO2 can be monitored and maintained at safe levels.
Automobile cabin air quality controls - Diesel and exhaust gases which are generated in road traffic can be harmful to vehicle operators and may impair one's ability to drive. Figaro sensors can be used to automate the operation of the damper vent or the air conditioning system in a vehicle to prevent the buildup in the cabin of these noxious gases.
Controls and Measurements
Figaro sensors can be used to automate some common household and industrial activities, simplifying operations and optimizing the results:
Microwave oven controls - When food cooks in a microwave, it emits various gases which can be detected by Figaro's sensors. The signal forms these sensors can be used to automate and optimize the cooking process, taking the guesswork out of microwave cooking.
Cooking ventilation control - The process of cooking foods in an oven generates a variety of gases which should be removed from the kitchen via a ventilation hood. By incorporating Figaro sensors into the hood, the speed and period of operation for a hooded vent can be automatically controlled.
CO2 controls for agriculture - Monitoring and managing CO2 levels is a key factor in controlling the growth of plants in greenhouses. Figaro's robust CO2 sensors can be interfaced into CO2 monitors and ventilation systems to optimize plant growth.
Safety
In response to a series of major accidents related to gas explosions which took place in Japan during the 1960's, Figaro's founder Naoyoshi Taguchi developed and commercialized semiconductor gas sensors, the first of their type in the world. This breakthrough made possible the low cost detection of dangerous gases, even at low concentrations. Safety was the driving force behind the birth of Figaro, and to this day, Figaro's product line shows continued commitment to prevention of accidents and early warning wherever hazardous gases can be encountered. Throughout the world, the name Figaro has become synonymous with the word safety. There are many aspects of safety in which Figaro offers safety solutions, such as:
Combustible gases - While fossil fuels and other combustible gases provide the world with the energy which makes a comfortable and modern lifestyle possible, they also pose an inherent risk of explosion in the case of an unexpected leak. Figaro's sensors have been incorporated into millions of gas detection products which can be used to monitor a wide variety of potential sources of gas leakage in both the residential and industrial fields. Figaro sensors can monitor boilers and furnaces, cooking appliances, fueling stations, just to name a few. With hydrogen fast becoming the energy source for fuel cells, which represent the future of clean energy yet is extremely explosive, especially in the confined spaces where fuel cells are typically situated, Figaro's sensors will help to keep the future safe.
Toxic gases - When poisonous gases exist, even a small concentration can lead to death or severe health problems, making timely detection critical to preventing an accident. Though deadly, sometimes these gases are undetectable by human senses. In the case of carbon monoxide, which is both odorless and tasteless, gas sensors are the only viable means of protecting lives from this silent killer. Figaro's sensors are widely used in both residential and industrial products which warn of the presence of toxic gas.
Refrigerant gases - Many types of refrigerant gases are used such as freon and ammonia, and now CO2 has gained popularity as an environmentally friendly refrigerant gas. But when any of these pressurized gases are inadvertently released in closed spaces, oxygen deprivation may result, posing risk of death or severe injury, thus necessitating the need for early warning of leakage. In addition, some freons and ammonia are also very toxic and corrosive. Figaro's sensors are well suited to detect these gases before they build to potentially harmful concentrations.
Comfort and Health
Figaro's sensors not only protect lives, they also can be used to enhance the quality of life. Today, increasing attention is paid to the quality of air which people breathe in their homes, in their workplace, even in their automobiles. Government regulation of air quality is increasing, frequent reports of costly 'sick building syndrome' gain media attention, and the dangers of second-hand smoke are being acknowledged publicly. The need for comprehensive air quality systems to monitor and eliminate airborne pollutants is greater than ever, and Figaro delivers products to meet these needs:
Automation of ventilation and air conditioning systems - Indoor air quality can be impaired by a number of sources such as cigarette smoke, outgassing from carpets and furniture, etc. To keep the air safe to breathe, Figaro sensors can monitor these gases and be used to interface with controls built into ventilation and air conditioning systems in buildings. In addition, buildup of CO2 gas in indoor environments can lead to fatigue and lack of concentration, and in extreme cases, severe health consequences. By interfacing Figaro's CO2 sensors into building ventilation systems, CO2 can be monitored and maintained at safe levels.
Automobile cabin air quality controls - Diesel and exhaust gases which are generated in road traffic can be harmful to vehicle operators and may impair one's ability to drive. Figaro sensors can be used to automate the operation of the damper vent or the air conditioning system in a vehicle to prevent the buildup in the cabin of these noxious gases.
Controls and Measurements
Figaro sensors can be used to automate some common household and industrial activities, simplifying operations and optimizing the results:
Microwave oven controls - When food cooks in a microwave, it emits various gases which can be detected by Figaro's sensors. The signal forms these sensors can be used to automate and optimize the cooking process, taking the guesswork out of microwave cooking.
Cooking ventilation control - The process of cooking foods in an oven generates a variety of gases which should be removed from the kitchen via a ventilation hood. By incorporating Figaro sensors into the hood, the speed and period of operation for a hooded vent can be automatically controlled.
CO2 controls for agriculture - Monitoring and managing CO2 levels is a key factor in controlling the growth of plants in greenhouses. Figaro's robust CO2 sensors can be interfaced into CO2 monitors and ventilation systems to optimize plant growth.
