International Women in Engineering Day 2023

According to the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) (BESA), the proportion of women entering engineering professions is rising, bringing essential skills to address significant challenges. Currently, women comprise 16.5% of the UK’s engineering workforce, a notable increase from 10.5% in 2010. Research by EngineeringUK reveals that the number of women in engineering roles has surged from 562,000 to 936,000. Globally, women account for merely 28% of all engineering graduates.

For International Women in Engineering Day this year we have asked a member of our Manufacturing Team, Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Charlotte Handscombe-Buckley from our team UK team to tell us about her role here at Crowcon and her views on the importance of encouraging more women to get into engineering.

When did you realise you wanted to get into engineering?

I idolised my Grandad growing up, and he was an engineer who’d undertaken all sorts of engineering roles in his career but spent most of it installing and repairing diesel engines on trains. I was fortunate that he always encouraged me to be creative, test out ideas and to have a go at building / fixing things from a young age. I used to help him with DIY jobs and I remember him letting me loose with a nail gun felting a shed roof when I was only around 8 years old… my Gran got a bit of a shock when she came out into the garden and promptly told Grandad off!

I was torn between taking up engineering or becoming a paramedic but I then realised with engineering I could still help people by solving problems and making their lives better so that gave me the best of both worlds!

Tell us about what you do. What does your day-to-day look like?

My day-to-day varies hugely, but a typical day could start with our production start up meeting where we discuss what the days’ priorities are, then I could be running a GEMBA walk where a small team go into a production cell and ask lots of questions about the process and garner ideas and process improvements from the operators, this could be followed by a couple of project meetings with our development team, then finally I could be conducting a pilot run for a new PCB or new software release provided by development. Phew!

What’s the most difficult part of your job?

The most difficult part is learning about how our products and processes work but that’s also the most interesting part! By pulling apart the processes and asking lots of questions, I can boost my knowledge and apply this to future problems solving or making process improvements.

What do you like most about your job?

The best part of my job is the people interaction side. It’s great working in Manufacturing Engineering as the team and I get involved in so many different projects and activities. It keeps the days interesting (they do go quickly though!) and I’m learning new things all the time. I always like to say that I’ve had a great day at work if I’ve fixed something and learned something new!

Was it difficult for you, (especially as a woman), to get into engineering?

No, I was fortunate to have a supportive family and a great form teacher in college who told me to go for it and stop doubting myself! The route I took was A-Levels then university for a Batchelor’s degree but it’s great to see many more vocational options these days such as Degree Apprenticeships. It was daunting walking into a university hall for my first lecture which was made up of 90% male students but I had to remember I had just as much right to be there as any of them!

Women now make up 16.5% of the UK’s engineering workforce compared to just 10.5% in 2010. On a global scale, women make up only 28% of all engineering graduates. Why is it important for women to pursue careers in engineering?

We all know the benefits of a diverse workforce, and by increasing the number of women in engineering teams you see these positives such as faster problem solving, different perspectives and higher quality innovation. Also, girls looking to go into engineering need positive role models and by pursuing this career path, you can be positive influence on others who may be less confident taking that next step!

What advice do you have for women students who are considering the profession or women currently working in engineering?

Research the different disciplines. Engineering isn’t just hands on, mechanical work (although that is a great option!) your skill set and interests might be more suited to aerospace, chemical, electrical, software, product design or civil engineering etc There’s more than one way to smash that glass ceiling!

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Keeping Yourself Gas Safe this Summer

Maintaining gas safety is equally crucial during the summer months as it is in winter. While gas central heating may be deactivated during summer, your boiler continues to serve hot water needs, and you may also rely on a gas cooker for cooking purposes. Additionally, it’s important to consider gas-powered barbecues, which are commonly used and enjoyed by a significant portion of the population. Over 40% of individuals own a gas barbecue, with around 30% utilising it on a weekly basis for convenient outdoor meals.

When it comes to gas safety there’s no off-season, neglected appliances and boilers can pose a severe risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, potentially leading to fatal consequences. Here is everything you need to know about key challenges throughout the summer.

BBQ safety

During the summer, we often enjoy outdoor activities and extended evenings. Whether rain or shine, BBQs become the highlight, typically causing minimal concerns aside from the weather or ensuring thorough cooking. However, it’s crucial to recognise that Gas safety extends beyond homes and industrial settings, as BBQs require special attention to ensure their safety.

While carbon monoxide‘s health risks are widely acknowledged, its association with BBQs often goes unnoticed. In unfavourable weather conditions, we might opt to barbecue in areas like garages, doorways, tents, or canopies. Some may even bring BBQs inside tents after use. These practices can be extremely dangerous, as carbon monoxide accumulates in such enclosed spaces. It’s essential to emphasise that the cooking area should be positioned far from buildings, well-ventilated with fresh air, to mitigate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Familiarising oneself with the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning is vital, including headaches, nausea, breathlessness, dizziness, collapse, or loss of consciousness.

Additionally, the storage of propane or butane gas canisters in garages, sheds, and even homes presents another potential hazard. Without realising it, the combination of an enclosed space, a gas leak, and a spark from an electrical device can result in a potentially deadly explosion.

Gas safety on holiday

When you’re on holiday, gas safety might not be your top concern, but it remains essential for your well-being. Gas safety is equally crucial during your holiday as it is at home, as you may have limited knowledge or control over the condition of gas appliances in your accommodation. While gas safety is generally similar in caravans and boats, camping in tents presents unique considerations.

Gas camping stoves, heaters (such as table and patio heaters), and even solid fuel BBQs can emit carbon monoxide (CO), posing a potential risk of poisoning. Therefore, bringing these items into an enclosed space, like a tent or caravan, can endanger anyone nearby. Additionally, it’s important to recognise that gas safety regulations may vary in different countries. While it may not be feasible to be familiar with all local regulations, you can prioritise safety by following simple guidelines.

Tips for gas safety on holiday

Inquire about the servicing and safety checks of gas appliances in your accommodation.
Bring along an audible carbon monoxide alarm.
Note that the appliances in your holiday accommodation may differ from those at home. If instructions are unavailable, seek assistance from your holiday representative or accommodation owner.
- Recognise signs of unsafe gas appliances:
  - Black marks or stains around the appliance.
  - Lazy orange or yellow flames instead of blue.
  - Excessive condensation in your accommodation.
- Never use gas cookers, stoves, or BBQs for heating purposes, and ensure proper ventilation when using them.

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Engineered Fixed Systems: Bespoke gas detection systems, Engineered to your needs

Gas detection is critical to the safety of those who work in dangerous conditions. Not all gas detection problems can be solved with standard detectors. But what do organisations do, when they need to monitor dangerous gases, the environment means they cannot use standard products or systems? These unique problems often require a bespoke solution, such as Engineered Fixed Systems (EFS). These individually engineered, custom-built systems are made to address gas detection problems that lie beyond the scope of stand alone products.

Our EFS team designs, engineers, manufactures, installs and maintains customised solutions for gas detection challenges that cannot be addressed with standard products. The team is long established, but its work is at the cutting edge of modern engineering and crosses multiple operating environments and industrial sectors. The EFS team work closely with each customer to make sure that all needs, factors and preferences are understood.

“The Engineered Fixed Systems team are dedicated to providing innovative and cost-effective solutions for gas detection challenges that can’t be addressed using standard products. Over the years, we have worked with many customers and in various sectors to design and provide bespoke gas monitoring systems. But we know that many organisations have gas monitoring and detection problems they can’t solve in the usual ways, with the usual products. Before they come to us, our customers may be unsure of what they need, and yet also worry about being sold an expensive product that doesn’t really meet those needs. We can solve pretty much any gas detection problem, and work collaboratively with clients to ensure they are happy with the final product.” – Andy Avenell, EFS Lead.

Our highly experienced Engineered Fixed Systems (EFS) team is on hand to assist. They have decades of experience and will work with you closely throughout the process to help you define the challenge and deliver the best solution for your gas detection needs. To request a call back from our team, please fill out the online form here.

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The Importance of Gas Detection in the Security, Government and Defence Industry

Those working in our frontline public sectors risk their lives every day to serve and protect the communities they come from, and work within. Fire crews, police constabularies and medical healthcare first responder teams, when working in volatile, conflict zones need to be suitably protected and equipped to undertake their life saving work. Different applications will require a range of equipment from fixed detectors, to portable devices and air quality testing platforms. Whatever it is, robust detection supports reliable service delivery in hostile sectors internationally.

Within the crucial security, defence and government sectors the need for appropriate gas detection equipment is wide ranging. From a country’s armed forces, to their plethora of government departments, the varied applications within each area give rise to the workers within it encountering many different hazardous substances, specifically toxic and flammable gases.

Gas Hazards in the Security, Government and Defence Industry

For teams working within the defence sector, including the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force and Strategic Command, teams operate within hazardous, often life threatening environments. Whether it’s in a combat situation, or a training environment, the likelihood of encountering hazardous gases and materials are heightened in these fields. For example, teams operating in confined spaces, such as submarine crews, are at risk from the accumulation of toxic gases, reduced airflow and restricted monitoring and maintenance time. Whether based on sea, in the air, or on land, utilising exemplary gas detection equipment is a priority to allow teams to focus on the mission at hand and remain aware of any chemical, biological or radiological hazards.

Concealed and Confined Spaces

In concealed and confined spaces, such as submarines, crews are more at risk from hazardous gas build ups. With crews living and working for upwards of three months in these circumstances, false gas level readings and alarms can be catastrophic. Atmospheres need to be managed and overseen with the utmost caution to ensure the vessels can support life, as well as to monitor any potentially life-affecting substances.

Carbon Monoxide and Volatile Organic Compound (VOCs)

For those dealing with fire in their roles, whether this is as an arson investigator, fire fighter, or police officer there is a risk of carbon monoxide and volatile organic compound (VOCs) consumption. Utilising appropriate gas detection equipment in these environments can provide a way to analyse the evidence and assess which compounds or gases are present in the atmosphere as a result of fire, combustion or explosion. If ingested, VOCs and carbon monoxide can harm human health. Side effects include eye, nose and throat irritation, shortness of breath, headaches, fatigue, chest pain, nausea, dizziness and skin problems. In higher concentrations the gases can cause lung, kidney, liver and central nervous system damage.

Decontamination and Infection Control

When dealing with potential biological, chemical, radiological and nuclear incidents, specifically in the case of casualty contamination, monitoring the gases and harmful elements present can be life saving. Decontamination processes can bring workers into contact with a range of harmful gases including hydrogen peroxide, chlorine, ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, ammonia, chlorine dioxide and ozone. Due to the dangers of each of these gases, areas should be efficiently monitored during all phases of the decontamination process, including before personnel re-enter the area, during decontamination and when PPE is being removed by staff. For the areas where decontamination chemicals are stored, fixed gas detectors can keep teams aware of any leaks prior to workers entering the storage area.

Our Solutions

Elimination of these gas hazards is virtually impossible, so permanent workers and contractors must depend on reliable gas detection equipment to protect them. Gas detection can be provided in both fixed and portable forms. Our portable gas detectors protect against a wide range of gas hazards, these include T4x, Gasman, Gas-Pro, T4, and Detective+. Our fixed gas detectors are used in many applications where reliability, dependability and lack of false alarms are instrumental to efficient and effective gas detection, these include Xgard and Xgard Bright. Combined with a variety of our fixed detectors, our gas detection control panels offer a flexible range of solutions that measure flammable, toxic and oxygen gases, report their presence and activate alarms or associated equipment, for the power industry our panels include Gasmaster.

To find out more on the gas hazards in the power industry visit our industry page for more information.

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Xgard Type 3: The mV Advantage

Xgard Type 3 is the ideal solution for detecting lighter-than-air flammable gases such as methane and hydrogen. Detectors in such applications usually have to be mounted high-up in roof spaces or above equipment where access for calibration and maintenance is likely to present problems.

Gas detectors require calibration (usually every six months) and sensors may need to be replaced every 3-5 years. These activities usually require direct access to the detector to make adjustments and replace parts. National regulations such as the ‘UK Work at Height Regulations 2005’ stipulate safe working practices when working on equipment at height, and compliance usually requires the use of scaffolding or mobile ‘cherry pickers’ which entails significant cost and disruption on-site.

The advantage of mV pellistor type detectors

The terms ‘mV’ and ‘4-20mA’ describe the type of signal which is transmitted through the cable between the gas detector and the control system (for example a Crowcon Gasmaster). Calibration of 4-20mA detector (e.g. Xgard Type 5) entails removing the lid, and zeroing/calibrating the amplifier using a meter, test-points and potentiometers. Even more sophisticated detectors with a display and non-intrusive calibration still require direct access to operate the menu system using a magnet in order to perform calibration.

Xgard Type 3 is a mV pellistor-based detector which has no internal electronics (i.e. no amplifier); just terminals to connect via three wires to the control system (e.g. Gasmaster). Commissioning simply entails measuring the ‘head voltage’ at the detector terminals, and performing zero and calibration adjustments at the Gasmaster input module. Ongoing 6-monthly calibrations are then performed by remotely applying gas (via a ‘spray deflector’ or ‘collector cone’ accessory), and any necessary adjustments are made at ground level via the control system input module.

Hence once commissioned, mV pellistor type detectors do not need to be accessed until the sensor needs replacing; usually 3-5 years after installation. The routine need for expensive access equipment; scaffolding or cherry-pickers in thus avoided.

Xgard Type 3 can be directly connected to Gasmaster and Gasmonitor systems, and to Vortex via an ‘Accessory Enclosure’ accessory which converts the mV signals to 4-20mA.

Remote calibration of a mV pellistor type detector.

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What is IR beam technology?

Infrared detection technology (IR) is used within a range of applications including agriculture, oil and gas extraction, waste management, utilities and food and beverage production, to detect specific gases that absorb IR light at characteristic wavelengths. An infrared light beam passes through a gas cloud and onto collection optics where it is split and sent through filters onto infrared sensors.

Infrared emitters within the sensor generate beams of IR light that are measured by photo-receivers. Hydrocarbon gas molecules absorb light at 3.3 microns, Carbon dioxide molecules at 4.25 microns and other molecules at different wavelengths, so the beam intensity is reduced if there is an appropriate concentration of absorbing gas present. A “reference” beam (around 3.0μm) is not absorbed by gas, so arrives at the receiver at full strength. The %LEL of gas present is determined by the ratio of the absorbed and reference beams measured by photo-receivers.

How do IR Beam Sensors Works?

The Infrared beam sensor uses near identical infrared technology, but where the transmitter and receiver are separated by a distance. When a gas passes between the two and is absorbed by the IR light, the ‘beam is broken’ and the receiver will let you know. Typically, infrared open path detectors have a single gas detection beam 10m to 200m in length.

Advantages of Infrared Beam Sensors

Infrared beam detectors do not need any contact with the gas to be detected. They don’t need the gas to come to them
The IR sensors have a quick response. Any target gas crossing the beam is detected
One beam detector can cover an area, potentially replacing many fixed-point detectors
They are considered secure due to the point-to-point detection principle
All the normal pros and cons of IR sensors apply, including fail to safe, no poisoning, long lasting

Disadvantages of Infrared Beam Sensors

If it is very foggy, that counts as a beam interruption and gas cannot be detected until the fog clears
Beam detectors can sometimes be quite costly since extra measures need to be designed in to avoid sunlight interaction or excessive vibration affecting the receiver and causing reading inaccuracies
Cannot detect hydrogen

Why have beam detection?

When detecting gases, it is usual to build a gas detector, install it in a relevant place and wait for the gas to come to it to be detected. Sometimes, that is impractical due to a need to keep some working areas uncluttered for safety reasons, or where the gas needs to be detected close to a leak because the delay in it reaching a detection point would be unacceptable for a critical safety purpose. Under these circumstances having a gas detection system that can be pointed through the region of risk is often a good option.

Sometimes it is thought better to cover a whole enclosed volume with beam IR detectors instead of using many fixed-point detectors. The same applies with hand-held portable laser methane detectors.

A typical installation may be installing 2 beams across the top of several turbines in a power station instead of many fixed-point detector heads.

Here 2 beam detectors are being used instead of 23 fixed point gas detector heads to allow similar coverage. Typically beam detectors are about 6 times the cost of fixed-point detectors to manufacture, making system cost differences marginal. It has been known for some installations e.g., large FPSO floating refineries, to have their operational areas designed around their beam detector gas detection systems.

When detecting and monitoring methane leaks and emissions using portable handheld equipment, it is preferable to use laser IR detection methods. This helps save time as multiple areas can be analysed from one spot and often without having to access a hazardous area, improving worker safety, associated risk assessments and work permit paperwork.

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Our Partnership with Elmdale Welding and Engineering Supplies Ltd

Background

Elmdale Welding and Engineering Supplies Ltd is a family owned and operated business as well as being one of the largest independent distributors for welding products in the UK for the last 50 years. Offering customers, a wide range of quality welding products as well as the highest possible level of service; Elmdale are based in east Anglia but have 4 branches located in Great Yarmouth (Norfolk), Rayleigh (Essex), Hadleigh (Suffolk) and Norwich (Norfolk). Covering industries such as offshore energy, engineering & fabrication, agriculture all the way through to the home welder, Elmdale pride themselves on building strong customer relationships and offer free expert help and advice to customers on welding equipment, materials, and techniques.

Views on Gas Detection

With focus on health and safety being part of the ethos of Elmdale, providing their customers with a better understanding of the ways in which they can be kept safe is paramount. Gas detection is critical in terms of potential safety and can, in some cases, involve an immediate threat to life. Ensuring the correct equipment is provided and maintained is one of the key responsibilities that health and safety officers have. Elmdale have 35 employees with a mixture of experience and expertise, therefore provide the knowledge and understanding that is vital to ensure safety. Elmdale are not just a welding and engineering supplier but also offer hire.

Working with Crowcon

We are delighted to be working with Elmdale Welding and Engineering Supplies Ltd. to provide Crowcon. This partnership will work hand in hand with Elmdale’s current customer database to enhance their portfolio of industrial gases related safety products and services and provide gas detection thereby providing their customers with a full solution in order to keep them safe. “We are extremely excited to be working with Crowcon, as a premium brand focussed on safety Crowcon are a perfect fit for Elmdale. Plus, the addition of Gas detection to our range enhances our already comprehensive offer of products and services associated with the supply and safe use of industrial gases.” Elmdale Welding and Engineering Supplies Ltd. also plan to become an official Crowcon service and calibration centre in the future.

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The Importance of Gas Detection in the Power Industry

The energy industry is the very backbone of our industrial and domestic worlds, supplying essential energy to industrial, manufacturing, commercial and residential customers around the globe. With the inclusion of fossil fuel industries (petroleum, coal, LNG); electricity generation, distribution and sales; nuclear energy and renewable energy, the power generation sector is essential in supporting the increasing demand for power from emerging countries and an increasing world population.

Gas Hazards in Power Sector

Gas detection systems have been installed extensively in the power industry to minimise potential consequence through the detection of gas exposure with those working within this industry are exposed to a variation of power plant gas hazards.

Carbon monoxide

The transport and pulverisation of coal poses a high risk of combustion. Fine coal dust becomes suspended in air and highly explosive. The smallest spark, for example from plant equipment, can ignite the dust cloud and cause an explosion that sweeps up more dust, which explodes in turn, and so on in a chain reaction. Coal power plants now require combustible dust certification, in addition to hazardous gas certification.

Coal power plants generate large volumes of carbon monoxide (CO) which is both highly toxic and flammable and must be accurately monitored. A toxic component of incomplete combustion, CO comes from boiler casing leaks and smouldering coal. It is vital to monitor CO in coal tunnels, bunkers, hoppers and tipper rooms, along with infrared-type flammable gas detection to detect pre-fire conditions.

Hydrogen

With hydrogen fuel cells gaining popularity as alternatives to fossil fuel, it is important to be aware of the dangers of hydrogen. Like all fuels, hydrogen is highly flammable and if it leaks there is real risk of fire. Hydrogen burns with a pale blue, almost invisible, flame that can cause serious injuries and severe equipment damage. Therefore, hydrogen must be monitored, to prevent seal-oil system fires, unscheduled shutdowns and to protect personnel from fire.

In addition, power plants must have back-up batteries, to ensure the continued functioning of critical control systems in cases of power outage. Battery rooms generate considerable hydrogen, and monitoring is often carried out in conjunction with ventilation. Traditional lead acid batteries produce hydrogen when they are being charged. These batteries are normally charged together, sometimes in the same room or area, which can generate an explosion risk, especially if the room is not properly ventilated.

Confined Space Entry

Confined space entry (CSE) is often considered to be a dangerous type of work performed in power generation. It is therefore important that the entry is strictly controlled and detailed precautions are taken. Lack of oxygen, toxic and flammable gases are risks that can occur during work in confined spaces, which should never be considered as simple or routine. However, the hazards of working in confined spaces can be predicted, monitored, and mitigated through the use of portable gas detection devices. Confined Spaces Regulations 1997. Approved Code of Practice, Regulations and guidance is for employees that work in Confined Spaces, those who employ or train such people and those who represent them.

Our Solutions

Elimination of these gas hazards is virtually impossible, so permanent workers and contractors must depend on reliable gas detection equipment to protect them. Gas detection can be provided in both fixed and portable forms. Our portable gas detectors protect against a wide range of gas hazards, these include T4x, Gasman, Tetra 3, Gas-Pro, T4, and Detective+. Our fixed gas detectors are used in many applications where reliability, dependability and lack of false alarms are instrumental to efficient and effective gas detection, these include Xgard, Xgard Bright, XgardIQ and IRmax. Combined with a variety of our fixed detectors, our gas detection control panels offer a flexible range of solutions that measure flammable, toxic and oxygen gases, report their presence and activate alarms or associated equipment, for the power industry our panels include Vortex and Gasmonitor.

To find out more on the gas hazards in the power industry visit our industry page for more information.

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When would I need to measure gas leaks at distance?

The use of natural gas, of which methane is the principal component, is increasing worldwide. It also has many industrial uses, such as the manufacture of chemicals like ammonia, methanol, butane, ethane, propane and acetic acid; it is also an ingredient in products as diverse as fertilizer, antifreeze, plastics, pharmaceuticals and fabrics. With continuous industrial development, there is an increase in the risk of harmful gas being released. Although these emissions are controlled, there however, may be operations that involve the handling of hazardous gases in which lapses in preventive maintenance such as ensuring there are no faulty pipelines or equipment, can result in terrible outcomes.

What are the dangers and ways of preventing gas leaks?

Natural gas is transported in several ways: through pipelines in gaseous form; as liquefied natural gas (LNG) or compressed natural gas (CNG). LNG is the usual method for transporting the gas over a long distance, i.e., across oceans, whilst CNG is ordinarily transported using a tanker truck over short distances. Pipelines are the preferred transport choice for long distances over land (and sometimes offshore). Local distribution companies also deliver natural gas to commercial and domestic users across utility networks within countries, regions and municipalities.

Regular maintenance of gas distribution systems is essential. Identifying and rectifying gas leaks is also an integral part of any maintenance programme, but it is notoriously difficult in many urban and industrial environments, as the gas pipes may be located underground, overhead, in ceilings, behind walls and bulkheads or in otherwise inaccessible locations such as locked buildings. Until recently, suspected leaks from these pipelines could lead to whole areas being cordoned off until the location of the leak was found.

Remote Detection

Modern technologies are becoming available that allow for remote detection and identification of leaks with pinpoint accuracy. Hand-held units, for example, can now detect methane at distances of up to 100 metres, while aircraft-mounted systems can identify leaks half a kilometre away. These new technologies are reshaping the way natural gas leaks are detected and dealt with.

Remote sensing is achieved using infrared laser absorption spectroscopy. As methane absorbs a specific wavelength of infrared light, these instruments emit infrared lasers. The laser beam is directed to wherever the leak is suspected, such as a gas pipe or a ceiling. Due to some of the light being absorbed by the methane, the light received back provides a measurement of absorption by the gas. A useful feature of these systems is the fact that the laser beam can penetrate transparent surfaces, such as glass or Perspex, so there is a possibility to test an enclosed space prior to entering it. The detectors measure the average methane gas density between the detector and target. Readings on the handheld units are given in ppm-m (a product of the concentration of methane cloud (ppm) and path length (m)). This method allows for methane leak to be found quickly and confirmed by pointing a laser beam towards the suspected leak or along a survey line.

Overall Safety

As there are several risks when using gas such as explosion from damaged, overheated or poorly maintained cylinders, pipes equipment or appliances. There is also the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and burns caused by contact with flame or hot surfaces. By implementing real-time gas leak detection, industries can monitor their environmental performance, ensure better occupational health, and eliminate potential hazards for optimum safety. Also, early detection of gas leaks can trigger concerned engineers to curtail the spread and keep a safe environment for better health and safety.

For more information on measure gas leaks at distance, contact our team or visit our product page.

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LaserMethane Smart: The latest in laser methane detection

With increasing global regulation around methane emissions and reporting, the innovative technology of the LaserMethane Smart, the latest in laser methane detection. The innovative technology to measure methane leaks at a distance, uses a laser and camera system to provide a highly capable solution to various gas detection challenges within emission monitoring. It uses an infrared laser beam, where the transmitter and receiver are separated. When methane passes between the two, methane absorbs the infrared light, and the beam is disrupted. The device therefore accurately reports the concentration of the methane gas cloud. The device’s reading and camera’s image are overlaid and records the levels at time of inspection, all from a safe distance from the source. The readings can later be used to report on emissions and check that leak mitigation methods are successful.

Other handheld leak detectors usually detect flammable or explosive gas but in much closer proximity to the hazard and take much longer as it involves more travel to each specific measurement point. This means that traditional hand-held detection methods are inadequate to successfully detect leaks quickly or as safely.

Remote Detection

Modern technologies are becoming available that allow for remote detection and identification of leaks with pinpoint accuracy. Hand-held units, for example, can now detect methane at distances of up to 100 metres, while aircraft-mounted systems can identify leaks half a kilometre away. These new technologies are reshaping the way natural gas leaks are detected and dealt with.

Remote sensing is achieved using infrared laser absorption spectroscopy. As methane absorbs a specific wavelength of infrared light, these instruments emit infrared lasers. The laser beam is directed to wherever the leak is suspected, such as a gas pipe or a ceiling. Due to some of the light being absorbed by the methane, the light received back provides a measurement of absorption by the gas. A useful feature of these systems is the fact that the laser beam can penetrate transparent surfaces, such as glass or Perspex, so there is a possibility to test an enclosed space prior to entering it. The detectors measure the average methane gas density between the detector and target. Readings on the handheld units are given in ppm-m (a product of the concentration of methane cloud (ppm) and path length (m)). This method allows for methane leak to be found quickly and confirmed by pointing a laser beam towards the suspected leak or along a survey line.

Overall Safety

As there are several risks when using gas such as explosion from damaged, overheated or poorly maintained cylinders, pipes equipment or appliances. There is also the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and burns caused by contact with flame or hot surfaces. By implementing real-time gas leak detection, industries can monitor their environmental performance, ensure better occupational health, and eliminate potential hazards for optimum safety. Also, early detection of gas leaks can trigger concerned engineers to curtail the spread and keep a safe environment for better health and safety.

Laser-based gas sensor technology is an effective tool for detecting and quantifying polluting gases such as carbon dioxide or methane. Laser sensors are sharp with a quick response that can automatically detect the relevant gas. The LaserMethane Smart is a compact, portable methane gas detector, the latest laser methane device, replacing the now obsolete LaserMethane mini. LaserMethane Smart can detect methane leaks at a distance up to 30m, it enables companies to quickly survey multiple leak risks, and safely, without having to enter a hazardous area.

For more information about las gas detection, visit our website or contact our team

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