Accuracy

Accuracy   When it comes to gas monitoring, accuracy is open to each manufacturer’s interpretation. Officially, accuracy is a statement expressed as a percentage of the closeness of the reading on the gas monitor to the actual concentration; many manufacturers use this as an umbrella term representative of much more, including resolution and sensitivity. To…

Diesel Emissions

Diesel Emissions The exposure of mine workers to diesel particulate matter (DPM) and gases is an issue of great concern to the underground mining environment. Diesel engines work by igniting a mixture of fuel (a hydrocarbon) and intake air in the combustion chamber. At high temperatures, fuel may decompose rather than burn, leaving a complex…

How to Reduce Gas Leaks in Industrial Environments

How to Reduce Gas Leaks in Industrial Environments Whether in petrochemical facilities, chemical plants, or refineries, workplaces that utilise or produce various toxic gases during normal operations and processes must meet industry safety regulations and requirements in the event of gas leaks. In addition to following regulations, personnel can take further preventative measures and precautions…

Understanding H2S in the Petroleum Industry

Protection against overexposure to H2S, a highly toxic and explosive gas, starts with understanding the chemical and the inherent risks it carries. Specifically to the petroleum industry, although, it’s not the only industry susceptible to the danger. The colourless gas H2S (known as a sour gas) is naturally produced by the decomposition of organic materials,…

The Effects of Methane

Methane is a component of the earth’s atmosphere and is present at low concentrations. We inhale methane along with other atmospheric gases such as nitrogen and oxygen when we breathe. At room temperature and pressure, methane is an odourless and colourless flammable gas and is composed of carbon and hydrogen with the chemical formula of…

What is Hydrogen Fluoride?

“What is Hydrogen Fluoride? Hydrogen fluoride, also known as hydrofluoric acid or HF, is a colourless, corrosive gas made up of a hydrogen atom and a fluorine atom. It is produced by reacting a naturally occurring mineral, fluorspar, with sulphuric acid.   Where Is It Found? Hydrogen fluoride is a raw material that is commonly…

Maintaining Gas Detection Equipment

Industrial work environments, and those that include confined spaces, are prime targets for exposure to dangerous gases and vapours. Whether portable or fixed, gas detection equipment is essential to have within these atmospheres. However, the regular maintenance that is often required with them is often overlooked. Proper maintenance on all detectors is the only reliable…

Risks of Ignoring Your Data

A Recently news story about an oil worker found collapsed over an open hatch, dead, highlights the risks of ignoring your data. After the tragedy it was shown that the data logged on this personal gas detector could have saved him.   Important data Missed Not too long before, while sampling from a similar hatch,…

Hazards of Ammonia

The restricted use of Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) and hydrochlorofluorocarbon  (HCFC) gases within refrigeration and air conditioning system has caused an increased usage of ammonia. Using ammonia avoids the strong greenhouse effect which are prevalent with CFC and HCFC. However, this causes another issue most of the food that we consume will have spent time stored in…