New requirements for safe use and storage of liquid nitrogen and dry ice

The College of American Pathologists ("CAP")recently imposed new requirementsto address risks related to the use and storage of liquid nitrogen ("LN2") and dry ice.

Background

The new requirements come after a deadly incident in 2017, when liquid nitrogen leaked at a Georgia lab that was not accredited through CAP.  Emergency responders were called to the scene when an employee suffered burns and, moreover,lost consciousness from oxygen deprivation caused by the leak. While the employeeeventuallyrecovered from her injuries, one of the first responders died of asphyxiation as a result ofthe nitrogen leak.

That unfortunate incident illustrates the dangers of nitrogen leaks,which are inherent in the storage and use of LN2. Indeed, there are several cases reported nearly every year of laboratory personnel who die of asphyxiation caused by exposure to nitrogen gas.
Asphyxiation riskis present in dry ice usage as well since, if it is stored in areas without proper ventilation, dry ice can replaceoxygen with carbon dioxide, potentially causing workers to rapidly lose consciousness.

CAP’s New Regulations

Despite their safety risks, both dry ice and LN2 have many beneficial uses in commercial and lab settings, including hospital and research facilities. As such, CAP’s new focus on utilizing best practices to increase employee safety and reduce the danger of nitrogen leaks is vitally important.
Before the regulations were changed, lab directors had greater personal discretion in selectingthe types and deployment of safety equipment utilized in their facilities. Now, laboratories are required to place oxygen("O2") monitors at human height breathing levels anywhere liquid nitrogen is used or stored, and they must place signage warning of safety risk regarding, and train all affected employees on safe handling of, LN2 and dry ice.

Pathologists understand that oxygen/carbon dioxide monitors must be placed appropriately anywheredry ice or LN2 are used or stored.  Even a couple tanks of liquid nitrogen kept in a supply closet pose a safety risk, because even a small leak can quickly displace a large amount of oxygen.

Oxygen Monitors Protect Laboratory Workers

While many people realize that the use and storage of liquid nitrogen and dry ice can present health risks, they may fail to grasp the speed at which circumstances can become dangerous.  It takes only a few breaths of oxygen-deficient air for one to lose consciousness.

AS CAP recognized, oxygen and carbon dioxide monitors offer an effective solution to the health and safety risks posed by nitrogen leaks and inadequatedry ice storage. O2/CO2 monitors continually monitor the air, and they will remain silent so long as oxygen and carbon dioxideremain within normal levels.However,in the event that oxygen is depleted to an unsafe level (19.5%, as established by OSHA), or carbon dioxide levels rise to an unsafe level, alarms embedded in the monitors will sound, alerting employees to evacuate the area and summon assistance from qualified responders.

PureAireMonitors

PureAire Monitoring Systems’ line of oxygen and dual oxygen/carbon dioxide monitors offerthorough air  monitoring, with no time-consuming maintenance or calibration required., The monitors function well in confined spaces, such as closets, basements, and other cramped quarters.  PureAire’s monitors can handle temperatures as low as -40 C, making them ideally suited for environments, such as laboratories, that utilize liquid nitrogen or dry ice. A screen displays current oxygen levels for at-a-glance reading by employees, who derive peace of mind from the monitor’s presence and reliable performance.
Built with zirconium oxide sensor cells and non-dispersive infrared sensor (NDIR)cells, to ensure longevity, Pure Aire O2 monitors can last, trouble-free, for over 10 years under normal operating conditions.  That makes PureAire a cost-effective choice forprotecting employees and complying with the new safety regulations affecting labs and hospitals.
Learn more about oxygen monitors and best practices for their use at www.pureairemonitoring.com.

From Farm to Market: Fruit Ripening

Fruit has a brief window where it is perfectly ripe. If farmers waited until every piece of fruit was ripe before harvesting, farming would be more labor-intensive as farmers rushed to pick ripe fruits. Prices might crash due to a short-term glut of fruit on the market. To ensure a steady supply and demand, keep prices competitive, and reduce food waste, farmers use artificial ripening procedures. One method for ripening fruit after harvest involves ripening chambers. Ripening chambers using ethylene, a natural plant hormone, enable the fruit to be harvested, stored, and transported to where it will be marketed and consumed. While ethylene ripening chambers are beneficial, they are not without risks.

How Ethylene Ripening Chambers Work

While there are other ways to artificially ripen fruit in ripening chambers, ethylene has become a favorite, since it occurs naturally in fruit.
Ethylene is a natural hormone found in plants. Fruits begin to ripen when exposed to ethylene, whether the exposure occurs naturally or artificially. In ethylene ripening chambers, unripe fruits are laid out, and the chamber is sealed.Ethylene gas is then piped into the sealed chamber. As the fruit is exposed to ethylene, the fruit
“respires”,which involves intake of oxygen andemission of carbon dioxide. For the ripened fruit to have the right color and flavor, the ripening should occur in a controlled atmosphere in which the temperature, humidity, ethylene, oxygen, and CO2 concentrationaremaintained at optimum levels.
However, there is a risk of combustion from the ethylene gas, as well as decreased levels of oxygen and increased levels of carbon dioxide inside the chamber.

How Oxygen/Carbon Dioxide and LEL Combustible Monitors Protect Employees

Low oxygen levels cause respiratory distress. If oxygen levels drop below the safe threshold for breathing, which could happen in the event of an ethylene gas leak, employees could suffocate. Suffocation is also a danger when there is too much carbon dioxide in the air. Ethylene gas used in ripening chambers would be hazardous if an employee were to enter the chamber before determining that oxygen and carbon dioxide were at safe levels.

A dual oxygen/carbon dioxide (O2/CO2) monitor detects the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide within the chamber and sounds an alarm should the oxygen level falls to an OSHA action levelor if the carbon dioxide rises to an unsafe level.  By checking the monitor’s display, an employee will know when it is safe to enter the chamber.

PureAire Monitoring Systems has developed its dual O2/CO2 monitor with zirconium oxide and non-dispersive infrared sensor (“NDIR”) cells. The cells are unaffected by changing barometric pressure, storms, temperatures, and humidity, ensuring reliable performance.  Once installed, the dual O2/CO2 monitor needs no maintenance or calibration.

Ethylene is a highly flammable and combustible gas. If the gas lines used to pipe ethylene into the ripening chambers were to develop a leak, the chamber could fill with ethylene and reach combustible levels. A combustible gas monitor, which takes continuous readings of combustible gases, would warn employees of an ethylene leak within the chamber.

PureAire Monitoring System's Air Check LEL combustible gas monitor continuously monitors for failed sensor cell and communication line breaks. The Air Check LEL gas monitor is housed in an explosion-proof enclosure. If a leak or system error should occur, an alarm will immediately alert employees.

To learn about PureAire Monitoring Systems’ dual O2/CO2 monitors or the Air Check LEL Combustible monitor, please visit www.pureairemonitoring.com.

IVF Cryopreservation and Safe Handling Practices

Couples that want to have a baby but have not been able to conceive naturally are drawn to invitro fertilization (IVF) treatments.

In an IVF treatment, several eggs are fertilized at once, which creates multiple embryos. While more than one embryo may be implanted, to spur the odds of pregnancy, there are inevitably some unused embryos.

The remaining embryos may be preserved cryogenically, for use later, rather than destroyed. There are many reasons couples may select cryopreservation of embryos, including:

• A second chance if the IVF treatment fails the first time around
• The desire to have another child
• As a precaution before undergoing medically necessary procedures that might the reduce the odds of a successful pregnancy, such as cancer treatment
• Opportunity to use embryos in medical research
• Opportunity to donate embryos to another couple

The National Embryo Donation Center estimates that there are over 700,000 human embryos currently stored in the United States.

The cryogenic process relies on cryoprotective agents (or CPAs), which protect the embryo from damage while it freezes. Damage may occur as ice crystals form during the freezing process. Without the use of CPAs, the ice crystals could pierce the embryo wall, causing embryo failure.

Cryopreservation facilities may use either a slow or fast method to freeze the embryos. In the slow method, embryos are frozen in stages, with protective agents added in slow doses over time. The frozen embryos are then preserved in liquid nitrogen until they are slowly thawed for use.

The fast-freezing method combines higher concentrations of CPAs to the embryo, after which the embryo is quickly plunged into liquid nitrogen. The process is so quick that ice is unable to form, thus protecting the embryo from damage.

Wherever liquid nitrogen is used, there are risks associated with nitrogen leaks. Nitrogen displaces oxygen, and a leak would rob the air of oxygen, thereby creating a health hazard for medical staff. When there is not enough oxygen in the air, persons working in the area can suffocate due to the lack of oxygen. Since nitrogen lacks color and odor, there is no way to detect a leak using the senses. In addition, a nitrogen leak could lead to failure of the cryopreservation tanks storing the embryos. In order to ensure the safety of employees, and the viability of the embryos, cryopreservation facilities need to rely on oxygen monitors.

How Oxygen Monitors Protect Employee Health in IVF Facilities

Oxygen monitors continually sample the air, taking periodic readings of current oxygen levels. In the event of a nitrogen leak, and a drop in oxygen to an OSHA action level, the built-in horn will sound, and lights will begin to flash, thereby providing notification to the employees that they must exit the area.

Best practice calls for oxygen monitors to be placed wherever nitrogen is used or stored. Not all oxygen monitors currently on the market are suitable for use in confined spaces or in freezers.

PureAire Monitoring Systems oxygen monitors are uniquely suited for use in an IVF facility, because the monitors can withstand temperatures as low as -40C.

PureAire Monitoring Systems monitors feature long-lasting zirconium sensors, which are designed to provide accurate readings, without calibration, for up to 10 years. Busy IVF facilities will appreciate the ease of use, and low maintenance of PureAire Monitoring Systems products.

To learn more or to view product specs, please visit www.pureairemonitoring.com

New Solar Cell Technology to Help lower prices for the consumer

Inkjet Perovskite solar cells may help shape the future of energy production by lowering costs, and transparency.

Solar panels used to be costly and time-consuming to produce—and quite expensive on the consumer side. New technologies have driven costs as well as production time down, to the benefit of consumers. See what's new with solar panels and where the solar cell technology is going. 

New Solar Panel Developments

In traditional solar panels, silicon acts as a semiconductor. By doping the silica material with gallium and arsenic impurities, the silicon-based solar panel is able to capture solar energy and convert the sun's energy to electricity. While there are other materials that can act as semiconductors for solar energy, silicon is ideal because is forms an oxide at high temperatures. The oxide makes it easy to product consistent, high quality solar panels. The latest generation of solar cells use perovskite rather than silicon.

In 2009, researchers first discovered that perovskite could also be used to make photovoltaic solar cells. Despite the potential of this discovery, perovskites weren't considered a good choice for solar panels, because the materials needed to be heated to such high temperatures that very few materials could be coated with the perovskite solution. Glass could withstand the high heat, but a glass solar panel would be an impractical product for obvious reasons.

A young scientist recently discovered a new way to work with perovskites. Using an evaporation method, Polish scientist Olga Malinkiewicz, was able to coat flexible foil with perovskites. To speed the substrate drying process, nitrogen was used. By blowing dry nitrogen gas over the wet perovskite film, the resulting evaporation happened faster and more consistently. Without utilizing nitrogen in the process, the panels could have an inconsistent coverage, which would lead to poor energy conversion rates. 

The resulting solar panels were thin and flexible, both in their material application and their use cases. Imagine a portable solar panel that could attach to a laptop, drone, or car, something that could capture the sun's energy indoors or outdoors and travel with you, to power whatever you needed. 

Since her initial discovery, Malinkiewicz has refined the approach. The latest generation of perovskite solar cells are created with an inkjet printing procedure which makes them faster and cheaper to produce. With mass production feasible from an economic perspective, the perovskite solar cells can be a popular option to add electricity to areas that do not have an underlying power grid, whether that's rural communities or developing countries.

The technology is still being refined, so you won't see widespread perovskite solar cells just yet. However, researchers are cheering the innovation and its potential to revolutionize energy distribution.

One thing to consider moving forward with perovskite solar panels is the use of nitrogen in the process. Anywhere nitrogen is used, there's a safety risk should the gas leak from supply lines. 

How an Oxygen Monitor Can Help Detect Nitrogen Gas Leaks

Nitrogen leaks create health risks because nitrogen displaces oxygen, which humans need to breathe. Undetected, a nitrogen leak could create oxygen-deficient air, leading to respiratory distress and eventually death via asphyxiation. Nitrogen gases is both colorless and odorless, which means it would be impossible to detect a leak relying on the senses.

The easiest way to detect a leak is to measure ambient oxygen using an oxygen monitor. Oxygen monitors continually track levels of oxygen, sounding an alarm if levels fall to the OSHA threshold where safety is at risk. With flashing lights and a loud alarm, workers will be able to exit the room before the onset of health problems. 

PureAire creates industry-leading oxygen monitors that last for 10 or more years, with no calibration or maintenance needed. Learn more or view product specs at www.pureairemonitoring.com.

Pepsi Is Launching the First Ever “Nitro Soda”

Nitrogen-infused or nitro beverages have been among the biggest trends in the beverage industry. There's been no shortage of nitro cold brew coffees and nitro beers, but never a nitro soda—until now, with the launch of Nitro Pepsi. The new beverage was sampled at the 2019 Super Bowl and while you won't find it on tap just yet, here's what you can look forward to.

Introducing Nitro Pepsi 

Nitro Pepsi aims to revolutionize the most signature aspect of soda, which is the carbonation.

CO2 gas is responsible for creating the tangy bubbles that give soda its texture and mouthfeel. Nitrogen creates bubbles that are smaller and softer, for a creamier mouthfeel in the drink. The creamy experience naturally complements sweet, malty beer styles like stouts and porters, as well as cold brew coffees.

Translated into Pepsi, the nitrogen bubbles create a beverage that's reminiscent of an ice cream float (with that creamy sweetness). The drink will be available in two flavors, original Pepsi and vanilla. Pepsi recommends drinking the Nitro Pepsi cold, but not over ice.

With its new nitro soda, Pepsi hopes to transform the soda drinking experience, much the way that craft beer and coffee have been transformed by nitro drinks, and introduce their brand to a new audience of consumers.

While there's a lot of excitement around the new beverage, there are also some risks to consider, due to the use of nitrogen gas. Nitrogen is naturally dense and will displace oxygen in the environment. If the bottling plant experiences a nitrogen leak, this means that oxygen within the bottling plant will be pushed out of the air, creating a public health hazard.

Nitrogen gas is colorless and odorless, so employees would not be able to spot the leak. When oxygen levels first begin falling, employees will not notice any symptoms. By the time oxygen levels dip to the point where health is at risk, employees may begin to experience cognitive confusion or suffer respiratory distress. With oxygen deprivation, there's a risk of losing consciousness or suffering death via asphyxiation.

Preventing Nitrogen Leaks With a Dual O₂/CO₂ Monitor

While the nitrogen leak cannot be detected, what can be tracked is the level of oxygen in the room. By paying attention to oxygen levels and alerting employees when levels fall below the safe threshold, as defined by OSHA, a dual O2/CO2 monitor protects public health. Not only are these alarms required by OSHA where inert gases like nitrogen are used, they are the easiest way to protect employees from workplace hazards and deliver peace of mind in the plant bottling area.

The O2 monitor works by sampling the air to check oxygen levels. As long as oxygen levels are within the safe zone, the monitor is silent. With PureAire products, the monitor always displays readouts on a screen, so employees can check oxygen levels at a glance.

If a nitrogen leak develops and oxygen starts to fall, the monitor will flash lights and sound an alarm so that employees have ample warning to evacuate the area. Plant workers can then alert emergency services, who can respond to the leak.

There are many O2 monitors on the market, but PureAire's are unique for their construction. PureAire O2 monitors and dual O2/CO2 monitors feature zirconium sensors, which offer 10 or more years of reliable performance with no calibration. PureAire monitors do not need calibration or maintenance. All that's needed is to unbox the monitor, mount it on the wall, and plug it in to enjoy continuous oxygen monitoring and superior leak detection.

PureAire's O2 monitors are industry leading for their quality, construction, and performance. To learn more about PureAire’s dual O2/CO2 monitor or oxygen monitor, visit www.pureairemonitoring.com.

What is a Room Oxygen Deficiency Monitor?

Many industries use compressed gas to create products. While compressed gases such as nitrogen are low-cost, easy to use, and flexible in a range of industries, these gases have a hidden downside: They displace oxygen from the air, which puts your workers at risk of suffocation if there's a leak. A room oxygen monitor checks levels of oxygen and provides in-time alerts if there's a gas leak. Learn what a room oxygen monitor does, how it works, and who needs one.

What Does an Oxygen Monitor Do? 

Inert gases, such as nitrogen, displace oxygen. Since these gases cannot be seen or smelled, facilities need a tool that's capable of detecting gas leaks. An oxygen monitor tracks levels of oxygen in a room and provides efficient notification if oxygen levels fall as the result of a gas leak.

Oxygen monitors may be called O2 monitors or oxygen deficiency monitors. While these names are all synonymous, there are a few other terms you might hear that do not refer to this kind of oxygen monitor.

In the medical and pharmaceutical industries, you may come across blood oxygen monitor, pulse oximetry, or oximeter products. These are totally different products than the oxygen deficiency monitor, and they will not protect against gas leaks. You'll find medical oximeters sold at pharmacies and online retailers, while oxygen deficiency monitors are sold online, through distributors, or directly from manufacturers like PureAire.

Which Industries Use an Oxygen Monitor? 

Oxygen monitors are used by businesses in the following industries:

Food and beverage 
OLED
Semiconductor
Automotive

Pharmaceutical

Medical gas
MRI
Cryotherapy and cryohealth

Cryopreservation

Egg freezing

Research and development

Businesses in these industries commonly use gases such as nitrogen in everyday operations. An oxygen deficiency monitor not only provides in-time notification of gas leaks but may be required by regulations. Failing to install an oxygen deficiency monitor could leave you out of compliance, which could lead to fines.

How Does an Oxygen Monitor Work? 

An oxygen monitor works by using a sensor to check levels of oxygen. A digital display interface shows readouts in PPM, PPB, or percentage, so your workers can tell at a glance that everything is functioning properly.

When levels of oxygen are at naturally occurring levels, the oxygen monitor stays silent. Employees can still check the readout for peace of mind. When something is wrong, an loud alarm goes off to provide your workers with instant notification of a safety threat. 

PureAire's line of oxygen monitors feature a unique zirconium sensor, which is designed to function for 10 years or more with no maintenance. Unlike other types of O2 monitors on the market, our oxygen monitor does not need regular maintenance or calibration. Your facility will save time and money when you choose PureAire products. 

PureAire's O2 monitor perform in a range of environments, including confined spaces, basements, and freezers. Capable of accurate readouts in temperatures as low as -40 C, our oxygen monitors never drift from barometric pressure shifts or thunderstorms. 

Do you have questions about oxygen deficiency monitors? We're here to answer your questions. Chat with us online or call today: 888.788.8050.

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.