Methane - CH4
Methane - CH4
Find here the main information on methane (CH4) or " methane hydride " or "natural gas", its physical characteristics, its effects on health, the means of detecting it (CH4 gas detector) as well as the appropriate respiratory protection equipment (self-contained breathing apparatus or air supply system).
Main characteristics of methane (CH4)
Methane hydride , more simply called methane (CH4) or " natural gas " occurs naturally from the decomposition of organic matter in places with low oxygen. Its anthropogenic version is produced massively by the exploitation and combustion of fossil fuels and any other sector of activity in which organic matter is likely to decompose: landfill sites for biogas production.
Health effects of methane
Methane (CH4) is a colorless, odorless gas that is lighter than air. These characteristics mask its presence because methane accumulates in false ceilings and other high places and becomes undetectable by humans given its lack of odor and color. Above all, it is an extremely flammable gas in air (R12) and explosive, with explosive limits between 5 and 15% of the volume.
Methane (CH4) is not toxic, but at high concentrations it can replace oxygen in poorly ventilated spaces. It is also responsible for the greenhouse effect because it absorbs infrared radiation emitted by the earth, preventing it from escaping into space, thus contributing to global warming. It is one of the 6 main gases targeted by the Kyoto Protocol.
CH4 (Methane) gas detector
Indistinguishable by smell, only a CH4 gas detector can accurately measure the concentrations of this explosive gas, so we will move towards detecting methane in explosiveness with a measurement in percentage of LEL (explosimeter).
For the calibration and gas testing of your fixed or portable gas detectors, methane standard gas cylinders are available.
Methane (CH4) respiratory protection
Methane is an asphyxiating gas with significant risks of suffocation, so we will opt for an open-circuit self-contained breathing apparatus (ARICO) or an air-supplied system for long-term interventions.