Safety 27


forms to be filled out. At a site issuing just two portable device per month, the manager would have saved over half a working day carrying out this activity after a year (based on a working day consisting of two eight hour shifts).


The automatic generation of paperwork such as fleet status


reports and calibration certificates can also be produced with devices like MicroDock II when combined with Fleet Manager II software. Data can be downloaded with a single button press and a two minute wait using the device’s data logging facility and this information can be easily converted into a variety of reports by using the intuitive software interface and a PC.


Adding value is increasingly important in today’s marketplace as suppliers and service providers fight to gain market share and differentiate from the competition. The combination of MicroDock II and Fleet Manager II, when used for ongoing care of a portable device like GasAlertMicroClip XT, is particularly beneficial to service providers, allowing them to add more value to their customers by giving them data on fleet use and status, facilitating better client advice and guidance.


Seeing is Believing


Safety is an aspect that is becoming ever more important. Enhanced on-site safety can help to reduce insurance premiums and prevent unnecessary injuries and accidents that are not only dangerous to life, but also potentially very costly to a business in terms of fines, legal fees


and damage to brand and reputation caused by adverse publicity or devalued brand perception. The benefits of IntelliFlash technology


are further enhanced when a device like GasAlertMicroClip XT is used with MicroDock II and Fleet Manager II software; imagine a petrochemical site wishing to enforce portable device testing on a daily basis. An operator begins his shift, docks his device into MicroDock II and carries out an automatic gas test to ensure the device is detecting gases in the right way. After the bump test is completed, he also automatically logs data from the device. This means that the Fleet Manager has instant and easy access to all information relating to that device. The operator then begins his shift, and the fact he has carried


out a bump test, causes the IntelliFlash technology in his GasAlertMicroClip XT detector to visibly show a clear green status indication to anyone working around him - his device compliance is instantly accessible to supervisors and workers. If he forgets to bump test his device the next day, the lack of visual status confirmation will highlight his non-compliance very quickly.


When you consider that the petrochemical site in question may be detecting dangerous toxic


gas hazards such as H2S, that can cause serious harm or even death at low concentrations, failure to bump test can mean the difference between life and death.


This scenario highlights the fact that combining the right portable gas detector with the right docking device, can provide a solution much greater than the sum of its parts, offering notable time and cost savings, whilst also increasing site safety.


Smoke and Heat Detection for Classified Non-Hazardous Areas


Detector Electronics Corporation (USA) announces its addressable smoke and heat (ASH) module. This module, when combined with the Eagle Quantum Premier®


(EQP)


safety system, identifies the precise location of an alarming smoke or heat detector. Detector Electronics Corporation (Det-Tronics) is part of UTC Fire & Security, a business unit of United Technologies Corp.


“Users no longer need to rely on an external fire panel to determine where a fire is occurring,” says Mike Bragg, Product Manager at Det-Tronics, “The ASH module enables smoke and heat detection in living quarters to be included in the same EQP system with flame and gas detection in hazardous process areas. All the information can be accessed now in one integrated EQP system that is Factory Mutual (FM) certified to the new NFPA 72-2010 standard.”


Reader Reply Card No 92


Professional Guide to Infrared Gas Detection


FLIR Advanced Thermal Solutions (ATS) from France, has announced a new revised version of its popular publication – ‘Gas Detection – the Professional Guide’.


Infrared cameras have revolutionised maintenance in many industries, proving to be the most superior technology for finding hidden mechanical and electrical faults as well as locating invisible gas leaks. Not only do industrial gas leaks potentially harm the environment and be pinpoints of potential danger but they can also cost companies substantial amounts of money.


Within the 40-pages of the new guide the reader is led through what is an infrared gas detection camera; the inherent advantages of infrared gas detection; how does a infrared gas detection camera work, the applications for mid- wave (MWIR) and long-wave (LWIR) gas detection cameras; how a gas and a selection of stories of how FLIR customers are benefitting from the company’s unique GasFindIR™ technology.


Reader Reply Card No 94


Durable and Accurate Measurements for Up to Six Gases Simultaneously


Dräger (Germany) has expanded its range of multi-gas detection devices for personal protection. The X-am 5600 measures up to six gases simultaneously. It has a very long lifespan and due to its robustness is perfect for use in industry, supply and waste disposal, and in maritime shipping.


The X-am 5600 detects explosive, flammable, toxic gases and oxygen. The heart of the device is its infrared sensor, which can measures explosive gases, carbon dioxide or both. In comparison to catalytic sensors, the infrared measurements for explosion hazards cover a larger area. They monitor the measurement range to the lower explosion limit and detect the entire range up to 100


percent by volume of methane, ethylene, butane, and propane. The CO2 sensor has a measurement resolution of 0.01 percent by volume and can detect even slight changes. The dual sensor is ideal for applications in which both substances may occur: it detects both carbon dioxide and explosive substances. In addition, the infrared sensors do not depend on the content of the oxygen in the atmosphere. They can also be used in inertised environments. The operating range of the X-am 5600 can be expanded easily by adding it to the area monitor X-zone 5000. This means the X-am 5600 can continuously monitor places where a gas leak is expected and warn people before they enter the hazardous zone.


The expected life cycle of the infrared sensors is more than eight years. In comparison, one catalytic Ex sensor must be changed after three to four years. The device should be calibrated once a year, while the catalytic Ex sensor has a recommended service interval of six months.


A service life of five years is guaranteed for the electrochemical sensors for oxygen, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulphide. The extended service life and lower maintenance requirements reduce the operating costs of the device.


The X-am 5600 uses the proven features of the X-am 5000. The X-am 5600 detects possible errors in defective parts and identifies them. The daily function test can be done with the bump-test station - no external power supply needed which means testing is therefore decentralised.


Reader Reply Card No 93


IR Gas Detector Now Approved to Latest Amendment of Marine Equipment Directive


Crowcon’s (UK) Xgard IR infrared (IR) gas detector is now approved to the latest amendment of the Marine Equipment Directive (MED, 96/98/EC). This means the low cost detector can be used to detect flammable gases and vapour hazards on tankers, drilling ships, FPSOs, dive vessels, coastguard vessels, ferries and other marine vessels.


Applications for the Xgard IR include pump rooms and monitoring leaks in storage tanks, pipes and valves. It provides fast early warning of gas accumulations before concentrations reach flammable levels. Detection is in the range 0 – 100% LEL.


Unlike conventional sensors (such as catalytic pellistors) the Xgard IR’s sensor is immune to being poisoned or inhibited by other substances. Infrared sensing has other benefits too: unlike pellistors, IR sensors will fail to safety, detect flammable gas in inert backgrounds and are not damaged by high gas concentrations.


The Xgard IR is available with a 316 stainless steel enclosure for maximum corrosion resistance in the most extreme marine environments. The sensor, which has a life expectancy of over 5 years, is a simple plug-in module that makes replacement quick and easy. ATEX, IECEx and UL approved for use in hazardous areas, the Xgard IR is also Exd flameproof rated.


The standard junction box is designed for both wall and ceiling mounting, and four cable gland options ensure compatibility on any site. The detector takes a range of accessories for harsh or wet conditions and for remote sampling.


Reader Reply Card No 95 February / March 2011 • www.petro-online.com


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