Gas Monitoring Solutions

To ensure you make the best decision, here are some monitoring systems that work quite well in many areas of the oil and gas industry.

1. Fixed-area monitoring systems
2. Open-path area monitoring systems
3. Portable gas monitors
4. Disposable gas monitors

1) Fixed Area Monitoring Systems

Fixed area monitoring systems consist of individual point gas monitors spread throughout medium to large industrial facilities. These are designed to monitor large areas night and day. Designed and certified to be explosion-proof, the monitors provide the most accurate and timely readings. In addition, these systems can also stand up well to adverse weather conditions or harsh work environments where humidity, dust, and extreme temperatures may be present.

Pro Tip: Many gas detection systems are designed to send real-time data to your smartphone. See if the system your facility needs offers this feature.

2) Open-path Area Monitoring Systems

For applications like fencelines, refinery boundaries or other long linear areas where gas might be present, open-path gas detectors may be preferred over fixed-point detectors. Open-path detectors use a beam of infrared light to detect hydrocarbon gases. The advantage of open-path detectors is that they can operate over distances of between 30 and 100 meters, so fewer are needed to cover a given distance. However, they are more expensive than fixed-point detectors,  must remain aligned precisely and cannot pinpoint a leak source. 

3) Portable Gas Monitors

Portable gas monitors are designed to be carried by a worker and detect gas in the immediate vicinity. These augment fixed systems and provide peace-of-mind for workers who spend a large part of their day in confined spaces or around highly pressurized vessels that can unexpectedly leak dangerous gases. Monitoring from one to four gases, these units include alarms and are often used with data collection systems that track employee exposure to gas levels throughout the day. 

4) Disposable Monitors

Disposable monitors are similar to portable monitors but are not reusable. While they may last a few years, the sensors and batteries cannot be replaced and as a result their reliability, accuracy and repeatability decline over their working life. These are most useful for plant turnarounds or other special single-use applications.

Keeping Your Worksite Safe

No matter which type of monitoring system is used at an oil or gas facility, it’s important to maintain, test and calibrate any gas detectors on a regular basis. Today’s gas detection systems are highly capable and should be considered indispensable when considering worker safety and equipment protection.

Contact us to find the right monitoring solution and control systems for your facility.

Lower Explosive Limit detectors, commonly referred to as LEL monitors, play an important role in various industrial facilities throughout many industries. With many factors at play during the monitoring process, it becomes important to pay attention to details, as overlooking one important element of the monitoring process could result in tragedy.

LEL Detection Principles

An LEL gas detector is designed to detect the presence of combustible gases such as hydrogen or hydrocarbons like methane, propane, or gasoline fumes. Most common LEL detectors use either Catalytic Bead sensors or Infrared Absorption sensors. CatBead sensors, as they are commonly known, detect gas by burning a small amount of gas (carefully!) on a hot wire; the resulting heat changes the wire’s resistance and indicates the presence of gas. Infrared Absorption sensors detect combustible hydrocarbon gases using a frequency of infrared light that is absorbed by the hydrogen-carbon bonds in hydrocarbon gases.

Detection of Multiple Gases

When using an LEL gas detector, it is common to include a second sensor to detect oxygen depletion or toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide or sulfur dioxide. Dual-channel detectors such as the GASMAX II and GASMAX CX make it easy to add a second local or remote sensor. 

Wireless Technology

Up to a few years ago, battery-powered wireless LEL detection was impractical given the amount of power required to operate an infrared sensor. Recent advances in sensor technology now allow battery-powered detectors to continuously monitor for explosive levels of combustible gas for more than six months. Information from the wireless sensor is transmitted to a central controller every five minutes, and more often if high levels of gas are detected. 

Pro Tip: LEL detectors can be programmed to send real-time reports and alerts to a website or manager’s smartphone. Get in touch with our expert team to find out how.

Calibration Methods

Of course, to ensure that the value shown on the monitor and recorded in the plant management system is accurate, LEL gas monitors must always be properly calibrated. Ignoring the need for calibration can lead to catastrophic results. To make sure this does not happen, many of today’s LEL gas detection devices are designed with electronics and software that simplify the calibration process and/or provide helpful reminders when calibration is due. 

Confined Space Monitoring

One of the most important areas to monitor are confined spaces where equipment malfunctions or leaks in pipes or valves can occur, resulting in a build-up of combustible gas. Sample draw monitors that incorporate integral sample pumps and low-flow warning devices can be mounted outside the confined space and continuously monitor the air inside the space for the presence of combustible or toxic gases, reducing the risk of explosion or injury in the event that a leak should occur. 

Connect with us to speak to an expert about LEL detectors in your business.

To make sure you get the most bang for your buck, it’s important to understand how VOC detectors work. Let’s take a closer look at VOC detection for industrial safety.

Photoionization

The most common detection technique used by VOC monitors designed for industrial safety is “photoionization”, and a sensor that uses photoionization is called a “Photoionization Detector”, or “PID” for short. These PID detectors depend on the fact that complex VOC compounds can be ionized by photons of ultraviolet light. Ionization is the process whereby a loosely-held electron is knocked out of the VOC molecule; this electron can be detected and measured by an electronic circuit. The more molecules there are, the more free electrons are generated by the UV light, and the higher the VOC reading. 

Similar to combustible gas sensors, the most common PID sensors are broad-spectrum devices, meaning they detect any VOC molecules present in the air. For example, if both Benzene and Toluene are present, the detector will show a combined reading, but will not be able to distinguish between the two compounds. 

Fortunately, PID sensors do offer a way to filter out some unwanted compounds. Each compound has a unique “Ionization Potential”, or “IP” value (measured in electron volts, or eV) that depends on the molecular arrangement of individual atoms. PID sensors come with different eV ratings, and can only detect compounds that have IP values below the electron-volt rating of the lamp. So if you know that the compound you want to measure has an IP value of 9.6, for example, you can use a PID sensor with a 10.0 eV rating and can be sure that you won’t detect any compounds with an IP value greater than 10.0. 

Alarm Systems

Whenever the presence of a VOC is detected, it will be crucial to alert nearby personnel of impending danger. However, since all industrial facilities are different in terms of noise, layout, and other factors, doing so effectively may require a combination of both audible and visual alarm components: light and horns. To make certain personnel are notified no matter their work environment, gas detection systems that include VOC monitors can be equipped with multiple alarm systems that sound automatically in the event of an emergency. By having the ability to use strobes, horns and sirens, VOC detection systems can be installed in multiple types of work environments. From areas where equipment noise may hinder sirens to large facilities that may have personnel spread out over long distances, the right alarm station configuration can ensure everyone is notified of the danger as quickly as possible.

Calibration 

Finally, it is important to understand the potential VOCs that may be present and design a calibration procedure that ensures that the detector will sound an alarm when even the most insensitive gas component is present. Since PID detectors are broad-spectrum devices and will respond to multiple VOCs if present, choosing the right detector and calibration gas is critical to personnel safety.

Connect with us for more information on detecting the presence of VOCs in your workspace. 

Unfortunately, natural gas leaks can occur without any warning. As you’re developing your safety plan, it’s important to invest in a gas detection system that will accurately monitor your working conditions. From portability to wireless integration, there are important safety features to consider as you choose a gas detector.

How accurately does it read?

In an emergency situation, the accuracy of your gas monitor cannot falter. A good gas monitor will promptly notify your employees of toxic gas exposure, but the best gas monitor will be sensitive enough to detect gases at the onset. To make sure you’re receiving the best possible reading, compare the measuring range of your devices and ensure that the sensors have been tested to detect the true gas concentration.

Pro Tip: With remote access, you can use your smartphone to easily access important information in your gas monitor from any location.

Is it reliable for your industry? 

Even after meticulous testing, gas detection systems can break down from toxic gases. Be sure to research which gases your industry is exposed to and compare the durability of the sensors in question. Having a reliable gas monitor will keep your employees safe for the long-term, and with proper functioning, could also save money.

In addition, don’t forget to verify that your detection system will detect the specific gases it is designed for. Unfortunately, many sensors can cross-detect different gases and could cause confusion in your facility. Minimize any unnecessary headaches by ensuring your gas monitor is calibrated to properly detect the gases in your vicinity.

How user-friendly will it be?

Don’t disregard the usability of your gas detection system. If your gas monitor is too complicated or disrupts a workers’ productivity, your team will see it as a hindrance and will fail to keep it maintained. Choose a device that can be easily handled and/or installed in your industrial or semiconductor equipment. With proper training and an effective gas monitor, your employees will be given the tools necessary to minimize hazards.

Safety is Key

At the end of the day, the most essential feature of a gas detection system is to keep you and your workers safe. If your safety equipment can’t be trusted to effectively guard against toxic gases, there’s a problem. Choose a gas detection system that will accurately and reliably perform in your industry.

Are you searching for the right gas monitor for your business? Connect with our engineers to learn more!

Multiple Calibration Capability

While most of today’s flammable gas monitors need very little calibration, they do nevertheless require monitoring from engineers to make sure they are functioning properly. While this can be done on-site by supervisors, safety engineers, or maintenance technicians, most of today’s gas detectors are calibrated by engineers located in monitoring centers miles away from the facility. By having this capability, the monitors can be installed in almost any type of facility, making them a very versatile option for many companies.

Real-Time Data Networking

To be as efficient as possible, gas detectors use advanced electronics to integrate with a company’s computer data networks. By doing so, it’s possible to transmit real-time data to numerous sources at once, including monitoring centers, on-site managers and engineers, and maintenance technicians who may be in charge of installing, testing, and repairing equipment. Using advanced microprocessors, these monitors can not only send data far away, but also to on-site workers who use mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. By giving workers accurate and reliable data in real-time, a facility can greatly increase worker safety.

Combination Warning Systems

Since these sensors are responsible for multiple flammable gas applications, they are equipped with warning systems that combine both audible and visual systems to alert workers to possible danger. For example, since many industrial facilities are quite large, it’s likely many workers will not be nearby to spot warning lights or strobes. However, they could hear warning sirens alerting them to danger. And for those areas where noise levels are too high for sirens to be effective, lights and strobes can notify workers of a possible fire or explosion. By having multiple warning systems as part of their package, gas detectors can be programmed to use whatever types of alarms will be most effective within individual facilities.

Have Your Questions Answered

Needless to say, learning about a gas detector’s instrumentation can be a difficult and complex process. Rather than make the wrong decision about the type of gas detector to purchase for your facility, contact Global Detection Systems to speak with a qualified safety engineer. By doing so, you’ll get your questions answered by an experienced and knowledgeable industry professional.

Gas Detector

A gas detector is a device that will alert you if there is gas present. It is usually a device that is part of a greater alarm system in a commercial space, which sends a warning in the form of an alarm to warn anyone in the area to leave. Since most gases are odorless, this is very important for you to have on your property. Gas detectors come in many different sizes and types, offering you a choice when you start looking for devices to purchase. You can choose from infrared systems to ultrasonic systems. These detectors can be used to detect toxic, flammable, and combustible gases as well as oxygen depletion levels.

Gas Monitor

A gas monitor is different from a gas detector. One of the most important differences is that a monitor can be portable, allowing workers to clip them onto their uniforms when heading to work in an area that might have gas leaks. Many of the monitors are personal-use ones, and the addition of them to your commercial building can be a great benefit to your employees. There are some monitors that are especially designed to monitor one particular kind of gas, such as carbon monoxide, while others run the gamut of what they can detect. These devices are easy to use and light, allowing workers to carry them around as they work. They are also wireless, while most gas detectors are not.

Knowing the difference between a gas detection system and a gas monitoring one can be important when you want to keep your business and your workers safe. When you want portable, easy to use, and individual use devices, then the monitors are the best idea. When you want an alarm system that can detect gas leaks in an entire building and will alert you quickly, a gas detector is your best bet. Take the time to learn about the options available to make the best purchase.

It is essential to properly set up your gas detection equipment. If you don’t install everything correctly, it could lead to disastrous consequences when a leak crops up. Don’t think that rushing or overlooking steps is alright, because gas leaks occur pretty frequently in the industrial and commercial worlds. A job half-done can result in damaged company property, serious injuries, or in the worst cases, death.

Here are five absolute requirements in the setup of any gas detection system.

Sensors

Sensors must be installed in the areas which they are to monitor. You can’t put a sensor that needs direct contact with the monitored gases in the room next to the one that needs monitoring and expect it to work. Ensure every sensor is properly installed and hooked up to every system it needs to work correctly.

Orientation

Make sure that all sensors are properly oriented toward or in their target areas.

With direct contact sensors, this means that they are in the places that leaking gases are mostly likely to pass or in which they will accumulate. For dense gases, this would be lower to the ground. For lighter gases, it will be higher in the air. Research the gases you monitor to determine the best location.

Sensors which use light to determine leakage should be pointed such that their light can reach all the places which they are supposed to monitor.

Sensors monitoring auditory background for the sound of a leak should be located in the places where they are best able to “hear” the entire environment of the monitored area. Be sure that the areas most prone to leaks are within range.

Control System

After installing the sensors, it’s vital to get all of them hooked up to your central control and/or monitoring system. The sensor may work if hooked up to electricity, but without this assurance, identifying leaks and getting the notification out will be impossible.

Alarms

Your alarm system needs to be plugged into the central control system, so that it will sound appropriately as soon as a dangerous leak is detected. Working alarm systems are how most workers will get the news of a leak and the notice to evacuate all effected areas. No one wants people dying of asphyxiation or explosions. Making sure that alarms are connected all the right ways will be your greatest aid in notification.

Testing

Initial testing is imperative to knowing your system is working properly. If necessary, get trained professionals to come out and perform initial tests to ensure that every part of your gas detection equipment is working correctly.

Monthly and quarterly all-system tests will identify any issues so that you’re able to get them fixed before an incident happens.

Whatever you do, ensure that all five of these steps are followed before claiming to anyone that your gas detection equipment up and running. Regulatory agencies and employees alike will be happier knowing this.

Portable Detectors
As companies move toward providing employees with portable gas detection capabilities, numerous kinds of portable infrared gas detectors have started to become popular. Designed to detect numerous types of gases, these detectors are very useful for workers who spend much of their time in confined spaces, where toxic or combustible gases may build up in a short period of time. In addition to their ability to go with a worker into almost any type of work environment, these detectors have also made great strides in providing real-time information to management and safety personnel in the event of an emergency situation. In doing so, they are looked at as equipment which provides greater levels of safety as well as using technology to its maximum potential.

Open Path Detectors
Seen as a breakthrough in gas detection, open path detectors are used in various facilities where the need for quick detection is crucial. By not relying on one specific path to detect gas leaks, these detectors are seen by many companies as the future of infrared gas detection. In addition to being able to measure many undefined paths to detect dangerous gas levels, they also have proven to be reliable in harsh work environments. Whether it’s hot or cold temperature extremes, high humidity levels, or areas that may be prone to dust or other contaminants, open path detectors have proven to be key in making work environments much safer.

Whether it’s an open path detector used on an offshore oil rig or a portable gas detector being used in confined spaces, there is little doubt infrared gas detectors are seen as one of the best ways to keep workplaces safe for everyone. In the years ahead, new advances in technology are expected to make these detectors even more accurate, reliable, and efficient.

Wireless Gas Sensors

Sensors, on their most basic level, take a physical material and convert it to an electrical signal that can be easily read. These readings are measured using different systems and setups. Some use mercury to monitor the pressure and energy in a room, while other systems might use filters to read the concentration of specific elements. The following highlights the four basic types of wireless gas sensors in gas detectors that tackle the job of monitoring gas in commercial and/or industrial settings.

Catalytic Sensors

Catalytic Sensors are the most commonly used sensors in today’s market, mainly because of the ease in manufacturing and the high efficiency at which they operate. These sensors are designed mainly to detect the combustible gas hydrocarbon. Platinum treated wires are used in the manufacturing and when hydrocarbon gas passes through, catalytic oxidation occurs. The oxidation releases heat, which in turn changes the resistance – the ohms – in the wiring. When this reaches a specified point, the sensors sets off the alarms.

Infrared Sensors

These sensors use infrared light for the detection of hydrocarbon gases. A series of transmitters and receivers are lined up on the device and when the hydrocarbon vapors interfere with the transmission of light, the power in the device shifts. When these change, the sensor calculates the shift in power to determine the amount of hydrocarbons present in the air.

Electrochemical Sensors

Electrochemical sensors work to monitor the level of toxic gases present. Gases such as nitrogen oxide, monoxide, and chlorine are the main culprits. Electrodes along these sensors constantly monitor the parts per million of a gas in the air. When the amount is deemed unsafe, electric signals are sent to a monitoring base, usually a digital or LCD screen. Some even come equipped with “beeps” and “chirps” for areas with loud equipment.

Metal Oxide Semiconductors (MOS)

Metal oxide semiconductors (MOS) use chemical reactions to detect the presence of harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide. Tungsten or tin oxide films inside the sensors undergo chemical changes when they interact with carbon monoxide. When this happens, it triggers the alarm. One of the benefits of MOS sensors is that they are stable and reliable in relatively low humidity.

Like anything else, sensors need the same type of maintenance and care to prevent them from failing. Since most wireless detectors run off batteries, monthly tests to ensure the batteries are functioning properly and free of corrosion will keep all individuals within an area safe. In areas that receive a higher concentration of gases, recalibration and inspection of sensors are vital to optimal performance.