Process for improving the reliability of operation of optical gas sensors

A process for improving the reliability of operation of optical gas sensors with at least one radiation source and at least one radiation detector, the process comprising the steps of:

• comparing the measured signals sent by the radiation detector with a first stored reference value and when the first stored reference value is exceeded by the measured signals sent by the radiation detector, sending corresponding measure values;
• when the first stored reference value is not exceeded by the measured signals sent by the radiation detector in said step of comparing the measured signals, comparing the measured signals with a second stored reference value;
• when the second stored reference value is exceeded by the measured signals sent by the radiation detector in said step of comparing the measured signals with a second stored reference value, comparing the measured signals with a third stored reference value;
• when the third stored reference value is not exceeded by the measured signals sent by the radiation detector in said step of comparing the measured signals with a third stored reference value, sending corresponding measured values;
• when the third stored reference value is exceeded by the measured signals sent by the radiation detector in said step of comparing the measured signals with a third stored reference value, sending a first warning signal;
• and
• when the second stored reference value is not exceeded by the measured signals sent by the radiation detector in said step of comparing the measured signals with a second stored reference value, sending a second warning signal.