Design and Implementation of a Low-Cost Gas Leakage Detection System Using MQ-5 Sensor
Gas leakage accidents involving flammable gases such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), methane, and gasoline vapors pose serious risks to human life, property, and the environment. Conventional analytical instruments used for gas detection, such as gas chromatography and infrared spectrometers, provide high sensitivity and selectivity but are expensive, bulky, and unsuitable for continuous monitoring in domestic and small-scale industrial settings. In this work, we design and implement a low-cost gas leakage detection system based on an MQ-5 metal oxide semiconductor gas sensor integrated with an Arduino microcontroller, an audible alarm (buzzer), visual indicators (LEDs), and an LCD display. After a short warm-up period, the sensor exhibits a stable baseline in clean air with readings of approximately 150–200 (arbitrary units). When exposed to flammable gases, the sensor output increases rapidly, reaching values between 700 and 900 depending on the gas type, with the highest response observed for gasoline vapors. After the gas source is taken off, the values are gradually returning to their baseline level, while recovery is faster in well-ventilated conditions. Upon sensor reading exceeding a set threshold, the integrated system emits an immediate audio and visual alarm and displays the status on the LCD simultaneously. Results demonstrate that the proposed platform provides a fast reaction, unequivocal warning of hazardous gas presence, and straightforward application at low cost, rendering it a potential home, laboratory, or small business early warning system. Future developments could include precise calibration of gas concentration, wireless connectivity for remote monitoring, and adjustment for environmental changes such as temperature and humidity.
Keywords: gas leakage detection; MQ-5 sensor; metal oxide semiconductor; Arduino; low-cost alarm system; flammable gases; environmental monitoring
