Gas detection in classified areas is vital to protect lives, prevent explosions, comply with regulations, and preserve the environment.
What are flammable gases?
Flammable gases are gaseous substances that can easily ignite and catch fire in the presence of an ignition source, such as a flame, spark, intense heat, or electricity. These gases have a concentration range in the air known as the “flammability limit,” in which they can mix with the oxygen in the air in specific proportions to form an explosive mixture.
Flammable gases can be found in various industries and environments, including the chemical, petrochemical, manufacturing, and fuel processing industries, among others. Some common examples of flammable gases include:
What is the importance of gas detection in classified areas?
Gas detection in classified areas is vital to protect lives, prevent explosions, comply with regulations, and preserve the environment. It is an essential part of safety management in potentially hazardous industrial environments, where the presence of flammable or toxic gases is a constant concern.
It is important to note that equipment and facilities in that environment must comply with the standard and be certified by a Product Certification Body (OCP), attesting to their efficiency and safety for that environment.
Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that in order to have the correct and suitable equipment for that environment, a classification study of the area must be conducted first, making it possible to determine the characteristics of that area.
How to monitor and detect the presence of flammable gases?
The measurement and detection of concentrations of flammable substances are crucial in environments where safety against explosions and fires is a concern.
There are various methods and technologies available to perform these measurements. Here are some of the most common methods:
Gas Detectors: These devices continuously monitor the presence of flammable gases in the air. They use specific sensors to detect gases such as methane, propane, hydrogen, etc. When the concentration of a flammable gas reaches a dangerous level, the detector emits an audible or visual alarm. There are different types of gas detectors, including fixed-point detectors and portable detectors.
Gas Chromatography: This is a laboratory method that separates and identifies gases in a mixture. It is often used to analyze the composition of air samples in industrial locations to detect the presence of flammable substances.
Infrared (IR): Infrared sensors can be used to detect flammable gases. When a flammable gas absorbs infrared light in a specific wavelength range, a sensor can identify the presence of the gas.
Catalytic Sensors: These sensors detect the presence of flammable gases through the chemical reaction that occurs when the gas comes into contact with a catalytic surface. The temperature change resulting from this reaction is detected and used to determine the gas concentration.
Weight Detection: This method involves measuring the weight of a substance absorbed or adsorbed. When a flammable substance is adsorbed, it changes the weight of the adsorbent material, which can be used to calculate the gas concentration.
Ultrasonic Sensors: Ultrasonic sensors can detect the presence of flammable gases by monitoring changes in sound properties as ultrasonic waves pass through a mixture of air and gas.
Flame Ionization: This method involves burning a sample of a flammable gas and measuring the color of the resulting flame. The flame’s color can be used to determine the gas concentration.
Electrochemical Sensors: These sensors operate through electrochemical reactions with flammable gases. When the gas comes into contact with the sensor, it generates an electric current that can be used to measure the gas concentration.
The choice of the measurement and detection method depends on the specific characteristics of the environment and the flammable substances present. In many cases, a combination of methods is used to provide redundancy and additional safety. Accurate detection and measurement are vital for safety in environments where the presence of flammable substances poses a potential risk of explosion.
How can Comquality Engineering help your company?
Here at Comquality, our certification in ABNT NBR IEC 60079-17 is not just an achievement but a solid commitment to safety, quality, and excellence. Trust us to handle your classification, inspection, and maintenance needs in explosive atmospheres. We are ahead of the curve, ready to elevate your safety and efficiency standards.
Contact us today and discover how our expertise in the NBR IEC 60079 standard can make a difference in your industry.
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