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How continuous self-testing enhances gas detection reliability

In gas detection, reliability is everything. Honeywell Analytics developed its patented REFLEX® Technology to ensure that electrochemical (EC) gas sensors remain accurate, responsive, and safe throughout their operational life — without the unseen failure modes that can compromise safety systems.

What is REFLEX® Technology?

REFLEX® is a self-diagnostic system built into Honeywell’s electrochemical sensors that continuously monitors the health of the sensing cell. Rather than waiting for a gas test or calibration cycle to reveal a fault, REFLEX® automatically checks for issues like open circuits, short circuits, or cell degradation that could prevent the sensor from detecting gas properly.

How the Self-Test Works

Every few minutes, the REFLEX® system sends a small electronic pulse through the electrochemical cell — think of it like a heartbeat check.

The sensor’s response “echo” to this pulse is analyzed electronically.
If the response falls outside of expected parameters, REFLEX® increases its sampling frequency.

When the data indicates the cell is deteriorating beyond safe limits, the system issues a fault code or warning, alerting the user that the sensor may need replacement.

This continuous self-monitoring adds a powerful layer of safety, catching problems before they become dangerous.

Why It Matters: Traditional EC sensors can fail silently — leaving systems unaware of a non-responsive sensor until a manual test is performed. REFLEX® eliminates this blind spot, giving maintenance teams confidence that their gas detectors are functioning correctly between scheduled tests.


Instruments Featuring REFLEX® Technology: 
Honeywell integrates REFLEX® into several of its most trusted detection systems:

Bottom Line: Honeywell’s Sensor REFLEX® Technology sets its gas detection products apart by providing real-time self-diagnostics that enhance safety, reduce downtime, and ensure consistent performance in critical environments.


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