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Gas Detection Australia Newsletter

How safe is the transportation and logistics of the COVID-19 vaccine?

Gas Detectors CO2 as relevant equipment for Covid-19 vaccine logistics.

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is currently being transported and stored worldwide and must be in low temperatures (-70C as a minimum) packed into containers of dry ice, this is a solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2) and cryogenic freezers (liquid nitrogen). This includes local transportation through hospitals, laboratories, and pharmaceutical companies.

This consequence is that this can might turn into a hazardous environment coming from the huge amount of dry ice which is substantial for this circumstance. Therefore, it is relevant in terms of safety equipment that for safety of your staff you have either portable or fixed CO2 gas detection.

Image 1: Covid-19 logistics.

The small quantity of dry ice is innocuous, however comparing to a big number of containers needed for this specific logistic event the creation of CO2 gas occurs. Thus, collective gas emissions could be enough to be a potential safety hazard to personnel in the area (Transportation of COVID-19 Vaccines Requiring Large Quantities of Dry Ice., 2020).

For spaces with a high level of risk of CO2 concentration (usually above 2%), the installation of a CO2 monitor should be required.

Image 2: Levels of Carbon Monoxide intoxication (CO2).

Our experience and wide range in the Gas Detection industry in Australia provides the solutions needed for these environments.

For a complete gas detection system solution for this issue, Gas Detection Australia recommends the I-Gas portable for portable applications and the IR Gas CO2, Mute 6182, LT-70 and Controller 4022 for fixed applications.

Reference:

- https://www.faa.gov/. 2020. Transportation Of COVID-19 Vaccines Requiring Large Quantities Of Dry Ice. [online] Available at: [Accessed 20 December 2020].

1 December 2020

Importance of Calibration

Calibrate your Gas Detector Systems to ensure realiability

Your Gas Detection System is a highly important part of your safety and also your staff’s safety as well as assisting in keeping operating costs lower by detecting leaks when they occur.
Your gas detectors can be damaged in several ways.
The environment, where there is any of the following: Dirt, Dust or Moisture, these types of problems will impact the detectors' ability to do its job. Consequently, any of these events can cause a range of damage from, blocked sensor heads, damage to sampling pump or sample lines. In addition, when the environment is too hot or too cold could also impact negatively to the sensors in order to measure properly, also sensors will also naturally degrade over time.
In conclusion, The primary reason for functional tests and calibration tests are to assess how the sensor is working and is it within calibration, If the sensors don’t perform as they should then it will show you that you have some sort of event and you can start looking for the cause. Maintenance or lack of is the leading cause of failures that we see in sensors today.
Therefore, the need to calibrate your gas monitoring system regularly is critical. It is recommended to do a 6 monthly functional test, then a full calibration every 12 months.
Remember irregular maintenance could potentially have many repercussions from the safety of people and also legal, especially in the event of an accident or near miss.

Our Services for Calibration:

SEND BACK YOUR GAS DETECTORS

For a legitimate calibration is recommendable the assistance of our professionals. Send your Gas Detectors back to us for calibration every 12 months, and get the Calibration Certificate and due date sticker each time.

WE SEND THE GAS BOTTLE

We send the gas bottle for your convenience. There are two options: Either assisted by our experienced staff for reliable service or by your trained staff. Remember it is compulsory to be assisted by experience staff.

Bottle Gas Product for Calibration:

GAS BOTTLE GDA (8AL)

Aluminium
58 liters
C10
Reactive and Non-Reactive application
H2S, SO2, Cl2, HCL, NH3, PH3 and SiH4
Regulators and caps also available

Rob Whittet | General Manager, Gas Detection Australia.

4 September 2020

We are Evolving with you

New changes always bring great up comings as Gas Detection Australia company.

Figure 1: Robert Whittet, Director.

Many things have changed into our company and we are proud. We are happy to announce that our new owner is the brilliant Robert Whittet.

Rob has managed several businesses in Australia and has extensive experience in leadership and management. One year ago, he assumed the role of General Manager in Gas Detection Australia, where his work, efforts, and talent has been reflected positively into different aspects. Some of them are:

Products Enhancement: Gas Detection Australia has invested time and effort to enhance products including branding for the “IR Gas Detector”, “Mute Switch” and “Two Controller Sensor” which benefit widely the need of our current and potential customers.

Client Engagement: The ability to solve problems focused on a specific requirement has a positive impact on current and potential customers. Our team is always ready to help and get involved in projects that require a high level of experience and knowledge.

Engineering Internship positions: We are re-opening positions to help engineering students start the magnific career with us. Email us for more information.

Infrared Gas Detector: How does it work?

Our Infrared Sensor works via a system, which includes the light sources (transmitters) and light detectors(receivers), which function, identify possible Carbon Dioxide and Refrigerant gases leak. Once a gas leak occurs, it will be altered by the lights to recognise the type of gas.

One of the main benefits lies out in not losing sensitivity, not even a long-time exposure.

Figure 2: IR-GAS Gas Detector product.

Mute Switch: Function and Benefit

The Mute Switch function is in charge to mute the Sounder/Flasher (AVR 20RM) via a switch. The process starts when the Mute Switch receives the 24 VDC alarm signal from a gas monitoring controller. The Mute Switch works with the capacitive touch button, which mutes the sounder of the connected AVR 20RM. This remains flash until the gas alarm is deactivated and consequently the Mute Switch reset. The Mute Switch has two-stage alarms and is synchronised allowing the user two locations for the Mute Switch in a room for safety purposes.

Figure 3: Mute Switch product.

The Two-Channel Controller: Function and Benefit

The Two-Channel Controller main feature lies in the two points of gas detection design and the success of the direct connexion to gas sensors. It is a great benefit for the user due to the easy installation and considerably less cost.

Figure 4: Gas Detector Controller product.

Gas Detection Australia is focused on the constant improvement of the products, primordially in safety in the functionality of the products followed by design and manufacture. In such a manner, proving efficiency and safety for employees in the Australian companies.

We are made and Australia and proudly designed and manufactured in Australia.

Marketing.

16 June 2020

We are made in Australia, for Australia

Experienced Australian Business in Gas Detectors since 2006

Fig 1: Rob Whittet and Gas Detection Australia team, 2020.

Gas Detection Australia has been in the Australian market for more than 14 years, providing safety equipment for numerous clients all over Australia, We have designed and manufactured our own line of Gas Detectors including the 2500 & 3100 series, also Controllers and other Sensors. In addition we have partnered with certain overseas manufacturers to bring a well-rounded supply of Gas detection equipment to the Australian Market.
Gas Detection Australia was established in Toowoomba in 2006 by Mr James Boucher. Our team over the years have invested time and money to build the company’s reputation for reliable and affordable Gas Detection equipment. It includes the design and manufacture of the products that meet the Australian requirements for your company.

Fig 2: James Butcher and Gas Detection Australia team, 2017.

Our team over the years have invested time and money to build the company’s reputation for reliable and affordable Gas Detection equipment. It includes the design and manufacture of the products that meet the Australian requirements for your company.
Since we started, Gas Detection Australia has constantly worked towards building and refining our products into the high quality products you see today for the contemporary Australian Business requirements.
Our team is currently working on some new designs for 2 channel and 4 channel flush mount controlled sensor systems along with our newly designed 2 stage Mute Switch, All Gas Detection Australia products have undergone strict design and re-design so that we give our customers the best products. As always the Gas Detection Australia products and services have and are committed to maintaining safety, increasing productivity and protecting the environment as priority.

Fig 3: Christopher Kelly, Technical Manager, 2020.

Gas Detection Australia gas detection solutions limit operating costs when dealing with any gas; improve work surroundings to increase productivity and help to protect the environment from harmful gas emissions. These solutions are designed for use anywhere that gases are employed in both industrial and commercial applications.
Gas Detection Australia are world leaders in gas detection technologies and have systems available for Flammable, Toxic, Refrigerant and other gases.

Fig 4: Robert Skillington, Production Manager and Rob Whittet, General Manager, 2020.

As an Australian Manufacturing Business we are responsible for our workplace practices. Consequently, we highly value the importance of safety and offer high-level standards of support to companies, community and the environment. We feel proud to provide well contemplated, thought out professional products and services in Australia.
We are delighted to Design and Manufacture in Australia, For Australia.

Rob Whittet | General Manager, Gas Detection Australia.

4 June 2020

Safety is always our Priority

Our General Manager Rob Whittet, tell us about the importance of Safety in Gas Detectors as relevant equipment in the Gas industry.

When gas leaks occur it only takes seconds to spread into a large room. It is highly difficult to detect if a portable or fixed gas detector is not used to detect the leak. This can impact negatively on employee’s health that range from slight headache to even death, not to mention the harm to the environment and your business.

The effects of gas exposure of unseen danger and environments that you do not think could cause a problem can be long lasting. Gas exposure can be as simple as sitting in a room with too many people and not enough fresh air movement or confined spaces, this will cause the Carbon Dioxide levels to rise and your staff will leave feeling drained and maybe with a headache. You must remember that gas can come in many different variants and therefore has many different outcomes when something goes wrong. These can range from a headache to an explosion because someone left the gas turned on at a stove or gas point in a lab or even a refrigerant leak from an air-conditioner.

In order to prevent the consequences of a gas leak in a company, the appropriate Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) must be applied. Every process for prevention is highly valuable, and companies must cover every process in extreme detail.

In May of this year, a well-known Chemical company in Queensland had a massive leak of Carbon Dioxide and Nitrous Oxide gases into the atmosphere, due to equipment failure, which costed the company more than $5 million on repairs and reassurance to the local surrounding community.

There is no risk when the correct PHA performance is applied in companies. Either a portable or fixed gas detector system is essential for the safety of your employees, helping to identify a gas leak in an early stage, preventing a significant damage, including illness, serious injuries and even death.

Rob Whittet | General Manager, Gas Detection Australia.

28 May 2020

NDIR vs MOS

Infrared (NDIR) vs Metal Oxide Semiconductor Sensors (MOS)

When using a Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system in an enclosed space there is a risk of the charge leaking into rooms. Depending on the refrigerant type and charge this can lead to asphyxiation via oxygen depletion as well as dizziness, headache and confusion from toxic gases. Early warning without false alarms are essential for safety of people utilising the rooms.

When using a detector consideration must be given to not only price but the cross sensitivity and amount of false alarms that it has the possibility of creating. Other items to be considered are the accuracy, reliability, maintenance requirements and expected life span. The other items to take into account when selecting a VRF system unit is the aesthetic look and also the other items that may be used in the room such as Volatile Organic Compounds from items such as cleaning agents, aerosols and item like nail polish.

Figure 1, Sensitivy Spectrum in Sensors Technologies Diagram

The Infrared sensors are less likely to be affected by items like humidity and temperature changes. Due to the fact that metal oxide sensors have a “Broad” sensitivity they cannot see just one gas but multiple which lends itself to false alarms along with the required high temperature that they need to see the gas.

The NDIR sensor does not have the problem of cross sensitivity and reactions to humidity and temperature, it also does not age as quickly as its MOS counterpart. Poisoning is also something that will not happen when using the NDIR version as the gas does not come into contact with any active part of the sensing stream.

In conclusion the NDIR sensor will work for longer and be more accurate with less false alarms, which will bring your overall cost down due to servicing costs and call outs due to the false alarms. The most reliable and cost-effective solution is the NDIR sensor.

Figure 2, Refrigerant Flush Mount Gas Detector 3160

Rob Whittet | General Manager, Gas Detection Australia.