Fixed Gas Detection systems

If your workspace has a process or system that has the potential to give off any form of solvent, by-product or gas that can cause harm, it is imperative that you protect the people who are going to work in or visit this area.

Many industries will have a process that requires some kind of monitoring so if you have any questions or concerns, the team at Shawcity can arrange a comprehensive site survey to help you to assess the situation and advise any appropriate action.

Fixed gas systems provide 24/7 continuous monitoring of an environment. Even when an area is unmanned, it is vital to monitor toxic atmospheric levels so workers can be sure it is safe to enter. Accurate, round-the-clock monitoring provides peace of mind for workers and enables employers to control on-site safety risks.

Personal monitors only operate whilst the individual wearer or user takes the monitor into an area, and until the batteries need replacing/recharging.

Fixed monitors can also provide audible and visual indications when an alarm has been triggered, at multiple entrances to a room and over a wide area within a room using linked warning sounders and beacons. Personal monitors are only able to alert to people within a close vicinity – especially in noisy areas

New clients are entitled to a free-of-charge site visit. Shawcity will carry out a comprehensive survey of your existing system (applying gas if necessary) to ensure it is fully operational and performing as required.

This will be entirely dependent on the application. Some systems can be stand alone, with the sensor display and relays all in one. More complex systems can have the capability to run upwards of 100 sensors, remote displays, 4-20mA output boards, programmable relays and remote monitoring.

The best place to start is to book a site survey with Shawcity, who can help you understand the workspace in question and identify any potential risks.

Shawcity works with the world’s leading and most trusted fixed gas detection manufacturers, including Crowcon, GDS Technologies, Ion Science and Honeywell. By choosing to work with Shawcity, we will undertake a comprehensive survey to identify all of the gas detection risks on your site and build a bespoke system for you, using the most suitable materials from one or a combination of manufacturer suppliers.

Fixed gas detection systems can be installed indoors and outdoors. Industries predominantly based outside, such as sewage plants, waste storage yards and marine facilities, are not only monitoring gas levels to ensure a safe working environment for staff, but also measuring gas levels exhausted to the atmosphere. Installing a fixed system ensures companies are compliant with environmental exposure limits by reducing pollution to the surrounding area.

Certain sensors must be mounted at specific heights due to the molecular weight of the gas they are designed to detect. Some gases are heavier than air, some are virtually the same density and a handful, such as hydrogen, ammonia and methane, are lighter. Therefore, depending on the gases being monitored, sensors will be mounted accordingly at ground level, chest height or the highest point of the room.

Sensors should not be placed near ventilation fans or openings to the outdoors. They should be placed in areas where there is good air circulation, but not in the path of rapidly moving air. Particular attention should be paid to avoiding “dead air spots” where there is little or no air movement.

There are options available to remotely monitor fixed gas systems, using connectivity platforms such as Netbiter. Once a fixed system is connected using cellular 3G or ethernet network, data trends and reports can be accessed remotely and securely on any device.

The customisable online dashboards allow users to configure alarms as required, such as email and text alerts, as well as managing assets in multiple locations and easily deploying large-scale installations. The platform also offers live readings and log graphs of the systems sensors, as well as a downloadable history log.

Some newer systems have network compatible gas detection panels that can be hardwired directly into a customer’s network. Multiple panels can be placed onto a standalone network if required.

Shawcity offers some panels with the capability of connecting and transmitting data to an existing BMS system. With the addition of a 4-20mA output board, this will allow readings from all sensors on the system to be monitored remotely.

Cable types vary greatly, depending on the individual system and the environment in which it is installed. For example, in Zoned/ATEX areas, the cable and protection equipment have to meet DSEAR regulations. Cabling routes are also a major consideration.

Finding suitable cable routes can often be challenging (especially in older buildings) and can have a major impact on the duration of an installation. Cable length to meet both power and signal strength requirements is also key. It’s easy to underestimate what’s required, so the initial site survey is a key factor in effective project planning.

Fixed gas systems require regular servicing to ensure all components are performing accurately and calibration frequency depends on sensor type and application. The typical frequency for commercial applications is every six months. For areas where specific health hazards may exist, three to four times per year would be more likely. Industrial application system calibrations can be four to six times per year or even monthly.

Service plans offer various levels of support including emergency callouts and telephone advice. Having this type of cover in place is not only cost-effective, but it ensures a safe and efficient ongoing maintenance programme has already been budgeted for.

To ensure your warranties remain intact, your system should only be serviced and calibrated by a manufacturer-approved team. Shawcity works in partnership with the world’s leading gas detection manufacturers and are authorised and qualified to plan, commission, install and service standard and bespoke systems to suit every requirement.