Inert gases power a wide range of industries, including
pharmaceutical, automotive, manufacturing, and semiconductor. While argon,
helium, nitrogen, and cryogenic gases have benefits and uses, there are also
risks with other gases such as halogens, refrigerants, combustibles, or etching
gases. Gas detectors can monitor storage areas and facilities where these gases
are used to guard against gas leaks onsite. Learn why it's critical to use one
of these monitors in combustible gases distribution facilities.
The Role of Gas
Distributors
Unless companies are manufacturing their own gases onsite
through, for instance, a nitrogen generator, they rely on prompt delivery of
gases they need for operation.
Gas distributors store a range of inert gases for use by
manufacturers. Industry regulations mandate that gas distributors follow
certain guidelines for the storage and disposal of these substances to reduce
the risk of fires, explosion, gas leaks, and other incidents.
When everything is working correctly, gas flows as its needed
from the supply tank to, for instance, storage dewars which are then readied
for delivery. If a supply line develops a leak or a storage tank is not
properly sealed, gas will leak into the air.
Many of these gases have no smell, color, or odor. This means
that even if a facility is following all regulations regarding gas storage,
there is no way that an employee could detect a gas leak in the moment when
something goes wrong.
If storage dewars are compromised, gas will leak in the storage
truck and at the delivery site, spreading the risk to third parties.
When one of these toxic gases leaks into the air, the
consequences are dangerous. Hydrofluoric acid, a highly corrosive substance, is
harmful to the health when it's inhaled or in direct contact with skin.
Ammonia, which is commonly used as a refrigerant and in paper making, irritates
the skin, lungs, and eyes.
Some gases are flammable when in contact with oxygen, which
elevates the risk of fire. Others, like nitrogen, deplete oxygen from the
environment. When oxygen drops below a critical threshold, workers can
experience respiratory distress, cognitive distress, and ultimately death via
asphyxiation.
To provide fast notification and decrease the risk of health
hazards, it is recommended to install a universal gas detector wherever toxic
gases are used or stored. To further guard against leaks, gas distributors can
invest in durable equipment and train staff on proper handling of substances
and appropriate emergency responses.
How a Universal Gas
Monitor Can Protect Your Staff
A universal gas monitor can detect levels of gases even when the
eye and nose cannot.
OSHA, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration,
oversees worker safety in all environments, including gas distribution plants.
OSHA requirements to prevent workers from being harmed at work include the use
of a gas monitor where dangerous substances are used. By installing a universal
gas detector, you can bring your gas distribution plant in line with mandatory
requirements to keep workers safe on the job.
Not all gas monitors are created equal. It's important to choose
a gas monitor that is flexible, especially if you work with a range of
substances, and reliable for continuous operation. Gas monitors that do not
take accurate readings place worker health at risk, because they may fail to
spot a low-level leak.
PureAire's universal gas monitor detects a wide range of gases,
including:
·
Ammonia
·
Chlorine
·
Fluorine
·
Hydrogen chloride
·
Hydrogen fluoride
·
Nitrogen dioxide
·
Phosphine
·
and more
PureAire's universal gas monitor is designed to function
optimally once set up with no routine maintenance. The renewable sensor lasts
for 3 to 8 years on average. Unlike other monitors, PureAire's sensor is
rechargeable onsite, to save your gas storage facility time and money. While
employees can check interface readouts for peace of mind, the gas detector
works 24/7 out of the box. If the unit experiences a problem, error readouts
are related to the control room.
Since the monitor has a built-in LCD display, employees can
check substance levels at a glance. Dual level alarm relay contacts allow gas
distributors to choose the appropriate level for their purposes. Alarms provide
employees with sufficient notification to close valves, exit the area, and reduce
the risk of fire.
PureAire is an industry leader with more than 15 years of
experience developing oxygen monitors and universal gas detectors. Our products
provide reliable reports to increase safety and peace of mind. Learn more about
our universal gas monitor and view full product specifications online.
https://www.pureairemonitoring.com/universal-gas-detector/
https://www.pureairemonitoring.com/paint-booths-or-areas-using-combustible-gases/
https://www.chemicalsafetyfacts.org/ammonia/
