Gas Detection

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Measuring, why?

To take care of workers health and life - prevent dangerous situations To protect the inventory for damage To fulfill local / national laws or regulations

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Measuring, what?
Hazardous Gases or vapors

Ex (Vol%) (%LEL) (%UEG)

Ox (Vol%)

Tox (ppm) (ml/m3) (mg/m3)

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Combustion

Ig n i t i o n

Oxygen

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el u F

What is Combustion?

Combustion = reaction between flammable gas and Oxygen Combustion without Oxygen = impossible For combustion right ratio between combustible gas and Oxygen is needed Sufficient ignition-energy will increase the temperature and a reaction will take place

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Definitions

Combustible Gases
Ex Comb LEL UEL Vol%

Explosive (measuring range) Combustible Lower Explosive Limit Upper Explosive Limit Volume Per cent

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LEL AND UEL Below Lower Explosive Limit not enough fuel to ignite Above Upper Explosive Limit not enough oxygen Between LEL and UEL

Atmosphere is Explosive
*VALUES ACCORDING TO NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE (NEC)
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GAS BY VOLUME
5 15
METHANE
Lower Upper Flammable Flammable Limit Limit
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GAS BY VOLUME
4
HYDROGEN

75

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Acetone Acetylene Benzene Butane Butyl Alcohol (Butanol) Diethyl Ether Ethane Ethyl Alcohol (Ethanol) Ethylene Ethylene Oxide Hexane Hydrogen Isopropyl Alcohol (Isopropanol) Methane Methyl Alcohol (Methanol) Methyl Ethyl Ketone n-Pentane Propane Propylene Styrene Toluene Xylene
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2.5% by volume 2.5% by volume 1.2% by volume 1.9% by volume 1.4% by volum 1.9% by volume 3.0% by volume 3.3% by volume 2.7% by volume 2.7% by volume 1.1% by volume 4.0% by volume 2.0% by volume 5.0% by volume 6.0% by volume 1.4% by volume 1.4% by volume 2.1% by volume 2.0% by volume 0.9% by volume 1.1% by volume 1.1% by volume

*VALUES ACCORDING TO NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE (NEC)

Ignition energy

Minimum energy (in mJ) required to ignite a combustible vapor/gas in air

Example: Hydrogen: 0,01 mJ Methane: 0,28 mJ Hexane: 0,24 mJ Ammonia: 680,00 mJ

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Vapor Pressure

The vapor pressure is expressed in mbar at a given temperature Substances with a boiling point of > 350o C have a negligible value (almost no vaporization)

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Flash Point

Liquid classification related to flash point

< 21o Celsius 21o Celsius en 55o Celsius > 55o Celsius en < 100o Celsius 100o Celsius

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Flash Point

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Measuring Methods Combustibles

0-100% LEL range

Catalytic Oxidizing (also leak) Semi Conductor (also leak) IR FID (leak) PID

0-100 Vol% / %Gas

Thermal Conductivity Semi Conductor IR

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The Pelement
Platinum thread
Human Hair

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The MSA Pelement

Ceramic bead Catalytic material (Palladium)

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Catalyst

A (chemical) substance which starts a process and/or accelerates it and ends up unchanged Example: Burned ashes in combination with sugar

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The MSA Pelement Needle

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The MSA Pelement

Glass coating on passive pelement (compensator)

No gas entry Possible!

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Wheatstone Bridge

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Wheatstone Bridge

Used by catalytic, and the thermal conductivity measuring methods Alteration of the electrical resistance, due to changing of the temperature The unbalance is electronically amplified and displayed as a value corresponding with the gas concentration

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The Catalytic Sensor

D-Sensor C-Sensor Operating temperature 450 C or higher

Detection sensor (D) is catalytic active Compensation sensor (K) is catalytic inactive

18 LEL

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Variety Types of Instruments available with Catalytic LEL Sensor

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Monitoring
CH4

Observe:
Density Air flow Temperature

C4H10

CH4

CO H2S

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100 % LEL METHANE = 5 % BY VOLUME 100 % LEL PENTANE = 1.5 % BY VOLUME 100 90 80 70 60 METER 50 READING 40 30 20 10 0

METHANE

2 to 1 RATIO
PENTANE

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 % LEL
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100 % LELCALI METHANE = 5 TO % BY METHANE BRATED THEVOLUME SAFE SIDE 100 % LEL PENTANE = 1.5 % BY VOLUME 100 90 80 70 60 METER 50 READING 40 30 20 10 0
GASOLINE CH4 CO PENTANE

NH3

H2

C2H2

2 to 1 RATIO

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 % LEL
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Catalytic Detector

Requires 9% for accurate readings Minimum 4% required for explosion

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Sensor Poisoning
Responds only to combustible gases Poisons (H2S, silicons, Freons, Fluorinated Hydrocarbons) can decrease the sensitivity

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Thermal Conductivity Principle

Sample

of the gas creates an unbalance in temperature, due to exchange or admission of heat The unbalance is electronically amplified and displayed as a value corresponding with the gas concentration

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Thermal conductivity Sensor

26

Operating temperature 450 C or higher Sensors are catalytic inactive Resistor change due to heat exchange

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INFRARED SENSORS

The IR sensors uses the gases property to absorb infrared radiation at different wave lengths.

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3-5.5

8-15

HC-LEL, CO2, CO

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Refrigerants / Toxic gases

IR Sensor

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Open Path IR Sensor

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Open Path IR Sensor

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LEL Meter (1)

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LEL Meter (2)

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Catalytic x IR
Catalytic Implantation cost Maintenance cost Life Low High 2 to 3,5 years Monthly Calibration Zero + Span High Low 5 to 10 years Biannual - Annual Zero (usually) IR

Detects almost any combustible gas Sensible to poisoning substances Limitations Lack of sensibility with the continuous gas exposure Simple Maintenance Needs Oxygen
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Dont detect diatomic gases (H2) Dont affected by other compounds interference Sensibility dont changes with the continuous gas exposure Maintenance on the manufacturer Works on inert atmospheres

Measuring Methods Tox

Electro Chemical Detector Tubes (Reagents) Semi Conductor PID FID IR Photo Ionization Detector Flame Ionization Detector Infra Red

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Definitions
PPM PPB TLV TWA LTEL STEL T90

Part Per Million (0,000.1 vol%) Part Per Billion (0,000.000.1 vol%)
Treshold Limit Value Time Weighted Average (8 hrs) Long Term Exposure Level (8 hrs) Short Term Exposure Level (15 min) Response Time

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T90 Response Time

100 90 86,5 63,2 95 98,2 99,34 99,76 99,9 100

80 60 % 40 20 01T 2T 3T 4T
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5T

6T

7T

8T

2,5 T = % of end value

Time = n x T (seconds)

T90 Response Time

100 90 86,5 63,2 95 98,2 99,34 99,76 99,9 100

80 60 % 40 20 01T 2T 3T 4T
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5T

6T

7T

8T

2,5 T = % of end value

Time = n x T (seconds)

Effects of low Oxygen

EFFECTS OF LOW OXYGEN Above 19,5% Necessary for normal life Threatening danger, dont enter the room, 14 - 19,5 % use independent breathing protection (SCBA) Deep breathing, higher pulse rate, worse 12 - 14 % coordination Faster and superficial breathing, dizzy, 10 - 12 % bad judgement, blue lips Nausea, vomit, unconscious, pale 8 - 10 % 6 minutes = 50% fatal, 8 minutes = 100% fatal Coma in 40 seconds, spasm, breathing stops, 4% death 0% Unconscious, death in 10 seconds
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Electrochemical O2 Sensor
Counter Electrode

Membrane

Pb
Sensing Electrode Electrolyte 10% KOH

OXYGEN
Membrane

Au

Reaction at Sensing Electrode Reaction at Counter Electrode Nett reaction LED is being consumed!

O2+2H2O+4e => 4OH 2Pb+4OH => 2PbO+2H2O+4e 2Pb+O2 => 2PbO

Signal 7-15 mV

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Measuring CO2 by O2 displacement?

CO2 is heavier than Oxygen TWA value = 5000 ppm (0.5% Vol) 0.5% CO2 displacement = 0.1% O2 O2 Alarm = 19.5% 19.5% O2 = 8% CO2

Answer is NO!!
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CO2 in relation to O2
25 20,93 20 15 Vol% 10 O2 500,03 0,5 2,0 8,0 Vol% Carbon Dioxide 20,83 20,53 19,33

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Effects of CO2
Effects of CO2 changes of bleeding in veins 4-6 Vol% 40.000-60.000 ppm in the brain, head aches, dizziness paralyzing as if curare has 6-8 Vol% 60.000-80.000 ppm been used extinguishing of a burning candle, spasm, fast 8-10 Vol% 80.000-100.000 ppm unconsciousness, death Deadly within 20 Vol% 200.000 ppm a few seconds 0.5% Vol 5000 ppm TWA Value

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Effects of CO
Effect of Carbon Monoxide on People PPM Vol% Effect 25 0.0025 TWA value, safe during 8hrs 200 0.02 Headache, discomfort Dizziness, nausea, 800 0.08 unconsciousness within 2 hrs 1600 0.16 Lethal within 1 hour
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Physiological
PPM Vol% 0.1 0.00001 10 0.001 100 200 0.01 0.02 Effect of Hydrogen Sulfide on People Effect Dirty smell (rotten eggs) TLV value, safe during 8 hrs Paralyzing smelling nerves in 3-15 min. Irritation on eyes and throat. Life danger after exposure of 8-48 hrs Smelling nerves immediately paralyzed, Irritation on eyes and throat. Life danger after exposure of 4-8 hrs Disturbance of balance, paralyzing of respiration in 3045 min. Immediate need for artificial respiration, lethal after exposure of 30-60 minutes Fast unconscious (max. 15 min), respiration stops, lethal after exposure of 2-15 minutes Immediately unconscious, brain damage, lethal after 3 minutes
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500 700 1000

0.05 0.07 0.1

Important Properties of H2S

Relative gas density: 1.2

Heavier then air, may accumulate at ground level in dips or holes Water can contain large amounts of H2S which may evaporate quickly at temperature or pressure changes Is absorbed if tubing used for sampling or calibration is wet. It has to made sure that they are absolutely dry.
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Highly water soluble

Electrochemical H2S Sensor

Ref. Electrode Membrane

Au
Electrolyte

Au

CounterElectrode

Ref. Voltage Sensing Electrode

6N H2SO4

HYDROGEN SULFIDE
Membrane

Pt

Reaction at Sensing Electrode Reaction at Counter Electrode Nett reaction

H2S+4H2O =>Pt=> CO2+H2SO4+8H+8e 2O2+8H+8e =>Au=> 4H2O H2S +2O2 => O2+ H2SO4
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OP OP

Signal

PID Photo Ionization Detector How does it work?

The gas sample is transferred into the measuring chamber of the PID. One part of the sample is ionized by UV-light.
RH

RH+ RH

hxv
e-

The electrical charged particles formed move to the oppositely charged electrode and get discharged The electrical current is proportional to the concentration of the component(s)

+
ISOBUTEN

0,0 ppm 13.4

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PID

Most substances can be ionized

Some easier than others, depends on their ionization potential

Measured on an eV [electron volt] scale

From 7 to about 16

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PID [ Ionisation Potential ]

Ionize - Convert into + charged ions Ion - An electrically charged particle or group of atoms Potential - Ability to be ionized IP is measured in Electron Volts [eV]

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PID [ eV Scale ]
Lamps Come in Different Energies
Enough energy to ionize any compound less than 9.6 eV Enough energy to ionize any compound less than 10.6 eV Enough energy to ionize any compound less than 11.7 eV
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Toluene 8.83 eV Benzene 9.25 eV Styrene 8.47 eV Propy alcohol 10.20 eV Phosphine 9.87 eV Vinyl chloride 10.00 eV Methylene chloride 11.32 eV Chloroform 11.37 eV

PID [[Why Why not 11.7eV as standard?] standard?

The window is made up of lithium fluoride

Very hydroscopic = absorbs water vapor

Decrease the transmission of the photons! Over time you lose the ionization energy!!

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What is a VOC?

Volatile - Compounds in the vapor state at a low temperature Organic - Compounds containing carbon atoms Compound - Composed of two or more elements

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Examples of VOCs

Benzene Butadiene Hexane Cumene Acetone Ethylene Toluene Styrene Xylene Methyl Ethyl Ketone Vinyl Chloride

Hundreds of others !!
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Applications

Leak detection from process equipment

Valves Flanges and other connections Pump or compressor seals Pressure relief devices Process drains Open-ended lines Degassing & vessel vents

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Variety of Instruments available with Sensors for Toxic gases

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Selection Criteria for Instruments

Application
Portable or Permanent Which Gases Single or Multi Gas Pumped or Diffusion

Approvals
Ex Approval Performance approval Verification of most critical Properties by independent test house

Supplier Competence Supplier Availability

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Selection Criteria for Instruments

Trust

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What is a Confined Space (OSHA 29CFR 1910.146)

Confined spaces exist in many settings. In any area: Not intended or designed primarily as a place of work Is large enough for a worker to enter and perform work Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit Is not designed for continuous human occupancy

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What is a Confined Space (OSHA 29CFR 1910.146)

Where the potential for engulfement,inadequate ventilation, a contaminated atmosphere or Oxygen deficient atmosphere may exist

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What must be done before entering a confined space

Obtain an entry permit from the employer Test for a safe Oxygen level Test for Toxic gases, vapours or fumes Test for flammable gases or vapours Ventilate and clean Ensure a stand-by person is present (with PPE) Wear appropriate PPE as necessary

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HOW TO OPERATE IN A CONFINED SPACE

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Continuous Testing

Continuous Testing means leaving the instruments on during the entire time that workers occupy the confined space. Through continuous monitoring, workers are alerted immediately to any atmospheric changes in the confined space

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VAPOR DENSITY

Where to detect the gas hazard: Take samples at the top, middle and bottom of a confined space

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SAFETY TIPS

Never entry a confined space without an entry permit Test for hazards-know how to use the equipment and interpret the results Leave immediately if you experience dizziness,headedness or difficulties Stay alert at all times-do not take your safety as granted

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Calibration

OSHA guidelines NIOSH standard for confined spaces NFPA 306 for control of gas hazards on sea vessel All of these standards recommend calibration checks prior to each use. Use a known concentration of test gas. Do not use self-contrived techniques which can lead to misleading conclusions about instruments ability to detect gases

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Calibration Standard

The National Institute of Occupational Safety & Healths ( NIOSH ) Confined Workplaces Training Resources Manual says the only way to be sure an instrument is performing properly is to check the calibration on a daily basis

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SOLARIS
Best in class triple alarm system

Built-in boot Missing sensor alarm

Lithium Ion batter technology

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ORION

plus

Compact. Durable. Ingenious.

[ The handiest 5 gas detector under the stars ]

Detection of combustible gases, O2, H2S, CO, NH3, Cl2, NO2, HCN, O3, COCl2, PH3, SO2, CO2, ClO2 IR Sensor Technology for CO2, HC, CH4

Very large easy to read graphic display for quick data viewing Robust, easy to grip design Clear and intuitive to use Simple one hand operation

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SIRIUS
Detection of combustible gases, Oxygen, Hydrogen Sulfide and Carbon monoxide Robust, easy to grip design Extremely loud horn

[Compact and Versatile

for all your needs] needs

PID Sensor Technology for VOC like Benzene, JP8 Simple one hand operation Very large easy to read graphic display for quick data viewing

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ALTAIR PRO [Main Features]

Broad range of sensors: Detection of either O2, H2S, CO, Cl2, HCN, ClO2, SO2, NO2, NH3 and PH3 with replaceable sensors Highly visible LEDs

Audible alarm 95dB at 30cm

Simple one button operation

Battery life indicator Bump test checkmark displayed for 24 hours Robust, easy to grip design Easy to read display shows gas concentration

Replaceable battery

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ALTAIR PRO [Product Description]

High-end Single-Gas Detector measures and displays gas concentration can be turned on and off Available for: O2 CO, CO Fire, CO Steel H2 S NH3 Cl2 ClO2 HCN NO2 PH3 SO2

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ALTAIR PRO [ALTAIR QuickCheck]

Economical bump test station Designed for use with ALTAIR and ALTAIR PRO Manual and automatic versions available

Instrument cradle

Connection to gas cylinder

Powered by AC power supply

Easy to read LEDs

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GALAXY [ Overview ]

Standalone Station

Bump check station Calibration station Charging station

Multiple Bump check & calibration System for SOLARIS, SIRIUS & ORION

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GALAXY [ Overview ]
Connection for multiple system Protective system door OPTIONAL: Wired or wireless network interface module, battery pack, or protective end cap

Easy-to-understand visual and audible indicators

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GALAXY [ Operating Instructions ]

Open the door Insert the instrument Close the door

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Thank You!

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