What are the Functions of Gas Detectors?
Gas detectors can help you make safety decisions more easily. ATO gas detector not only provides clear gas detector status and sensor information, but also reminds what to do after an alarm. This way you don't have to worry about interpreting gas detector alarm readings. So, what are the essential functions of the gas detector?
Correct reading
If you are in an environment where there may be a gas hazard and you are looking for a gas detector. Then the detector you need to choose needs to be able to detect these gases and display the gas concentration values correctly.
Before purchasing the right gas detector, answer the following questions first:
- What gas hazards exist in your site of use?
- How many gases do you need to monitor simultaneously?
- Are there any other gases that would cause cross-interference?
Although there are no multi-purpose gas detectors on the market that can detect all potential gas hazards, multi-gas detectors are already moving towards this trend. Look for suitable sensors to help detect gases that may be encountered or present that may cause a hazard.
Meet the requirements of personal protective equipment
To accurately measure gas exposure, gas detectors must be able to detect in accordance with national safety regulations. For example, if ammonia gas (NH3) is present on site, the gas detector must be able to detect ammonia gas concentrations greater than 300 ppm. However, many gas detectors can only measure ammonia from 0-100 ppm. But how can you tell if your PPE is providing adequate protection if your gas detector cannot exceed 300 ppm? To avoid this problem, choose a gas detector with a measurement range that meets the requirements of personal protective equipment.
Meet application requirements
Most multi-gas detectors have two versions: pumping detection and diffusion detection, but these two versions cannot be switched at will, that is, you can use the diffusion version for personal protection, but you cannot use it for sampling detection in confined spaces .
Pump-aspirated gas detectors draw gas from an unknown, potentially toxic or flammable gas environment into the detector to determine if the area is safe. It's actually the pump that keeps you out of harm's way. Enter the target confined space to perform any tasks after evaluating the air sample with a pump-aspirated gas detector and confirming that it is free of any toxic or flammable gases. However, the pump does not increase the detection range of the gas detector or make it more efficient. Gas detectors will only detect gas passing through the sensor. The pump in the gas detector does not increase the amount of gas sensed by the sensor. The pump makes it easy for you to sample and detect unknown spaces from a distance.
Status warning and maintenance reminder
Multi-gas detectors have pre-set maintenance reminders, such as "bump test due date" or "calibration due date" that automatically pop up on screen, so you don't have to guess whether the detector is ready to use.
Alarm behavior prompt and full screen alarm
When a gas detector alarms, you need to know what to do right away. If the detector can communicate correct operation prompts, you will be able to make safer choices quickly and easily. Custom alarm operation messages such as "evacuation" or "wear air call" echo the alarm settings, making it easy for you to take correct measures in an emergency.
Full-screen alarms can display alarm information on the entire display. This prompt allows you to focus on the gas that triggered the alarm without being distracted by non-critical readings. The more sensor information, the more it needs to be interpreted, which will prolong the response time, but in the face of danger, every second counts.
Wireless interconnection function
The point-to-point wireless interconnection function connects nearby gas detectors to a network and automatically shares gas readings, alarm data, etc. When a gas detector goes into an alarm state, peer-to-peer wireless connectivity in the gas detector ensures that everyone in the group has the information they need to act quickly without guessing what to do.
Whether an instrument alarm is triggered by a gas hazard, fainting or panic situation, all members of the wirelessly connected team immediately know who is at risk and why. Workers can even take readings from the area monitors responsible for vigilance, so they know if a gas hazard is spreading to their work area.
This feature is critical for confined space applications. There are reports that more than 60% of confined space fatalities are caused by rescuers trying to rescue team members blindly because people in the confined space cannot communicate the danger to the outside. Connecting gas detectors through peer-to-peer wireless connectivity enables everyone to get the information they need to make the right decision to save lives.
Support real-time monitoring
Real-time monitoring is a quantum leap in the development of gas detection, as it allows safety managers to see in real time when workers are in danger, what the specific danger is, where workers are in real time, and whether workers need help. Real-time monitoring provides security managers with the information they need to aid rapid response in emergency situations and improve security outcomes.
Real-time monitoring usually requires a special gateway, network or wireless connection to send the information to the cloud. Some gas detector designs include the above functional modules, so you can turn this functional option on when needed.
