Blogs listed by category: Industries

Water Treatment: The Need For Gas Detection In Detecting Chlorine

Water utility companies help provide clean water for drinking, bathing, and industrial and commercial uses. Wastewater treatment plants and sewage systems help keep our waterways clean and sanitary. Throughout the water industry, the risk of gas exposure and gas-associated hazards are considerable. Harmful gases can be found in water tanks, service reservoirs, pumping wells, treatment units, chemical storage and handling areas, sumps, sewers, overflows, boreholes, and manholes.

What Is Chlorine and Why Is It Dangerous

Chlorine (Cl2) gas appears yellow green in colour, used to sterilise drinking water. However, most chlorine is used in the chemical industry with typical applications including water treatment as well as within the plastics and cleaning agents. Chlorine gas can be recognised by its pungent, irritating odour, which is like the odour of bleach. The strong smell may provide adequate warning to people that they are exposed. Cl2 itself is not flammable, but it can react explosively or form flammable compounds with other chemicals such as turpentine and ammonia.

Chlorine gas can be recognised by its pungent, irritating odour, which is like the odour of bleach. The strong smell may provide adequate warning to people that they are exposed. Chlorine is toxic and if inhaled or drunk in concentrated quantities can prove fatal. If chlorine gas is released into the air, people may be exposed through their skin, eyes or through inhalation. Chlorine is not combustible however can react with most combustibles which poses a fire and explosion risk. It also reacts violently with organic compounds such as ammonia and hydrogen, causing potential fire and explosion.

What is Chlorine used for

Water chlorination began in Sweden during the 18th century with the purpose to remove odours from water. This method continued to be used solely to remove odours from water until 1890 when chlorine was identified as an effective substance for disinfection purposes. Chlorine was first used for disinfection purposes in Great Britain in the early 1900’s which over the next century chlorination became the more favoured method used for water treatment and is now used for water treatment in most countries worldwide.

Chlorination is a method that can disinfect water with high levels of microorganisms where either chlorine or substance that contain chlorine is used to oxidise and disinfect the water. Different processes can be used to achieve safe levels of chlorine in drinking water to prevent against waterborne diseases.

Why Do I Need To Detect Chlorine

Chlorine, being denser than air, tends to disperse throughout low-lying zones in poorly ventilated or stagnant areas. Although non-flammable by itself, chlorine can become explosive when in contact with substances like ammonia, hydrogen, natural gas, and turpentine.

The reaction of the human body to chlorine depends on several factors; the concentration of chlorine present in air, the duration and frequency of exposure. Effects are also dependant on the health of an individual and the environmental conditions during exposure. For example, when small amounts of chlorine are breathed in during short time periods, this can affect the respirational system. Other effects vary from coughing and chest pains, to fluid accumulation in the lungs, skin and eye irritations. To note, these effects do not take place under natural conditions.

Our solution

The use of a chlorine gas detector provides detection and measurement of this substance in the air to prevent any accidents. Equipped with an electrochemical chlorine sensor, a fixed, or portable, single gas or multi gas Cl2 detector will monitor chlorine concentration in the ambient air. We have a wide range of gas detection products to help you meet the demands of the water treatment industry.

Fixed gas detectors are ideal to monitor and alert water treatment plant managers and workers to the presence of all the major gas hazards. The fixed gas detectors can be permanently positioned inside water tanks, sewage systems, and any other areas that present a high risk of gas exposure.

Portable gas detectors are lightweight and robust wearable gas detection devices. The portable gas detectors sound and signal an alert to workers when gas levels are reaching dangerous concentrations, allowing action to be taken. Our Gasman, and Gas-Pro portables have reliable chlorine sensor options, for single gas monitoring and multi-gas monitoring.

Control panels can be applied to coordinate numerous fixed gas detection devices and provide a trigger for alarm systems.

For more information about gas detection within water and water treatment, or to explore more of Crowcon’s gas detection range, please get in touch.

Leave a reply on Water Treatment: The Need For Gas Detection In Detecting Chlorine

Gas Hazards in Battery Power Storage

Batteries are effective at reducing power outages since they can also store excess traditional grid energy. The energy stored within batteries can be released whenever a large volume of power is needed, such as during a power failure at a data centre to prevent data being lost, or as a back-up power supply to a hospital or military application to ensure the continuity of vital services. Large scale batteries can also be used to plug short-term gaps in demand from the grid. These battery compositions can also be used in smaller sizes to power electric cars and may be further scaled down to power commercial products, such as phones, tablets, laptops, speakers and – of course – personal gas detectors.

Gas hazards

The main gas risk emitted by batteries, specifically lead acid batteries, is hydrogen. It is possible to get both hydrogen and oxygen evolved during charging however, a lead acid battery is likely to have catalytic recombination parts internally, so oxygen is less of a risk. Hydrogen is always a cause for concern, as it can collect and build up. A situation that is obviously worsened when they are charged in a space with a poor airflow.

When charging, lead-acid batteries consist of lead and oxide at the positive terminal, and of spongy lead at the negative anode, using concentrated sulfuric acid as the electrolyte. The presence of sulfuric acid is another cause for concern if the battery leaks or is ever damaged because concentrated acids harm people, metals and the environment.

When charging batteries also emit oxygen and hydrogen because of the electrolysis process. The levels of hydrogen produced soar when a lead acid battery cell “blows” or is unable to be charged properly. The amount of gas present is relevant because high levels of hydrogen make it highly explosive, even though it is not toxic. Hydrogen has a 100% lower explosive limit of 4.0% by volume, at which level an ignition source would cause fires or for hydrogen more usually, explosions. Fires and explosions are an issue not only for the workers within the space, but also for the surrounding equipment and infrastructure.

Importance of Gas Detection Technology

Gas detection is an invaluable safety technology often equipped in battery charging rooms. Ventilation is also advised, and while helpful, it is not fool proof as fan motors can fail and should not be relied upon as the sole safety measure for battery charging areas. Fans mask the problem while gas detection notifies personnel to act before problems escalate. Gas detection systems are crucial in informing personnel of increasing gas leaks before becoming dangerous. Gas detection units comply with local building codes and NFPA 111, the National Fire Protection Association standard on stored electrical energy emergency and standby power systems. They include maintenance, operation, installation, and testing provisions regarding the system’s performance. In addition to permanent gas detection systems, handheld units are available. The benchmark products are provided by Crowcon and are listed below.

Portable Gas Detectors

Crowcon’s portable gas detectors (Gasman, Gas-Pro, T4x, Tetra 3 and T4) protect against a wide range of industrial gas hazards, with both single gas and multi-gas monitors available. With a wide range of sizes and complexities, you can find the right portable gas detection solution to meet the number and type of gas sensors you need and your display and certification requirements.

Fixed Gas Detectors

Crowcon gas detection fixed systems offer a flexible range of solutions that can measure flammable, toxic, and oxygen gases, report their presence, and activate alarms or associated equipment. Crowcon fixed gas monitoring systems (Xgard, Xgard Bright and XgardIQ) are designed to be interfaced with manual call points, fire and gas detectors, and distributed control systems (DCS).

Control Panels

Crowcon gas detection control panels offer a flexible range of solutions that can measure flammable, toxic, and oxygen gases, report their presence, and activate alarms or associated equipment. Crowcon fixed gas (Vortex, GM Addressable Controllers, Gasmaster) monitoring systems are designed to be interfaced with manual call points, fire and gas detectors and distributed control systems (DCS). In addition, each system can be engineered to drive remote annunciators and mimic panels. Crowcon has a gas detection product to suit your application regardless of your operation.

Temperature Measurement

Crowcon has extensive experience with temperature measurement. There are several models of temperature measurement, from pocket thermometers to industrial kits ranging from -99.9 to 299.9°C with probes and clamps. They are enhancing their fixed detection capabilities by adding high-temperature electrochemical sulphur dioxide detection for battery manufacturing and charging stations. This is critical during the first charge of a battery, as a fault is most likely at that time. Their fast-acting systems detect the precursors to thermal runaway and quickly terminate power to the batteries to avoid damage.

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

Leave a reply on Gas Hazards in Battery Power Storage

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.

Leave a reply on The Importance of Gas Detection in the Security, Government and Defence Industry

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.

Leave a reply on The Importance of Gas Detection in the Power Industry

Industry Overview: Waste to Energy

The waste to energy industry utilises several waste treatment methods. Municipal and industrial solid waste is converted into electricity, and sometimes into heat for industrial processing and district heating systems. The main process is of course incineration, but intermediate steps of pyrolysis, gasification, and anaerobic digestion are sometimes used to convert the waste into useful by-products that are then used to generate power through turbines or other equipment. This technology is gaining wide recognition globally as a greener and cleaner form of energy than traditional burning of fossil fuels, and as a means of reducing waste production.

Types of waste to energy

Incineration

Incineration is a waste treatment process that involves the combustion of energy rich substances contained within waste materials, typically at high temperatures around 1000 degrees C. Industrial plants for waste incineration are commonly referred to as waste-to-energy facilities and are often sizeable power stations in their own right. Incineration and other high-temperature waste treatment systems are often described as “thermal treatment”. During the process waste is converted into heat and steam that can be used to drive a turbine in order to generate electricity. This method currently has an efficiency of around 15-29%, although it does have potential for improvements.

Pyrolysis

Pyrolysis is a different waste treatment process where decomposition of solid hydrocarbon wastes, typically plastics, takes place at high temperatures without oxygen present, in an atmosphere of inert gases. This treatment is usually conducted at or above 500 °C, providing enough heat to deconstruct the long chain molecules including bio-polymers into simpler lower mass hydrocarbons.

Gasification

This process is used to make gaseous fuels from heavier fuels and from waste containing combustible material. In this process, carbonaceous substances are converted into carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and a small amount of hydrogen at high temperature. In this process, gas is generated which is a good source of usable energy. This gas can then be used to produce electricity and heat.

Plasma Arc Gasification

In this process, a plasma torch is used to ionise energy rich material. Syngas is produced which may then be used to make fertiliser or generate electricity. This method is more of a waste disposal technique than a serious means of generating gas, often consuming as much energy as the gas it produces can provide.

Reasons for Waste to Energy

As this technology is gaining wide recognition globally in regards to waste production and the demand for clean energy.

  • Avoids methane emissions from landfills
  • Offsets greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from fossil fuel electrical production
  • Recovers and recycles valuable resources, such as metals
  • Produces clean, reliable base-loaded energy and steam
  • Uses less land per megawatt than other renewable energy sources
  • Sustainable and steady renewable fuel source (compared to wind and solar)
  • Destroys chemical waste
  • Results in low emission levels, typically well below permitted levels
  • Catalytically destroys nitrogen oxides (NOx), dioxins and furans using an selective catalytic reduction (SCR)

What are the Gas Hazards?

There are many processes to turn waste into energy, these include, biogas plants, refuse use, leachate pool, combustion and heat recovery. All these processes pose gas hazards to those working in these environments.

Within a Biogas Plant, biogas is produced. This is formed when organic materials such as agricultural and food waste are broken down by bacteria in an oxygen-deficient environment. This is a process called anaerobic digestion. When the biogas has been captured, it can be used to produce heat and electricity for engines, microturbines and fuel cells. Clearly, biogas has high methane content as well as substantial hydrogen sulphide (H2S), and this generates multiple serious gas hazards. (Read our blog for more information on biogas). However, there is an elevated risk of, fire and explosion, confined space hazards, asphyxiation, oxygen depletion and gas poisoning, usually from H2S or ammonia (NH3). Workers in a biogas plant must have personal gas detectors that detect and monitor flammable gas, oxygen and toxic gases like H2S and CO.

Within a refuse collection it is common to find flammable gas methane (CH4) and toxic gases H2S, CO and NH3. This is because refuse bunkers are built several metres underground and gas detectors are usually mounted high up in areas making those detectors hard to service and calibrate. In many cases, a sampling system is a practical solution as air samples can be brought to a convenient location and measured.

Leachate is a liquid that drains (leaches) from an area in which waste is collected, with leachate pools presenting a range of gas hazards. These include the risk of flammable gas (explosion risk), H2S (poison, corrosion), ammonia (poison, corrosion), CO (poison) and adverse oxygen levels (suffocation). Leachate pool and passageways leading to the leachate pool requiring monitoring of CH4, H2S, CO, NH3, oxygen (O2) and CO2. Various gas detectors should be placed along routes to the leachate pool, with output connected to external control panels.

Combustion and heat recovery requires the detection of O2 and toxic gases sulphur dioxide (SO2) and CO. These gases all pose a threat to those who work in boiler house areas.

Another process that is classed as a gas hazard is an exhaust air scrubber. The process is hazardous as the flue gas from incineration is highly toxic. This is because it contains pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), SO2, hydrogen chloride (HCL) and dioxin. NO2 and SO2 are major greenhouse gases, while HCL all of these gas types mentioned here are harmful to human health.

To read more on the waste to energy industry, visit our industry page.

Leave a reply on Industry Overview: Waste to Energy

An Introduction to the Oil and Gas Industry 

The oil and gas industry is one of the biggest industries in the world, making a significant contribution to the global economy. This vast sector is often separated into three main sectors: upstream, midstream and downstream. Each sector comes with their own unique gas hazards. 

Upstream

The upstream sector of the oil and gas industry, sometimes referred to as exploration and production (or E&P), is concerned with locating sites for oil and gas extraction the subsequent drilling, recovery and production of crude oil and natural gas. Oil and gas production is an incredibly capital-intensive industry, requiring the use of expensive machinery equipment as well as highly skilled workers. The upstream sector is wide-ranging, encompassing both onshore and offshore drilling operations. 

The major gas hazard encountered in upstream oil and gas is hydrogen sulphide (H2S), a colourless gas known by its distinct rotten egg like smell. H2S is a highly toxic, flammable gas which can have harmful effects on our health, leading to loss of consciousness and even death at high levels. 

Crowcon’s solution for hydrogen sulphide detection comes in the form of the XgardIQ, an intelligent gas detector which increases safety by minimising the time operators must spend in hazardous areas. XgardIQ is available with high-temperature H2S sensor, specifically designed for the harsh environments of the Middle East. 

Midstream

The midstream sector of the oil and gas industry encompasses the storage, transportation and processing of crude oil and natural gas. The transportation of crude oil and natural gas is done by both land and sea with large volumes transported in tankers and marine vessels. On land, transportation methods used are tankers and pipelines. Challenges within the midstream sector include but are not limited to maintaining the integrity of storage and transportation vessels and protecting workers involved in cleaning, purging and filling activities. 

Monitoring of storage tanks is essential to ensure the safety of workers and machinery. 

Downstream

The downstream sector refers to the refining and processing of natural gas and crude oil and the distribution of finished products. This is the stage of the process where these raw materials are transformed into products which are used for a variety of purposes such as fuelling vehicles and heating homes.  

The refining process for crude oil is generally split into three basic steps: separation, conversion and treatment. Natural gas processing involves separating the various hydrocarbons and fluids to produce ‘pipeline quality’ gas. 

The gas hazards which are typical within the downstream sector are hydrogen sulphide, sulphur dioxide, hydrogen and a wide range of toxic gases. Crowcon’s Xgard and Xgard Bright fixed detectors both offer a wide range of sensor options to cover all the gas hazards present in this industry. Xgard Bright is also available with the next generation MPS™ sensor, for the detection of over 15 flammable gases in one detector. Also available are both single and multi-gas personal monitors to ensure workers safety in these potentially hazardous environments. These include the Gas-Pro and T4x, with Gas-Pro providing 5 gas support in a compact and rugged solution.

Leave a reply on An Introduction to the Oil and Gas Industry 

Why is gas emitted in cement production?

How is cement produced?

Concrete is one of the most important and commonly used materials in global construction. Concrete is widely used in the construction of both residential and commercial buildings, bridges, roads and more. 

The key component of concrete is cement, a binding substance which binds all the other components of concrete (generally gravel and sand) together. More than 4 billion tonnes of cement is used worldwide every year, illustrating the massive scale of the global construction industry. 

Making cement is a complex process, starting with raw materials including limestone and clay which are placed in large kilns of up to 120m in length, which are heated to up to 1,500°C. When heated at such high temperatures, chemical reactions cause these raw materials to come together, forming cement. 

As with many industrial processes, cement production is not without its dangers. The production of cement has the potential to release gases which are harmful to workers, local communities and the environment. 

What gas hazards are present in cement production?

The gases generally emitted in cement plants are carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxides (NOx) and sulphur dioxide (SO2), with CO2 accounting for the majority of emissions. 

The sulphur dioxide present in cement plants generally comes from the raw materials which are used in the cement production process. The main gas hazard to be aware of is carbon dioxide, with the cement making industry responsible for a massive 8% of global CO2 emissions. 

The majority of carbon dioxide emissions are created from a chemical process called calcination. This occurs when limestone is heated in the kilns, causing it to break down into CO2 and calcium oxide.  The other main source of CO2 is the combustion of fossil fuels. The kilns used in cement production are generally heated using natural gas or coal, adding another source of carbon dioxide into addition to that which is generated through calcination. 

Detecting gas in cement production

In an industry which is a large producer of hazardous gases, detection is key. Crowcon offer a wide range of both fixed and portable detection solutions. 

Xgard Bright is our addressable fixed-point gas detector with display, providing ease of operation and reduced installation costs. Xgard Bright has options for the detection of carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide, the gases of most concern in cement mixing. 

For portable gas detection, the Gasman’s  rugged yet portable and lightweight design make it the perfect single-gas solution for cement production, available in a safe area CO2 version offering 0-5% carbon dioxide measurement. 

For enhanced protection, the Gas-Pro multi-gas detector can be equipped with up to 5 sensors, including all of those most common in cement production, CO2, SO2 and NO2.

Leave a reply on Why is gas emitted in cement production?

Car Parks are More Dangerous Than You Think

Road vehicles can emit a number of harmful gases through exhaust fumes, the most common being carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Whilst these cause gases are an issue in open air environments, there is particular cause for concern in more confined spaces such as underground and multi-storey car parks. 

Why are car parks of specific concern? 

The gases emitted through exhaust fumes are absolutely an issue regardless of where they are being emitted, and contribute to a wide variety of issues including air pollution. However, in car parks any dangers these gases cause are exasperated due to the high number of vehicles in a small, confined area and the lack of natural ventilation to ensure that these gases do not reach dangerous levels. 

What gases are present in car parks? 

Vehicles emit a variety of exhaust gases including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide. Carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide are the most common and are also of particular concern due to the potential negative impacts on human health that exposure to these gases can have. 

What are the dangers of gases in car parks? 

Out of the two most common gases in car parks, carbon monoxide poses the more significant threat to human health. It is an odourless, colourless and tasteless gas making it almost impossible to detect without some sort of detection equipment. 

Carbon monoxide is dangerous as it negatively impacts the transport of oxygen around the body which can cause a wide range of health problems. Breathing low levels of CO can cause nausea, dizziness, headaches, confusion and disorientation. Regularly breathing low levels of CO may cause more permanent health issues. At very high levels carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness and even death, with around 60 deaths attributed to carbon monoxide poisoning in England and Wales every year. 

Breathing in nitrogen dioxide also has negative health impacts including breathing and respiratory issues as well as damage to lung tissue. Exposure to high concentrations can cause inflammation of the airways and prolonged exposure can lead to irreversible damage to the respiratory system 

What regulations are there? 

In 2015, a new European Standard (EN 50545-1) was introduced, specifically relating to the detection of toxic gases such as CO and NO2 in car parks and tunnels. EN 50545-1 specifies requirements for remote gas detectors and control panels to be used in car parks. The goal of the standard is to increase the safety of gas detection systems in car parks and prevent the use of inadequate systems. Th standard also the alarm levels to be used for gas detection in car parks, shown in the table below. 

  Alarm 1  Alarm 2  Alarm 3 
CO  30 ppm  60 ppm  150 ppm 
NO2  3 ppm  6 ppm  15 ppm 

 

Crowcon Park System 

Crowcon have recently launched a new range of fixed detectors and control panels designed specifically for gas detection in car parks. 

The SMART P set of detectors, consisting of the SMART P-1 and SMART P-2 can detect CO, NO2 and petrol vapours, with the SMART P-2 offering simultaneous detection of both CO and NO2 in a single detector. The MULTISCAN++PK control panel can manage and monitor up to 256 detectors. Every product in the range has been designed to fulfil the requirements of the European Standard EN 50545-1. 

Leave a reply on Car Parks are More Dangerous Than You Think

The importance of gas detection in the Petrochemical Industry

Closely linked to oil and gas, the petrochemicals industry takes raw materials from refining and gas processing and, through chemical process technologies, converts them into valuable products. In this sector, the organic chemicals produced in the largest volumes are methanol, ethylene, propylene, butadiene, benzene, toluene and xylenes (BTX). These chemicals are the building blocks of many consumer goods including plastics, clothing fabric, construction materials, synthetic detergents and agrichemical products.

Potential Hazards

Exposure to potential hazardous substances is more likely to occur during shutdown or maintenance work as these are a deviation from the refinery’s routine operations. As these deviations are out of normal routine, care should be exercised at all times to avoid the inhalation of solvent vapours, toxic gases, and other respiratory contaminants. The assistance of constant automated monitoring is helpful in determining the presence of solvents or gases, allowing their associated risks to be mitigated. This includes warning systems such as gas and flame detectors, supported by emergency procedures, and permit systems for any kind of potentially dangerous work.

The petroleum industry is split into upstream, midstream and downstream and these are defined by the nature of the work that takes place in each area. Upstream work is typically known as the exploration and production (E&P) sector. Midstream refers to the transportation of products through pipelines, transit and oil tankers as well as the wholesale marketing of petroleum-based products. The downstream sector refers to the refining of petroleum crude oil, the processing of raw natural gas and the marketing and distribution of finished products.

Upstream

Fixed and portable gas detectors are needed to protect plant and personnel from the risks of flammable gas releases (commonly methane) as well as from high levels of H2S, particularly from sour wells. Gas detectors for O2 depletion, SO2 and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are required items of personal protection equipment (PPE), which is usually highly visible colour and worn near breathing space. Sometimes HF solution is used as a scouring agent. Key requirements for gas detectors are rugged and reliable design and long battery life. Models with design elements that support easy fleet management and compliance obviously have an advantage. You can read about VOC risk and Crowcon’s solution in our case study.

Midstream

Fixed monitoring of flammable gases situated close to pressure relief devices, filling and emptying areas is necessary to deliver early warning of localised leaks. Multi-gas portable monitors must be used to maintain personal safety, especially during work in confined spaces and supporting hot work permit area testing. Infrared technology in flammable gas detection supports purging with the ability to operate in inert atmospheres and delivers reliable detection in areas where pellistor type detectors would fail, due to poisoning or volume level exposure. You can read more on how infrared detection works in our blog and read our case study of infrared monitoring in refinery settings in Southeast Asia.

Portable laser methane detection (LMm) allows users to pin-point leaks at distance and in hard-to-reach areas, reducing the need for personnel to enter potentially dangerous environments or situations while performing routine or investigative leak monitoring. Using LMm is a quick and effective way to check areas for methane with a reflector, from up to 100m away. These areas include closed buildings, confined spaces and other difficult-to-reach areas such as above-ground pipelines that are near water or behind fences.

Downstream

In downstream refining, the gas risks may be almost any hydrocarbon, and may also include hydrogen sulphide, sulphur dioxide and other by-products. Catalytic flammable gas detectors are one of the oldest flammable gas detector types. They work well, but must have a bump testing station, to ensure each detector responds to the target gas and is still functional. The ongoing demand to reduce facility down-time whilst ensuring safety, especially during shutdown and turnaround operations, means that gas detection manufacturers must deliver solutions offering ease of use, straightforward training and reduced maintenance times, along with local service and support.

During plant shutdowns, processes are stopped, items of equipment are opened and checked and the number of people and moving vehicles at the site is many times higher than normal. Many of the processes undertaken will be hazardous and require specific gas monitoring. For example, welding and tank cleaning activities require area monitors as well as personal monitors to protect those on site.

Confined space

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is a potential problem in the transport and storage of crude oil. The cleaning of storage tanks presents a high hazard potential. Many confined-space entry problems can occur here, including oxygen deficiency resulting from previous inerting procedures, rusting, and oxidation of organic coatings. Inerting is the process of reducing the oxygen levels in a cargo tank to remove the oxygen element required for ignition. Carbon monoxide can be present in the inerting gas. In addition to H2S, depending on the characteristics of the product previously stored in the tanks, other chemicals that may be encountered include metal carbonyls, arsenic, and tetraethyl lead.

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 Clip SGD, Gasman, Tetra 3, Gas-Pro, T4, Gas-Pro TK 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, Fgard IR3 Flame Detector 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 petrochemical industry our panels include Addressable Controllers, Vortex and Gasmonitor.

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

Leave a reply on The importance of gas detection in the Petrochemical Industry

The importance of gas detection in the Medical and Healthcare sector

The need for gas detection in the medical and healthcare sector may be less widely understood outside of the industry, but the requirement is there, nonetheless. With patients across a number of settings receiving a variety of treatment and medical therapies that involve the usage of chemicals, the need to accurately monitor the gases utilised or emitted, within this process is very important to allow for their continued safe treatment. In order to safeguard both patients and, of course, the healthcare professionals themselves, the implementation of accurate and reliable monitoring equipment is a must.

Applications

In healthcare and hospital settings, a range of potentially hazardous gases can present themselves due to the medical equipment and apparatus utilised. Harmful chemicals are also used for disinfectant and cleansing purposes within hospital work surfaces and medical supplies. For example, potentially hazardous chemicals can be used as a preservative for tissue specimens, such as toluene, xylene or formaldehyde. Applications include:

  • Breath gas monitoring
  • Chiller rooms
  • Generators
  • Laboratories
  • Storage rooms
  • Operating theatres
  • Pre-hospital rescue
  • Positive airway pressure therapy
  • High flow nasal cannula therapy
  • Intensive care units
  • Post anaesthesia care unit

Gaz Hazards

Oxygen Enrichment in Hospital Wards

In light of the worldwide pandemic, COVID-19, the need for increased oxygen on hospital wards has been recognised by healthcare professionals due to the escalating number of ventilators in use. Oxygen sensors are vital, within ICU wards specifically, as they inform the clinician how much oxygen is being delivered to the patient during ventilation. This can prevent the risk of hypoxia, hypoxemia or oxygen toxicity. If oxygen sensors do not function as they should; they can alarm regularly, need changing and unfortunately even lead to fatalities. This increased use of ventilators also enriches the air with oxygen and can raise the combustion risk. There is a need to measure the levels of oxygen in the air using a fixed gas detection system to avoid unsafe levels in the air.

Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide level monitoring is also required in healthcare environments to ensure a safe working environment for professionals, as well as to safeguard patients being treated. Carbon dioxide is used within a plethora of medical and healthcare procedures from minimally invasive surgeries, such as endoscopy, arthroscopy and laparoscopy, cryotherapy and anaesthesia. CO2 is also used in incubators and laboratories and, as it is a toxic gas, can cause asphyxiation. Heightened levels of CO2 in the air, emitted by certain machinery, can cause harm to those in the environment, as well as spread pathogens and viruses. CO2 detectors in healthcare environments can therefore improve ventilation, air flow and the wellbeing of all.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

A range of VOCs can be found in hospital and healthcare environments and cause harm to those working and being treated within it. VOCs such as aliphatic, aromatic and halogenated hydrocarbons, aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, ethers and terpenes, to name a few, have been measured in hospital environments, originating from a number of specific areas including reception halls, patient rooms, nursing care, post-anaesthesia care units, parasitology-mycology labs and disinfection units. Although still in the research stage of their prevalence in healthcare settings, it is clear VOC ingestion has adverse effects on human health such as irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat; headaches and the loss of coordination; nausea; and damage to the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system. Some VOCs, benzene specifically, is a carcinogen. Implementing gas detection is therefore a must to safeguard everyone from harm.

Gas sensors should therefore be used within PACU, ICU, EMS, pre-hospital rescue, PAP therapy and HFNC therapy to monitor the gas levels of a range of equipment including ventilators, oxygen concentrators, oxygen generators and anaesthesia machines.

Standards and Certifications

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the organisation in England that regulates the quality and safety of the care delivered within all healthcare, medical, health and social care, and voluntary care settings across the country. The commission provides best practice details for the administering of oxygen to patients and the proper measurement and recording of levels, storage and training about the use of this and other medical gases.

The UK regulator for medical gases is the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). They are an Executive Agency of the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) that ensures public and patient health and safety through the regulation of medicines, healthcare products and medical equipment in the sector. They set appropriate standards of safety, quality, performance and effectiveness, and ensure all equipment is used safely. Any company manufacturing medical gases requires a Manufacturer’s Authorisation issued by the MHRA.

In the USA The Food and Drug Association (FDA) regulates the certification process for the manufacture, sale and marketing of designated medical gases. Under Section 575 the FDA states that anyone marketing a medical gas for human or animal drug use without an approved application is breaking specified guidelines. The medical gases that require certification include oxygen, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, helium, 20 carbon monoxide, and medical air.

To find out more on the dangers in the medial and healthcare sector, visit our industry page for more information.

Leave a reply on The importance of gas detection in the Medical and Healthcare sector