Fixed Systems Installation

The following information is required in order to identify the correct gas detector type and locations for any application:

• The most suitable detectors to provide fast and reliable operation
• The limitation of detectors (for example cross-sensitivity to other gases which may be present)

Other important factors to be considered:

• Detectors must be accessible for testing and maintenance
• Detectors and cables must be protected against mechanical damage
• The sensor technology selected must not be adversely affected by other substances in the environment (eg catalytic bead sensors must not be used in areas that may contain lead, sulphurs or silicones)
• Detector accessories must be selected to ensure suitability for operation in the environment: spray deflectors should be used in wet areas, sun shades must be fitted if detectors are exposed to direct sunlight in hot countries, collector cones can be used to aid detection of lighter than air gases

When installing gas detectors it is advisable to ensure that the sensor orifice is not exposed to liquid or dust contamination by positioning the unit downwards. Spray deflectors should be used when detectors are installed outdoors, or in indoor areas subject to wash-down operations.

Area coverage
People often ask what the area of coverage of a gas detector is in an open location. There is no official figure, however 50 to 100m2 per detector is a reasonable general guide, adding more detectors at points where leakage could occur. It must be remembered that gas has to contact with a point-type detector to be detected. It is essential that full consideration is given to the advice given in this section.

Mounting Height
Having considered suitable locations for gas detectors, the mounting height has to be decided. In general, for gases lighter than air the detectors should be above the area where leaks are likely and for gases/vapours heavier than air the detectors must be at floor level or in inspection pits or ducts into which heavy gas/vapour may flow.

Gas Hazards
Gases do not separate out into discrete layers according to their densities. If they did, air would not exist as a homogeneous mixture but the heavy carbon dioxide would be at ground level with oxygen, which is heavier than nitrogen, next with a layer of nitrogen on top. If gases behaved like this, they would in fact be behaving like liquids (also consider how CFCs which are heavy vapours get into the ozone layer). It is better to view gases as tending to rise if they are light and tending to sink if they are heavy and to think about other phenomena which might affect the gas dispersion. For example, if carbon monoxide, which is only slightly lighter than air, is under pressure and is suddenly released into the atmosphere a drop in temperature is caused resulting in an increase in density. This may cause the gas to fall to floor level.

Also, the nearer in density to air a gas is, the more easily it will flow with air due to draughts and ventilation etc. Therefore a compromise with gases like carbon monoxide and also gases only slightly heavier than air such as hydrogen sulphide and nitric oxide, is to mount the detectors at a height as close as possible to the breathing areas of personnel being protected (typically 1.5 to 1.8metres). Vapour densities of flammable and toxic gases are listed in the tables shown in the Flammable Risk and Toxic Risk sections of this site.

When monitoring deficiency of oxygen, it is necessary to consider what might be displacing it. For example carbon dioxide which is heavier will tend to sink to floor level so this is where the detectors should be. Conversely if helium is displacing the oxygen, the detectors should be mounted at a high level. If combustion is consuming oxygen, the whole volume of air would gradually become depleted in oxygen and detector location would not be so critical.

To find out more about our fixed gas detection range please contact us.