Gas Detection -New Techniques

Harmful gases in the mines are

❚ Carbon dioxide(CO2)
❚ Carbon Monoxide (CO)
❚ Methane (CH4)
❚ Hydrogen (H2)
❚ Hydrogen sulphide (H2S)
❚ Nitrous fumes
Gas Detection Techniques

Objectives
❚ To ensure environmental air quality
❚ To ensure dilution of blasting
fumes
❚ To detect early symptoms of
spontaneous heating/fire
❚ To assess air composition behind
sealed off/sectional areas
❚ To conduct blasting operations in
free
 Techniques

Mode of Measurement

❚ Conventional system
❚ Air samples analysis
❚ Tube type detectors
❚ Digital Gas Detectors
❚ Gas Chromatograph
 Techniques

Mode of Measurement
Conventional system
❚ Flame safety lamp
❚ Cannery birds
❚ Smell indications
❚ physiological symptoms
 Techniques

Mode of Measurement
Air sample analysis
❚ Collection of samples
❚ Condition of sampling pippets
❚ Transportation time
❚ Analysis time
❚ Nitrogen calculation by difference
 Techniques

Mode of Measurement

Types of Digital gas detectors

❚ Various types of portable and
transportable gas detection apparatus
may be used in a variety of ways
according to their particular
design and specification.
❚ Persons required to use digital gas
detectors should have been properly
trained in its used and should have ready
access to the operating instructions.
 Techniques

Types of Digital gas detectors

❚ Explosimeter
❚ Oxymeter
❚ Toximeter
❚ Multi gas detector
❚ Chip measurement system(cms)
 Techniques

Sensor
Technology
Sensors are available for
measurement of explosive, toxic and
environmentally harmful gases and
Oxygen
 Techniques

Sensor
Technology
Types of sensors:
1. Electrochemical Sensors

2. a) Catalytic oxidation sensors (Cat Ex)

b) thermal conductivity sensors (heat of
reaction) for measuring combustible gases.

3) Infrared sensors (IR) for CO2 and Ex

versions
 Techniques

Electrochemical
Sensors

❚ Electrochemical sensors are transducers

for measuring the partial pressure of toxic gasses or oxygen
in the ambient air
❚ The ambient air to be measured diffuses through a plastic
membrane into the liquid electrolyte of the sensor.
❚ In the electrolyte enclosure, there is a measurement
electrode, a counter electrode, and a reference electrode.
 Techniques

Electrochemical
Sensors
❚ An external electronic potentiostat
ensures a constant voltage between the
measurement electrode and the reference
electrode
❚ The voltages, electrolyte and electrode
materials are so chosen that the gas to be
measured is converted electrochemically
at the measurement electrode while at
the same time a current flows through the
sensor.
The current is proportional to the partial
pressure of the gas being measured.
 Techniques

Electrochemical Sensors

❚ Simultaneously, at the counter electrode, an

electrochemical reaction with oxygen from the ambient
air takes place
❚ For oxygen, this voltage, the electrolyte and the
electrode material are selected such that oxygen is
electronically converted at the measuring electrode.
❚ During this process, a current flows which is proportional
to the oxygen concentration
O2+4H+4e-=2H2O
 Techniques

Electrochemical
Sensors
❚ For toxic gases, the bias is selected such that H2S or
CO contained in the sampling air is oxidized at the
anode in accordance with
H2S + H2O = H2SO2 + 8H + 8e-
or CO + H2O = CO2 +2H + 2e-

❚ Whereby the current flowing thorough the sensor is

proportional to the H2S or CO concentration respectively.
 Techniques

Catalytic Sensors
❚ The catalytic sensor is a transducer for the
measurement of the partial pressure of flammable
gases and vapours in the atmosphere.
❚ This sensor functions according to the thermal heat of
reaction principle.
❚ The ambient air to be measured diffuses through a
sintered metal disc into the sensor, where the
flammable gases are then burned catalytically on a
heated detector element (Catalytic bead).
 Techniques

Catalytic Sensors

❚ The oxygen needed to support this burning process is

taken from the ambient air.
❚ The heat generated by the burning process causes the
detector element to heat up further.
❚ This heating changes the resistance of the detector
element to heat up proportionally to the concentration
of the flammable gases .
❚ The voltage measured at the sensor is amplified by the
electronics and is displayed in % LEL.
 Techniques
Infrared Sensors
❚ Various compounds absorb infrared energy.
❚ They absorb different wavelengths of IR light energy in different
degrees.
❚ Higher concentrations of gas will absorb more IR light energy.
❚ Gas is pumped, or diffused into a chamber with an IR light source.
❚ The infrared sensor is a transducer for the measurement of the
partial pressure of ambient gases. This sensor functions according
to the principle of the absorption of infrared light.
 Techniques Digital Detectors

Oxymeter/toximeter(Pac-III)
Pac: Personnel Air Control
❚ Single portable gas detection instrument for measuring toxic gases,
vapours and oxygen.
Technical specifications:

RANGE OF SENSORS(ELECTROCHEMICAL)
DIMENSIONS : 66 x 110 x 32 mm
CARBON
WEIGHT : 185 gMONOXIDE 0-2000 PPM
OXYGEN
OPERATING HUMIDITY 0-25
: 10-95 % % Vol.
(RH)
 Techniques

Oxymeter/toximeter(Pac-
III)
❚ Display: Instrument type, software version, date and time, gas
type, measuring range, alarm set points, pre-alarm and final
alarm, measured value and measuring unit.
❚ All these features make it convenient when fitting different
sensors and for proper calibration of the equipment.
❚ The next calibration date is also displayed.
❚ An illuminated display is provided to see in dark.
 Techniques
Digital Detectors

Oxymeter/toximeter(Pac-III)

❚ Alarms: two audio- visual alarms are provided the

limits of which are adjustable as per the user needs.The
pre-alarm is non-latching and the main alarm is latching.
❚ Self- Test Check: the instrument is provided with self-
diagnostics and does a self-test check for the circuits
and power supply during starting. Warning signals and
error messages for measuring errors, instruments errors,
on exceeding measuring range and also in case
microprocessor fault.
 Techniques
Digital Detectors

Oxymeter/toximeter(Pac-III)
❚ Power supply: operated with alkaline/lituium/NiCd
battery. The instrument displays battery status ,
indicates battery replacement, charging status and
also gives an alarm for dead battery and automatically
shuts down to prevent battery damage.
❚ Operating time: 24 hours
❚ Charging time: 10 hours
❚ Calibration: It enables span calibration, standard
calibration, zero calibration, sensitivity calibration and
alarm for no calibration possible.
 Techniques
Digital Detectors

Oxymeter/toximeter(Pac-III)
Advantages:
❚ If different gas hazards need to be measured, a
number of different electrochemical sensors
can be kept ready at hand which can simply be
connected to the devices as needed.
❚ The flexibility of this measurement system
guarantees compatibility with future extensions
like new sensors or other accessories.
 Techniques
Digital Detectors

Methonometer( Pac-Ex)

❚ It is versatile pocket-size instrument for

explosive atmospheres in %LEL.
❚ The instrument can also measure methane in
% by Vol.
❚ It is user -friendly and adjustable.
Technical Features
Measuring range
0-100% LEL, resolution 1%
0-5%Vol CH4, resolution 0.001% Vol.
5- 100% Vol CH4, resolution 1% vol.
 Techniques
Digital Detectors

Methonometer( Pac-Ex)
❚ It is possible to change the measuring range
from LEL to Vol % and vice-versa.
❚ Sensor: Plug-in type pellistor sensor which
measures by heat of combustion and thermal
conductivity.
Sensors life is 3 years.
Size : 142 x 66 x 27 mm
weight : 370 g
Operating Humidity : 5-95% RH
 Techniques
Digital Detectors

Methonometer( Pac-Ex)

❚ Self- Test Check: the instrument is

provided with self-diagnostics and does a
self-test check for the circuits and power
supply during starting.
❚ Alarms: It has four gas concentration
thresholds fully adjustable with pre-alarm is
non-latching and main alarm is latching.
 Techniques
Digital Detectors
Methonometer( Pac-Ex)

❚ Power supply: it works with NiCd

rechargeable battery. It has an intelligent
battery management system. The instrument
displays battery status, charging, gives and
alarm before 10 min. operating time left for
the battery and automatically shuts down
with 2 min. to prevent battery damage.
❚ Operating time: 8 hours
❚ Charging time: 8 hours
 Techniques
Digital Detectors
Multi gas detector( Miniwarn)

❚ It is a portable multi-gas measuring instrument for

continuous monitoring of the concentration of
several gases in ambient air.
❚ It can independently measure simultaneously four
selected gases depending on the installed sensors.
❚ Multifunctional software menu is operated by a
three-button key pad. It allows automatic
configuration of the instrument according to the
installed sensors.
 Techniques
Digital Detectors

Multi gas detector( Miniwarn)

❚ Sensors: Plug-in sensors consisting of one

catalytic sensor and three Electro- chemical
sensors, one each for carbon monoxide,
carbon dioxide and oxygen.
Measuring ranges
Catalytic explosive 0-5% Vol. 0-100%
Sensor for Methane LEL & 5 to 100% Vol.
Carbon Monoxide sensor 0-2000 PPM
Carbon Dioxide sensor 0-5 % Vol.
Oxygen Sensor 0-25% Vol.
 Techniques

Multi gas detector( Miniwarn)

❚ Display: It continuously monitors and
displays complete instrument information including battery capacity,
alarm settings, measuring ranges, instrument fault, sensor fault,
calibration information, date and time, instrument warnings, battery
alarms etc. The information is also displayed by means of special
symbols.
❚ Alarms:Audio -visual alarm activates whenever relevant gas
concentration exceeds the predetermined limits.
❚ Alarms for time -weighted average and short-term exposure limit.
❚ Alarm for blockage of flow of gas.
 Techniques
Multi gas detector( Miniwarn)
❚ Self-Test: It enables self-diagnostic
test for the complete functioning of the instrument including
sensor circuits and battery.
❚ Calibration: in enables fresh-air calibration, zero calibration
and span calibration. It indicates the next calibration date.
❚ Power Pack: it work with nickel metal hydride rechargeable
power pack. It indicates battery status and charging status.
For protection of battery life, it first discharges the battery
automatically and then charges with indication.
❚ Operating time : 12 Hours
❚ charging time : 8 hours
 Techniques
Mini personnel gas detector( micro pac)
❚ Micro pac is a compact personal gas detection
Instrument .
❚ The maintenance free instrument is available in
six versions(CO,CO2,H2S AND O2 etc) to monitor
the gases in ambient air,
❚ The light weight low-profile design allows it to be
worn on the lapel, shirt pocket, helmet or belt.
Measuring Ranges of the Sensors
Carbon Monoxide sensor 0-400 PPM
Carbon Dioxide sensor 0-5 % Vol.
Oxygen Sensor 0-25% Vol.
Hydrogen sulphide sensor 100 ppm.
 Techniques

Mini personnel gas detector( micro pac)

❚ Dimensions : 55 x 85 x 35 mm
❚ Weight : 120 g
❚ Operating Humidity : 10 to 95% RH (5-99%
RH for short periods.
 Techniques

Gas Chromatography

❚ A gas chromatography system

consists of a Carrier Gas, Sample
introduction, Column, Detector,
Computer.
❚ The sample introduction, column
and detector are the key
components of the GC
instrument.
 Techniques

Gas Chromatography

❚ It is a high speed Micro-gas chromatography by

which the samples can analyzed within 6 Minutes.
❚ The operation of the GC is made very easy because
of the Software Ezgas provided by M/s SIMTARS
❚ samples can be collected by dry in sample bags
which are very lighter and minimizes any leakage as
the same will be in positive pressure, further there is
no breakage like glass pipettes.
 Techniques

Gas Chromatography
❚ There is provision of four channels (columns)
❙ In column A:Helium, Hydrogen, Oxygen & Nitrogen are analyzed.
❙ In Column B: Exclusively Methane is measure.
❙ In Column C: Exclusively Carbon Monoxide is measured
❙ In Column D:Carbon Dioxide, Ethane, Ethylene and
Acetylene are measured.
Due to the above the peaks of the different gases are very clear, reliable
and easily identified.
 Techniques

Gas Chromatography

❚ The GC can be daily calibrated with low span,

medium span and high span calibration gases,
which ensures the reliability of the gas analysis.
❚ The calibration gases low, medium, high span:
the carrier gases, Argon, Helium and the dry air
along with cylinders were procured from M/s BOC
India as recommended by M/s. SIMTARS.
 Techniques

Chip Measurement System

❚ The new Chip Measurement System

(CMS) is designed for on-the-spot
check of gases and vapors for
occupational exposure limits in the
workplace.
❚ The CMS combines the practical needs
of the user with the power of
intelligent technology.
 Techniques

Chip Measurement System

❚ Tech. Spe: the analyzer feature a handy

robust case combined with an attractive
appearance.
❚ The designed was influenced by the
ergonomics required for one- hand
operation.
❚ Dimensions: 215 x 105 x 65
❚ Weight : 730 g
Fire ladder

Acetylene C2H2
Ethane C2H6,
Ethylene C2H4
Hydrogen H2
Methane CH4
Carbon Monoxide
CO
Carbon Dioxide CO2
 Predict
Respond Prevent

Treat M onitor

Report