Welcome to the Midwest. Ambient temperature can swing as much as 30 degrees in a matter of hours. The incorrect level measurement due to changes in ambient or process temperature could cause tanks to overflow -leading to safety hazards, lost product, inventory control issues, and possible contamination risks. VS.
This case study shows how the Yokogawa EJXC80A Diaphragm Seal System overcomes the challenges of changing temperatures while measuring your outdoor storage tank levels. Learn how these measurements can now be safely and accurately implemented using an innovative diaphragm seal system made for Midwest conditions.
Are you tired of calibrating your H2S or CO gas sensors every 3-6 months? What if it was possible to extend calibration intervals to 24 months, freeing up valuable resources to be used elsewhere (not to mention the amount saved on calibration gas). That reality is here with MSA’s XCell TruCal Diffusion Supervision Sensors.
These patented sensors will do the hard work for you. TruCal sensors check the sensor’s integrity 4x/day and auto-corrects for drift. Diffusion supervision adds another element by warning if the sensor inlet becomes blocked. These combined features allow us to confidently extend the calibration period from 18 to 24 months. Please note, this extension is only available on TruCal sensors with Diffusion Supervision.
The Ultima® X5000 and General Monitors S5000 manuals, literature, and webpages have been updated to reference the 24-month interval. Look for more information on this differentiating technology in the coming months.
You’ve decided that your facility would benefit from the installation and implementation of a gas detection system. Congratulations on a big step in the right direction toward improving the overall safety of your facility and your workers. Now comes the fun part, selecting the right technology to meet the needs of your application. While it might seem like an overwhelming task, you’re not in it alone as there are experts in the field who can help you understand exactly what you need, and why.
The list below is designed to help you understand the technologies that make up most of today’s industrial gas detectors, as well as some of the key areas/applications where you might use a specific technology:
Catalytic Bead (CB) The operating principle of catalytic gas detectors employs catalytic combustion to measure combustible gases in air at LEL (lower explosive level) concentrations. A heated catalyst (a coated wire coil) burns the selected gas. As the temperature of the wire increases, so does its electrical resistance. A standard Wheatstone bridge circuit uses two wire coil elements (one for detection and one for compensation) to transform the raw temperature change to signal the presence of combustible gas.
Where you might consider using Catalytic Bead technology: They are best suited for detecting hydrocarbon gas, as well as hydrogen and acetylene, in climates with low and high temperature extremes, humid conditions, and around hot or vibrating machinery.
Electrochemical (EC) Electrochemical detectors can be considered transducers that convert gas concentration to an electrical current. They use an electrolyte and electrodes to produce an electrochemical reaction that generates a current proportional to the gas concentration. Different types of cells have been developed for specific toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, oxygen enrichment/deficiency, etc.
Where you might consider using Electrochemical technology: They are best suited for detecting toxic gas in the parts-per-million (ppm) range or for oxygen enrichment/deficiency in confined spaces.
Point Infrared (PIR) Infrared gas detectors use two wavelengths, one at the gas absorbing “active” wavelength and the other at a “reference” wavelength not absorbed by the gas. In point IR detectors, the concentration of hydrocarbon gas is measured via the infrared absorption of an optical beam known as the active beam. A second optical beam, known as the reference, follows the same optical path as the active but contains radiation at a wavelength not absorbed by the gas.
Where you might consider using Point Infrared technology: They are best suited for detecting hydrocarbon gas, especially in low oxygen environments such as ducts or inaccessible areas, such as ceilings, since they require minimal maintenance. They are also suited for environments where there are known concentrations of silicones, hydride gases or halogenated hydrocarbons. Flammable hydrogen is not detectable by IR absorption but has a high response with catalytic gas detectors.
Open Path Infrared (OPIR) Similar operating principle as the point IR technology above, except the detection path distance of the IR beam is expanded to greater than 100 meters. OPIR detectors can use a retro-reflector or separate IR transmitters and receivers housed in different enclosures to monitor for a gas cloud in the IR beam path. There are OPIR detectors available that monitor in both the LEL-m and ppm-m ranges to detect both large and small leaks.
Where you might consider using Open Path Infrared technology: They are best suited for large open areas, along a line of several potential leak sources such as a row of tanks, valves or pumps.
Laser-Based Gas Detection Technology (ELDS) The Enhanced Laser Diode Spectroscopy Gas Detector (ELDS) is an open-path non-contacting method of detecting specific toxic or flammable gases. When a gas leak occurs, the ELDS sensor’s laser optical technology recognizes and analyzes a gas’s specific harmonic fingerprint. False alarms caused by interference gases, which are experienced with other detection technologies, are not a problem with ELDS detectors because of their highly selective harmonic fingerprint technology. Unlike electrochemical cells, ELDS sensors are also immune to sensor poisoning since they are an optical device.
Where you might consider using Laser-Based technology: They are best suited for outer perimeter monitoring along property fence lines to guard against a specific toxic gas passing beyond the facility’s boundaries.
Ultrasonic (UGLD) In comparison to conventional gas detectors that measure % LEL, ultrasonic gas leak detectors respond to the ultrasonic noise created by a pressurized gas leak. This ultrasonic noise provides a measurement of the leak rate and establishes warning and alarm thresholds. Gas does not need to reach the sensing element as the detector “hears” the gas leak.
Where you might consider using Ultrasonic technology: They are best suited for outdoor installations and indoor spaces with high ventilation rates.
By considering the gas hazards at your facility, you can create layers of protection to mitigate risk and help keep personnel safe. Point fixed gas detectors are the first line of defense placed near potential leak sources such as pipes, valves, pumps, compressors, tanks and other equipment. Adding UGLD and/or ELDS detectors provides additional layers of protection for improved safety to protect people, equipment and facilities.
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