Gas Detectors – Tips for Maintaining Your Equipment

When was the last time you calibrated the gas detectors in your facility? Probably you don't remember or haven't thought much about it. Suppose your crew's working condition is exposed to potentially hazardous gases or explosives atmospheres. In that case, it's important to have well-maintained gas detectors on board to prevent fatal fire accidents in the workplace.

But, most facility owners often overlook the regular maintenance of life-saving equipment. You might think you had just replaced the gas detectors last year, and there's nothing wrong with them. But you might be wrong. Periodical maintenance of the gas detectors is the only reliable and safest method to detect the presence of hazardous gases in the atmosphere. Since gas detectors are used daily in dusty and harsh environments, they can be subjected to a build-up of grime, compromising the ability to identify hazardous levels of gases in the air.

In this article, we've shared some tips and advice on maintaining your gas detectors.

Bump Tests and Calibration

Regular maintenance, like bump tests and calibration, plays a crucial role in keeping the gas monitors healthy. While these tests are relatively easy and inexpensive, they are overlooked as most workers focus on getting their day started.

So, what is bump testing? Bump testing exposes the sensors of gas detectors to a high concentration of gas higher than the alarm set levels. Bump testing through calibration gas is crucial, and it's the only way to ensure that a methane gas detector and other gas monitors respond to alarms as they should. While bump testing proves that the sensors are picking up gas concentration and the alarms are working, it doesn't guarantee accuracy.

So to verify the accuracy and efficiency of the gas monitors, it's important to perform calibration once a month or according to the manufacturer's safety standards by exposing the monitors to the known concentration of calibration gas for a certain period. This helps to combat the gas readings impacted by gases or sensor drift and ensures the safety of the working personnel and the facility.

Do’s and Don’ts of Gas Monitor Maintenance

·         Keep the monitor clean and free of obstruction to the sensors inside.

·         Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on the gas detectors. Wipe the monitor with a wipe cloth to remove the dust and dirt.

·         Filters should be replaced regularly.

·         Inspect the monitor regularly, check for cracks, faults, or broken pieces and fix them immediately.

·         If anything looks abnormal, ask for a replacement or repair before using the gas detector.

·         Batteries should have a fresh charge to ensure it doesn’t give up in the middle of the job, leaving you susceptible to dangerous gases.

·         Perform bump tests daily before starting the work.

·         Never use expired gases for performing a bump test.

·         Ensure the gas detectors are calibrated using the same calibration gas every three months or so and adjust it based on the workload.

·         Replace the sensors regularly as they analyse the presence of gas in the environment and trigger the meter to signal an alarm.

Only some facilities have the expertise and employees to perform bump tests, calibrations, and repairs. Let the experts handle it so you can depend on the gas monitors to work in crucial moments. Preventive maintenance can help ensure the efficiency of the gas monitors.

All You Need to Know About Infrared Gas Detectors

Industrial fires and explosions can kill and injure people, costing government companies billions yearly. Fire accidents can happen for many reasons, but prevention is key to avoiding such disastrous events. While many prevention measures exist, infrared gas detectors are superior in deterring fire accidents in various situations. However, it’s important to understand how infrared red gas detectors work and the advantages of utilising this technology. In this article, we’ve explained everything you need to know about infrared gas detectors to help you understand their purpose and benefits in the workplace and residential settings.

What Is an Infrared Gas Detector, and How Does It Work?

An infrared gas monitor is a device that detects various types of gas. It can be used to detect methane, natural gas, propane, and other hydrocarbons.

What Are the Benefits of Infrared Gas Detectors?

Compared to other detectors, infrared gas monitors offer various benefits, including:-

·         Rapid response in less than ten seconds.

·         Less maintenance; however, periodical cleaning of the optical windows and reflectors is required to ensure reliable performance.

·         Reliability in both oxygen-poor and oxygen-high environments.

·         Accurate measurement of gas concentration levels in a single location or over larger areas.

·         Immune to contamination and poisoning.

·         Capable of detecting levels above 100% LEL.

·         High performance in the continuous presence of gas.

How Does It Work?

InfraRed detectors use the infrared absorption of hydrocarbon gases in the 3.4 micrometers wavelength to detect when a combustible gas is present. These detectors utilize an infrared light transmitter to detector at the target gas wavelength as well as control the wavelength.Infrared red gas monitors detect combustible gases by emitting an invisible light wave that is absorbed by gases in proportion to their concentration. The light waves are then reflected by a photoelectric detector, which converts them into electrical current. This current is processed by a microprocessor which calculates the concentration of combustible gases following a predetermined algorithm and displays it on a digital display. When there’s no gas present, the signals of the measurement detector are balanced. On the other hand, when combustible gas is present, there will be a drop in the output from the measurement signal detector as the gas absorbs the light.

However, it’s vital to maintain infrared detectors and regularly calibrate them using calibration gas for optimal performance. Infra Red gas detectors such as the Simtronics GD10P utilise dual wavelengths and Solid State Infra Red Sources, thus negating the need for any re calibration over the life of the instrument

While industrial fire explosions are unfortunately common, they are preventable, and the right gas monitoring systems can help save lives and avoid property damage. Prodetec offers a range of fire protection solutions, including personal gas monitors, infrared gas detectors, and flame detectors to avoid fires, protect machinery and property, and save lives. Get in touch with Prodetec to choose the right fire prevention system. 

All IR gas detectors are NOT the same!

 

Gas detectors play a significant role in the health and safety system within the workplace. Be it a personal gas monitor or fixed gas detection system, these systems help to combat the threats from hazardous and potentially lethal environments.

Simtronics Unique Technology:

Simtronics Infrared gas detectors are incredibly unique with features not available in other IR gas detectors and when compared with our competitors, you will find the Simtronics GD10P more technically advanced and a much more reliable gas detector.

Simtronics is a world leading manufacturer of night vision equipment since 1960’s. They have mastered the use of the Infrared technology for various applications. In the early 1980’s North Sea Oil & Gas operators approached Simtronics for a solution to replace problematic catalytic combustible gas detectors.

The GD100 was introduced in 1986 and it was an instant success with the offshore operators, some detectors are still in operation until now. In 1997 new manufacturing technologies and surface mount electronics allowed Simtronics to make the gas detector more compact and much more price competitive (GD10P series); this has led to a significant increase in sales. This is a proven technology with well over 100,000 detectors installed worldwide – The Simtronics SimSource™ IR sources have an RMTBF of over one hundred years and the Simtronics detectors are offered with a 15 years extended warranty on the IR sources.

The Simtronics SimSource™ is a patented solid state Silicon IR source used in the GD10P making it the only Point IR Gas detector that does not require field calibration or recalibration. In addition, the GD10P uses Lead Selenide detectors which are much more stable if exposed to rapid temperature changes than pyroelectric sensors used by other IR gas detectors. Lead Selenide will NOT give false readings if the detector is exposed to vibration.

No calibration– Simtronics uses “SimSource™” a Patented IR Source, to generate the IR signals –filament lamps require regular calibrations and have a limited lifespan.

4 Things to Consider When Choosing the Right Calibration Gas

All calibration gases are not created equal, even if they do look the same at first glance. When choosing your calibration gas, it’s important to understand the various types of gases and what each one can do for you in order to find the best option for your situation. This information will help you choose the right type of calibration gas Australia that will be ideal for your application.

Type of Gas Detectors Used:

Of course, before you can buy calibration gas you have to identify the type of detector that you need it for. There are two types of sensor detectors: Single gas detectors and multi-gas detectors.

The calibration of single gas sensors is performed by using purified single gases. Typically, single gas detectors will be calibrated using methane or iso-butane calibration gases. In multi-gas detectors, a specialty gas is used, which is tailored for a particular application in the laboratory or industrial setting. Read and understand the specs carefully when you choose a calibration gas.

Purity of the Gas:

One of the most important factors to consider when buying calibration gas Australia is the purity. Ideally, you want a gas - such as Nitrogen - that is about 99.995% pure for most measurements. Even minor impurities in the calibration gas will impact the sensitivity of the gas sensors. Before any of these can be used, the purity of the helium, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, and argon must be verified. In other words, make sure the calibration gas you select has met all the standards of purification.

Quality of the Gas:

Accurate measurement of the material during lab and manufacturing processes is essential to the success of an operation. C-grade gases can pose a threat to both human safety and your property. In addition, you need to be cautious about expired gases. The certification of a standard calibration gas acts as proof of accuracy. Before use, find out when the disposable calibration gas expires by inspecting them.

Gas Storage and Delivery:

With gases, you want to make sure they are safely stored and transported to minimize any human error in your system. Gases will also go bad if left un-stored and un-used. Before purchasing disposable cylinders, the amount of gas required for calibration should be assessed correctly. This will help ensure accuracy and safety when testing or calibrating instruments.

By following the tips listed above, it will be easier for you to choose your a calibration gas that’s best suited to the application you’re working on. Talk to the calibration gas suppliers before making any purchase. You don’t have to spend money on something that won’t work and save time in the long run by avoiding errors in your work.

Facts about Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers

When you need to put out small fires or prevent them from starting in the first place, carbon dioxide fire extinguisher is an effective tool in your arsenal of firefighting equipment. However, educating yourself about co2 fire extinguisher can help you make informed decisions and make the most of it. Here are five facts about carbon dioxide fire extinguishers that you should know if you use or work with these types of fire extinguishers.

What Are CO2 Fire Extinguishers?

CO2 fire extinguishers are an excellent fire-fighting tool because they’re non-toxic and won’t release harmful chemicals into your home. These extinguishers come in handy when you have a fire that needs to be put out right away, such as grease fires, electrical fires, or class a combustibles like wood and paper. CO2 extinguishers create a cooling effect when used on these types of flames, which allows for fast quenching.

How Do They Work?

Though CO2 extinguishers are most commonly used on electrical fires, their chemical properties actually make them great for fighting blazes involving flammable liquids and gases like methane. Carbon dioxide extinguishes flames by forcing out oxygen from a fire.

Where Should I Store It?

A co2 extinguisher needs to be stored in a safe place where it can’t roll around or get hit. A wall bracket is ideal. Keep it out of direct sunlight and in an area where temperatures don’t fluctuate too much—carbon dioxide can become unstable when frozen.

What Kind Of Fires Can I Put Out With A CO2 Fire Extinguisher?

In short, a CO2 fire extinguisher can put out class A, B and C fires. For example, one of these devices is well-suited for putting out a grease fire (class A) or an electrical fire (class B). However, if you’re fighting a liquid or combustible metal fire (say from burning oil), you’ll want to go with a dry chemical extinguisher.

Can I Refill My Tank At Home?

In most cases, it’s not recommended to refill a carbon dioxide extinguisher at home. The process can be tricky, and if anything goes wrong with refilling or pressurising a cylinder (like overfilling or charging it incorrectly), you can compromise its ability to put out fires. It’s best to consult with a professional who is familiar with handling carbon dioxide extinguishers before attempting at-home refills.

For more queries on carbondioxide fire extinguishers, please get in touch with our team. We can help you choose the right fire extinguisher according to your needs.

In Line Turbidity Analysers: What You Need To Know

Have you ever wondered what turbidity is? If not, you will probably ask that question after reading this article. Turbidity refers to the cloudiness or haziness of water caused by particles of different sizes and densities in suspension within the water. Measuring turbidity in water is actually quite important because it can tell us how clean or contaminated the water source is. In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about Turbidity Analysers.

What is a Turbidity Analyser?

A turbidity analyser is an instrument used to measure particle count in water. In particular, it measures suspended solids in water that can humans can see as haze or cloudiness in a liquid solution. The results of such measurements are typically displayed as Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU). The common method for measuring turbidity is utilising of a fixed light beam, aperture, and detector.

The sample is directed into the instrument. The fixed light beam is then shone in the direction of the sample to measure how much light is transmitted and how much is scattered, by photodetectors set 90-degrees to the sample.

What Does It Do?

A turbidity analyser is a device that measures clarity or how clear a liquid is. Some of these devices can also measure colour, but it should be noted that transparency and colour are two different things. When water clarity drops below what’s deemed safe for drinking (turbidity), it is essential to know how much impact this has on your water quality. For example, if you have a high level of dissolved solids in your water, you may not want to use it for crops because it may hinder plant growth. On top of that, suspended particles in your water could be carrying pathogens like coliform bacteria which could contaminate potable drinking water and recreational waters. If left unchecked, people could become sick from bathing or swimming in contaminated waters.

Why Measure Water Turbidity?

The turbidity of water is one of the most important parameters when determining how clear your water is. In general, murky waters aren’t desirable for human consumption or use in industrial processes, and there are some health risks associated with consuming highly turbid water. When we check turbidity levels in our local waters, we can determine if it contains particles that could affect its clarity and safety. Hence, it’s essential to measure the turbidity in water to ensure it’s safe to consume and use.

Whether you are looking for a turbidity analyser, Colour Measurement, ProDetec has got you covered. Prodetec offers innovative Solutions to the Oil & Gas, Chemical, Petrochemical, Manufacturing, Food, Pharmaceutical, Water Treatment and many other industries across Australia and New Zealand. For inquires on products like broken bag detector, Industrial sirens and beacons, turbidity analysers, etc., please get in touch with Prodetec. 

Find Leakages in Baghouse Filters Using the Snifter A1+ Broken Bag Detector

 

Regardless of the industry, it’s vital to monitor, maintain, and prevent leaks in baghouse filters, as this ensures your plant complies with industry standards. Baghouse filters are equipped with several filter bags. When any of the filters fail, the emission limit of dust may exceed, making your plant unsafe. Therefore, it’s crucial to detect any leaks and replace defective bags immediately.

However, given the size of a baghouse, detecting leaks in such a big device can be tricky and challenging. This is because there won’t be any signs or indications of the emission on the clean gas side, even if there’s a small leak. This is when the Snifter A1+ Broken Bag Detector comes to the rescue.

What is a Snifter A1+ Broken Bag Detector?

The Snifter A1+ is an innovative and cost-effective filter leak detector used to monitor all the outlets in a baghouse. With its innovative and advanced features, the Snifter A1+ can quickly identify the leaking bags inside the baghouse compared to its counterparts in the market.

This device has a convenient auto-setup function that can identify dust concentration inside the broken bags within 10 minutes of installation. In addition, the device can detect, alert, and alarm the plant operators when there’s a leak and the filtration process is compromised.

How Does it Work?

The Snifter A1+ detectors depend on unique inductive electrification technology that helps measure the leaks in the bags effectively. The device can calculate the concentration of the dust by the particles interacting with an isolated probe mounted into the duct. When moving particles come into contact with the probe, the devices induce a signal which is then processed through Sintrol’s algorithms to filter the noise while offering an accurate measurement of dust.

The technology used in the Snifter A1+ is more sensitive and reduces the influence of temperature fluctuation, sensor contamination, and velocity changes. With this technology, it’s possible to accurately measure the dust concentration threshold as low as 0.01 mg/m3. Wouldn’t that be a great way to prevent abrasion, degradation and chemical attacks on filter bags? 

Baghouse systems are the most cost-effective and efficient systems for particle control in most industrial settings. But, they’re effective only when they are maintained, inspected, and have proper leak detection equipment in place.

Whether you’re looking for broken bag detectors, turbidity analysers, or industrial sirens and beacons, Prodetec has got you covered! Prodetec provides innovative solutions to various industries. Please get in touch with our team for further queries.