28 Gas Detection Visual Flame Detector
The Dräger (Germany) Flame 5000 is a visual flame detector, a device that is capable of processing its own video signal via special algorithms. Whereas traditional flame detectors operate using IR/UV technology, the Flame 5000 uses video technology. Equipped with a built-in camera, the detector "observes" its surroundings and the special algorithms will analyse the corresponding area – giving alarm if characteristic flame movements and contours are detected.
This technology eliminates various traditional disturbances, such as lightning, light reflections or thermal radiation. In addition, the detector automatically performs an optical verification to guard against dirty optics. All Flame 5000 statuses are displayed directly on the device and simultaneously the device sends a signal to the fire or gas detection system via a relay circuit or 4-20mA (0-21mA) output.
Capable of detecting a fire covering an area of one square foot (ft2) and power output of approximately 10KW at a distance of up to 44 meters, the Dräger Flame 5000 can monitor an area much greater than traditional IR/UV sensors. Available both in a Stainless Steel or an Aluminium housing, the device is approved for use in areas where an explosive risk is present. The Dräger Flame 5000 can be used either as an individual device or integrated into a control system or fire detection system.
Reader Reply Card No. Next Generation of Software for Users of Advanced Gas Detection Controller
Oldham (France) is pleased to announce the release of COM43, a simple application that gives the user access to the advanced features of the MX 43 controller and makes programming fast and easy for the user. The MX 43 was developed to meet user needs in terms of flexibility, quality and ease of use. Fully scalable, the MX 43 is now available with a programming CD that is compatible with any MX 43 controllers already in use. Users save precious time by configuring the controller's parameters on their computer and transferring these parameters directly to the MX 43 using a USB cable.
“It’s an unbelievable time-saver,” states Michel Spellemaeker, Oldham’s global director of product management. “We are excited to get it in to the hands of customers whose busy schedules will certainly appreciate this simple and effective solution.”
COM43 features a graphic display for easy relay programming, architecture is displayed progressively as the programming process is completed and access to an Oldham gas monitor library which is pre-programmed according to industry standards. A highly practical "copy-paste" function ensures accuracy from one sensor to the next and it has a "verification/validation" feature to to flag any programming errors before validating. This user-friendly system allows the user to transfer settings to the controller in just a few seconds. The CD also contains the French and English user manuals for the COM43 and the MX 43 controller.
Reader Reply Card No.
New Dedicated Production Capability for Ultra- Low Power Consumption Mid Infra-Red Light Emitting Diodes and Photodiodes
Gas Sensing Solutions Ltd (UK) is a pioneer in the development and production of gas sensors. Gas Sensing Solutions (GSS) specialises in ultra-low power consumption, non-dispersive infra-red (NDIR) carbon dioxide sensors. Through ground breaking research resulting in novel mid infra-red light sources and detectors, these sensors combine high performance and low power consumption, providing compatibility with wireless battery and energy harvesting solutions.
To support ongoing growth GSS has recently established a dedicated production capability for the unique low power consumption mid infra-red light emitting diodes (LED) and photodiode (PD) detector devices required within the sensors. The facility incorporates state of the art fully automatic epitaxial material growth on a production scale, metrology equipment and infrastructure for quality control.
Reader Reply Card No. 77
Research into Gas Detection in the Workplace Reveals Lack of Confidence in Gas-Monitoring Set-ups
The findings of industry-wide research into gas detection in the workplace were recently announced, revealing a number of alarming gas safety concerns. The research demonstrated the lack of confidence in their current gas detection systems amongst the higher level within an organisation – only 32% of managers are very confident that the gas detectors in their workplace actually work. Additionally, despite the fact that frequency of gas detectors testing was ranked as the most important factor in ensuring workplace safety, only two in five managers believe that their gas detectors are not tested regularly enough. The research therefore reveals a lack of consistency regarding what constitutes a reliable gas detection set-up.
The research, carried out by third party researchers, was commissioned by the specialist electrochemical-sensor manufacturer Analytical Technology Inc (UK) in response to expressed concerns in the water/utility industry about methods of safe gas detection. A total of 100 people were interviewed working in six different industries, namely food and beverage manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, petrochemical, water/utility, metal plating/printed circuit board manufacturing and healthcare. Within these industries the employees interviewed were from a range of job titles at managerial level (plant and facility managers, project managers and health and safety managers) and at workforce level (factory/shop floor workers, engineers, machine operators, instrument technicians/engineers and service engineers).
The research focuses on three main areas of interest – current awareness and concerns around gas detection, the purchasing of gas detectors and factors influencing it, and the testing of gas detectors. Managerial staff and their workforce express different opinions across a number of important issues. When asked about the procedure if all the gas detectors in a plant failed, alarmingly almost a quarter of managers would carry on as normal. In stark contrast, only 8% of their workforce would continue in the potentially dangerous working environment. While 80% of factory/plant workers are concerned about the risks that gas poses in their workplace, they are in many cases unaware if there are gas detectors in place to ensure their safety. This highlights a clear need for procedures to be put in place to enable protection of workforces and compliance with industry regulations.
The AutoTest function, which automatically checks that a gas detector is working correctly, has been identified as a necessary characteristic of a reliable gas detection set-up, and 89% of those currently working with AutoTest detectors in place claim that they would never use a system without this function. Gas detector testing differs dramatically from company to company due to the lack of explicit regulation in this area and although frequent gas detection is proven to improve confidence in gas detection set-ups, around one in eight managers manually test their detectors less frequently than annually.
Michael Strahand, General Manager Europe of Analytical Technology, decided that the research was a necessary step to highlight the risks posed by gas in the workplace. He states “In order to minimise risks and ensure safety in the workplace, it is necessary to implement reliable gas detection systems with the ability to automatically test themselves to ensure they are working. These devices can measure and monitor harmful levels of gas, providing early warning of gas escapes and allowing for timely remedial or protective actions to be undertaken. The research allows us to get an insight into the most important issues in the industry and enables us to tackle these with our AutoTest monitoring technology".
Reader Reply Card No. 79 IET November / December 2012
www.envirotech-online.com Reader Reply Card No. 78 76 75
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