INSTRUMENTATION & LEAK DETECTION REFRIGERA
Additional considerations regarding physical location of detectors As indicated by ANSI/IIAR 2, ammonia as a vapour is lighter than air. It rises and diff uses simultaneously when released into the atmosphere, which indicates the location of the detectors above possible leak sources or at ceiling height. However other conditions should be considered, such as those mentioned in EN 378-3 (p. 9.2) indicating that the location of gas detectors should be planned taking into account local airfl ow patterns, which are aff ected by ventilation sources or louvres. The possibility of mechanical damage or contamination should also be considered.
Aspirated Monitoring Aspirated monitoring is considered a reliable
ammonia detection method that contributes to personnel safety and plant operability. It protects equipment and people around a wide area due to its stable and selective sensing technology employed within an internal sampling system. Aspirated systems help to comply with EN 378 and ANSI/IIAR 2. It’s important to consider an aspirated system that employs selective and sensitive ammonia leak detection with the ability to read down to at least 10 ppm. Low level monitoring provides an early response to ammonia leaks. Unnecessary maintenance costs associated with calibration and exchange of sensors of multiple point detectors can be minimised by using a centralised sample draw system, with a single source Photoacoustic Infrared (PAIR) sensor technology or similar. Consider employing a system that is equipped with internal relays for fault, three levels of alarm and an external horn option for eff ective personnel warning as required by standards.
Point ammonia monitoring
In addition to multiple-point monitoring for ammonia leaks, it is important to monitor specifi c
technologies to help enhance the overall safety performance of the gas detection system. These devices are typically located around the perimeter of a plant, process or storage area; or positioned in close proximity to specifi c items of a plant, that pose a real risk of gas escape, like compressors, pump sets, pressure reducers, valves and pipe fl anges.
Consider a gas detector that creates a highly
locations in machine rooms with compressed system equipment, where a leak is likely to occur. One possible solution utilises electrochemical sensors, which address the challenges of short life and stability problems with traditional electrochemical cells. Consider a device that features ionic liquid electrolyte, which is characterised by extremely low vapour pressure, preventing evaporation within a changing environment. This reduces maintenance as contact with ammonia has virtually no eff ect on the lifespan of the sensor. Such devices can withstand background gas concentrations due to the choice of the catalyst in the electrode material, which is not consumed during the chemical reaction with the target gas. This allows for an enhanced effi ciency for interaction of the electrolyte, the electrode catalyst, and the target gas, regardless of environmental conditions, enabling the sensor to overcome extreme humidity and temperature levels. The result of breakthrough designs such as this provides a stable, dependable sensor performance, over a longer life span under demanding operating conditions and environments.
Perimeter ammonia monitoring Certain plants require ammonia monitoring
over wide areas where a large number of detectors may have to be installed. In such cases, perimeter monitoring with open path detectors is an ideal solution, complementing traditional
reliable entire detection perimeter around any plant for the detection of ammonia, and one that is suitable for use inside the plant as well as in process areas. Technology that relies on Enhanced Laser Diode Spectroscopy (ELDS) to detect a specifi c toxic gas provides an enhanced solution. So, in the event of a gas leak, the sensor’s laser technology recognises and analyses a gas’ specifi c harmonic fi ngerprint, and issues an alarm when the gas is present. Moreover, ELDS technology has a speed of response of <3 seconds and will detect ammonia anywhere it intercepts the beam. This can result in faster isolation of the leak and a reduction in the volume of ammonia that escapes.
Conclusion
The use of ammonia as a refrigerant in industrial applications off ers signifi cant benefi ts in terms of effi ciency and cost-eff ectiveness. However, it comes with inherent risks, including toxicity, and fl ammability, which requires the implementation of eff ective ammonia detection systems. As technology continues to advance, ammonia detection solutions are becoming more sophisticated and reliable, providing industries with enhanced capabilities to detect and respond to ammonia leaks promptly. In an ever-evolving landscape of regulations and safety standards, businesses must remain vigilant and proactive in adopting the most suitable ammonia detection systems for their specifi c refrigeration applications. By doing so, they can safeguard their people, their places, and the planet.
BUILDING SERVICES FORUM 2024 LONDON
JUNE 6TH 2024 LEARN, NETWORK, SHARE
Join us on 6th June 2024 at the Building Centre, Store Street, London For the next in the series of one day technical briefings and table top exhibitions - Reaching net zero together. Returning to the Building Centre, home of the built environment since 1931, this year the Building Services Forum will be held alongside Retrofit 24 exhibition, which focusses on the reuse agenda for commercial, cultural and civic buildings
SAVE THE DATE - 6 JUNE 2024 - THIS IS NOT ONE TO BE MISSED For more information about contributing to the seminar programme, exhibiting or visiting contact:
Early Bird Ticket:
£45.00
T: +44 (0)1622 699 116 Jacqui Henderson
Download the ACR News app today E:
Jhenderson@datateam.co.uk www.acr-news.com • December 2023 29
https://bseeforum.co.uk/
@BSEEMAGAZINE Building Service Forum
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