How to Properly Select a Combustible Gas Detector
A combustible gas detector is an instrument that responds to the concentration of single or multiple combustible gases. Combustible gas detectors fall into two types: catalytic bead type and infrared optical type. As one of the common safety instruments widely used in gas supply, petroleum, chemical, smelting, steel plant and other industries, how should we select a suitable gas detector?
① Clarify the type or types of gases to be detected first Gases to be detected are generally divided into two categories: combustible gases and toxic gases, which correspond to combustible gas detectors and toxic gas detectors respectively. Combustible gases include methane, ethane, propane, butane, ethylene, acetylene, carbon monoxide, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas and many others. Proceed to the next step of selection only after confirming the target gases for detection.
② Make selections according to different application environments After confirming the target gases, choose between fixed type and portable type, diffusion type and pump-suction type based on the gas generation environment and detection requirements. Fixed combustible gas detectors are recommended for most industrial sites that require 24-hour real-time online monitoring. For confined spaces or environments with relatively low gas hazard risks, diffusion or pump-suction detectors can be adopted as needed.
③ Select the detector based on the required measuring range Different gases require matching gas detectors. For the same gas, the required measuring range varies with working environments and technical requirements. Detectors of the same brand with different ranges for the identical gas also differ in price. Only high-quality instruments with appropriate measuring ranges and cost-effective prices can guarantee the safe production of enterprises.
④ Determine the required quantity of detectors Calculate the installation quantity of gas detectors according to the area of monitoring locations. In accordance with national regulations, the effective detection radius of a combustible gas detector is 7.5 meters, while that of a toxic gas detector is 1 meter. Work out the required number of detectors by referring to this effective detection radius standard.
