Crowcon has supplied over 60 of its ATEX-approved Tetra portable gas detectors to Avery Weigh-Tronix for detecting dangerous gases in pit-mounted weighbridges.
Avery Weigh-Tronix is the UK’s largest supplier of weighbridges, many of which are mounted over enclosed pits containing load cells. These load cells require regular service and maintenance, which involves a technician physically entering the pit.
Confined space regulations mean that technicians cannot enter a pit without initially testing the atmosphere, and then continuously monitoring it while at work. Rather than pass this responsibility to its clients, Avery Weigh-Tronix decided to equip all its technicians with Tetra detectors to comply with the regulations.
Gas hazards in the pits come from a variety of sources and include diesel spillage, rotting organic matter, exhaust fumes (weighbridges adjacent to those being serviced often remain operational), landfill gases and process emissions. All these emissions are potentially dangerous and need to be closely monitored.
Crowcon’s Tetra multi-gas detectors are ideal for this purpose. Simple to use, they can monitor a combination of toxic gases, flammable gases and oxygen at the same time. A single button controls all functions and a backlit display gives simultaneous viewing of all gas readings, alarm conditions and battery life at a glance.
If a gas hazard is detected, the Tetra instantly alerts the technician by emitting a loud 94 dBA alarm, producing an extremely bright red/blue flashing light, and by vibrating. Alarm tones are adjustable to ensure easy discrimination from surrounding noise.
According to Tony Thomas, an Avery Weigh-Tronix technician who has been using a Tetra for several months, “I’m very happy with the device. It is easy to use and gives us an instant indication of conditions in the pit. The display is easy to understand and, if a hazard is detected, the audible warning is unmistakeable. I also find that the batteries last for ages – I only have to recharge them every two months or so.”
Compact in size and weighing between just 300-500g depending on the model, Tetra units are very rugged. They are water- and dust-resistant to IP65 and can float if dropped in water. They are provided with either rechargeable batteries (providing up to 18 hours’ continuous operation), or conventional non-rechargeable batteries.
