GAS DETECTION Gas detection is an important element in an overall protection plan for life and property.

It is often used in conjunction with other forms of fire detection such as smoke, heat and flame detectors. Typical applications for gas detectors are;
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Wherever highly combustible gases are involved Where there is a need for instantaneous response to gas Where there is a large capital investment to be protected

Examples of actual installations are;

Mines Refineries Ship Hulls Sewage Plants Manufacturing Plants Pipeline pumping stations Gas transport loading terminals Offshore drilling and production platforms

There are three types of gas detectors currently available. They are Catalytic, Electrochemical and Infrared (IR). 3.1 CATALYTIC GAS DETECTORS Catalytic sensor technology uses a pair of computer matched elements in a Wheatstone bridge circuit. Combustible gases and vapours are detected as they oxidise on the active catalytic element. This reaction produces a differential voltage that is proportional to the gas concentration present up to its lower explosive limit (LEL). Strengths of the catalytic detector are;

Comparative low cost Responds to virtually any flammable / combustible gas

Limitations of catalytic detector are;

Routine calibration is required for effective protection

Sensors do wear out over a period of time Will not sense non combustible gases Sensors can be poisoned

3.2 INFRARED GAS DETECTORS Infrared gas detection is used to detect combustible levels of hydrogen gases and vapours, based on the absorption of energy by hydrocarbons. There are two types of detection, point and open path. A point type detector is located as close to the risk as possible and samples around the risk eg a storage tank. In the detector a beam of IR energy is emitted between a source and detector, any attenuation caused by hydrocarbons in the short beam being electronically processed to give a reading in LEL. Commonly a reference beam is utilised to overcome any reduction in beam intensity due to of the optics being impaired eg fog, and temperature changes. Strengths of the point infrared detector are;

Responds to many hydrocarbon gases Highly resistant to poisoning and etching Limited maintenance required Long sensor life some manufacturers offer a 5 year warranty Minimal drift Unaffected by oxygen depleted or enriched environments

Limitations of the point infrared detector are;

Can not measure non hydrocarbons eg hydrogen

Open path or line of site detectors have a similar principle of operation to that of the point type detector. However, it is a two part detector (transmitter and receiver), the IR beam is transmitted over a long distance (up to 150m) and they give a reading in LEL meters. Open path detectors can be used as an electronic fence around the perimeter of a facility to detect an escaping gas cloud. Strengths of the open path infrared detector are;

Ideal for open areas without obstructions Covers large areas minimising wiring and multiple detectors Limited maintenance required Fast response time

Limitations of the open path infrared detector are;

Can not measure non hydrocarbons eg hydrogen

3.3 ELECTROCHEMICAL GAS DETECTORS Electrochemical sensors are designed to be highly selective and are capable of detecting concentrations in the parts per million range. Gases detected include oxygen, hydrogen sulphide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. The sensors utilise multiple electrodes immersed in an electrolyte. As gas diffuses into the sensor an electrochemical reaction occurs, which produces a current that is proportional to the gas concentration. Strengths of the electrochemical detector are;

Cost effective protection High sensitivity

Limitations of the electrochemical detector are;

Require a certain amount of humidity to correctly function Sensors wear out over time Sensors can be poisoned by foreign material

3.4 WHAT DO I CONNECT A GAS DETECTOR TO? Gas detectors can be connected in 3 different ways to provide varying degrees of information. 1. Stand Alone the detector is fitted with internal relays that provides alarm and

fault outputs. When the detector senses the set level of gas it activates warning devices. The unit can have LED indication, however, the disadvantage of a stand alone configuration is that in the event of an emergency or fault there is no central remote indication. 2. Control Panel the detector is connected to a dedicated gas detector control panel. This panel may contain single cards with analogue and digital displays so as to provide centralised monitoring of multiple detectors. Warning devices can be operated from the panel, another advantage is that the power supply to the detectors is monitored. 3. Monitoring System the detector provides a 4-20mA output that connects to a site monitoring system. The output provides multiple alarm and fault conditions. The advantage of this system is that the gas detectors can be incorporated into a system that is monitoring other functions on the site such as air conditioning. 3.5 GAS DETECTOR INSTALLATION As with all detectors the environment that they will be operating in determines the placement of gas detectors. What appears to be a good place to locate a gas detector on paper may be a poor location in reality. Some of the factors to consider are;

The gas to be detected, some gases are heavier than air, therefore, the detector must be located near the floor. Obstructions such as girders, beams, supports, hoists, air conditioners and other solid objects may interfere with the flow of gas to the detector.

All high risk areas must be covered by at least one detector Airflow within the area may prevent the gas from reaching the detector.

When designing a system we recommend that a manufacturer be contacted as details can be provided on previous installations of a similar nature. This will ensure that the correct number of detectors is provided to ensure the most suitable detection. 3.6 GAS DETECTOR SELECTION When selecting which type of gas detector to use there are 6 questions to be answered; 1. What is the area that Im protecting (storage tank, pumping station, manned or unmanned, etc)? 2. What are the dimensions of the area that Im protecting? 3. What are the anticipated gases?
What type of gas is most likely to cause an emergency, The detector must be chosen for the type of gas that is probable.

4. What other sources of gas will be present?

Interference/background gases can effect the sensors reading

5. What will prevent the detector from detecting gas?

Industrial environments often contain elements that inhibit the ability of a detector to smell gas. For example, obstructions such as pipes, partitions, air conditioners etc can prevent detection taking place.

6. What are the long term plans of the area?

This will assist in determining if the detector will be effected by future changes in the environment and confirm the service requirements.

Once these questions have been answered the type of detector required will become evident. As previously stated we recommend that the

manufacturer be contacted for verification and further site specific information. It should be noted that not all gas detectors available offer the same features and level of protection, important considerations are;

Display what information is displayed at the detector and in what format Poisoning is the sensor resistant to foreign materials Serviceability can the detector be serviced on site or does it need to be returned to the manufacturer Calibration can calibration take place without declassifying a hazardous area Construction is the detector construction suitable for hazardous areas Outputs how many outputs are available for connection to monitoring / warning systems low, high, auxiliary and fault Options are options available to protect the sensor against, rain, dust, etc