What is the difference between fixed and portable gas detectors?
When employees are working in industrial plants, offshore drilling platforms, laboratories or water treatment plants, one of the biggest dangers they face is undetected gas leaks. When this situation occurs, not only can combustion or explosion occur, but workers may also suffer from various physical problems, many of which can be life-threatening. The company did not face these situations, but invested in various portable and fixed gas detection systems. However, although these systems are similar in many aspects, they also have many key differences, all of which may play a role in the safety program of the facility.
Cost of detection system
Although cost is always a concern for any company, most companies try to avoid it as a factor in ensuring the safety of employees and facilities. As a result, although there may be significant differences in pricing, they often invest in fixed and portable detectors. For many portable detectors, the cost of each detector is usually less than $200, while many detectors are priced at less than $100. However, the price of fixed gas monitors is often higher, with an average of $500- $1000 per unit. In most cases, this is because they have more functionality than portable detectors such as multiple alarm systems.
Various functions
Through portable gas monitors and fixed gas sensors, various functions make it an attractive choice for the company. For example, portable monitors allow hands-free monitoring, which is useful for engineers and technicians working in narrow spaces during equipment installation, maintenance, and inspection. However, the fixed gas system also provides an additional advantage of being connected to the wireless network within the facility, allowing for real-time data transmission to on-site engineers and off-site monitoring personnel.
work environment
In most cases, portable gas detectors are mainly used by employees in many different areas of the facility who move around in confined spaces or who are on their workdays. However, in facilities with large scale and dispersed employees, fixed detection systems are very effective and cost-effective. Due to their ability to monitor large areas, they can alert workers to potential gas leaks in various parts of the facility, allowing for evacuation before the situation becomes severe.
Alarm function
With a fixed detection system, multiple alarms are usually available as detectors will be placed in many different types of working environments. For most detectors, alarms such as flashing lights, flashing lights, and alarms are available. Therefore, in noisy areas, lights and flashing lights can alert workers to the danger zone. However, when workers spread out facilities, alarms can be very effective.
Multiple gas detection
In most cases, portable detectors are designed to monitor smaller arrays of gases than fixed detectors. However, fixed gas detectors and portable gas detectors can be connected to mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, allowing engineers and technicians to access real-time data 24/7, which may be important to shut down in emergency situations.
