Common questions about fixed gas detector devices What is a fixed gas detector and what is it used for?

These small but potentially lifesaving pieces of equipment are essential for any UK industry that uses hazardous chemicals in their manufacturing, storage or production processes. Gas detectors alert people when a gas leak has been detected. This job, although it sounds simple, effectively saves UK businesses from catastrophic consequences. An undetected leak can cause massive power consumption and energy wastage, can lead to massive amounts of stock and productivity losses, can lead to business shut down and costly repairs and, worst of all, can lead to sickness and even death to people exposed to the undetected hazardous leak. The fixed detector is there to ensure these disastrous events dont occur. The detector emits a signal as soon as a leak is detected, allowing those in charge to act quickly, shut off the area and see that immediate repairs are carried out. To understand these devices in more detail lets answer some common questions about fixed gas detectors. What is the difference between a fixed and portable gas detector? There are two main types of gas detectors. Portable devices are the type usually worn by safety personnel on a harness to measure the surrounding atmosphere. Fixed detectors are mounted in a specific area around the source of a potential leak, such as in key points around a production plant or in a control room. How does a gas detector work? Detectors continuously measure a gas concentration in the air, and the sensor responds to a calibration gas acting as a reference point. When a sensor detects gas levels that exceed its preset alarm level it emits a warning signal. How does the detector notify personnel of a gas leak? The detector emits a signal or warning alarm when a gas is detected, much in the same way as a smoke detector does. However these devices can also provide digital read outs of data and send information to building management control systems where building safety supervisors can easily see if a leak has been detected. Some systems use a cable to connect the detector with a SCADA industrial control system for continuous monitoring.

A tripping interlock can be triggered in the event of an emergency leak so urgent action can be taken. What types of gases can a fixed detector detect? Detectors can monitor a variety of combustible, flammable and toxic gases including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, nitric oxide, ammonia, chlorine, ozone, oxygen, refrigerants and combustible gases like methane and propane. Are there different types of fixed gas detection devices? There are a range of detectors to suit different applications, including: Infrared point sensors - commonly found in industrial-chemical facilities like refineries and treatment plants. Ultrasonic gas detectors commonly found in oil and gas platforms, gas stations and gas turbine power plants. Electrochemical gas detectors used in a variety of environments including refineries, chemical plants and gas storage facilities. Semiconductor sensors commonly used to detect carbon monoxide.