--- title: Tap into the Potential of Self-Checking Gas Sensor Technology description: The main problem in creating a series connection is when either the DCS or the PLC input is disconnected, intentionally or by accident, both the DCS and the PLC will lose the PV signal. image: https://blog.msasafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/image.png --- [![Teckstar](https://blog.techstar.com/hubfs/header-logo-1.png)](http://techstar.com/) [SPEAK TO AN EXPERT](https://techstar.com/asktechstar/?__hstc=233546881.94308a3d6ad9d040c1c30bf75699981b.1700673178130.1709582481954.1709637461889.239&__hssc=233546881.1.1709637461889&__hsfp=541284016) [ONLINE STORE](https://store.techstar.com/?__hstc=233546881.94308a3d6ad9d040c1c30bf75699981b.1700673178130.1709582481954.1709637461889.239&__hssc=233546881.1.1709637461889&__hsfp=541284016) - OUR COMPANY - [Sales Coverage](https://techstar.com/locations) - [Office Locations](https://techstar.com/locations#offices) - [Ask An Expert](https://techstar.com/asktechstar/) - 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[Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) With MSA’s TruCal® technology, available on XCell® hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and carbon monoxide (CO) gas sensors, you get a smarter, more proactive approach to gas detection. TruCal helps monitor sensor health automatically, so you don’t have to wait until the next scheduled calibration to find out something’s wrong. Whether you’re running critical infrastructure or a high-demand industrial facility, TruCal helps give you added peace of mind, right where it counts: between calibrations. #### **What is TruCal?** [TruCal](https://us.msasafety.com/trucal?utm_source=blog) is a patented sensing technology designed to validate and correct the performance of electrochemical H₂S and CO gas sensors, using Adaptive Environmental Compensation (AEC). Unlike traditional sensors that rely on periodic calibration or bump tests, TruCal performs automatic internal diagnostics every six hours—without the need for applied gas or technician interaction. ![](https://blog.techstar.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Jul-18-2025-12-32-13-2320-PM.png?width=892&height=260&name=image-png-Jul-18-2025-12-32-13-2320-PM.png) ##### HOW TRUCAL WORKS: - Performs internal self-checks every six hours to verify that the sensor is accurate and functioning properly - Compensates for sensitivity changes that could otherwise cause sensor drift or false readings - Helps extend calibration intervals: Up to 2 years, depending on use and environment By automatically verifying sensor accuracy and sensitivity, TruCal helps improve reliability and reduce the burden on maintenance teams, particularly in large or remote facilities. #### **Keep the Path Clear: Monitor for Inlet Blockages** While TruCal checks the internal integrity of the sensor with AEC, it can’t detect if something is physically preventing gas from reaching the sensor face, like mud, ice, or debris clogging the sensor inlet. That’s where Diffusion Supervision comes in. Diffusion Supervision is an optional feature available with TruCal-equipped sensors. It uses a proprietary acoustic mechanical design and algorithms to help ensure gas can reach the sensing element. It measures sound characteristics across the sensor’s gas inlet every six hours. ![](https://blog.msasafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/image.png) If the inlet becomes blocked by ice, dirt, or debris, the system detects a change in the sound signature and triggers a fault condition. Once the obstruction clears, the system automatically recognizes the restored airflow and returns the sensor to normal operation. This additional monitoring adds a critical layer of protection, helping identify blockages that might otherwise go unnoticed until a manual bump test or calibration is performed. Why does that matter? Because a perfectly functional sensor that can’t “see” gas is still a risk. Blocked inlets can prevent gas from reaching the sensing element, which could delay critical alarms in hazardous environments. Key benefits of Diffusion Supervision sensors: -  Alerts for blocked or restricted gas paths - Helps detect issues earlier than standard maintenance cycles would - Adds an additional safeguard for harsh, dirty, or remote environments - Supports safer operations by verifying not just sensor functionality, but also accessibility to gas Diffusion Supervision sensors help ensure your gas detection system isn’t just online—it’s actually able to detect the hazards it was installed to monitor. ![](https://blog.techstar.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Jul-18-2025-12-32-40-3975-PM.png?width=895&height=315&name=image-png-Jul-18-2025-12-32-40-3975-PM.png) #### **Engineered for Industrial Demands** [TruCal sensors](https://us.msasafety.com/trucal?utm_source=blog) are built for tough, mission-critical applications. Whether you’re monitoring sour gas in upstream oil and gas, managing confined spaces in wastewater treatment, or protecting workers in chemical processing, these technologies are designed to reduce uncertainty and support long-term performance. ###### **Benefits across your operations include:** - Fewer unplanned maintenance trips - Reduced risk of undetected drift or sensor failure - Improved calibration scheduling and labor efficiency - Greater uptime and performance confidence These capabilities don’t eliminate the need for manual calibration, but they do add an intelligent, automated safety layer between service events. ![](https://blog.msasafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07-6352-MCW_Gas-Sensor-Innovation_TruCal-Technology_920x425.jpg) #### **Available on MSA’s High-Performance Fixed Gas Detectors** TruCal XCell H₂S and CO sensors are available on MSA’s most advanced fixed gas detection platforms: - [**ULTIMA® X5000**](https://us.msasafety.com/Fixed-Gas-%26-Flame-Detection/Gas-Detectors/ULTIMA%C2%AE-X5000-Gas-Monitor/p/000070001800001133?utm_source=blog) – Dual-sensor design, touchscreen interface, and Bluetooth® capability for easy configuration - [**General Monitors® S5000**](https://us.msasafety.com/Fixed-Gas-%26-Flame-Detection/Gas-Detectors/General-Monitors%C2%AE-S5000-Gas-Monitor/p/000140006500001040?utm_source=blog) – Flexible, scalable, and built for global use in complex gas detection applications - [**TG5000**](https://us.msasafety.com/Fixed-Gas-%26-Flame-Detection/Gas-Detectors/TG5000-Gas-Monitor/p/000070001800001374?utm_source=blog) – Compact and powerful, ideal for light industrial use Each of these platforms brings modern performance and connectivity together with the added reliability of TruCal featuring Adaptive Environmental Compensation and the optional strength of Diffusion Supervision. [![View All of Our Gas Detection Solutions](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/992034/ab664504-8154-4acd-8476-f8451a4cd41e.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/992034/ab664504-8154-4acd-8476-f8451a4cd41e) #### **The Bottom Line: Be Sure Between Calibrations** Your calibration schedule shouldn’t be the only thing keeping your gas detection program on track. [TruCal](https://us.msasafety.com/trucal?utm_source=blog) helps ensure your sensors are actively self-monitoring and adjusting, catching problems early, and helping your team focus on more value-added tasks. And when you need even greater protection, Diffusion Supervision delivers inlet monitoring, so you know your sensor is not only working, but also exposed to the environment and the potential gases it’s designed to detect. In the real world, that could mean the difference between catching a problem early or missing it entirely. Topics: [MSA](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/msa), [Gas Detection Solutions](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/gas-detection-solutions), [Fixed Gas Solutions](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/fixed-gas-solutions), [Safety](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/safety) ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [MSA (29)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/msa) - [Yokogawa (21)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/yokogawa) - [Moore Industries (19)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/moore-industries) - [Fox Thermal (17)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/fox-thermal) - [Thermal Gas Mass Flow Meters (17)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/thermal-gas-mass-flow-meters) - [Gas Detection Solutions (16)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/gas-detection-solutions) - [Safety (16)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/safety) - [Analytical Solutions (13)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/analytical-solutions) - [Fixed Gas Solutions (13)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/fixed-gas-solutions) - 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