Gasdetection

gasdetection of flammable vapours, toxic vapours, and oxygen concentration

The fire-triangle

fuel

oxygen

source of energy

Additional elements to support fire are:

presence of catalytical material mixture of oxygen and fuel

explosions
e x p lo s io n s fy s ic a le x p lo s io n s c h e m ic a le x p lo s io n s

c o n ta in e rc a n 't re s is t th ep re s s u rein s id e

c h e m ic a lc h a n g eo fp ro p e rtie so fin itia le le m e n ts h e te ro g e n o u se x p lo s io n

h o m o g e n o u se x p lo s io n

T h e rm a le x p lo s io n f.e . th ec o m b u s tio nind ie s e l-e n g in e s

fla m e /re a c tio n fro n t f.e . th ec o m b u s tio ninp e tro l-e n g in e s

d e fla g ra tio n 0 ,1 -2 0 0m /s

d e to n a tio n 5 0 0 -3 0 0 0m /s

tra n s fe ro fe n e rg yb yc o n v e c tio na n dc o n d u c tio n

tra n s fe ro fe n e rg yth ro u g hs h o c k w a v e

Explosions
Explosive limits
LEL UEL

Flammable substances can only be ignited between the lower and upper explosive limits.

100% gas 0% air

UEL

LEL 0% gas 100% air

100% gas 0% air

Toluene

0% gas 100% air

UEL 7vol% LEL 1,2vol%

100% gas 0% air

Ammonia

UEL 29vol%

0% gas 100% air

LEL 15vol%

Flashpoint:
The lowest temperature at which a flammable vapour/air mixture can be ignited.

Flammable liquids which posses a higher vapour pressure will ignite in general more readily.

The flashpoint-temperature depends however also on the LEL.

The volume percentage of vapour at this temperature corresponds exactly with that at the LEL.

Ignition sources:

open fire hot surfaces mechanical sparks electric sparks static electricity stray currents

Explosionmeter/gasindicator
Analyses the flammability of the substances catalytical combustion by platinum wire filament or pellistor in air only ( oxidation ! ) oxygen content is important

Explosionmeter/gasindicator
With high concentrations wrong indication explosionproof by means of flame-arrestor poisoning of catalysor by: lead ( heavy metals ) silicones ( f.e. in lubricants ) corrosive substances monomers ( polymerisation of catalysor )

Explosionmeter/gasindicator
Calibration on: methane: 2,2 vol% = 50% LEL pentane: 0,7 vol% = 50% LEL

Explosionmeter/gasindicator
Electrical circuit

Flammable gasindicators
Electrical scheme: bridge current. Bridge of Wheatstone.

Electrical balance is changed by the increase of resistance due to the increase of temperature of the active filament.

The increase of temperature depends on the combustion energy of the substance which passes the active filament.
Flammable gases each have their own specific combustion energy.

Indications on the meters therefore differ.

Examples of combustion energy

Substance heat of comb. kJ/mol 2
892 1592 2223 2587 3538 4166 4811 5455 6079 6741 3370 2629

1
methane ethane propane butane pentane hexane heptane octane nonane decane MTBE butanol

LEL vol% 3
4,4 3,0 2,2 1,9 1,4 1,2

heat of combustion at LEL 2x3

3925 4686 4891 4915 4953 4999 5292 4364 4255 4719 5729 3681

1,1 0,8 0,7 0,7 1,7 1,4

Flammable gasindicators
Flammable gasdetectors must be accompanied by a correct conversion table. The table should be specifically for the type of gasdetector and the kind of calibrationgas the detector is calibrated on.

Flammable gasindicators

Flammable gasindicator

Tubes should be made of chemical-resistant material. Tubes made of natural rubber, silicones, etc. are not be used, because the pores inside will absorb the molecules of the sample passing through.

Oxygen analysers

Usually oxygen analysers operate with a electrochemical sensor.

O2-analyser

The Taylor Servomex uses the paramagnetic principles of oxygen

Oxygen analysers
The O2-analysers operating on the electrochemical principle are for general purposes: f.e. entry of enclosed spaces

Oxygen analysers
The Servomex is more accurate and therefore the better analyser for the testing of cargotanks prior to loading.

Oxygen analysers

The electrochemical cells life is dramatically shortened by CO2; such as in exhaust fumes or human breath. The paramagnetic cell is not susceptible to this.

toxicity
Exposure to toxic substances

via the skin

by inhalation

by ingestion

toxicity
The Threshold Value:
The uppermost concentration of a toxic substance in the air a human may be exposed to during an 8 hour workday, 40 hours per week, a worklife long. The figures are subject to the present knowledge.

Toxicity
The TLVs are valid only for healthy people (not pregnant).
The TLV is not a level to aim for, but the uppermost level. TLV -levels are unfortunately regularly reduced, a.o. due to research.

Toxicity

TLV-twa: Time Weighted Average

If the TLV is exceeded a corresponding time of exposure to an equal concentration below the TLV should be maintained.

Toxicity TLV-C:
C for ceiling. In this case the TLV must not be exceeded, even not instantaneously.

Toxicity

TLV-S:
S for skin.
When the TLV is accompanied by an S this means that the subject substance will enter the bloodstream via the skin as an additional hazard.

Toxicity
STEL:
Short Term Exposure Value.

The maximum concentration for 15 minutes. No more than 4 x a day and no further contact with the substance during that day. Only for a few products.

Toxicity

Also:

TLV-TWA15min.:
As with normal TLV-TWA but over-exposure max. 15 min. only.

Toxicity
A variaty of detectors for toxic vapours are available:
electrochemical sensors, infrared, portable chromatographs, detection tubes, etc..

Toxicity
The gasdetection test tubes are widely spread and commonly known. Popular are: Draeger, MSA/Auer, Gastech, etc..
A reagent inside the tube reacts with the sample flowing through. The length of discolouration of the reagent is indicated on a scale. Usually the scale is marked in Parts Per Million ( PPM ).

Toxicity

1.000.000 ppm = 100 vol.%

10.000 ppm = 1 vol.%

100 ppm = 0,01 vol.%

Toxicity
To operate the test-tubes it is of vital importance to understand the instructions folded inside the tube-package thoroughly. Items such as cross-sensitivity, deviations, operating temperatures should be fully understood prior to sampling. The storage conditions and temperatures must be observed, since the reagent may degenerate rapidly.

Toxicity

Pump and extension-tubes should be tested for leakages prior to sampling. Leakage-test with an unopened test tube. A test with leaking equipment may be fatal!

Toxicity

Test-results close to the TLV should be done twice to be sure. Even then all efforts must be employed to improve conditions.

End of this presentation