Gas Detection

By Craig O’Neill and Ron Lucier, Teledyne FLIR

For more than a decade, FLIR Systems has manufactured infrared (IR) cameras to visualize gas leaks of various kinds. These optical gas imaging (OGI) cameras are developed to “see” a variety of gases including hydrocarbons,carbon dioxide, sulfur hexafluoride, refrigerants, carbon monoxide, ammonia and more. These imagers are used for many applications by various industries, including mitigating emissions, increasing production efficiency,and ensuring safe work environments.One great advantage of OGI cameras compared with other inspection technologies is the speed in which the technology can locate leaking components without interrupting the industrial process.

Historically, OGI cameras have been designed with cooled IR detectors that offer several advantages over uncooled detectors—but they often come at a higher cost. Advancements in the technology of uncooled detectors have allowed the OGI camera manufacturers such as FLIR to design and develop lower cost OGI solutions for these industries. Although lower in cost, there are some limitations to cameras with uncooled detectors versus those with cooled detectors.

The Science Behind Optical Gas Imaging

Before we address the question of a cooled or uncooled detector in an OGI camera,we can explain the theory behind this technology. Optical gas imaging can be likened to looking through a normal video camera, but the operator sees a plume of gas resembling smoke blowing out. Without an OGI camera, this would be completely invisible to the naked eye. In order for you to see this plume of gas, an OGI camera uses a unique spectral (wavelength-dependent) filtering method that enables it to detect a specific gas compound. In a cooled detector, the filter restricts the wavelengths of radiation allowed to pass through to the detector to a very narrow band called the band pass. This technique is called spectral adaptation (see Figure 1).

OGI cameras take advantage of the absorbing nature of certain molecules to visualize them in their native environments. The camera focal plane arrays (FPAs)and optical systems are specifically tuned to very narrow spectral ranges, often on the order of hundreds of nanometers, and are therefore ultra-selective. Only gases absorbent in the infrared region that is delimited by a narrow bandpass filter can be detected. Infrared absorption characteristics are wavelength dependent for the majority of compounds. Noble gases such as hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen cannot be directly imaged.

The yellow region in Figure 2 shows a spectral filter designed to correspond to the wavelength range where most background infrared energy would be absorbed by methane.

If the camera is directed at a scene without a gas leak, objects in the field of view will emit and reflect infrared radiation through the lens and filter of the camera. If a gas cloud exists between the objects and the camera, and that gas absorbs radiation in the band pass range of the filter, the amount of radiation passing through the cloud to the detector will be reduced. To see the cloud in relation to the background, there must be a radiant contrast between the cloud and the background.

To sum up, the keys to making the cloud visible are: the gas must absorb infrared radiation in the waveband the camera sees; the gas cloud must have radiant contrast with the background; and the apparent temperature of the cloud must be different than the background. In addition, motion makes the cloud easier to visualize.

Understanding Wavelengths Related to Optical Gas Imaging

To address the challenge of understanding “cooled vs uncooled” optical gas imaging cameras, you need to understand wavelengths related to optical gas imaging and the detectors used in these cameras. The two main wavelengths of OGI cameras are commonly referred to as midwave, which ranges from 3 to 5 micrometers (μm), and longwave, which ranges from 7 to 12 μm. In the gas imaging world, these may also be referred to as the “functional region” and the “fingerprint region”, respectively. In the functional region, more gases from a single category can be seen by one camera while many individual gases have specific absorption characteristics in the fingerprint region. For example, nearly all hydrocarbon gases absorb energy in the filtered region of the GF320 (highlighted in yellow) but have various absorption characteristics in the longwave or fingerprint region (highlighted in blue) (see Figure 3).

While many gases have absorption characteristics in both the midwave and longwave regions, there are also gases that emit in only one IR waveband. Some gases emit in the midwave and not in the longwave spectrum (e.g. carbon monoxide/CO) and others that emit solely in the longwave spectrum (e.g. sulfur hexafluoride/SF6). These are not gases that would fall in the fingerprint or functional region which often refers to hydrocarbon gases. Below are IR spectra graphs for CO and SF6 gases.

Cooled vs Uncooled Detectors

Cooled OGI cameras use quantum detectors that require cooling to cryogenic temperatures (around 77 K or -321°F) and can be either midwave or longwave detectors. Midwave cameras that detect hydrocarbon gases in the functional region, such as methane, commonly operate in the 3-5 μm range and use an indium antimonide (InSb) detector. Cooled longwave cameras that detect gases such as SF6 operate in the 8-12 μm range and may use a quantum well infrared photodetector (QWIP).

A cooled OGI camera has an imaging sensor that is integrated with a cryocooler that lowers the sensor temperature to cryogenic temperatures. This reduction in sensor temperature is necessary to reduce the noise to a level below that of the signal from the scene being imaged. Cryocoolers have moving parts made to extremely close mechanical tolerances that wear out over time, as well as helium gas that slowly works its way past gas seals. Eventually a rebuild for the cryocooler is required after 10,000-13,000 hours of operation.

Cameras with cooled detectors have a filter that is attached to the detector. This design prevents any stray radiation exchange between the filter and the detector which allows for better image sensitivity. This increase in image sensitivity could cause the imager to visualize certain gases more effectively and even allow the OGI camera to meet regulatory standards like the US EPA’s OOOOa or other requirements.

Uncooled OGI cameras use a microbolometer detector that does not require the additional parts necessary to cool a detector. These are often made of vanadium oxide (VOx) or amorphous silicone (a-Si) and are responsive in the 7-14 μm range. They are much easier to manufacture than cooled cameras but lack the sensitivity, or Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD), which makes it more difficult to visualize smaller gas leaks. NETD is a figure of merit which represents the minimum temperate difference a camera can resolve. Figure 6 shows the effects of sensitivity for cooled and uncooled detectors. A better NETD would result in a cooled OGI camera detecting gas at least five times better than uncooled. A similar standard used to determine how well an OGI camera can detect gas is Noise Equivalent Concentration Length (NECL) which determines how much gas can be detected over a defined pathlength. As an example, the NECL of a FLIR GF320 cooled OGI camera (3-5 μm detector) for methane detection is less than 20 ppm*m whereas the NECL of an uncooled solution (7-14 μm detector) is more than 100 ppm*m.

Another consideration with uncooled OGI cameras is the filter. Some cameras are not filtered in the longwave spectra meaning they are just a wide-open detector using unique analytics to visualize a gas. FLIR’s patented High Sensitivity Mode (HSM) is an example of a camera utilizing software and analytics to enhance the visualization of gas. Some cameras have more targeted filters built into the camera system. These could be associated with the lens, between the camera and lens, or engineered in several ways.

With uncooled filtering, you lose thermal sensitivity due to limiting the radiation that reaches the camera’s detector. This would result in a higher NETD but could present a better image related to gas imaging. As the spectral filter width is narrowed to focus on specific gases, the radiation from the scene decreases while the noise of the detector remains the same and the reflected radiation from the filter increases. This results in creating a much higher quality image related to gas imaging, but decreases the camera’s thermal sensitivity for temperature measurement (radiometry). When you have a cold filter, as in a cooled OGI camera, this phenomenon is avoided since there are very small amounts of radiation from reflections.

How to Choose a Cooled or Uncooled OGI Camera

When choosing what camera you need for your OGI needs, the first factor to consider is ensuring the camera in question can visualize your gas. After you have done that, the decision may not always be simple and should not be based solely on price.

While they may be higher in price, there are considerable advantages of a cooled OGI camera. As mentioned above, these units fall into the functional region of hydrocarbon gases, meaning only one camera would be required to visualize a wide variety of gases. In some cases, multiple cameras would be needed in the fingerprint region to achieve the same results. Another unique advantage of a midwave camera is the lack of interference from water vapors. As seen in Figure 7, water vapor has strong absorption in the longwave or fingerprint region which could cause image uncertainty when using a camera.

Increased sensitivity and image quality are important factors to consider when choosing an OGI camera. These not only impact the ability to visualize small leaks but may also be considerable factors when trying to meet regulatory standards.

There are also feature considerations when choosing a camera where a cooled OGI camera is beneficial. The only Hazardous Location-certified handheld OGI cameras in the market are cooled detector cameras. If you require or desire the ability to quantify your gas leak, this is solely done with an OGI camera in the midwave spectrum, such as the GF320, and proprietary software found in the FLIR QL320 quantitative solution.

The FLIR GF620 cooled optical gas imaging camera and the FLIR GF77 uncooled Gas Finder camera

With the introduction of uncooled OGI cameras in the market, there are advantages of this new technology. First and foremost, the cost to manufacture an uncooled camera is considerably lower which results in a lower market price. They also cost less to maintain due to the simplicity in design with no cooler needed—potentially making them more appropriate for continuous, 24/7 operation applications.

Whether you are looking to save money, meet regulatory standards, increase worker safety, or simply to be a good environmental steward, the options are greater than ever and can sometimes be confusing. Many factors can go into a decision to choose an OGI camera beyond price. FLIR provides the widest selection and array of OGI cameras in the market and can assist in your selection process.

Signal Group, the UK developer and manufacturer of advanced gas analysis and calibration instrumentation, has submitted both portable and fixed VOC analysers for MCERTS certification, and the company’s stand (D11) at AQE 2022 will feature both instruments.

The 3010 MINIFID rugged, portable, heated FID VOC analyser has been designed to demonstrate compliance by hydrocarbon emissions measurements from multiple stacks or sites. The S4 SOLAR heated FID VOC analyser is a rack-mounted instrument for continuous monitoring, offering the accuracy and reliability that Signal customers expect, but with the additional benefits of a detachable tablet and software for RS232 or Ethernet connectivity.

AQE visitors will also be able to see the new S4 SOLAR XPLORE portable heated FID, and anyone with an interest in QAL2 audits will be able to see the 821s Gas Divider and the NOXGEN NOx converter efficiency tester.

Visitors will be able to see first-hand, how an innovative detachable tablet makes emissions monitoring easier and safer – putting data where it matters… in your hands!

QLM Technology, a UK-based photonics technology company with headquarters in Cardiff and operations in Bristol and San Francisco, announces the closing of its Series-A funding and the signing of a Collaboration Agreement with Schlumberger. With support from Innovate UK, QLM has developed a new type of LiDAR (laser imaging, detection, and ranging) camera based on quantum technology that can see and accurately quantify greenhouse gas emissions. The gas imager enables customers to monitor, detect and accurately locate and quantify Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission sources for rapid repair. A related version of the product enables remote quantification of flare efficiency.

“The technology is unique in the emissions monitoring marketplace in its potential to achieve the greatest amount of GHG abatement at the lowest cost of ownership,” said Murray Reed, Chief Executive officer, QLM. “The funding and strategic relationship with our new lead investor, Schlumberger, and expanded backing of initial and new investors will allow us to scale our manufacturing, enabling significant cost reduction, as we launch our solution into the various GHG-intensive industries and markets.”

Through the strategic collaboration, QLM’s technology will be part of the new Schlumberger End-to-end Emissions Solutions (SEES) business offering for the oil and gas industry. SEES’s methane monitoring offering is based on previous investments in satellite-, airplane-, and drone-mounted sensors, along with additional sensors developed internally. QLM’s differentiated LiDAR technology complements those mobile monitors by providing accurate and sensitive measurements where continuous monitoring is required. The ability to quantify flare efficiency will ensure optimal efficiency for flares that cannot yet be eliminated.

“SEES selects partners following rigorous technical evaluation to identify innovative technology that complements our existing measurement solutions,” said Kahina Abdeli-Galinier, Emissions Business Director, Schlumberger. “The unique QLM LiDAR technology will allow operators to continuously monitor their facilities for methane emissions, and the technology is differentiated in its ability to detect even small emissions; to quantify emission rates accurately; to provide actionable information by locating the emission source precisely; and to fit upstream, midstream, and downstream facilities of all sizes.”

Beyond emissions monitoring for the oil and gas market, the QLM solution is well-suited for use in tracking and reducing methane emissions in other applications such as in biogas production, at landfills, at wastewater treatment plants, and in coal mines.

In addition to lead investment from Schlumberger, existing investors Green Angel Syndicate, Enterprise100 Syndicate, Development Bank of Wales, Newable Ventures, and several private investors joined in this round of funding, as well as new investor Quantum Exponential. 

ION Science is delighted to announce it has been nominated for three categories: ‘Sustainability Award’, ‘Best Marketing Campaign’, and ‘Gas Detection Product of the year’ at the Instrumentation Excellence Awards. This welcome recognition of ION Science’s efforts to be a sustainable and environmentally friendly business, excellence in marketing strategy, and of its leading personal hydrogen sulfide gas detector, the ARA H2S, comes as another boost after a successful 2022 so far.

These Instrumentation Excellence Award nominations show ION Science’s dedication to developing new technologies. ION Science continuously aims to improve health and safety and urban air quality through VOC (volatile organic compound) monitoring, raising effective awareness of the products through campaigns, and enabling a greener approach to business.

It reaffirms the quality and success of ION Science’s sensor products, which were recognised earlier in 2022 with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise, Innovation. The MiniPID 2 sensor, which won this award, is also the focus of the nominated ‘Best marketing campaign’ to increase market awareness on the opportunity to purchase all MiniPID 2 sensors and components direct from ION Science and its global subsidiaries and authorised distributors. The sustainability nomination is also well received, as ION Science are constantly working to be an ever-more environmentally sustainable business in all aspects, including in the development of the new environmentally friendly Research & Development Facility at the headquarters in Cambridgeshire.

Duncan Johns, Managing Director of ION Science, said of the nominations: “As an organisation we are always striving to demonstrate our commitment to the environment and the advanced protection of worker health and safety. Being nominated in three categories that reflect the work we do as a business is a fantastic result and we look forward to seeing the outcome later this year.”

ION Science’s environmental commitment can be seen through its current headquarters and future R&D facility. Both are modern and low profile, fitting seamlessly within the landscape for an integrated feel. Use of eco building practices including sustainable materials, energy efficient design and ground source heat pumps make the building much greener to operate. Around the sites, sympathetic landscaping that promotes local plant and insect life has been created. ION Science also offers extensive EV charging and encourages the use of EV vehicles among staff to further reduce carbon emissions. When combined with a range of products that help to protect lives and preserve the environment, ION Science continues to demonstrate its thoughtful investment and long-term strategic planning for the business, the local community, and the planet.

The nominated ARA H2S for ‘Gas Detection Product of the year’ is designed to protect users from toxic levels of exposure to hydrogen sulfide. Classed as an item of personal protective equipment (PPE), the ARA H2S is completely maintenance free and offers continuous monitoring of exposure to hydrogen sulfide levels. No need to change batteries or sensors or worry about product reliability, the e-chem detection technology inside can operate for up to three years. It offers a choice of display for users, either a lifetime countdown or real time concentration of hydrogen sulfide, and it’s possible to switch between the two if desired. Combined with the ARA DOCK4 bump test and calibration station, the ARA H2S is a cost-effective solution to keep workers safe from this deadly toxic gas.

You can register and vote for ION Science by visiting the Instrumentation Awards website or by following the link: https://bit.ly/3zEm0sj

Voting is now open for the 2022 Instrumentation Excellence Awards so head over  to https://instrumentationawards.co.uk/vote/ to make your selection. The nominations for the Gas Detection Product of the Year category are as follows:

• ABB Measurement & Analytics, Hoverguard ABB Ability UAV-based gas leak detection  
• Edinburgh Sensors, Guardian NG Gas Monitor  
• Emerson, Rosemount™ 936 Open Path Toxic Gas Detector  
• Gas Sensing Solutions, CozIR®-LP3 CO2 Sensor  
• ION Science, ARA H2S single gas detector  
• neQis Limited, PACmon Peracetic Acid Monitoring  
• Teledyne Oldham Simtronics, MX 256  
• Vaisala, CARBOCAP® MGP261 Multigas Probe  

Voting closes on 25 August 2022, so visit https://instrumentationawards.co.uk/vote/ to make your vote count for the Cables and Connectors Product of the Year Award. 

Two world leaders in gas detection and monitoring technologies for the offshore industry will present their latest innovations from a shared booth at ONS (Offshore Northern Seas) 2022 in Stavanger, Norway. Taking place on 29 August to 1 September, Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection (Teledyne GFD) and Teledyne FLIR will be helping exhibition visitors to learn more about their solutions for the oil and gas market in hall 10, booth 1063.

One of the largest events of its kind, ONS 2022 will host more than 65,000 visitors from around 100 countries. With over 20,000 square metres of exhibition space across nine halls, there will be plenty to see, especially for any companies seeking reliable, high-quality, proven gas detection and monitoring technologies. Both Teledyne GFD and Teledyne FLIR will showcase a number of proven products that enhance safety and bring even more capabilities to the oil and gas sector.

Among the class-leading products on display from Teledyne GFD will be the GD1 hydrogen sulphide (H2S) laser detector. At the heart of this innovative device is a tuneable laser diode that eliminates environmental effects from sun, rain and fog. The fast and fail-safe laser needs no recalibration and can replace multiple standard detectors to cover the same risk. Well over 800 units have been deployed in the field since 2011.

Also in the spotlight will be the GD10P infrared gas detector with full firmware upgrade, enhancing the product’s performance in high demand mode SIL2 approved applications. In comparison with other infrared gas detectors, the new firmware adds further to GD10P’s differentiating factors, which include a solid-state infrared source and a 15-year warranty.

Elsewhere on the booth, ONS visitors will find the GD10PE infrared point gas detector, which is ideal when users need fast, reliable detection of low gas concentrations. With a measuring range of 0-20% LEL, the GD10PE is five times more sensitive than standard point detectors.

In terms of new innovations, the big announcement from Teledyne GFD at ONS 2022 will be the unveiling of a touch-panel controller for large sites seeking hassle-free gas detection that is simple to install and operate. A further feature is an improved events datalogger with full IIoT compatibility.

Another exciting innovation launching at the show is Spyglass™, a brand new range of flame detectors offering integrated high-definition CCTV video that facilitates the clear, rapid imaging of fire and people at unprecedented distances. When connected to a DVR/NVR, the rescue team becomes aware of the exact situation before entering the hazardous area. A range of high-capability models is available offering a selection of different detectors. Visitors should head for the booth to find out more.

Sister company Teledyne FLIR will present a number of complementary products at the exhibition, including the ground-breaking GFx320 OGI (optical gas imaging) camera for visualising fugitive hydrocarbon leaks at natural gas well sites, offshore platforms and liquid natural gas terminals. The safe way to ‘see’ methane leaks, the GFx320’s certifications allow surveyors to work confidently while maintaining safety.

Visitors to the exhibition can also discover the QL320 optical gas imaging system that allows surveyors to measure the leak rates of methane. This capability eliminates the need for secondary sampling with a toxic vapour analyser or similar tool. In addition, the QL320 does not require close contact with the gas in order to measure emission rates, making it a safer solution for quantifying difficult-to-measure gas leaks.

Another innovation at the show will be the FLIR GF77 uncooled optical gas imaging camera with interchangeable lens options that detect different gases, including methane and other hydrocarbons. Furthermore, the GF77 is capable of both gas detection and radiometric temperature measurement for thermal inspections.

A further product on display will be the GF343 optical gas imaging camera, which lets users see carbon dioxide leaks (as part of enhanced oil recovery programmes) quickly, easily and from a safe distance.

Any company seeking the latest detection and monitoring technologies to keep oil and gas operations running safely, efficiently and profitably, should look no further than the innovative solutions available from Teledyne GFD and Teledyne FLIR. ONS visitors are welcome to discuss their specific challenges and requirements with either company, both of which will have an experienced and knowledgeable team on the booth.

ION Science, a leading manufacturer of gas detection equipment and OEM PID (photoionisation detection) gas sensors, have appointed four directors to headline its new board and deliver ION Science’s ambitious plans for further growth. The board will be instrumental in forging and delivering a long-term strategic growth plan and to deliver repeated profitable results.

Duncan Johns has led the company for more than 23 years, but ION Science’s high business performance meant additional capacity was required to ensure the appropriate support was available to deliver pioneering plans for further growth. As such, it was imperative to get the right people on the board to lead the ongoing development and change.

Steve Newcomb joined early last year as an experienced operations director. As a professional engineering business leader, Steve has more than 30 years’ experience within technical manufacturing and engineering sectors, both within multinational corporate and private SME businesses. Steve’s experience is invaluable in operations, supply chain, engineering, and manufacturing. However, Steve has also demonstrated his experience as a senior board member and has been promoted to Deputy Managing Director, supporting all aspects of the business when Duncan is involved elsewhere.

Jason Evans, who joined late last year as Commercial Director, brings a strong background in high performance technologies from both privately owned SMEs and publicly listed global businesses. His previous work has covered markets that include MedTech, consumer electronics, digital imaging, and a variety of high energy RF industries. His solid understanding of global markets will help provide further focus on delivering growth and driving shareholder value.

Garfay Liu has been with the company for three years. Whilst heading up the R&D function for the last three years, he has now been promoted to R&D Director.  Garfay has more than 15 years’ experience in managing technology product developments for commercial, medical, and industrial applications. His leadership style has helped grow high performing technical teams applied to product development, and he will be instrumental in technology research, applications, and new product development.

Nicki Howard joined the company last year as head of Finance and was promoted to Finance Director in April this year. Nicki brings 17 years of finance experience, knowledge of effective financial controls and processes, and a desire to work inclusively across the business. Nicki trained professionally in PwC’s audit practice, where she worked on a variety of SMEs and large listed clients in various industries. More recently, she worked as a Group Financial Controller at a large, global manufacturing company, which provided transferable experience and skills applicable to ION Science.

Managing Director Duncan Johns commented on the appointments: “We have made good progress on developing our product roadmap, and this has led to considerable additional recruitment and changes to the structure of teams, which has itself created further roles. It is exciting bringing in great new talent, as well as internally promoting others, to create this strong strategic board to support ION Science through the next stage of its journey”.

The new strategic board appointments are a fitting development for ION Science. In addition to the new hires, a new research and development building was commissioned late in 2021 and is due for completion in early 2023. The building will support dedicated research and development activity, further strengthening ION Science’s position as an OEM leader for PID technology and gas detection.

To find out more about ION Science, please visit: https://bit.ly/3z841Jx

ION Science has won the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the category of Innovation, for its pioneering MiniPID sensors. The award is the highest recognition of business excellence across Britain and endorses the commercial success of ION Science’s innovative technology. ION Science’s industry-leading PID (photo-ionisation detection) technology offers unparalleled VOC detection, helping users to protect lives and preserve the environment.

The achievement of the Queen’s Award for Innovation reaffirms the design, quality, reliability and success of the MiniPID sensor, whilst also highlighting ION Science’s dedication to developing and producing new technologies.

Prior to the development of the MiniPID sensor range, VOC sensors often suffered from short operational life, poor reliability, and regular failures in the face of challenging environmental conditions. The MiniPID sensor addresses all these issues and more, highlighting why it is the market leader for performance, quality and standards for all VOC sensors. Able to withstand relative humidity up to 99% (non-condensing), temperatures of -40 to +65 °C, and with an anti-contamination design, the MiniPID range offers 10,000 hours of reliable detection, making it ideal for long-term monitoring. MiniPID sensors also have the widest detection range on the market, from as low as 0.5 ppb (parts per billion) right up to 10,000 ppm (parts per million), making them suitable for any application. ION Science’s sensors can be used to detect over 950 different compounds, many of which can pose a serious threat to human health and life.

Duncan Johns, Managing Director of ION Science, said of the win: “It’s wonderful to see the hard work of all the staff here at ION Science recognised by the Queen’s Award for Enterprise. As an organisation we are always striving to achieve the next level of innovation in technology, which is brilliantly represented by the MiniPID sensor range. We’re looking forward to the future of ION Science and continuing to innovate with our award-winning sensors.”

Dr Peter Morris, head of the Sensors Product Business Unit at ION Science, also spoke of the MiniPID: “Achieving this outstanding level of recognition for the MiniPID sensor is a fantastic result for the Sensors team. Many of us have worked at ION Science for decades and seen the full development of the MiniPID since its inception in 2007. Being able to have the affirmation of the MiniPID sensor as an ‘Innovation’ by the Queen’s Award for Enterprise is a great highlight and we’re very proud to receive it.”

Across the globe today, MiniPID sensors can be found in many applications, including oil rigs, gas refineries, pharmaceutical manufacturing plants, semiconductor factories, laboratories, nuclear facilities, air quality monitoring and many more; protecting the health and safety of workers, the public and the environment.

MiniPID sensors represent a monumental step forward in protecting people. The advanced VOC detection capabilities mean that no matter what application, environment, or compounds, MiniPID sensors exceed the customer need and delivers high quality, reliable results.

ION Science’s range of MiniPID sensors are now available to buy directly from the award-winning manufacturer – contact them today to find out more: https://ionscience.com/en/contact-us/

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has set out World Day for Safety and Health at Work for 28^th April 2022. The spotlight on providing safe and healthy places to work has become more prominent in recent times, particularly as working practices emerged and evolved rapidly as part of the COVID-19 pandemic. World Day for Safety and Health at Work is designed as an initiative, aimed at encouraging people and businesses to implement an effective occupational health and safety (OHS) system to reduce risk and improve working conditions for all. As a result, ILO is exploring the topic of participation and social dialogue in creating a positive safety and health culture.

ION Science is committed to protecting lives and preserving the environment with technologically advanced gas detection instrumentation. As a leading OEM in the development, manufacture, and supply of PID (photoionisation detection) volatile organic compound (VOC) gas detectors, ION Science has been working to keep workers and environments safe for over 30 years. A key part of ION Science’s portfolio is fixed gas detectors, which can play a vital role in an organisation’s occupational health and safety approach.

In industrial facilities where hazardous substances are part of the daily routine, fixed gas detectors are used to protect employees, for site-safety (assets) and the environment. Their purpose is to control gas-related risks and provide continuous monitoring for the prevention of explosive gas leaks or overexposure to toxic gases. The right and reliable fixed gas detection system can prevent and limit the impact of a potential gas leak.

Fixed detectors can be classified and approved for use in ATEX-zoned hazardous areas or what are deemed safe areas. That choice will usually be based on a gas hazard survey and/or a DSEAR report depending on the site and application. Once a working area has been identified as hazardous, it must be classified into a zone based upon the frequency and persistency of the potentially explosive atmosphere. This will help to determine the controls needed on potential sources of ignition that may be present in the area:

• Zone 1 hazardous areas are classified as a working area where the presence of explosive gas is likely to occur during normal working conditions.
• Zone 2 hazardous areas are classified as working areas in which explosive gas is not likely to occur during normal operation and if it does it would not be for an extended period of time.

ION Science’s two main fixed gas detectors are the Falco and Titan. The Falco fixed gas detector is available as either a pumped or diffusive model. The Falco is intrinsically safe and ATEX certified making it approved for use in ATEX-zoned hazardous areas. It does not require a hot work permit, and only requires annual maintenance. Falco gas detectors are designed with Typhoon technology, able to withstand exceptionally harsh environments, including 0-100% relative humidity and condensing humidity, and temperatures from -40 to +50°C without any compromise in performance. When you have the right gas detection system in place, your workers and site stay safe, and work continues smoothly.

Titan is a benzene-specific fixed gas detector, making it ideal for use in petrochemical applications. Benzene poses a serious health risk, even at low concentrations, so monitoring is essential for safe working environments. ION Science’s Titan detector is the only continuous benzene-specific fixed gas detector on the market, offering end users a unique ability to monitor benzene concentrations 24/7 to ensure any risk can be mitigated. With fast and accurate monitoring down to 0.1 ppm, the Titan is designed with worker health and safety in mind, alongside reliable, accurate benzene monitoring. It is also certified to ATEX, IECEx, UL and CSA standards for total reliability.

This World Day for Safety and Health, it is important to understand the role that technology can play in improving approaches to health and safety. With greater awareness, improved initiatives, better prevention tactics and a willingness to leverage effective occupational health and safety, the likelihood of improving working conditions for all is possible. ION Science is proud to offer fixed gas detectors which can aid in the detection and prevention of exposure to harmful VOCs and play a part in supporting worker health and safety around the world.

Gas Sensing Solutions – a pioneer in LED based NDIR infra-red gas sensors has announced that it will launch a new range of methane gas sensors to market at Sensor+Test 2022.

The methane gas sensors use ultra-bright LEDs and a patent pending internal architecture to deliver unrivalled accuracy and low power consumption.

Sensor+Test on 10-12 May 2022 in Nuremberg, Germany is the leading international forum for sensors, measuring and testing technologies worldwide. Alongside the new methane gas sensors, Gas Sensing Solutions will also promote its range of CO2 sensors, including the ultra-low-power CozIR®-Blink, and the high-speed SprintIR-R.

“GSS is delighted to be showcasing its new methane gas sensors at Sensor+Test2022. We have always been at the forefront of the LED based NDIR CO2 sensor market. We are now bringing this technology, design experience and sensor insight into the methane market, creating an innovative sensor architecture that sets new standards for the industry. Sensor+Test2022 is the perfect platform to launch this exciting new product to market,” Julian Hayes, CEO of Gas Sensing Solutions.

To learn more about our new Methane sensors, see us at Sensor+Test on 10-12 May 2022 in Nuremberg, Germany at stand 1-401, or visit www.gassensing.co.uk.