multi-gas detector selection guide

a1-cbiss | MULTI-GAS DETECTOR SELECTION GUIDE

Multi-Gas Detectors

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Gas Product Rating Data StorageProductLifetime Ownership Detection Range

AdvancedFeatures Price Battery Type

SamplingMethod Wireless Technology Service




What are multi-gas detectors?Portable multi-gas detectors are used for gas monitoring. These instruments either provide personal protection in applications where more than four gas hazards are present or to carry out advanced gas monitoring activities because of the superior features these instruments have over 4 gas confined space monitors.

Typically they are larger in size than confined space detectors, robust and can detect a wider range of gas hazards. These devices are generally worn directly on the worker’s clothing or attached to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), close to the worker’s breathing area.

Why use a multi-gas detector?When the gas concentration exceeds a pre-set alarm event on the multi-gas detecting device, it will alarm (by visual, audible and/or motion). This gives workers the confidence to work safely within a hazardous area and react directly to risks once they arise.

How do I choose a multi-gas detector?Consult the selection guide to learn more about the various types of multi-gas detectors.

a1-cbiss supply a range of multi-gas detectors and monitors for numerous applications and industries from well-known manufacturers:

Gases - You will need to determine which gas you need to monitor. Sometimes this information is available on Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) or pre-testing may be carried out to understand what’s in the environment. The most common gases include: Ammonia, Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, Chlorine, Chlorine Dioxide, Combustible Gases, Ethylene Oxide, Hydrogen, Hydrogen Sulphide, Hydrogen Cyanide, Methane, Nitric Oxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, Oxygen, Ozone, Phosphine, Propane, Sulphur Dioxide and general Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’S).

Multi-gas detectors detect oxygen, toxic gases, and some have a PID sensor option in order to detect the presence of general Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s). Infrared IR sensors for the measurement of CO2 and in some cases combustible gases. Multi-gas detectors will generally detect 5 or more gases.

Detection Range - Once you know which gases you need to monitor, you will need to know which gas range to detect at. This will be parts per billion (ppb), parts per million (ppm) or percentage volume (%).


What multi-gas detector attributes should you look for?A multi-gas detector should be used to keep you safe from hazardous gases. Below are some of the key product attributes you should look for when deciding to purchase a multi-gas detector that is best for you and your safety.

























Weight - Multi-gas detectors will be heavier than single and confined space handheld gas detectors because of the number of gas sensors, possibly a sampling pump and the rugged protective casing. For personal monitoring, consider a gas detector which has a suitable clip for attaching to a harness or clothing otherwise it could easily fall off and potentially damage the unit. However, some gas detectors are often too heavy to be worn as a personal gas detector, but instead used to carry out assessments as a portable handheld instrument.

Sampling Method - Diffusion models of gas detectors are less expensive than models with a built-in pump. Having a permanent pump can drain the battery quicker and add weight to the instrument. Consider investing in a gas detector with a slide-on pump which can easily convert when sampling is being carried out in a confined space, then switching off the pump to conserve power when not in use.

Data Storage - The two types of data storage is datalogging and event logging. Event logging will only show alarm events. Gas detectors that have event logging will only have capability for a certain number of events. Datalogging allows data to be recorded at given intervals over a period of time. Sometimes, datalogging intervals can be changed by the user.

Advanced Features - Advances in technology have vastly improved multi-gas detectors;Man-Down alarm alerts the control room that a worker has been inactive for a period of timePanic Alarm - By pressing the panic button, a worker will activate the audible and visual alarms letting others in the area know that they need help. Plug and play gas sensor options allow for sensors to be quickly swapped out which erradicates the need for multiple devices for use in different applicationsWireless - The most significant advantage of wireless gas detection is the ability to broadcast real-time data 24/7 to provide instant results once engaged with a dedicated wireless network.







Gas

Product Rating

Data Storage

Product

Lifetime

Ownership

Detection Range

Advanced

Features

Price

Battery Type

Sampling

Method

Wireless

Technology

Service

Gas

Product Rating

Data Storage

Product

Lifetime

Ownership

Detection Range

Advanced

Features

Price

Battery Type

Sampling

Method

Wireless

Technology

Service


Multi-Gas Detectors

Ready to buy? Buy online at www.a1-cbiss.com to view our product range or contact +44(0)151 666 8300 for more information

Rev 2.0 Sept 16While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within this guide is comprehensive and accurate, a1-cbiss Limited will not accept any liability for errors

Product Detection Sampling Weight Data Advanced Price Capabilities Method Storage Features (gas dependant)

Toxic, Catalytic, Optional 370g Optional Plug-in Sensors £ IR and PID Pump Datalogging 14 Gas Options

BWGasAlertMicro 5

Toxic, Catalytic, Built-in Pump 511g Datalogging Colour ££ IR and PID Option With Pump Screen 24 Gas Options

ISCMX6

Toxic, Catalytic, Built-in Pump 880g Datalogging Wireless, ££ IR and PID 6 Months Man-Down Alarm 30 Gas Options

RAEMultiRAE

Toxic, Catalytic, Built-in Pump 400g Datalogging Marine £ IR and PID Option Alarm Events Approval15 Gas Options Calibration Logs

GMI PS500

Toxic, Catalytic, Optional 390g 60 Alarm Alarm Messages ££ IR and PID Pump With Pump Events. Panic Alarm, iAssignTM

30 Gas Options > 3 Months Datalogging

ISC VENTIS PRO5

Toxic, Catalytic, Diffusion or 6.8 kg 4 month Wireless £££ IR and PID Sample draw Datalogging Option32 Gas Options

OLDHAMBM25AREA

MONITOR

multi-gas detector selection guide

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