How Many Oxygen Monitors Should Be Installed? Where Should I mount one?

While OSHA regulations require the use of an oxygen monitor anywhere that compressed gases or cryogenic liquids are used or stored indoors, the regulation does not provide sufficient detail for facilities on how to set up am oxygen monitor. Businesses want to comply with the regulations, but are left wondering what compliance looks like. At PureAire, we're often asked by our customers, "how many oxygen sensors should installed?" so we thought we'd provide clarification on where and how to mount oxygen monitors.

Where an Oxygen Deficiency Monitor Should be Used

OSHA regulations require that oxygen deficiency monitors be placed in any room where compressed gases are used or stored. Storage areas are frequently outside or in confined spaces, such as basements or storage closets.

When gas tanks are installed outside and the gas enters the facility by pipes, we recommend oxygen deficiency monitors be installed near the main gas connections, which is where the gas enters the facility. This might be near a machine, a food and beverage packaging dispensing machine, a 3D printer, or other tool.

With respect to a confined space where dewars of gas are kept, the oxygen deficiency monitor should be installed directly in the storage area. PureAire's oxygen monitors are designed to function optimally in confined spaces, including cryogenic freezers, and are impervious to shifts in barometric pressure. As such, they take accurate readouts of oxygen levels in confined spaces, freezers, facilities, and other places.

The oxygen monitors measure  5.12 inches wide by 4.5 inches high by 3.25 inches deep, and their small size means that they're quite easy to place about the facility, even if you need to place the O₂ monitor in a tight confined space, such as a cryogenic freezer.

Best Place to Mount an Oxygen Deficiency Monitor 

Best practice is to mount the oxygen deficiency monitor 3 to 5 feet off the ground, as well as 3 to 5 feet away from a gas cylinder.

There are situations when the oxygen monitor should be placed further away. One common example is MRI rooms, where metal is prohibited due to the strength of the MRI magnet. In these circumstances, the oxygen deficiency monitor can be mounted outside of the room, and a plastic sample draw tube used to check oxygen levels inside the MRI room.

What is the Proper Spacing of Oxygen Monitors? 

This last question may be the trickiest question to answer. Nitrogen and other inert gases have no odor or color, so they cannot be seen. The difficulty here is that it's all but impossible to say where the gas will go if there is a leak.  

We recommend that you place one oxygen deficiency monitor every 400 to 600 square feet to be safe. This works out to every 20 to 30 feet in a large space. When you use this ratio to determine the right number and spacing of oxygen monitors for your facility, you'll be adequately covered just in case anything happens. Given the deadly consequences of a nitrogen leak, it's better to be safe than sorry.  

PureAire creates oxygen deficiency monitors that are capable of withstanding some of the toughest conditions. Oxygen deficiency monitors from PureAire are designed to operate in temperatures as low as -40 C up to 55 C.     

Oxygen deficiency monitors can last for 10 or more years with no calibration. The hardy zirconium sensor needs no calibration after installation, which means that setup couldn't be easier.  

PureAire's monitors are accurate to +/- 1 percent and come with two alarm levels, 18 percent and 19.5 percent. The integrated alarms provide sufficient notification for workers to evacuate the area. The LCD display is backlit so it's easy to read. 

All PureAire O2 monitors come with a 3 year warranty. Wall mounting brackets and an optional plug-in wall power supply are included, so you can mount the unit upon receipt and protect your facility from dangerous gas leaks.

To learn more about PureAire's oxygen deficiency monitors, visit www.pureairemonitoring.com.

How to Monitor Oxygen Levels in a Room?

If you're wondering how to monitor oxygen levels in a room, look no further than an oxygen monitor. Learn how to use an oxygen monitor, where you install an oxygen monitor, and why this one little device could save a life. 

Why Should I Measure Oxygen Levels in a Room? 

Before we can answer the question of how to measure oxygen levels in a room, we must look at why you're measuring oxygen levels in a room. 

Humans need oxygen to breathe. The air's natural oxygen concentration is around 21 percent; however, natural oxygen in the air can be displaced by certain gases, including nitrogen and argon. If nitrogen were to leak in a closed space, oxygen levels would fall. Since nitrogen and other inert gases have no color or odor, it's not as if you can spot a nitrogen leak occurring. 

When oxygen levels fall below the safe threshold, which is 19.5 percent, health hazards may occur. With only a few breaths of oxygen deficient air, you could fall unconscious and suffocate. Given these safety risks, leak detection systems are necessary. 

What is an Oxygen Monitor? 

An oxygen monitor is a device that measures oxygen levels in the room, to ensure the air has enough oxygen for respiration. Also called an oxygen deficiency monitor or an O₂ monitor, an oxygen monitor uses a sensor to measure oxygen levels. By tracking oxygen levels, gas leaks can be detected even though the leaking substance cannot be seen or smelled. 

Oxygen monitors come with a range of features, including built-in alarms that go off when leaks occur. There is usually a loud alarm (designed to be heard over machine noise) as well as a flashing light. 

Oxygen levels differ in their setup and maintenance needs, which makes the question of how to use an oxygen monitor a little more challenging to answer. Some brands of oxygen monitor require annual maintenance and calibration. Other styles of oxygen monitor, such as those sold at PureAire, do not need calibration after installation. PureAire's O₂ monitors are designed to work efficiently and accurately for 10 or more year after installation, saving time and money. 

Where You Install an Oxygen Monitor? 

Oxygen monitors should be installed anywhere there is a risk of gas leaks. Place one oxygen monitor in any room where you store inert gases and in any room where these gases are used. This way, if you have a helium, argon, or nitrogen spill -- for instance, in a university science lab -- the oxygen sensor will detect the lower levels of oxygen and sound the alarm. 

How do You Install an Oxygen Monitor?

Oxygen monitors can be mounted on the wall using a bracket and screw, then connected via plug-in-the-wall power supply. Alternately, oxygen monitors can be hardwired with the services of an electrician. It's your choice. We recommend that oxygen monitors be installed 3 to 5 feet off the ground, and 3 to 5 feet away from any obstacle, such as a gas tank. 

Oxygen monitors deliver peace of mind that your employees and your facility are protected from the hazardous side effects of a gas leak. They may be required by industry regulations. To get an industry-leading oxygen monitor that's maintenance-free, look to PureAire.

Where Can I Buy an Oxygen Monitor?

You know you need an O₂ monitor, but where do you get one, and how much does it cost?  Selling oxygen deficiency monitors is our business, so we've rounded up information to choose the right oxygen deficiency monitor for your needs. 

Who Should Use an Oxygen Deficiency Monitor? 

An oxygen deficiency monitor should be placed anywhere that inert gases, such as argon or nitrogen, are used or stored. Industries that use an oxygen deficiency monitor include: 

• Research & development – Laboratories often perform testing using nitrogen, argon, or CO2.
• Medical gases- Used in hospitals, or labs requiring ultra-purity (99.9%) inert gases or nitrogen gas.
• MRI facilities- Helium gas surrounds the MR magnet to protect from overheating while in operation.
• Pharmaceutical- Nitrogen is used in cryogenic freezers and CO₂ or dry ice is commonly used for shipping heat sensitive prescription drugs.
• Cryotherapy- Nitrogen gas is used to create on-demand low temperatures quickly for therapy. Used for treating people to reduce inflammation.
• Cryopreservation- N₂ gas is used in the process of cooling and storing cells, tissues, or organs at very low temperatures to maintain their viability.
• Universities- Many schools specializing in medicine, sciences, or aerospace require nitrogen gas, argon gas, or carbon dioxide for experiments and long-term research.
• Semiconductor- Ultra purity nitrogen gas or other inert gases are required to reduce corrosion and oxidation on wafers or in semiconductor tools.
• Food & Beverage- Nitrogen gas or CO₂ is used to rapidly flash freeze food, or increase the shelf life of packaged foods and beverages.
• OLED- Nitrogen gas is used to reduce oxidation in printing chambers maintaining the quality of the substrate.
• 3D Printers- Argon gas and nitrogen gas are used in printers to reduce corrosion and protect metals from being a source of ignition, most commonly titanium metals.

What is an Oxygen Monitor Alarm?

An oxygen monitor alarm goes off if oxygen levels fall to a critical threshold, which is defined by OSHA as below 19.5 percent. 

The type of alarm varies by the specifications of the oxygen deficiency monitor you're considering. At PureAire, our oxygen monitors have two alarm levels, for 19.5 percent and 18 percent. The built-in alarm operates at 90 decibels, so workers can hear the alarm over facility noise. The optional horn and strobe combination amplifies the alarm. 

Alarm relays link alerts with third party communication systems, such as control panels, PLCs, or fire alarm systems for maximum versatility. 

How Much Does an Oxygen Monitor Cost?

Oxygen monitors range in price from $1,500 to $4,500, depending on if you need percentage or ppm accuracy. 

Where Can I Buy an Oxygen Monitor? 

Now that you understand the different features available in an oxygen monitor, as well as who should have an O₂ monitor, you're ready to research and buy. We're partial to PureAire products, but we always recommend that you review the specifications of any oxygen deficiency monitor so you understand what features the product has and whether it's right for you. PureAire includes a sensor lasting 10 year or more which is usually more desirable when you’re planning on using an oxygen monitor longer than 2 to 3 years.

You can buy an oxygen deficiency monitor online from the manufacturer, directly though distributors, and through commerce outlets as well. 

PureAire works with various distributors such as Airgas, Air Liquide, Linde, Air Products, Fisher Scientific, and Johnson Controls.

One note of caution here, especially if you use the internet to research oxygen monitors. A number of products may come up when you search for O₂ monitors that are NOT the correct product to detect gas leaks. You may find search results for the following products when you begin to look for oxygen monitors online: 

• Finger oxygen monitor
• Blood oxygen monitor 
• Pulse oximetry monitor 
• Oximeter
• Baby monitor 

As you may guess from the names, these other monitors are commonly used in medical and pharmaceutical settings. The price point will be far less than what you would spend for the type of oxygen monitor we're talking about. The other oxygen monitors are also found in stores and online at pharmacies: Walgreens, Target, CVS, and the like. 

When you review the product specifications, make sure the product you've found does what you need it to do: Monitor levels of oxygen in the air to detect a gas leak that could harm your facility and workers. 

If there are other questions you have about shopping for an oxygen deficiency monitor, we're here for you. Chat with us online or email us today. 

Gas Distributors and Specialty Gas Suppliers Are the Key to Technology Companies

The technologies that power laptops, smartphones, LED televisions, and other technologies rely on one hidden ingredient: Gas. Compressed and inert gases help create a pure environment, control the temperature, and carry other substances for a high-quality end product. See how the different gases used play a pivotal role in technology product development and also how they introduce health and safety risks into the workplace. 

Compressed Gases Used in Technology Devices 

The most common compressed gases used in technologies include argon (Ar), helium (He), and nitrogen (N₂). 

Liquid and gas helium have a range of uses in science, laboratory, manufacturing, and technology settings. Within the semiconductor industry, helium keeps the manufacturing environment pure so that no unwanted chemical reactions occur. Since helium conducts heat efficiently, it stabilizes the temperature when silicon is introduced in the semiconductor manufacturing process. Helium's ability to cool quickly aids in a range of uses, from chilling semiconductor wafers to keeping an MRI magnet cool.  

Nitrogen (N₂₎ gas aids with the liquidous stage of semiconductor manufacturing, where the solder is wetting the surface to create a good bond. Since nitrogen flushes out oxygen, it's also used during the purging process. 

Some semiconductor manufacturing facilities have opted for nitrogen generations onsite rather than N₂ delivery from a commercial gas supplier. Since nitrogen is one component of air, it can be distilled for purity onsite using a generator. 

Like helium (He) and nitrogen, argon or Ar is inert. This gas is introduced in the sputtering phase of semiconductor manufacturing. Since argon maintains a highly pure environment, it prevents silicon crystals used in semiconductors from developing impurities. 

To source these gases, semiconductor, LED, and other manufacturers turn to compressed gas providers, who offer on-demand delivery of combustible gases. The chief gas distributors include Praxair, Airgas, Air Liquide, Linde, Matheson Tri-gas, and BOC.

The Hidden Dangers of Specialty Gas

While these specialty gases are highly useful, there is a danger associated with their use. Helium, nitrogen, and argon all deplete oxygen from the air. In the manufacturing process, this is a desired trait. Oxygen can cause flaws in the final product. 

Where trouble starts is when leaks occur and the specialty gas escapes into a closed room. Leaks can develop in supply lines, storage canisters, or nitrogen generators. These gases have no scent or color, so employees would not see or smell an argon leak. 

Within minutes of a leak, oxygen levels can fall from typical levels to deficient levels, which means that the air in the environment does not have enough oxygen for respiration. Employees can experience fatigue, dizziness, cognitive confusion, and respiratory distress. A few breathe of oxygen deficient air can render someone unconscious. Once an employee loses consciousness, the risk is death via asphyxiation. 

By tracking levels of oxygen using an oxygen monitor, employers can prevent workplace accidents and injuries and protect the well-being of their employees. An oxygen deficiency monitor tracks oxygen levels 24/7 and provides fast notification if oxygen levels plummet due to an inert gas leak. 

Just as these gases can leak in the semiconductor manufacturing plant, they can leak at the gas distributor as well. Leaks arise when storage equipment and supply lines develop holes, when storage dewars are not properly sealed, or when the equipment is used in a manner for which it was not originally intended or designed.

While end manufacturers are well aware of the risks of an oxygen deficient environment, there is less talk of the need for protection in gas distribution facilities. Wherever He, Ar, and N₂ are used or stored, oxygen monitors should be installed as a precaution. 

How an Oxygen Deficiency Monitor Works

An oxygen deficiency monitor has a built-in alarm to provide LED and sound alert when oxygen levels fall to the critical defined threshold, which is 19.5 percent. PureAire's monitors work in confined spaces, including basements and freezers, and function at temperatures of -40 C. PureAire's oxygen monitors are built to withstand 10+ years of use without subjectivity to barometric pressure shifts or temperature changes. The zirconium sensor needs no annual maintenance or calibration.

If you're looking for a reliable product that is easy to use out of the box, consider PureAire's O₂ monitor. Learn more about PureAire's oxygen deficiency monitor or read customer testimonials at https://www.pureairemonitoring.com or www.oxygenmonitors.com

Source:

http://summitsourcefunding.com/blog/helium-is-a-critical-part-electronics-supply-chain 
https://www.onsitegas.com/semi-conductor-nitrogen.html

Crispr and the Editing of Genes: To Help Revolutionize Biomedical Science

Scientists from MIT and Harvard University are placing their faith in a gene editing tool that may revolutionize the treatment of deadly diseases. CRISPR, which stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, has the potential to unlock the next generation of treatments for conditions like cancer, ALS, or Alzheimer's. Learn how CRISPR is poised to change genome editing and biomedicine over the next few decades.

How Does CRISPR Work? 

Bacteria within the body have their own innate intelligence -- the fascination with the microbiome being one example of this scientific principle.

Scientists observed that bacteria was able to fight infections by retaining a slice of DNA from invading viruses, so they could recognize if the virus returned and mount a faster defense. If the intruder returns, the body's natural CRISPR goes after it. Scientists were able to create their own CRISPR, which they can use to edit genes.

You may remember all genes contain chemical basis, referred to by the letters C, G, A, or T. A genetic typo creates markers for disease. Scientists can search for specific bad combinations using CRISPR -- for instance, the gene that would cause ALS -- and then slice out the faulty gene and replace it with something innocuous. By doing this before someone gets sick, the theory goes, CRISPR can save lives. 

Already, scientists are using CRISPR to breed mosquitos that cannot transmit malaria, an application that would save thousands of lives. Others are working to create a stronger rice plant that can withstand floods and drought caused by climate change.

There are a few examples that illustrate the power of CRISPR.

Scientists are still figuring out the true potential of this genome editing tool, however, there is great promise and great enthusiasm for CRISPR's potential from scientists across the globe. In the meantime, laboratory workers must preserve genes and tissue samples for vitality using a nitrogen freezer.

Keeping Tissue Safe in the Laboratory Setting

Nitrogen freezers maintain ultralow temperatures of -150 to -200 Celsius. When genetic material is frozen at such a low temperature, it goes to sleep. The material can be thawed and reanimated for use in the lab setting. Along with low temperatures, the key to maintaining the vitality of the tissue is a slow freeze and thaw. If cells were to freeze too quickly, their cell membranes would burst. The same holds true for thawing frozen tissue. Thus, nitrogen freezers are a mainstay of the lab setting because they provide a reliable, efficient way to keep genomic materials chilled until use.

Any time nitrogen is used, there is a risk of accident if the nitrogen leaks or spills. Nitrogen does not have a color, scent, or odor, which means lab workers wouldn't notice a leak -- although they might notice if, say, the freezer door did not fully close.

Like other inert gases, nitrogen displaces oxygen. If the nitrogen freezer were to leak, the laboratory could lose so much oxygen that workers would experience respiratory distress. To safeguard against a leak, laboratories must use an oxygen deficiency monitor.

An oxygen deficiency monitor tracks the level of oxygen in the lab through constant monitoring. Since nitrogen displaces oxygen, this monitor can detect a gas leak by noting falling levels of oxygen. A digital display indicates the current amount of oxygen in the room, providing assurance for lab staff that everything is working as it should. If oxygen falls to the critical threshold as defined by OSHA, an alarm goes off. Lab workers can exit the premises and wait for emergency personnel to respond.

PureAire creates robust oxygen monitors trusted within the scientific and biomedical communities. PureAire's oxygen deficiency monitors work in freezing temperatures and confined spaces, remain accurate despite barometric pressure shifts, and last 10 or more years without calibration. 

To learn more about PureAire's products, visit www.pureairemonitoring.com

sited sources:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/crispr-the-gene-editing-tool-revolutionizing-biomedical-research/

https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/references/gibco-cell-culture-basics/cell-culture-protocols/freezing-cells.html

Aluminum Extrusion: Staying Cool with Nitrogen

Aluminum is a highly malleable material, which is readily shaped for any number of purposes. The aluminum extrusion process is key to shaping aluminum, and it must be completed in an inert environment to reduce the formation of oxides. Learn why this is important and how facilities can reduce the risks of health hazards in an inert environment. 

How Aluminum Extrusion Works

Billets of aluminum are first heated to above 800 degrees Fahrenheit to become malleable, then coated with a lubricant so the molten metal will not stick to the extruding ram. 

The ram presses the aluminum billet through a die, which is cast in a given shape. As the aluminum passes through the die, liquid nitrogen flows over the metal to prevent oxides from adhering to the aluminum. This also extends the lifespan of the die by cooling it. In some operations, nitrogen gas is used instead of liquid. While the overall purpose is the same -- to keep out oxides, which can cause the extruded aluminum to crack -- the gas does not cool the die. 

The shaped aluminum passes through the die, then exits the press where its temperature is taken. Temperature records help maintain press speeds, for plant efficiency. The extruded aluminum pieces are then transferred to a leadout table and a puller, where the metal is cooled using fans. Some mixtures of aluminum are cooled with water as well as air. 

The cooled and cut aluminum is then stretched via a stretcher, a step that increases the hardness and strength of the finished piece. Finally, extruded aluminum pieces are cut for precision and aged under controlled temperatures via heat treatment. 

The entire process resembles a play-doh modeling kit, where the dough is squeezed through a press and comes out in a tube or a star shape, for instance. 

Extruded aluminum pieces are used in a variety of industries, including railway cars, lightweight automobiles, bridge decking, solar panels, and coaxial cables. 

Whether liquid or gaseous nitrogen is used, there is a risk of a nitrogen leak causing an oxygen deficient atmosphere. Nitrogen is naturally heavier than oxygen, so it displaces the oxygen molecules in the atmosphere. Since nitrogen has no color, odor, or scent, employees are unable to tell there's a leak. A leak poses health hazards in addition to work disruption and revenue losses. Fortunately, there's an easy way to protect facility staff. 

Why Oxygen Sensors Should Be Used With Aluminum Extrusion 

When nitrogen displaces oxygen, oxygen levels start to fall unbeknownst to anyone present. Eventually, oxygen levels will grow dangerously low. In an oxygen deficient environment, employees may start to feel dizzy or confused. Some may sweat, start to cough, or experience rapid breathing and increased heart rate. Death via asphyxiation is a real risk. 

An oxygen sensor provides assurance that there is no leak, since it tracks levels of oxygen in the room 24/7. As long as oxygen levels are above the OSHA threshold of 19.5, the monitor will be silent. If liquid or gas nitrogen starts to leak, leading oxygen levels to fall, the monitor will sound an air horn and flash lights. Staff will understand there is a problem and will have time to evacuate to safety. Staff can also check the monitor face at any time to see oxygen levels at a glance. 

PureAire offers oxygen monitors that feature zirconium sensors, which last long and withstand shifts in barometric pressure and temperature. These monitors can operate for over 10 years with no annual maintenance or calibration. PureAire's monitors work in temperatures from -40 Celsius to 55 Celsius and even function in confined spaces, such as basements or freezers.  Learn more about PureAire's products at www.pureairemonitoring.com. 

How Do Potato Chips Stay So Fresh In The Bag?

Chip bags have all that air in them for a valid reason — and it's not air, anyway, it's nitrogen gas. 

So what is this gas doing in your bag of crisps? First, the gas acts as a preservative so your chips are as crispy when you open the bag as the day they were packaged. Next, the gas also gives the chips a cushion. In what's known as slack fill, chips manufacturers intentionally inflate the package with nitrogen gas to protect it from damage in transit. Without the cushion of nitrogen gas, chips would likely wind up at their final destination as a bag of crumbs, because the chips inside the bag would break through being stacked in transit or packed onto a grocery store shelf. 

Nitrogen gas is piped into the chip bag before packaging. The gas displaces oxygen from the bag, which is then filled with chips and sealed. Without this step, chips would have a much shorter shelf life. Oxygen in the bag would cause the chips to stale and humidity found in air would lead to soggy crisps — no signature crunch.

While nitrogen gas does play an important role in keeping chips fresh and full-sized, there is a danger in using this gas. Not to the chips — since nitrogen lacks odor, color, and flavor—but to the employees in the processing plant. Nitrogen preserves the chips' texture because it displaces oxygen. If nitrogen leaks in the packaging facility, it will displace ambient oxygen — eventually causing levels to fall so low they threaten employee health. 

Workers become confused and dizzy when they breathe air that lacks sufficient oxygen. Oxygen-deficient air also causes respiratory problems and can lead to death via asphyxiation. 

The same properties that made nitrogen a good choice for preservation — lack of color, odor, and taste — mean employees cannot detect a leak until it is too late. 

Fortunately, there's a simple and reliable way to make sure food packaging facilities aren't leaking nitrogen: Using oxygen sensors to measure the amount of oxygen in the air. 

How an Oxygen Deficiency Monitor Protects Food Packaging Plant Workers

An oxygen monitor tracks oxygen levels in the facility, which should be stable as long as there is no gas leak. Since nitrogen gas displaces oxygen, oxygen levels will fall in the event that nitrogen starts to leak. When oxygen levels fall below safe thresholds — which are defined by OSHA as 19.5 percent — the oxygen monitor will sound an alarm. Employees will be able to leave the packaging floor and alert emergency personnel before the situation turns deadly. 

For peace of mind, employees can check the levels of ambient oxygen by looking at the face of the monitor. A silent monitor — with no loud alarms or flashing lights — indicates that all is well. Lights and loud noises mean staff should stop what they are doing and vacate immediately. 

To properly protect employees, one oxygen deficiency monitor should be installed in any room where nitrogen gas is used or stored. Facilities that use nitrogen generators to produce nitrogen on demand also need an oxygen sensor near the generator. 

PureAire's oxygen deficiency monitors are a cost-effective long-term solution to nitrogen leaks in food packaging plants. These monitors provide accurate readouts even when temperatures are as low as -40 Celsius, and operate reliably even in confined spaces, including freezers and basements. 

PureAire's monitors feature a zirconium sensor, which requires no maintenance and no calibration after installation. PureAire's O₂ monitors provide consistent readouts regardless of the weather or barometric pressure, which makes them reliable solutions for safety-minded employers. 

If you are looking for an oxygen monitor that is easy to use, accurate, and built to last, look to PureAire to provide solutions that protect your employees and deliver peace of mind. Browse products at www.pureairemonitoring.com.

Taste the Difference with Nitrogen Packed Coffee Grounds

When it comes to flavor, coffee purists prefer whole beans, which retain their flavors longer than ground coffee. Yet there's no denying the convenience factor of ground coffee, which is why it's so popular in offices. Ground coffee has a short shelf life -- hence the push to use airtight containers, which keep the flavors in the coffee -- and off flavors may develop if the coffee grounds are left on the shelf too long. Some coffee companies are trying a new trick to add shelf stability to their ground coffee: a nitrogen flush.

How Nitrogen Flushing Preserves Coffee Grounds

Oxygen is the enemy of ground coffee: When coffee grounds come into contact with oxygen, they go stale faster. This is why coffee grounds are sold in vacuum-sealed containers, and why consumers are encouraged to use airtight containers. For best flavor, coffee beans should also be stored in dark containers (so light does not pass through).

Some amount of oxygen is produced (in the form of CO₂) as the ground coffee degasses, a naturally occurring process. To release these gases and preserve coffee flavor, many coffee bags contain a one-way valve. Oxygen escapes through the valve, but cannot come back into the bag.

Some coffee companies are taking it one step further by flushing the bag with nitrogen gas during the coffee packaging process, which ensures that no oxygen is in the bag with the coffee where it would cause spoilage. Nitrogen gas is heavier than oxygen, so when it is pushed into the empty coffee bag, it displaces oxygen. The bag is then filled with coffee grounds and sealed with no ambient oxygen in the sack. This preserves coffee flavor.

Since nitrogen gas has no color or odor, it does not affect the taste of the coffee. What consumers get, months later, is grounds that are as fresh as they were the day the coffee was roasted and ground.

While this is beneficial for the consumer, nitrogen flushing may prevent problems at the packaging plant. Just as nitrogen gas flushes oxygen out of the bag, so can it displace oxygen from the room. If a leak were to occur, employees would not be able to tell (remember, the gas has no smell, odor, or color). A leak could push so much oxygen out of the air that staff could suffer respiratory problems, death via asphyxiation being the worst-case scenario.

How an Oxygen Sensor Can Protect Your Employees

Since nitrogen displaces oxygen, it's easy to detect a leak by tracking the levels of oxygen in the room. Oxygen sensors -- also known as oxygen deficiency monitors -- continually monitor oxygen levels. As long as the room air remains stable, there's no leak. When the levels of oxygen in the air fall to the OSHA threshold of 19.5 percent, where a health threat is imminent, the sensor will go off. Employees will see a flashing light and hear a loud alarm that warns of the low levels of oxygen. Staff can exit the packaging facility without suffering adverse health effects; they also enjoy peace of mind every day by checking the O₂ monitor.

PureAire supplies coffee manufacturers with oxygen sensors that help them offer a higher-quality product without placing workers at risk. PureAire's oxygen deficiency monitor requires no maintenance and calibration once installed, thanks to a hardy zirconium sensor. Once installed, the O₂ monitor will provide accurate readouts and leak detection for 10 or more years. PureAire's oxygen deficiency monitors function properly despite changes to barometric pressure, thunderstorms, and other weather events. Suitable for use in freezers, basements, and other confined spaces, PureAire's monitors perform in temperatures from 55 Celsius to -40 Celsius.

To protect worker safety, an oxygen monitor should be used wherever nitrogen gas is stored or used. Learn more about PureAire's products at www.pureairemonitoring.com.

Gas Chromatography and Breathe Safely While Using Nitrogen

Gas chromatography is a process used to separate chemical compounds for analysis. The analytical chemistry process is used with gases that won't decompose when vaporized. Gas chromatography are used in a wide range of industries -- everything from forensic science to medical marijuana. While the procedure is highly useful, there are risks when working with nitrogen gas. Learn how gas chromatography works, the role nitrogen plays, and how an oxygen sensor improves safety. 

How Gas Chromatography Work

In chromatography, one gas moves over the sample substance. The moving gas is known as the mobile phase, and it's usually an inert gas, such as nitrogen or helium. As the mobile phase passes over the substance, it separates out into its component parts. Since accuracy is key, it's vital that the moving gas not react with the substance being analyzed. For this reason, inert gases are recommended for gas chromatography.

Gas chromatography takes place within a special machine, known as a gas chromatograph machine. The substance being studied is injected into the chromatograph with a syringe, then the material is heated to the vapor stage. The carrier gas -- e.g. nitrogen -- is then added to the chromatograph to push the sample up the central column. As the substance being analyzed passes up the column, it's absorbed by the carrier and then separated into its distinct components. The components emerge from the column and pass through a detector, where they are identified and noted on a chart.

When the process is complete, every part of the mixture is identified. At this point, for instance, a forensic scientist will have the raw data needed to analyze evidence found at the crime scene. While television shows may portray the process as instant, it's often time-consuming.

Within the medical marijuana industry, scientists are using gas chromatography to test for pesticide residue in cannabis. While the medical marijuana industry is still young, and pesticide levels are not heavily regulated, industry leaders expect this to change as the marijuana industry grows. Thus, the use of gas chromatography to check for pesticides will grow too.

Whenever gases is used in the chromatography process, there's a potential for gas leaks, whether from the supply lines, storage tanks, or from the chromatograph itself. Nitrogen gas displaces oxygen. If nitrogen were to leak, air levels would become deficient of oxygen and employees could suffer health problems. 

Since nitrogen gas has no color or odor, there is no way for lab staff to tell that the gas has leaked. The best way to safeguard the lab is with an oxygen monitor. 

How an Oxygen Deficiency Monitor Protects Employees 

Risks of breathing oxygen deficient air include dizziness, fatigue, unconsciousness, and death via asphyxiation. All it takes is a couple breaths of air to experience adverse health effects. 

Since there is no way to tell whether a leak has occurred, it's necessary to use an oxygen sensor to track oxygen levels at all times. The oxygen monitor or sensor measures oxygen and only reacts when levels fall below a predefined threshold. Oxygen sensors from PureAire have alarms for oxygen levels of 18 percent and 19.5 percent, for instance. 

The oxygen deficiency monitor includes a flashing light and loud alarm, so that staff and passerby receive prompt notification of the leak. When the alarm goes off, employees can vacate the premises and contact emergency personnel. 

Given the serious risks posed by a nitrogen gas leak, it's important to use oxygen deficiency monitors anywhere inert gases are stored or used. 

PureAire is an industry leader when it comes to oxygen monitors. O₂ monitors from PureAire are designed for long-lasting and maintenance-free use. They feature a zirconium sensor, which lasts for 10-plus years without calibration. PureAire's monitors can handle temperature changes, barometric shifts, and even freezing temperatures. Learn more about PureAire's monitors and how they promote safety at 

www.pureairemonitoring.com.

Source: http://www.explainthatstuff.com/chromatography.html