A Word About Combustible Gases

I’ve been working on this blog for a little while, and suddenly, it occurred to me that we have discussed how to detect combustible gases and gotten in to specifics on some of the devices, however, we have not exactly gotten into defining what combustible gases or or even giving clear examples. Sure, you could do the research, I guess. But what is a log about combustible gas detectors without information on combustible gases?

A combustible gas is any gas that will burn when it mixes with oxygen and is then ignited. These gases can be burned over a wide range of concentrations, making it imperative that you be diligent in your use of a combustible gas detector.

Most people disregard the need for gas detection, believing their nose or smoke detectors are good enough. That’s nowhere near the truth! The human nose is infallible and smoke detectors do not sense toxic gases.

You need to be prepared for toxic and explosive gases by using combustible gas detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in addition to those smoke alarms. As far as your nose, remember that most dangerous gases are both colorless and odorless. If you rely on the human senses, you probably won’t know you’re in trouble until it is too late. Don’t take the chance!

Common Combustible Gases

Category

Gases

Inorganic Gases

Carbon Monoxide, Hydrogen, Hydrogen Sulfide, Ammonia

Alcohols

Propanol, Ethanol, Methanol

Ethers

Ethyl Ether, Methyl Ether

Ester

Ethyl Acetate

Hydrocarbons

Methane, Propane, Butane, Hexane,

Heptane, Acetylene, Gasoline, Jet Fuel, Naptha, Turpentine, Nitrogen Dioxide

Cyclic Compounds

Toluene, Exlene, Ethylene Oxide

Ketones

Acetone, Methyl Ethyl Ketone

Nitrogen Oxides

Nitrogen Dioxide
April 7, 2010 | admin | Tags: , | Comments Closed

Why Is Gas Detection So Important?

We’ve covered a couple of topics that are more or less about combustible gas products thus far.

While it is definitely important to choose the right product or products for your combustible and toxic gas detection, it is also essential that you have a full understanding as to why you need those things for home and business safety. Anyone can say they know that gas can explode or invade your body, resulting in death. However, does everyone fully understand the scope of those little tidbits of information?

Some might, some might not. However, it never hurts to do a little review to re-educate and reinforce the information.

Any kind of gas you are using in your home or commercial building, for any reason, has the potential to leak. Leaking gas is, more often than not, undetectable by color or odor. If there is a leak, you probably won;t know about it until it is too late.

On flick or a light switch, the lighting of a cigarette (for those who smoke), or the ignition of a pilot light, and kabluey! everything could be gone in an instant… you and you’re family or associates might not be so lucky to walk away either. If the gas does not combust, but is still leaking into the air, those who are unknowingly inhaling it are being exposed to toxins that can make them seriously ill or lead to quick and sudden death.

So, the number one reason why gas detection is so important? You can’t see it or smell it, so how would you know?

Be prepared! You need a detection unit that will alert you sitting near the pipes, or in the case of carbon monoxide, placed on a wall, preferably near a source of the gas, like near a gas stove or gas-operated hot water heater.

You will be alerted, however, you also need to check the readings often to ensure safety. You also need a hand held combustible gas detector, especially if you use gas or gases often in your home or place of business. It is a good idea to pull these out periodically and check things out.

Sure, you may not detect any problems and everything might just be peachy. But why take the chance? It is, in fact, much better to be safe than sorry.

March 23, 2010 | admin | Tags: | Comments Closed

Why Infrared Gas Detectors Are One Of The Best

Traditionally, combustible gas detectors relied on the technology of pellistor beads. While this is still a great source for detecting certain gases, pellistor beads can fail to detect others, especially those involving catalyst poisoning and flame arrestor plugging.

It’s doubtful that anyone would want to take this risk. While you should probably keep a combustible gas detector that uses pellistor beads among your safety tools, you might also want to get yourself an infrared gas detector.

Infrared gas detectors are considered one of the best options -if not the best- on the market today. They use the absorption of infrared radiation at certain wavelengths to detect dangerous levels of toxic and combustible gases.

This is done by using a light source and light detector to measure the intensity of two different wavelengths, one at the absorption level and on outside of it. If gas happens to come between the source and the detector, the level of radiation on the monitor is reduced and can then be continuously monitored. The gas concentration is determined by comparing the value of the two wavelengths.

Still drawing a question mark in the air? Not surprising. It all sounds so technical! Still, there are plenty of advantages to using infrared gas detectors. These include immunity to contamination and poisoning, fail-to-safe operation, no routine calibration, can operate in the absence of oxygen or in the presence of enriched oxygen and can operate in continuous presence of gas. Infrared gas detectors are virtually maintenance free (with the exception of periodic cleaning of the optical windows) and are perfect for those hard to access places that require continuous gas detection.

So, if they’re so great, why do you say to keep a traditional pellistor bead detector on hand? Glad you asked. Like pellistor bead technology, infrared technology has it’s advantages and disadvantages as well. The disadvantages do not mean you should not own either detector. In fact, it is a great reason to own both so you are well prepared.

The infrared detector will detect gases that are infrared active. Those that aren’t will go undetected (hence, the pellistor bead system). Infrared detectors require a larger volume of gas for response testing and are not prime for multiple gas applications.

However, if you simply have one or two or a few areas of specific infrared active gases that you need to keep a close watch on, placing one of these little gadgets near the source in a terrific way to go!

March 17, 2010 | admin | Tags: | Comments Closed

How a Combustible Gas Detector Can Save Your Life

Gas. Nope, we’re not talking about the stuff that makes your car go.

We’re talking about the odorless, colorless vapors that could take your breath away. Permanently.

Your life could be at risk from unknowingly inhaling the vapors from leaking gases like carbon monoxide, natural gas and the many other dangerous gases out there.

What’s more, many of these dangerous substances are combustible, putting you at risk for spontaneously going up in flames. If you don’t lose your life, your still risk losing everything else.

Don’t be caught in this unfortunate situation! The purchase of a combustible gas detector for your home or business (or both!) might just save your life. Portable and priced for any budget, these hi-tech gadgets are designed to detect toxic leaks around the gas lines, appliances and more.

Available in combo and specific gas type models, these handy little gadgets are equipped with advanced features to give you the information you need to wipe out the vapors before they can wipe you out.

From gas monitoring systems to auto-calibration, pressure gauges, audible alerts, visible results, and different kinds of gas sensor systems, combustible gas detectors are a great tool that no one should be without.

There are options to fit every need, however, if your concern involves several types of combustible gases, it might be best to go with a combo option, just to cover all the bases.

Don’t let toxic gases do you in. You can be prepared and stay on top of things by simply adding one little must-have gizmo to your tool kit. Gas is no laughing matter, so buy yourself some piece of mind and rest assured that your combustible gas detector will keep you safe and sound.

March 12, 2010 | admin | Tags: | Comments Closed