How to choose your solution
gas detection
Many gas detection systems available on the market may appear similar, but a closer look at their features and functionality reveals major differences in the capabilities and potential benefits of these products. Likewise, individual applications are also unique in terms of design, needs and processes.
The selection steps
- 1. Determine the risks
Before you start choosing gas detection equipment, a risques.Toute assessment should be carried out. Any company that employs staff has an obligation to carry out a risk assessment to identify potential hazards, including those related to gases, vapours or oxygen deficiency. If gas hazards are identified, gas detection is a means of reducing the risks. - 2. Set priority #1
Depending on the processes being implemented and the gases being detected, remote or off-site alarm notifications and event data recording or logging may be required for health and safety management reporting. Regulatory compliance requirements or special conditions imposed by insurers may be another factor driving the need for advanced reporting capabilities. - 3. Ask the right questions
After identifying the primary objective, it is essential to ask various key questions in order to select perfectly adapted equipment. They can relate to three main areas: • The gases to be detected and the origin of their potential emission • The location and environmental conditions of use of the detection system • Ease of use for operators and maintenance personnel
- 4. Identify the gases to be detected and the origin of their potential emission
The gases to be detected should be identified by means of a risk assessment study. Experienced manufacturers of gas detection equipment and their authorised distributors are often able to assist in this process due to their experience gained from similar applications. However, it is important to remember that identification of all potential hazards is the responsibility of the end user. It is also essential to identify potential sources of gas leaks, in order to determine the number and location of sensors required for a fixed gas detection system. - 5. Environmental conditions to consider The environmental conditions to which a gas detection equipment is subjected will impact its performance, accuracy and reliability. The temperature, humidity and pressure levels experienced at the site will have a direct influence on the type of equipment to choose. Additional factors, such as potential variations resulting from the production process itself, day and night fluctuations or seasonal variability can also influence the type of equipment that will be appropriate.
- 6. Understand product features
Additional product features are another area to consider. Some features, such as wiring configuration, are of great importance, especially when integrating into an existing application. Certain communication protocols, such as HART®, Lonworks or Modbus®, are also required if the equipment is to be integrated into a separate safety system. In addition, consideration must be given to the need for local display on transmitters and local configuration of units; in addition, gas display can be useful.
Selecting the right gas detection solution involves the following steps:
- Identify risks
- Determine the first priority
- Ask the right questions
- Identify gases and origin
- Taking the environment into account
- Understanding product features
Measure ease of use for operators and maintenance personnel
Routine maintenance is another important consideration. Some gases and vapours can be detected with a number of different detection technologies, e.g. Hydrocarbon gases with catalytic beads or non-dispersive infrared NDIR. Catalytic beads do not provide fail-safe operation and therefore may require a high frequency of routine maintenance, however NDIR based solutions tend to have a higher initial purchase price but may require less routine maintenance. Internal resources to undertake such routine maintenance must be identified and in the absence of such a resource, budgeting for third party maintenance is an important factor in selecting the right equipment.