Southern Water buys 800th gas detector!
Southern Water (UK) has recently purchased its 800th Tetra portable gas detector from Crowcon, mainly for use by staff working in confined spaces with sewerage processes.
Southern Water (UK) has recently purchased its 800th Tetra portable gas detector from Crowcon. This represents a major investment and is a testament to the reliability and durability of the device. ‘We chose the Tetra because it is simple to use, easy to maintain and extremely durable,’ said the Southern Water senior health and safety advisor Andy Nicholls.
‘They are life-preserving bits of equipment and you simply can’t compare the cost of a life against the cost of a detector.
Saying that, the units were very good value for money’.
The detectors are used primarily by staff working in confined spaces in the wastewater, sewerage, clean water and process water sectors and for procedures such as chlorine change-over.
They are also used by support staff such as scientists, technicians and health and safety advisors, and for staff training.
‘We are now in the era of the ‘intelligent worker’, who wants to understand better what is going on around them,’ continued Andy.
‘Our staff are fully conversant with health and safety legislation and expect to have the right equipment at all times.
The Tetra is therefore integral to our business - I can’t think of anything that is wrong with it’.
Designed for the most demanding conditions, the Tetra can monitor up to four gases at once, including oxygen, flammable gas and a full range of toxic gases.
It has a single button that controls all functions - even with a gloved hand - and a bright display gives simultaneous viewing of all gas readings, alarm conditions and battery life.
The unit is water and dust-resistant to IP65, floats in water and is ATEX approved for use in hazardous areas.
If a gas hazard is detected, the Tetra gives an instant warning with a powerful 94 dBA alarm, an extremely bright red and blue alternate flashing lights and by vibrating.
‘Our staff really like the red/blue light,’ commented Andy.
‘There are so many flashing red lights all around these days that the red/blue one instantly stands out.
The alarm is also impossible to miss, even in the very noisy environments our staff often work in’.
Multi-channel controller monitors gas detectors
With its breakthrough modular design for monitoring combustible and toxic gases, the MC600 Multi-Channel Controller is now available for Class I, Division 2, applications in hazardous environments.
With its breakthrough modular design for monitoring combustible and toxic gases, the MC600 Multi-Channel Controller from General Monitors is now available for Class I, Division 2, applications in hazardous environments. Featuring a microprocessor-based design, the modular MC600 Multi-Channel Controller offers reliability, flexibility and value-added economy in gas detection systems. The six-channel MC600 provides continuous gas monitoring when equipped with General Monitors gas sensors/transmitters and is designed to protect people, equipment and facilities in hazardous environments.
The MC600 Controller is designed with a rugged, corrosion and weather-resistant, NEMA Type 4X housing that is configured with mounting brackets.
An optional onboard 115/230 VAC power supply is also available and provides Class I, Division 2 classification.
Signal conditioning boards for H2S/hydrocarbon sensors and a 4-20mA interface for intelligent detectors are easily installed or removed from plug-in slots.
The MC600 is compatible with any General Monitors hydrocarbon and H2S sensors and intelligent transmitters, as well as their infrared detectors and TS-Series toxic gas detectors.
It is a scaleable solution that can be used as either a local gas detection system or networked to provide a large plant-wide distributed safety system.
Designed with dual redundant Modbus communications, the MC600 provides complete status and control capability.
Due to its modular design, the MC600 offers easy installation, a long life span, and an attractive return-on-investment.
Typical applications include chemical and petrochemical plants, compressor stations, gas processing, pulp and paper mills, refineries, steel, utilities and wastewater.
The MC600 comes pre-configured from the factory, saving installation time with minimum set-up required.
Removable terminal blocks allow for easy installation and wiring.
A front panel user interface includes six independent LCD channel displays and keypad for set-up, calibration and gas reading functions as well as ready, alarm and fault indicators.
Six user-configurable 8-amp relays with selectable zoning and voting are included.
The MC600 features six back-lit LCD display modules that each have two lines, with eight characters available per line.
Large multi-coloured LED Ready, Alarm, Warning and Fault indicators (that are easy to read in daylight) supplement the LCD digital displays, and keypad controls are provided for setup, calibration and gas reading functions, and self-test.
The MC600 six auxiliary 8-Amp relays are user-configurable to activate external devices such as horns or beacons on any of the six channels, whether for alarm or warning setpoints.
Wolf wins grampian Fire contract
After completion of a robust assessment process, Wolf Safety has won a major contract to supply 400 of its new LED rechargeable right angled R-50 safety torches to Grampian Fire and Rescue Service.
After completion of a robust assessment process, competing with four other companies, Wolf Safety has won a major contract to supply 400 of its new LED rechargeable right angled R-50 safety torches to Grampian Fire and Rescue Service. Exhaustive testing was undertaken to simulate the extreme environmental conditions to which the torches could be exposed - heat, smoke, condensation and water. The evaluation panel concluded that the Wolf R50 was the best LED type rechargeable safety torch currently available for safe use by firefighters on operational duties.
Chief Fire Officer David Dalziel of Grampian Fire and Rescue Service welcomed the introduction of this modern and highly effective item of operational equipment for front line use.
‘Crew safety and the innovative use of technology are areas we sought from the outset.
Toxic and flammable gases easily monitored
Toxic or flammable gases such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and methane can be easily monitored from multiple locations with the new Crowcon PGSi Programmable Monitoring System.
Toxic or flammable gases such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and methane can be easily monitored from multiple locations with the new Crowcon PGSi Programmable Monitoring System. Monitoring up to four different gases at once, from up to 32 individual sampling points, the PGSi is ideal for applications such as carbon monoxide monitoring in car parks and tunnels, carbon dioxide monitoring in breweries and distilleries, or monitoring methane leaks from the heating systems of buildings. By doing away with the need for multiple fixed detectors, the sampling system significantly reduces installation and maintenance costs.
Each sample line can be up to 1km in length and sample times for each monitoring point are individually adjustable and can be sequenced in any order.
A dual pump arrangement ensures that samples reach the gas sensors as quickly as possible.
Filters, flow-fail devices, internal gas leak detectors and flame arrestors are all fitted as standard to ensure safe and reliable operation at all times.
The system is controlled by a PC using Windows XP-based software.
A screen displays individual sample locations, gas levels and alarms.
It operates up to 32 relays (which activate alarm devices or send a signal to external control equipment) and provides comprehensive data-logging facilities, with gas data displayed either in tabular or graphical formats.
The PC can be monitored remotely via an optional modem, allowing status checks and the uploading of datalog files.
New capabilities for infra-red gas sensors
Edinburgh Instruments are now manufacturing a new range of mains powered infra-red gas sensors giving high accuracy measurement of CO2, CH4, CO and N2O gas concentrations.
Edinburgh Instruments are now manufacturing a new range of mains powered infra-red gas sensors giving highly accurate measurement of CO2, CH4, CO and N2O gas concentrations. Designated the GuardCard range they incorporate volt free relay outputs and an integral pump so that they can be used for continuous sampling, monitoring and control. The GuardCard can be used for either a single area or integrated with sampling systems for sequential monitoring of multiple areas.
The main component of this unit is an innovative dual wavelength infra-red sensor, which provides reliability, accuracy and long term stability.
The operating temperature is 0 - 40C, with a measuring accuracy and stability of +/-2% of range, which includes allowance for the accuracy of the calibration gases used to calibrate the instruments.
As an OEM sensor the GuardCard is a versatile device capable of integration into many analytical systems for environmental measurements.
GuardCard is also finding new applications in the processing, engineering, laboratory, medical and manufacturing industries.
Repair-free Personal Gas Detection for two years
With a two-year lifespan and guaranteed repair-free during that time, the new Draeger X-am 1700 is one of a new generation of gas detectors specifically designed for personal monitoring applications.
With a two-year lifespan and guaranteed to be repair-free during that time, the new Draeger X-am 1700 is one of a new generation of one-to-four gas detectors specifically designed for personal monitoring applications. Ideal for use in any industry where explosive gases and vapours as well as O2, CO and H2S may pose a threat to health, it provides a low cost solution to fast and reliable air monitoring. No larger than a mobile phone, this lightweight, ergonomically designed instrument is easy to use and features the latest miniaturised XXS generation of powerful electrochemical DraegerSensors.
For improved safety when facing unknown hazards, the catalytic Ex sensor, calibrated to methane, responds quickly to explosive gases.
Offering a high level of sensitivity to combustible organic vapours it also ensures dependable warnings in the event of explosive hazards.
With a practical two-button control panel and straightforward menu guidance system, the X-am 1700 benefits from a large liquid crystal display which provides all readings at a glance.
Fitted with a crocodile clip for secure attachment to clothing, it also incorporates gas inlets on both the top and front to ensure that, even if it is accidentally placed in a jacket pocket, it will still provide a reliable warning against gas hazards.
In alarm situations, the X-am 1700 provides three different types of warning.
The audible multi-tone alarm is impossible to miss, whilst a visual 180-degree alarm helps to ensure that the warning is not ignored, as does the built-in vibrational alarm.
Dust and water-resistant to IP67, this rugged instrument remains fully functional and ready for use even after being dropped in water.
The integrated rubber protection and shockproof sensors provide additional resistance to impact and vibration and the unit is also able to withstand electromagnetic interference.
The X-am 1700 can be used with either the standard alkaline or optional NINH batteries.
In addition it can be fitted with a T4 battery which can be recharged in the workshop or in a vehicle, whilst still inside the instrument.
Equipped with a data logger as standard, the unit allows data such as alarms, errors and the results of function tests to be transmitted via infrared interface to a PC.
The data can then be analysed using the DraegerGas Vision software.
A variety of options are also available such as the Draeger E-Cal automatic test and calibration station, the Draeger Bump Test Station and optional user registration via the Draeger CC-Vision software.
New range of low cost carbon dioxide sensors
Edinburgh Instruments are now manufacturing an expanded range of low cost high performance infra-red carbon dioxide sensors.
Edinburgh Instruments are now manufacturing an expanded range of low cost high performance infra-red carbon dioxide sensors. Designated the GasCheck family of products they feature high accuracy, long term stability, negligible cross sensitivity, small size and low power requirements. The GasCheck sensor products are available in three ranges: 0-3000 ppm, 0-3% and 0-10% by volume with a 0 to 1V non-linear output.
A linearisation board can be added as an option to give a linear 4 to 20mA output.
Some models are available with the option of a ’self referencing’ facility, which alerts users to check calibration parameters.
This option offers self referencing against source variation, warning when calibration may be necessary.
Gascheck sensors are available with a diffusion - aspirated sensor head as an alternative to the standard pumped - aspiration format.
Operating temperature is 0- 45C with a power consumption of 0.9W and output signal of 0-1V (non linear), 4-20mA (linear version).
These innovative products have many uses, with applications including measurement of CO2 in biological incubators, personal safety, gas combustion and delivery, process control, horticulture, plant physiology, heating and ventilating, medical / veterinary applications.
New explosion-proof transmitter from Draeger
Ensuring the reliable detection of combustible gases and vapours, the new Draeger PIR 3000 is a smart, explosion proof, infra-red gas transmitter.
Ensuring the reliable detection of combustible gases and vapours, the new Draeger PIR 3000 is a smart, explosion proof, infra-red gas transmitter. Utilising the latest DraegerSensor IR technology, it offers an excellent price-performance ratio, is immune to poison and provides failsafe operation in any potentially explosive environment. With a long expected lifetime of over 15 years and offering reduced maintenance costs, this flexible transmitter is designed to detect methane, propane and ethylene.
Each of these potential hazards is listed in a single internal gas library and can be changed easily and at any time via a magnetic wand.
Incorporating a universal 4 to 20 mA interface, the PIR 3000 can be connected to any 4 to 20mA control system, such as the Draeger Regard, and features an unmistakable 1mA fault signal.
With a totally flexible mounting operation, the PIR 3000 can also be supplied with either metric M25 or 3/4 inch NPT thread for use with existing junction boxes.
In addition, individual linearisation curves offer temperature compensated readings and the unit is housed within a stainless steel SS 316 enclosure for maximum protection.
The integral splashguard ensures weather protection to IP67 and the unit is also ATEX, UL and CSA approved.
Maintenance-free low cost disposable gas detection
Ideal for short term or routine applications such as industrial shutdowns, the new Draeger X-am 1100 Personal Air Monitor provides up to 120-days gas and vapour detection.
Ideal for short term or routine applications such as industrial shutdowns, the new Draeger X-am 1100 Personal Air Monitor provides up to 120-days detection of explosive gases and vapours, including diesel fumes, as well as oxygen (O2), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S). Offering a cost effective, more convenient alternative to a rental device, this lightweight instrument eliminates the problems often associated with damage or loss and can simply be disposed of after use. Completely maintenance-free and no larger than a mobile phone, the pre-calibrated X-am 1100 is easy to use.
Designed for intuitive operation and featuring a practical two-key control panel and straightforward menu guidance system, it also benefits from a large liquid crystal display which provides all readings at a glance.
Incorporating the latest miniaturised XXS generation of powerful electrochemical DraegerSensors, the inclusion of a catalytic Ex sensor, calibrated to methane, also means that it can provide improved safety when facing unknown hazards.
This sensor not only responds quickly to explosive gases but it also offers a high level of sensitivity to combustible organic vapours and, as a result, ensures dependable warnings in the event of explosive hazards.
Fitted with a crocodile clip for secure attachment to clothing, the ergonomic design features gas inlets on both the top and front to ensure that, even if it is accidentally placed in a jacket pocket, it will still provide a reliable warning against gas hazards.
In alarm situations, three different types of warning are issued.
The audible multi-tone alarm is impossible to miss, whilst a visual 180-degree alarm helps to ensure that the warning is not ignored, as does the built-in vibrational alarm.
Dust and water-resistant to IP67, this rugged instrument remains fully functional and ready for use even after being dropped in water.
The integrated rubber protection and shockproof sensors provide additional resistance to impact and vibration and the unit is also able to withstand electromagnetic interference.
The X-am 1100 can be used with either the standard alkaline or optional NINH batteries.
In addition it can be fitted with a T4 battery, which can be recharged in the workshop or in a vehicle, whilst still inside the instrument.
Equipped with a data logger as standard, the unit allows data such as alarms, errors and the results of function tests to be transmitted via infrared interface to a PC.
The data can then be analysed using the DraegerGas Vision software.
A variety of options are also available such as the Draeger E-Cal automatic test and calibration station, the Draeger Bump Test Station and optional user registration via the Draeger CC-Vision software.
How sure are you about CO levels in your plant?
If you have a Carbon Monoxide concern and need to know more, the Lascar Electronics EL-USB-CO carbon monoxide data logger can help in determining the nature of the problem.
If you have a carbon monoxide concern and need to know more, the Lascar Electronics EL-USB-CO carbon monoxide data logger can help in determining the nature of the problem. Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas, which is both odourless and colourless. It is produced by equipment/machinery that isn’t working correctly and often (as in the case of motor vehicles) also when it is.
The Lascar EL-USB-CO data logger monitors and records CO levels in an environment over a period of time.
This can help the user to determine where and when peak levels of CO occur, allowing corrective action to be carried out to remedy the problem.
Application areas include: construction sites, furnace rooms, ventilation systems, office blocks, homes near motor traffic (especially in enclosed areas such as tunnels and garaging).
The EL-USB-CO stores over 32,000 readings and can record CO levels from 0 to 1000 ppm.
Set-up of the data logger is completed using the supplied EL-USB software, with the EL-USB-CO plugging directly into the USB port of a PC.
Here the user can assign the logger a name, choose a sample rate (from a choice of once every: 10 secs, 30 secs, 1 mins, 5 mins), as well as determining a high-alarm level.
Once setup is complete the EL-USB-CO should be left in the environment where the study is to take place.
When ready, the data can downloaded onto the PC, graphed, printed and exported to other applications.
Technology: At the heart of the system is a state-of-the-art electrochemical CO sensor.
It has been chosen for its high-sensitivity, high accuracy, resistance to other gases and long-term stability.
Low-power processor technology allows the logger to run up to one year on its internal battery.
The logger is RoHS compliant.
Design History: The EL-USB-CO is the latest in the extremely successful line of the Lascar EL-USB data loggers, which have found numerous applications all over the world.
The entire design process is done in-house, using the Lascar team of graphic designers and electronic, mechanical and software engineers.
For this reason, customisation, from badged software or loggers to full bespoke design, can be carried out to ISO 9001 standard.
Lascar now offer a custom design and manufacture service, bringing together the best of Western design methods and Far-Eastern manufacture to provide our customers with a truly world class service.
The EL-USB-CO is available for purchase at GBP49 from the Lascar website.