Nexisense TDL1000 Laser Ammonia Gas Sensing Module: TDLAS Technology Empowering Industrial Ammonia Monitoring Instrument Development
In the development of industrial gas detection instruments, the choice of core sensing modules directly determines the overall machine's competitiveness in selectivity, stability, maintenance cycle, and system compatibility. Traditional electrochemical or catalytic combustion ammonia sensors, though cost-effective, often suffer from cross-interference, zero drift, and component lifespan degradation in high-humidity, dusty, or corrosive gas environments, failing to meet the requirements for long-term continuous online monitoring under harsh conditions.
The Nexisense TDL1000 Laser Ammonia Gas Sensing Module, based on Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) technology, locks onto the characteristic absorption line of ammonia at the 1570 nm wavelength. Combined with a multi-pass optical cavity to enhance the optical path, it provides high-performance, maintenance-free ammonia concentration measurement modules for system integrators, IoT solution providers, project contractors, and engineering companies. Its engineering reliability has been validated across multiple industrial verticals.

Engineering Advantages of TDLAS Technology in Ammonia Detection
The TDL1000 uses a tunable semiconductor laser for narrowband scanning and extracts ammonia-specific absorption signals via wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) and harmonic detection, performing concentration inversion based on the Beer-Lambert law. Its core engineering values include:
High selectivity and cross-interference immunity: The laser wavelength precisely targets NH₃ absorption lines, virtually unaffected by water vapor, CO₂, CH₄, H₂S, and other common industrial background gases, suitable for complex process gases or high-humidity environments.
Zero drift-free and long-term stability: No consumable chemical components; laser lifespan exceeds 10 years. No on-site zero/span calibration is required during its usage period, significantly reducing system calibration frequency and maintenance costs.
High precision and low detection limit: Detection accuracy ±1% FS, supports ppm-level resolution. Combined with a multi-pass optical cavity design, achieves sub-ppm sensitivity, meeting leak warning and process control requirements.
Fast response: Short response time, supporting real-time continuous monitoring, suitable for dynamic leak scenarios or closed-loop process optimization.
These characteristics make the TDL1000 an ideal core module for developing high-end fixed or portable ammonia analyzers, online monitoring systems, and multi-parameter gas detection instruments.

Typical Project Applications
The TDL1000 has been validated and integrated in the following high-risk industrial fields:
Petrochemical ammonia leak and process monitoring: Deployed in ammonia synthesis plants, urea production, and refrigeration system corridors, supporting early warning of NH₃ leaks and residual ammonia control in inert gases. Integrated into SIS safety instrumented systems or SCADA platforms to enable concentration-limit interlocks and trend analysis.
Metallurgical process gas composition analysis: Monitoring ammonia slip or process ammonia addition in coke oven gas purification and sintering flue gas desulfurization/denitrification stages, providing real-time feedback to optimize SCR/SNCR systems, reducing ammonia consumption and secondary pollution risks.
Cold-chain logistics and industrial refrigeration: Applied to ammonia refrigerant cold storage and food processing plant cooling stations, monitoring ammonia leak risks. Modular design facilitates fixed installation or mobile inspection robot integration, linked with ventilation/alarm systems to ensure personnel safety and continuous operation.
Agriculture, livestock, and fertilizer production: Monitoring ammonia concentration in large farms, manure treatment facilities, and compound fertilizer production workshops. Integrated into environmental IoT platforms, supporting automatic ventilation and data reporting, aiding green and compliant livestock management.
Food processing and pharmaceutical clean environments: Monitoring ammonia in restricted spaces such as dairy plants and fermentation workshops, providing reliable data to ensure process safety and product quality control.

Selection Guide and System Integration Considerations
To meet specific project requirements, integrators should focus on the following key points during selection and integration:
Range and optical path configuration: Standard ranges 0–100/500/1000 ppm (customizable), multi-pass optical cavity optimized for detection limit. Long optical paths are preferred for low-concentration leak warnings; short paths for high-concentration process control to enhance linearity.
Response time and sampling mode: Typical response<30 s, supports in-situ or extracted sampling. Extracted sampling should consider gas pretreatment (dehumidification, dust removal) to protect the optical window.
Communication and interface compatibility: Standard RS485 Modbus RTU protocol, supports 4–20 mA analog output. Modbus registers include concentration value, laser transmission rate, status alarms, and temperature compensation parameters for direct mapping to PLC/DCS/edge computing gateways.
Environmental adaptation and protection: Operating temperature -20℃ to +60℃, explosion-proof certified (Zone 1/Zone 0 compatible), corrosion-resistant housing. For high temperature, high humidity, or dusty conditions, consider purge gas interface and regular optical cleaning.
Power supply and consumption: Low power design (typical<5 W), compatible with 24 V DC industrial supply, suitable for fixed or portable devices.
Maintenance strategy: Long laser lifespan, no periodic calibration required. Recommended annual verification of transmission and background signal stability.
Integration considerations:
Avoid condensation and strong vibration on optical windows;
Synchronize temperature/pressure compensation algorithms during system integration to ensure accurate concentration readings;
Strictly follow explosion-proof wiring and grounding specifications in hazardous areas;
For multi-module array deployment, ensure optical path isolation and data fusion.
OEM Customization and Bulk Supply Capability
Nexisense provides flexible collaboration for instrument manufacturers and system integrators:
OEM branding and module delivery: Supports bare-board, custom housing, and branded firmware, accelerating product time-to-market.
Function customization: Range adjustment, specific absorption line optimization, additional temperature/pressure/flow compensation, custom Modbus registers, and interface/protocol expansion.
Stable bulk supply: Scalable production ensures consistency and lead time, supporting long-term supply agreements, buffer inventory, and supply chain risk mitigation.
Engineering support: Provides complete SDK, integration manuals, communication sample code, and on-site commissioning guidance, assisting from prototype verification to mass deployment.
These capabilities help partners rapidly launch differentiated, high-reliability products in the competitive industrial gas instrument market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the main differences between the TDL1000 and traditional electrochemical ammonia sensors in industrial integration projects?
The TDL1000, based on TDLAS technology, has almost no cross-interference or zero drift, with a lifespan exceeding 10 years and no on-site calibration required. Electrochemical sensors are affected by humidity/background gases, require periodic replacement, and are suitable for low-cost scenarios rather than long-term high-reliability systems.How does the TDL1000 ensure accurate ammonia readings in high-humidity or water-containing process gases?
The 1570 nm ammonia absorption line is highly selective, and WMS harmonic detection effectively suppresses water vapor interference. Measured cross-interference is<0.5%, and stable operation is possible without additional dehumidification pretreatment.Which communication protocols does the TDL1000 support, and how difficult is integration with existing SCADA/DCS systems?
Standard RS485 Modbus RTU and 4–20 mA. Registers are standardized, and most PLCs can read directly. Typical integration cycle is 1–2 weeks. Supports OPC UA/MQTT gateway extension.Does the module response time meet ammonia leak safety interlock requirements?
Response<30 s covers most leak diffusion scenarios. Combined with system delay design, it can support SIL-level safety instrument functionality.How does the TDL1000 perform long-term stability in cold storage ammonia refrigeration scenarios?
Zero-drift design, long laser lifespan. On-site verification shows 12–24 months drift <±2%, no intermediate calibration needed, significantly reducing cold-chain maintenance costs.Does it support OEM customization of range or protocol? What is the minimum order quantity for bulk supply?
Supports range, interface, and firmware customization. Bulk supply is flexible, with a few hundred units eligible for framework pricing and priority delivery.Explosion-proof certification level and applicable hazardous zones?
Intrinsic safety + explosion-proof certified, suitable for Zone 0/Zone 1 explosive gas environments, compliant with petrochemical, refrigeration, and metallurgical standards.Recommended deployment methods when integrated with IoT platforms or inspection robots?
Modular design supports embedded installation or external probes; IoT systems recommend RS485 + gateway for cloud upload; robots should prioritize low power and fast response.
Conclusion
For system integrators and engineering companies, selecting a highly selective, long-term stable, and easily integrable ammonia sensing core directly affects the reliability and lifecycle value of the overall gas monitoring system. The Nexisense TDL1000 Laser Ammonia Gas Sensing Module, leveraging the inherent advantages of TDLAS technology, industrial explosion-proof design, low maintenance features, and comprehensive OEM/bulk support, is becoming the preferred choice for developing high-end ammonia detection instruments in petrochemical, metallurgy, cold-chain, and agricultural projects. It not only delivers precise, interference-free data but also helps partners enhance product competitiveness, reduce maintenance burdens, and accelerate market response.
If you are planning an upgrade of your ammonia monitoring system, require technical datasheets, integration references, prototype evaluations, or customized solution discussions for the TDL1000, please contact the Nexisense team. We are committed to providing solutions proven for long-term field operation, advancing industrial gas safety monitoring toward higher reliability and smarter integration with industry partners.
