Revealing the common wrong operations in the use of gas detectors

“Wearing masks” for gas detectors: Due to the construction in the surrounding area, there is a lot of dust. Enterprise employees are worried that it will affect the function of gas detectors, so they “wear” masks for them to prevent dust. However, this practice seriously hinders the normal circulation of gas, resulting in the inability of detectors to detect accurately.

“Wrapping” gas detectors with plastic cloth: In order to prevent the gas detectors from being corroded, the company actually wrapped them with plastic cloth. Although this move seems to be “protective”, it actually makes the detector completely lose its alarm function and become a decoration.

Improper installation of instruments: There are strict regulations on the installation location and coverage of instruments. However, in actual applications, safety accidents caused by incorrect installation locations or improper operation of employees are common.

Unstandardized instrument settings: If the installation height, sensor type selection, range and alarm value settings of the instrument are not standardized, it may cause it to fail to play a monitoring role, thereby causing accidents.

Unplugging the power supply after the instrument alarms: The gas detection alarm has a loud volume when it alarms, and some employees unplug the power supply when the alarm is alarmed for the sake of peace. As everyone knows, the alarm of gas detector often means gas leakage. At this time, plugging and unplugging the power supply is very likely to generate electric sparks, causing fire or explosion.

Problems such as incorrect setting of gas detector alarm value, inappropriate installation height, and frequent disconnection of alarm power are common in chemical companies. Some companies have many and messy alarm information in the control room, and some companies have installed alarms but they are useless… Behind these phenomena, what is exposed are the problems of chaotic management of gas detectors, lack of professional knowledge, and unclear responsibilities.

Requirements for installation height and coverage of gas detectors

There are regulatory requirements for the installation height and coverage of gas detectors.

If the release source is in a closed plant or a semi-open plant with poor ventilation in some parts, the horizontal distance between the combustible gas detector and any release source within its coverage range should not be greater than 5m; the horizontal distance between the toxic gas detector and any release source within its coverage range should not be greater than 2m.

When measuring flammable or toxic gases heavier than air, the detector should be installed at a height of 0.3 to 0.6 m from the floor (or floor). When detecting flammable or toxic gases lighter than air, the detector should be installed within 2.0 m above the release source.

When detecting flammable or toxic gases slightly heavier than air, the detector should be installed 0.5 to 1.0 m below the release source. When detecting flammable or toxic gases slightly lighter than air, the detector should be installed 0.5 to 1.0 m above the release source.

Gas detector maintenance requirements

1. Regular inspections should be carried out on fixed instruments, with an inspection cycle of no more than one month. The inspection contents mainly include:
2. a) Whether the appearance is intact;
3. b) Whether the detector rain cover functions properly;
4. c) Whether the indication is normal;
5. d) Whether the connection parts are loose;
6. e) Whether the detector parts are blocked;
7. f) Whether the secondary instrument and special control system operate normally.

2. The control and alarm units of fixed instruments should be checked to ensure that their lights, alarms and circuits operate normally, and the inspection cycle should not exceed 3 months.

3. Each inspection should be recorded and filed, and any problems should be dealt with immediately.

4. When a fixed instrument fails, personnel should be arranged to confirm on site immediately. During the failure, alternative solutions and safety protection measures should be prepared to ensure personnel safety.

How can enterprises rectify the chaos in the installation and use of gas detection?

As a hidden danger rectification item, new gas detectors should strictly comply with equipment change procedures. Risk analysis should be conducted before the change, and the appropriate type of gas detector should be selected according to the nature of the gas to be detected, and the correct installation position should be determined according to the specific gravity of the gas. At the same time, verify whether the range and alarm setting value of the detector are consistent with the alarm threshold of the measured medium. After the equipment is installed, an acceptance inspection should be carried out to ensure that the equipment and facilities are intact and accurate and effective. After the change acceptance, it is also necessary to promptly improve the equipment ledger and other safety information, and conduct training for relevant personnel. Gas detectors are an important line of defense to protect the safe production of enterprises. It is the responsibility of every employee to correctly install and use the instrument to ensure its safe and stable operation.