A system for detection of real time gas expansion within a wellbore using an oil based mud. The system includes one or more ball valve cartridges located in a drill string, where the one or more ball valves are arranged serially along a length in the drill string. Each of the one or more ball valve cartridges include a corresponding gas detection electrode. The system also includes a control system for receiving an output signal from the gas detection electrode. Each of the one or more ball valve cartridges is configured to have a higher pressure rating than a preceding ball valve cartridge, and the gas detection electrode is configured to react with a dissolved gas in the oil based mud, causing an oxidation reaction, and thereby generating the output signal.