Gas Detector these introductory skills, have you learned it?

Gas detection is everywhere. It could be in the garage where you park your car, in an airplane, or even in a casino. Gas detection equipment is more commonly used than you might first think. We'll help you get started with gas detection. In the early days of gas detection, dating back to 1750, canaries were used to detect dangerous and harmful gases for miners who were extracting coal. Luckily for us (and the canaries), technology continues to evolve and sensors are designed to detect just about every gas we might be exposed to. Some of these techniques involve, but are not limited to, infrared and photoionization detection. But how to get started with gas detection. We offer you ten starters for gas detection.

1: Only use filters from the manufacturer

Filters protect the interior of gas detection equipment from dust, liquids, and other harmful substances that can damage gas detection equipment. If the correct filter is not used, the Gas Detector will likely require service sooner or more often than if the correct filter is used.

2: If possible, test your pump function

If the pump is restricted, the pumped Detector will not be able to adequately extract the sample. Before using the monitor, place a finger over the inlet to test the function of the pump. If pump stall is triggered, the pump should be in good running order.

3: Do not expose the LEL sensor to poisonous gas

First, LEL? We measure gas detection results in two units. ppm and LEL. LEL stands for (Lower Explosive Limit) and is a percentage of the atomic % (vol) content of the compound. 100% LEL is the lowest concentration of a flammable substance that can cause a fire or explosion when ignited. Silicone-, lead-, or sulfur-containing compounds can kill the LEL sensor response fairly quickly. If you suspect that your Gas Detector has been exposed to any toxins, replace the filter and check the LEL sensor for proper function. If you decide to clean your Gas Detector, you should use a damp cloth and skip solvents, which may also contain sensor poisons.

LEL stands for (Lower Explosive Limit) and is a percentage of the atomic % (vol) content of the compound.

4: Crash test for each use

If you bump test your Gas Detector before each use, the calibration frequency can be extended to 3 to 6 months when the Gas Detector successfully passes the bump test. A bump test means holding the Gas Detector at a level of calibration gas that is just high enough for it to go off. With this method, only sensor functionality is ensured. For crash testing, a calibration gas is required. The bump test checks that the Gas Detector is working properly.

5: Calibrate the Gas Detector frequently

Start by calibrating a new Gas Detector once a week. If few or no adjustments are required after a few weeks, reduce the frequency of calibrations to the point where only small changes are required when calibrations are made. Finally, the calibration frequency will end between 1 and 3 months.

6: Fresh air calibration in fresh air only

An error that often leads to false readings is poor fresh air calibration. Administering a fresh air calibration in a production line or garage where toxic gases or flammable items are present can result in negative readings. If you don't have access to fresh air, use a zero air calibration bottle.

7: Do not use expired calibration gas

Gas Detectors need to be calibrated with a calibration gas that has not passed its expiration date (more information on calibration gases and their expiration dates). Calibration of Gas Detectors using expired calibration gases may result in improper calibration and may result in incorrect identification of the instrument as being in good working order. A faulty calibration can ultimately lead to an unsafe working situation.

8: Replace the Gas Detector sensor on time

Common sensor types used in Gas Detectors are electrochemical sensors, catalytic sensors, photoionization (PID) sensors, infrared sensors, amperometric sensors, and semiconductor sensors. It is very important to keep the equipment new. If the old sensors expire, they need to be replaced with new ones. (more information on Gas Detector sensors and which sensors are used in Gas Detectors)

9: Routine work

When you use your Gas Detector on a regular basis, using it becomes a routine. You systematically follow the steps to take such as crash testing, fresh air testing, calibration, or eventually contacting an authorized repair station for your Gas Detector's annual repair before it can be used properly.

10: What does it mean to use a Gas Detector

It sounds simple, but sometimes it seems difficult. Use the Gas Detector as intended. Please take good care of the instrument and don't leave it lying around on a shelf. In the end, Gas Detectors save lives. This is how you get started with gas detection