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Toxic Gas Detector Family Receives ATEX Approval
US manufacturer Detector Electronics Corporation (Det-Tronics) GT3000 Toxic Gas Detectors have received ATEX hazardous location and performance certification. In addition, GT3000 Toxic Gas Detectors are FM, CSA, CE, and IECEx certified and have earned the IP66 rating. Det-Tronics is part of UTC Fire & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. The GT3000 family is a group of electrochemical fixed-point detectors that provide non-intrusive calibration, communication via 4-20mA with HART p...
Brilliant new Temporary ATEX LED Floodlite
Wolf Safety (UK) has launched the Wolf LED Floodlite, a high performance, low maintenance, ATEX compliant Hazardous Area Floodlite, using high output, high efficiency LEDs and designed to be transportable specifically for use in temporary applications and installations. The Wolf WF-300 LED Floodlite range is CE marked to the ATEX Directive for use in Zone 1 and 2 potentially explosive gas and dust atmospheres, with 48 ultra bright high power LEDs producing 3,300 lumens of brilliant white...
Leading Industry NFPACompliant SCBA Test Bench now has USB Communication
Biosystems’ (France) Posi3 USB is now ava ilable for the Standard ("non manufacturer specific") and Sperian Respiratory (formerly Survivair) software versions. The Posi3 USB is a major revision to the industry-leading SCBA Test Bench PosiChek™ family. It now communicates to a PC using the Universal Serial Bus protocol. No more parallel ports! There is also an improved database search capability and more detailed test reporting. These two new PosiChek versions will be availa...
ATEX Approved Ethernet Extender
Extronics (UK) a leading supplier and manufacturer of intrinsically safe and explosion-proof electrical and electronic equipment, has launched the A290001 Zone 1 and 21 POE/ Ethernet Extender. Extronics POE/ Ethernet Extender is ATEX certified and doubles, triples or even quadruples the normal 330ft (100m) CAT5 cable run length for 100BaseT networks. It forwards both Ethernet and POE for another 330ft (100m) using a patent-pending power-processing scheme and multiple units can be employed in ser...
World Class ATEX Compliant Manufacturer
JCE Group (UK) is a global organisation who specialise in the design and manufacture of high performance control systems for applications where both hazardous and non-hazardous conditions exist, compliant with the ATEX directive. From their key locations (Aberdeen and Plymouth, in Britain, and Singapore) they provide ATEX approved solutions to meet the needs of customers across a broad spectrum of industries. They have the capability to produce items, from simple junction boxes to complex cont...
Portable Multi-Gas Detector
Enmet Corporation’s (USA) Model PGD3-IR portable multi-gas detector incorporates an infrared combustible gas sensor for 0-100% LEL or 0-100% by volume methane, and an infrared sensor for carbon dioxide at various optional ranges from ppm concentrations to 100% by volume CO2. In addition, the PGD3-IR can also be supplied with an oxygen sensor and up to two electrochemical sensors for various toxic gases, such as, CO, H2S, NO2, SO2, etc. The instrument has audio/visual alarms and complete da...
HSE 'will prosecute' for personal safety failures
When the personal safety of workers is put at risk, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will prosecute, the inspectorate has reasserted.The note of caution is aimed particularly at companies in the oil industry, following the conclusion of an investigation into the fire at the Buncefield oil depot in 2005.In this particular case, TAV Engineering was found guilty of personal safety failings on the site, joining Motherwell Control Systems 2003 and Hertfordshire Oil Storage in receiving guilty ve...
Ultrasonic Gas Leak Detector Receives FM and CSA Approval
General Monitors (USA) is pleased to announce that Gassonic’s (Denmark) Observer is now FM and CSA certified. FM and CSA certification assures customers that the Gassonic Observer has been evaluated through independent scientific testing and found safe and reliable. FM Approvals and CSA International are leading providers of product testing and certification that test products for compliance with hazardous locations and product performance standards. Ultrasonic gas leak detection adds a...
UK inspections intensify to prevent oil and gas leaks
Inspections of rigs operating in British waters are to intensify to ensure that no oil or gas leaks similar to that in the Gulf of Mexico are able to occur off the coast of the UK.Energy secretary Chris Huhne stresses that the UK regime is already deemed to be appropriate for safeguarding oil and gas workers, citizens and the environment.However, action is still being taken to tighten controls further and reduce the risk of oil or gas leaks to a minimum for the future."The events unfolding...
Combustible gas 'may be reused' through liquefaction
Liquefied forms of combustible gas may allow the fuel to be reused, rather than flared off during oil refinement.Dr Jan Lerou, chief technology officer for the Oxford Catalysts Group, tells the Novel Gas Conversion Symposium of the possibilities for the retrieval of combustible gas at small scales."Conventional gas-to-liquid (GTL) technologies are not economically viable at small scales of less than 10,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd)," he says."However, only about six per cent of...
Gas Detection Sensors Include Wireless Technology
Detcon’s state-of-the-art Model 700 gas detection sensors now include wireless technology as an integration option. All 700 sensors are equipped with standard 4-20mA analog and Modbus RS-485 outputs. The Model RXT-300, Detcon wireless gas detection system, is designed to work with 700 sensors and other Field devices with an RS-485 Modbus serial output. The RXT-300 is a wireless Modbus replacement and links one master to one or more slaves. Additional communication solutions for the Model...
Affordable Noise Monitoring, a Sound Investment
Casella CEL (UK) engineers have redefined high quality, affordable noise monitoring. The popular CEL-200 range of sound level meters now has a new member.The new CEL-240 Sound Level Meter is completely innovative to the market, offering technology and ergonomics not seen before for this price. The CEL-240 Sound Level Meter has been launched tomeet the need for a low cost yet fully compliant basic sound levelmeter. It is based on the digital signal processing (DSP) technology recently introduced...
Gas Measurements from ATEX Installations
Gas sampling and conditioning in hazardous areas can be extremely challenging for operators and providers of analytical measurement systems. In order to provide reliable and auditable systems there needs to be consideration not only of the process parameters and local environmental conditions but also of the hazardous area rating in which the equipment must be certified to in order to operate continuously. This includes the area rating for the process gas itself as well as the rating for the ins...
Five New liquid Electrolyte Hydride Sensors offer Improved Performance in Demanding Environments
City Technology (UK) has enhanced and extended its premium Sensoric family of hydride exotic gas sensors. Certain hydride gases, notably arsine, silane, phosphine, diborane and hydrogen selenide, play a critical part in semiconductor, photovoltaic material and metal leaching manufacturing processes, but, given their highly toxic, corrosive and explosive nature, exhaustive monitoring is essential to ensure safe work environments and properly functioning processes. The new generation sensors all...
New Pump Communicates with Gas Detector
The new G400-MP2 pump from GfG (Germany) communicates with the gas detectors G450/G460. This interaction allows fault indication via the detector display. Low battery, blocked sampling line or interrupted power fault modes are shown on the display and activate different visual and audible warnings. Gas samples can be taken from distances of up to 100 m with considerable low-pressure performance – the safe solution for confined space measurement. The G400-MP2 is the only attachable pump av...
Aberdeen Safety Training Specialists Add CompEx Centre
North-east Scotland-based EPIT is an accredited CompEx approved training centre. The CompEx five-day course and its affiliations have been added to their already comprehensive training portfolio, and the scheme is being delivered from their refurbished training facility at Blackburn, Aberdeen - featuring lecture rooms as well as a hands-on practical area. The facility in Blackburn can accommodate technicians from the electrical and instrumentation disciplines who will benefit from modern and up...
Gas Sensor Sockets for High Reliability and Lower Cost
Electrochemical cells, pellister, IR cells and solid-state sensors are prone to damage because of shock and vibration. Andon (USA) became aware of the gas instrument industry’s need for a solution to this problem, as well as the need for higher liability and lower cost. The old state-of-the-art test jacks were designed for single meter probes and not for multi-pin sockets. Andon developed the unique Senstac™ Sensor Contacts made in-house in a variety of sizes with high temperature i...
Cost Effective Calibration and Bump Testing
The most cost effective way to manage the calibration and bump testing of BW’s (Canada) portable gas detectors is through the MicroDock II automated test and calibration system. Fully portable and easily expandable, the MicroDock II requires no computer interface and provides simultaneous management of up to 10 modules. Simple, accurate record keeping and management of a fleet of safety gas detectors provides quick and easy compliance. The MicroDock II features one base station with one...
Performance Test Approvals for Multi-Gas Detectors
GfG (Germany) announce that performance test approval for its’ G450 and G460 multi-gas detectors has been achieved. It is a legal requirement in EU countries that portable multi-gas detectors used in hazardous locations should have their gas detection performance tested and verified by an independent test authority, and approved to EN European standards. The G450 and G460 are certified toEN 60079-29-1 Performance test for combustible gas sensors, EN 50104 Performance test for oxygen, EN...
BP promises $500m for oil spill research
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill has prompted BP to pledge $500 million (£350 million) for research into the effects of such disasters.The oil industry giant said it would commit to the funding for independent studies detailing what went wrong, the steps taken to clean up the spill and how similar problems can be avoided in the future.It was said that every opportunity needs to be seized to ensure that major oil spills like this do not happen again and the people of the Gulf Coast should rec...
Gauge Audit Program Identifies Malfunctioning or Misapplied Pressure and Temperature Gauges
Winters’ (Canada) Gauge Audit Program will identify malfunctioning or misapplied gauges in plants so that corrective measures may be taken to reduce service interruptions and improve safety conditions. The Winters G.A.P. will also increase gauge monitoring performance, help the customer save on repairs and replacements costs, and consolidate gauge inventory. The gauge audit may be performed by a qualified distributor personnel or together with a Winters Regional Manager at the plant site....
AlertAlarm Protected for All Environments
European Safety Systems (UK) has upgraded the IP ratings of its AlertAlarm general signalling sounder range. All sizes in the family, the A105N (112dB), A112N (119dB) and A121 (126dB) sounders are now supplied sealed to IP66 as standard, enabling them to be installed with confidence even in the most demanding dusty or wet environments. All units have 45 selectable tones and have at least two switchable alarm stages as standard; there is also the option of a fully programmable four-stage switch...
A World Leader in Control Systems in Both Hazardous and Non-Hazardous Conditions
The JCE Group (UK) is a global organisation specialising in the design and manufacture of high performance control systems for applications where both hazardous and non-hazardous conditions exist. With manufacturing facilities in Aberdeen, Plymouth and Singapore, JCE have the capability to produce items from simple junction boxes to complex control panels built to their customers specifications and to install and deliver them anywhere in the world. JCE’s technicians are highly qualified a...
BP pledges oil spill transparency
Major petrol industry player BP has reiterated its promise to remain transparent over the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.The company said that it will work with the Department of Homeland Security and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in releasing information to the US government and the public regarding its efforts to clean up the disaster.Tony Hayward, chief executive for BP, made the pledge in a letter to Janet Napolitano, secretary of homeland security and Lisa Jackson, administrato...
New Detectors can Take HART
US manufacturers Detector Electronics Corporation (Det-Tronics) have announced flame detectors and gas detectors that use the HART communication protocol. The announcement came as Det-Tronics added HART functionality to its X9800, X2200, and X5200 flame detectors. The HART protocol permits digital signals carrying information such as diagnostic parameters and device configuration to be transmitted simultaneously with the 4-20 mA analog signal. Det-Tronics manufactures flame detectors, gas detect...
Combined Gas/Flame/Smoke Detection System for Power Station Supplied
Hazard detection specialist Groveley Detection (UK) has supplied a combined gas, flame and smoke detection system to Centrica’s Kings Lynn power station. Groveley was consulted about designing a system to detect flammable hydrogen gas build-up in the battery rooms at the site, which is one of the most efficient gas power stations in the UK. The Dorset-based company designed a central gas detection system, using it’s own catalytic hydrogen detectors mounted at roof level – as...
New Gas Detection Digital Modbus Wall Mount Controller
New and Award Winning Gas Detection Digital Modbus RTU Wall Mount Controller, TA-2016MB-WM designed and manufactured by Mil-Ram Technology (USA) features a 16-channel system utilising RS-485 Modbus RTU Multi-drop smarter Transmitter (Sensor) Network. Four relays (SPST), 10 Amp. are common to all channels. Select latching or non-latching function. Low, Mid, High, Fault relays. LED alarm indicators. Local buzzer. This detector offers various options such as remote relay Modules, Modbus compatibil...
Gas-detection meter from Connecticut explosion to be analysed
A gas-detection meter taken from the site of the Kleen Energy Systems power plant in Connecticut is to be examined following a deadly blast at the facility in February. Superior Court Judge Robert Holzberg ordered police to analyse the equipment from the explosion, which killed six people and endangered the personal safety of others, the Associated Press reports. The device, which the news provider noted is like the black box on an airplane, will be closely guarded by the US Chemical Safety and...
Deepwater Horizon subsea efforts continue
Control efforts are still being made to limit the damage caused by an oil spill from a Gulf of Mexico platform. Deepwater Horizon, a Transocean drilling rig, caught fire last month and subsequently sank - endangering the personal safety of a number of employees and contractors. However, BP has revealed it is carrying out a "top kill" method to prevent the slick from spreading, with a containment dome being parked on the sea bed. "A second, smaller containment dome is being readied...
Virtual reality helps ensure personal safety in robot rescues
Personal safety in industries such as mining, oil and gas exploration could be safeguarded in the years to come through an innovative three-dimensional imaging system.The software-based system is being developed by researchers at the University of Missouri, where robots are equipped with sensors to detect three-dimensional conditions on rescue sites.By accurately rendering these as three-dimensional environments for the remote rescuers to interact with, personal safety can be protected by allowi...
Deepwater Horizon 'will raise personal safety in UK'
The lessons learned from the Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico will be applied in the UK to help improve personal safety beyond its existing level, according to Oil & Gas UK.Malcolm Webb, chief executive of the organisation, which calls itself "the voice of the offshore industry", says: "Our thoughts at this difficult time are with the families, friends and colleagues of the 11 people who are missing."But he adds: "Oil & Gas UK will do all that it...
Versatile Gas Detectors Upgraded
Honeywell (UK) have announced the release of Series 3000 MkII. Series 3000 MkII is a direct replacement for the company’s Series 3000 XPIS gas detector, offering a more robust Aluminium LM25 or 316 stainless steel enclosure. Additionally the enclosure now has two cable gland/conduit entries. Series 3000 MkII is suited to a wide range of applications and can detect toxic gases or Oxygen in a 2-wire 4-20mA format. This wiring configuration makes the Series 3000 MkII ideal for retrofitting o...
IS+ Intrinsically Safe Detector Now UL Certified
Crowcon’s (UK) intrinsically safe TXgard-IS+ gas detector is fitted with electrochemical sensors which enable it to detect a wide range of toxic gases and oxygen. Gases detected include those commonly found in industrial applications such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulphide (H2S), chlorine (Cl2), ammonia (NH3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and oxygen (O2). Already certified to ATEX and IECEx standards, the addition of UL certification means the TXgard IS+ can no...
Transocean spill costing owners $6m a day
BP has announced that operations to contain a spillage at an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico is costing the owners $6 million (£3.9 million) a day. The natural resources giant, which has a 65 per cent share in the facility, admitted this is likely to increase as services to secure the Transocean Deepwater Horizon drilling platform continue. Earlier this month, a fire broke out at the structure and it eventually sank, with nine Transocean employees and two contractors presumed dead. However, B...
Combustible Gas Detection System Web Video Features Detector Calibration Demonstration
General Monitors (USA) recently announced the debut of its new IR4000 Combustible Gas Detection Calibration Demo. This new five-minute demo provides step-by-step instructions on how to perform gas checks, zero, and calibrate the system’s IR400 point infrared gas detectors. Users will appreciate the ease with which the simple magnet interface tool can be pulled across the IR4000M Monitor to activate an LED status screen and check the status of the end devices. A single IR4000M Monitor conn...
Marathon Oil Takes Infrared In-House
Unlike other oil and gas production companies who subcontract condition monitoring Marathon Oil is committed to undertaking this highly valuable work in house. Reliability Offshore Supervisor Lee McFarlane explains, “We see great value in having our own equipment and in training a dedicated team of technicians. It allows us to collate all the data to get maximum return from our reliability programme.” As a result, the company invested in its own top-of-the-range Flir (UK) P-Series...
BP speeds up oil spill efforts
BP has announced it is gaining momentum on offshore oil recovery efforts being provided for the Transocean facility in the Gulf of Mexico. Personal safety is being described as the main objective of the exercise, which will involve a number of oil well control activities in Mississippi Canyon Block 252.Last week, the platform caught fire and eventually sank leaving nine of Transocean's employees and two contractors presumed dead. Group chief executive of BP Tony Hayward said: "The safety of...
Digital Gas Detector with Electro-chemical Sensor
The DGTec-ex, from Detector Oy (Finland) is a new generation of digital gas detector for explosive atmospheres (zone 0, 1 and 2). The detector is fitted with an electro-chemical sensor. It is designed to monitor the presence of either oxygen, hydrogen or toxic gases in the process of food, drug and petrochemical industry – all parameters defined according to the customer’s specification! Other environments with Ex-classifications in which this reliable measuring technology can be us...
Transocean offers condolences to staff members' families
Transocean has offered its condolences to the families of people who are presumed dead following a fire and subsequent explosion at one of the company's semisubmersible operations. The company said nine of its employees plus two contractors are still missing from when the incident occurred on Tuesday, April 20th. Located in the US Gulf of Mexico, the Deepwater Horizon rig sank two days later on Thursday, leading to a range of oil spill measures being launched by the organisation and its partners...
BP launches Transocean response operation
A large-scale response operation has been started by oil giant BP following the fire and subsequent sinking of a Transocean rig. Located in the Gulf of Mexico, the platform caught ablaze earlier this week, risking the personal safety of a number of employees working at the site. According to BP, it has launched a plan to start a relief well if one is required, which will be available to begin operations immediately. "We have assembled and are now deploying world-class facilities, resources...
Multi-Spectrum Infrared (MSIR) Flame Detector with Improved Design for Easy Installation
The popular Multi-Spectrum Infrared (MSIR) FL4000H Flame Detector from General Monitors (USA) now features a new housing for easy installation that simplifies wiring and other set-up tasks. The FL4000H, with its next-generation MSIR sensor incorporating neural network technology (NNT), provides reliable flame monitoring with superior false alarm immunity, a wide field of view (FOV), and one of the industry’s longest detection ranges. The FL4000H’s improved design permits cables to...
Personal safety of Transocean staff unknown after fire
The personal safety of a number of Transocean employees is in question after a fire occured at one of the company's semisubmersible drilling rigs in the US Gulf of Mexico. In a statement, the organisation revealed that while "a substantial majority" of its staff members are fine, there remain a number of individuals currently unaccounted for. According to the firm, it is working alongside the US Coast Guard and lease operator BP Exploration & Production in order to locate the missi...
Preventing Sparks from Flying
When handling combustible liquids or powders, operators are faced with an invisible, often underrated risk: electrostatic discharges, a potential source of sparks that can ignite explosive atmospheres. In order to prevent this, and to enable the safe handling of hazardous substances, R. Stahl (Germany) offers the new type 8485 and type 7485 grounding monitoring devices. These units ensure the safe elimination of electrostatic charges during the loading and unloading of tank vehicles such as tank...
Personal safety at refineries 'is an issue'
A recent fire at ExxonMobil's Baton Rouge refinery in Louisiana has led to the United Steelworkers (USW) stating personal safety is an issue in the industry. The blaze, which injured one staff member and two contractors, prompted the response following the Tesoro blast earlier this month - a detonation that killed six people. "We are concerned about this latest incident because there are too many fires happening at refineries around the country," vice-president of the organisation Gary...
Human error 'large part of gas explosion problems'
Gas explosions at refineries can often be caused by human error, it has been suggested. Contractor Kris Hanson told KUOW that personal safety is most at risk during start-up and shutdown operations. Commenting after the Tesoro refinery blast in Anacortes, just north of Seattle, he said workers in the industry "pray" that nothing will go wrong while these procedures are being carried out. "I feel a little bit funny on a start–up, because I'm always thinking about human error,&...
Personal safety measures 'need improvement in oil industry'
The personal safety of many young people in the US is being threatened by inadequate regulations regarding oil tanks, it has been suggested. Writing for the New York Times, Robbie Brown claimed structures of this kind can attract bored teenagers who may unintentionally trigger explosions. "The accidents usually happen when a spark - from a cigarette, a firework or a gun - meets the oil and natural gas vapours released through a hatch in a tank's roof," he said. One such incident result...
Canada explosion 'hasn't affected local pipeline'
An explosion at a refinery in Canada that killed five people and risked the personal safety of others has not affected a pipeline feeding the facility. Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, which operates the crude oil pipeline, stated the detonation last week will not interrupt services, Reuters reports. The Tesoro Corp plant in Washington experienced the blast on Friday April 2nd when a naphtha hydrotreater ignited. Andy Galarnyk of Kinder Morgan said: "There's been no impact on our delivery to...
Detection of Gas Flames Just Got Better!
Until recently, it was difficult to detect industrial gas flames/fires as the radiation output from gas flames is generally much lower than that from liquid hydrocarbon fuels; thus detection distances were limited. However, Spectrex has introduced additions and improvements to its wide range of optical flame detectors to significantly advance this capability. The Spectrex 40/40I Triple IR Flame Detector can now detect methane and propane (LNG/LPG) flames at up to 30 meters (instead of 18m befo...
Testing Flame Detectors
Using a Spectrex Flame Simulator is the only sure way to perform a full functional test on your SharpEye Flame Detectors and system. It avoids the cost of scaffolding or supports to access the detector as it is able to test at distances up to 29ft (9m) from the detector location. Spectrex Flame Simulators (certified EExd for Zone 1 hazardous areas) emit electromagnetic radiation in a unique sequential pattern recognizable as fire by the specific SharpEye Flame Detector model. This allows the de...
Lots of Approval for Spectrex Flame Detectors!
SharpEye 40/40 Series Flame Detectors offer unmatched performance and reliability - including patented, IR3 (Triple IR) Multi-Spectrum detectors that enable detection of small fires at distances up to 65m, with enhanced immunity to false alarms. These highly specified detectors operate reliably in the harsh conditions of offshore drilling and production platforms, FPSO vessels, fuel loading and storage facilities, LNG and LPG plants and petrochemical plants throughout the world. The compact and...