Gas Detection - Different Monitor Types

Gas Detection is a necessary for safety in most industrial situations. They are a danger workers will often face, as they are encountered in many industrial settings.

Harmful gases come in many forms. Flammable, combustible, and toxic gases are just a few. If not discovered these gases are a risk to both the life and health of anyone in the area.

Where once children were used for gas detection, now we have sophisticated sensor technology that can detect gas. This equipment is so precise that it can help workers test how high the risk level is, and what they need to do to combat it.

With gas detection, there is unfortunately no one-size-fits-all solution. Some situations will call for frequent monitoring of a single area. Other times the sensors will attach to the worker, especially in confined spaces. Sometimes one gas is all they watch for, other times it is many gases.

Single Gas Detection is exactly what it sounds like. These gas sensors can detect one specific type of gas. They will have no reaction should another dangerous gas be present. One example of this type of device is the carbon dioxide detector many people have mounted in their homes.

Unlike the home CO₂ detector, these devices come in both fixed, and personal varieties. You would use different monitors for different gasses, and different expected concentrations of gas.

An example of these personal devices is the Honeywell BW Clip 3. The BW Clip 3 is a personal monitor and is able to detect either Carbon Monoxide or Hydrogen Sulphide.

Often called Four-gas detection monitors, because most, though not all, of these units can detect four gases. Multi detection monitors are built to make sure workers need only one gas monitor when in a situation where many gases may be present.

Typically a four-gas detector will be able to detect Oxygen (O₂), Hydrogen Sulphide (H₂S), Carbon Monoxide (CO). They will also detect the general LEL (Lowest Explosive Limit) for present combustive gases.

You use Multi Gas detectors, such as the BW Clip4 in much the same way their single detection equivalents are. They can be in a set position or on the worker's clothing and will signal an alert when gas concentrations grow hazardous.

As the name implies, Fixed area gas monitors measure and track gas levels in the local area. Placed in a strategic spot the device will monitor for one or more gases.

These devices typically have some sort of alarm to alert those nearby of the danger. They will also have some way to remotely alert the supervisors.

An example of this type of monitor is the E3Point Analogue monitoring system. The E3Point can be fitted with sensors for different types of gas.

Personal monitors are usually around the size of an iPod, depending on the model, but somewhat thicker.

Some of the larger devices will have a pump built in while others will rely on passive monitoring technologies

These devices can be clipped on a belt or a shirt collar. From there are able to alert the wearer when gas concentrations exceed safe levels.

Beyond these four categorizations there are many more types, as well as ways to mix and match between the categories.

Gas detectors may also rely on different technologies to do their job which may impact the choice of gas detector. Some will alert others remotely, and some just have a buzzer to alert workers in the local area.

For more information on gas detectors call us at 1-888-207-2212.