Crowcon News - a Halma PR news blog

A recent school visit to gas detection specialist Crowcon’s Abingdon, Oxfordshire headquarters was a great success. Organised in conjunction with the Industrial Trust, the visit introduced GCSE Physics pupils from Cooper School in Bicester to the importance of gas detection as an essential safety requirement in today’s industrial and domestic environments.

The students were shown examples of what can go wrong when gas safety is not strictly adhered to – often with tragic consequences – and were given working demonstrations of equipment by Crowcon’s in-house training specialist. They also had a tour of the manufacturing and service areas of the factory and had the opportunity to engage with members of the Crowcon team.

“All the students thoroughly enjoyed the visit,” commented Stefan Kukula, Crowcon’s Technical Director. “They asked lots of pertinent questions and seemed to appreciate that what we do can have a direct impact on their own lives. The visit went so well, in fact, that we are thinking about making  it a regular event. Not only did the students like it, but the staff who got involved found it very rewarding.”

Part of Halma p.l.c., Crowcon develops, manufactures and markets innovative, reliable and cost-effective flammable and toxic gas detection equipment. Its products are sold throughout the world, serving those industries where accidental leakage of gas or vapour can become a toxic or explosive danger.

The Industrial Trust is the UK’s leading provider of curriculum focussed, in-company educational experiences for young people and their teachers. By taking them out of school and into companies, the Trust not only enables young people to link classroom concepts with real world contexts, but also to learn about rewarding careers available within industry. Each visit is carefully designed to meet the educational requirements of the visiting students, with the Trust working in partnership with the school and the company to develop an effective programme. For more information please visit the Trust’s website at: www.industrialtrust.org.uk.

UL and CSA approvals have been granted to a number of Crowcon’s rugged, portable, single and multiple gas detectors. This means they can be used throughout the US and Canada for hazardous area applications.

The UL and CSA approved range now includes the new Tetra:3 for monitoring oxygen, toxic and flammable gases. The unit, which has a top-mounted display, is water and dust resistant to IP65 and submersible to IP67.

Other approved models include the Gasman range of single gas detectors and the Tetra multiple gas detector, all of which share common features with Tetra:3, such as instant and effective warning when a gas hazard is detected with a powerful audible alarm (up to 95 dBA depending on the model), an extremely bright unique flashing red/blue LED light, and a  vibrating alarm.

Designed for use in the most demanding conditions, all Crowcon’s detectors are simple to operate. Also, because each model shares many common features, such as single button operation, user training is incredibly simple across the entire product range.

Crowcon, a Halma company, is a world leader in portable and fixed gas detection instruments. More information can be found at the company’s website: www.crowcon.com.

Crowcon has introduced two new versions of the Eikon™, its tiny, disposable, single-gas detector. The new versions detect ammonia and chlorine and are guaranteed to operate without the need for parts or maintenance for two years and, uniquely, do not require specialist training . They are ideal for temporary use by site visitors,  on-site contractors or for use during maintenance shutdowns.

The Eikon™ range now detects five hazardous gases, including hydrogen sulphide, oxygen, carbon monoxide. It brings the convenience of maintenance-free gas detection to many new industries, including water and wastewater treatment, chemicals, refineries, refrigeration, brewing, paper and fertilizer production.

Measuring less than 70mm long, the Eikon™ is a robust, intrinsically safe personal monitor which runs continuously from the moment it is activated by the user removing an activation strip.  Because it cannot be turned off and has no external controls, it is completely tamper-proof.

Sealed to IP65, the Eikon™ warns of gas hazards with a powerful 94 dBA alarm and four high-intensity LEDs visible from all angles. The unit can be set to produce a ‘confidence blip’ and light flash – reassuring the user that it is on – and can be checked for correct operation at any time by initiating a self check. Near the end of the unit’s life it produces a triple flash from the number of LEDs which correspond to the number of weeks remaining. The detector also has bump testing, calibration and traceability accessories if required.

When it reaches the end of its life, the Eikon™ can be returned to Crowcon for recycling.

Crowcon, a Halma company, is a world leader in portable and fixed gas detection instruments. More information can be found at the company’s website: www.crowcon.com.

Crowcon’s intrinsically safe Detective+ free-standing, transportable gas detector has been granted IECEx* and ATEX** certification for use in temperatures up to +50oC. This makes it ideal for use in explosion hazard areas in extremely hot climates or in hot internal industrial environments. Typical applications include refineries and offshore rigs.

Providing reliable protection wherever there are short-term gas hazards, the Detective+ can be used individually or in groups, each monitoring up to four gases at once. If a dangerous gas level is detected, it warns with a wailing 104 dBA siren and flashing, high intensity LED beacons visible from all angles. Special features include infra-red sensor technology, internal pump options, enhanced software and menu functions.

Used as a stand-alone unit, the detector can monitor small areas or protect lone workers. However, for wide-area coverage – such as when tracking gas migration or protecting a group of workers – several units can be linked to create a perimeter protection system in minutes. Any unit detecting a dangerous gas level causes all the other units in the chain to go into alarm, warning all workers in the area of the danger. The detecting unit also flashes its warning lights faster than others in the network, allowing personnel to identify the safest exit route, even in a noisy environment.

The device’s distinctive design incorporates a tripod which keeps the gas sensors raised above obstructions and away from surface obstructions. An integral safety cage gives extra protection should the unit be overturned. The tripod design also allows the device to be easily stacked, and an option with collapsible legs takes up even less space when stacked.

The on-board display is large enough to be seen at a distance and shows gas levels for all four channels simultaneously, making it easy to track multiple gas hazards. Sensors are available for oxygen, flammable gas and all toxic gases commonly encountered in industry. Power is provided by a sealed 6V rechargeable battery giving up to 60 hours’ continuous monitoring.

Crowcon, a Halma company, is a world leader in portable and fixed gas detection instruments. More information can be found at the company’s website: www.crowcon.com.

* IECEx is an international certification scheme covering product that meets the requirements of international standards. For further information visit www.iecex.com.

** ATEX is a directive providing the technical requirements to be applied to equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. For further information visit http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/atex/index_en.htm.

Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates, the biggest shopping and leisure complex outside North America, has chosen Crowcon gas detectors to protect visitors using its covered car parks. 660 Xgard carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are distributed throughout the car parks to detect potential CO build-up from car exhausts.

CO detectors are mandatory in all covered car parks in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The detectors are connected to a building control system which warns the site operators if CO levels exceed safe levels in any area of the car park.

“This was a major contract for us,” said Andy Avenell, Crowcon’s fixed system product manager, “and is concrete proof of the quality and reliability of our detectors. We have recently completed similar installations in other high profile UAE developments and expect many more to follow.”

Crowcon is represented in the UAE by Telectron, based in Abu Dhabi, and Haven Fire and Safety, based in Dubai.

The new Gasman CO2 detector from Crowcon is small, light and easy to use. Weighing just 130g – the lightest on the market – it is extremely durable, with high impact resistance and dust/water ingress protection to IP65. When potentially hazardous levels of CO2 are detected the Gasman alerts the user with a loud 95 dBA alarm, an extremely bright red/blue visual warning and also by vibrating.

The detector is ideal for use in industries where CO2 is part of the production process. These include food and beverage manufacturing, brewing, distilling and wine making, pharmaceutical and chemical processing, and also the catering and hospitality industries.

The Gasman is so small it can easily fit into a top pocket or clip onto a belt. It features simple, single-button control and has an easy to read backlit LCD display to ensure clear viewing of CO2 readings, alarm conditions and battery life. Data and event logging are available as standard, and there is a built-in 30 day advance warning when calibration is due.

Crowcon, a Halma company, is a world leader in portable and fixed gas detection instruments.

Crowcon’s CheckBox IMH (Instrument Management Hub) automates the calibration and bump testing* of portable gas detectors, reducing operation time and so reducing costs. The station can test up to 10 Crowcon detectors at once, calibrating, bumping and uploading data files as required.

The CheckBox IMH now has added functionality allowing Crowcon’s newest instruments – the Tetra:3 and the Detective+ – as well as established detectors such as the Triple Plus+, to be tested and calibrated.

Tetra:3 is a rugged, lightweight and small personal monitor with single-button operation, IP67 enclosure, top mounting display and reliable lithium-ion battery technology. It is very easy to use, even with a gloved hand.

The Triple Plus+ has long been an industry favourite, with over 55,000 instruments now in circulation. With the new Checkbox IMH upgrade, users of existing fleets of Triple Plus+ units can now reduce their maintenance costs and enable automatic calibration traceability.

The Detective+ is Crowcon’s latest transportable area gas monitor. Tripod mounted, with optional folding or fixed legs, the device now has options for internal pump – complete with water trap/filter – and infra-red sensors for either CO2 or flammable gases. Crowcon’s wide range of toxic and oxygen sensors are available and Detective+ units also feature a stackable system to reduce carriage and storage costs .

By allowing both pumped and non-pumped detectors to be calibrated and tested using the same procedure, with no additional operator involvement required, the CheckBox IMH greatly simplifies the whole process. All data is permanently recorded ensuring traceable records and can be uploaded and saved for future access. Gas lot or batch numbers and expiry dates can also be entered into the CheckBox IMH records and printed on certificates.

The station supports up to eight gas inlets. One inlet provides air for zeroing, with the remaining inlets allowing up to seven different calibration gases (or a combination of gas mixes) to be tested. When testing standard four-gas monitors (flammable, oxygen, hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide), the device supports the use of quad-mixed calibration gas, minimising calibration time and gas usage.

The CheckBox IMH optimises gas bottle usage between single and mixed gases by automatically determining the best gas bottle or combination of bottles to calibrate each detector. It does this by comparing the sensor combination to the gas bottles attached to the system.

* A bump test applies a gas mixture to a detector to check whether the sensors are working within acceptable response limits.

Crowcon has been named as the worldwide distributor for the new Laser Methane, a unique, hand-held methane detection device from Tokyo Gas Engineering in Japan. Crowcon will have exclusive distributor rights across Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and parts of the Far East.

The lightweight (1.35kg) Laser Methane is highly selective so does not give false readings, even if other gases are present. It can detect methane at concentrations between 10 – 10,000ppm up to 150 metres away in less than 0.1 seconds, even through glass. Applications include gas transmission network surveys (including compression stations), landfill site monitoring and other areas where methane leakage or build-up is a risk. The unit can also be fixed in a permanent position to periodically scan a given area.

The portable, compact device comprises a single ‘gun’ unit with no additional parts or battery packs, making it very easy to carry and operate in the field. It has a built-in test cell which self-tests the instrument at switch-on and during use. When methane is detected, the basic unit’s LED light and buzzer give visual and audible signals respectively. There is also an upgrade option with an LCD display of actual gas readings in a graphical format which may be saved to a built-in SD memory card and downloaded to a PC.

Accessories include a spare battery pack and charger, soft carry case, hand and shoulder straps and earphones. The Laser Methane conforms to EN 61000-6-4: 2001 and EN 61000-6-2:1999 and the laser has a safety rating of IEC 60825-1 (JIS C6802).

The new PGSi Programmable Monitoring System from Crowcon can monitor up to four different landfill gases at once from up to 32 individual sampling points. Using Windows XP-based software,  the PGSi is ideal for monitoring landfill gas in boreholes or for protecting buildings such as schools, hospitals, retail parks and houses built on landfill sites. By doing away with the need for multiple fixed detectors, the sampling system significantly reduces installation and maintenance costs.

Each sample line can be up to 1km in length and the sample times for each point are individually adjustable and can be sequenced in any order. A dual pump arrangement ensures that samples reach the gas sensors as quickly as possible. Filters, flow-fail devices, internal gas leak detectors and flame arrestors are all fitted as standard to ensure safe and reliable operation at all times.

The system is controlled by a PC which displays individual sample locations, gas levels and alarms. It operates up to 32 relays (which activate alarm devices or send a signal to external control equipment) and provides comprehensive data-logging facilities, with gas data displayed either in tabular or graphical formats. The PC can be monitored remotely via an optional modem, allowing status checks and the uploading of datalog files. The system can be supplied with a PC or can operate with a PC supplied by the user.

Common gas hazards associated with landfill sites include methane, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide, as well as others, depending on the landfill’s content. Methane poses a severe explosion risk, is damaging to plant life and is also a greenhouse gas. Carbon dioxide, also a greenhouse gas, is toxic and an asphyxiant, as it depletes local oxygen levels. Hydrogen sulphide is highly toxic, even at very low concentrations.

These gases are generated during the working life of a landfill site and for as long as 30-40 years after a site has been covered over. The UK Landfill Regulations (England and Wales)  2002 stipulate that all landfill site operators carry out effective monitoring of these gases for a set period after closing, as stipulated by the Environment Agency.

Southern Water (UK) has recently purchased its 800th Tetra portable gas detector from Crowcon. This represents a major investment and is a testament to the reliability and durability of the device.

“We chose the Tetra because it is simple to use, easy to maintain and extremely durable,” said Southern Water’s senior health and safety advisor Andy Nicholls. “They are life-preserving bits of equipment and you simply can’t compare the cost of a life against the cost of a detector. Saying that, the units were very good value for money.”

The detectors are used primarily by staff working in confined spaces in the wastewater, sewerage, clean water and process water sectors and for procedures such as chlorine change-over. They are also used by support staff such as scientists, technicians and health and safety advisors, and for staff training.

“We are now in the era of the ‘intelligent worker’, who wants to understand better what is going on around them,” continued Andy. “Our staff are fully conversant with health and safety legislation and expect to have the right equipment at all times. The Tetra is therefore integral to our business – I can’t think of anything that is wrong with it.”

Designed for the most demanding conditions, the Tetra can monitor up to four gases at once, including oxygen, flammable gas and a full range of toxic gases. It has a single button that controls all functions – even with a gloved hand – and a bright display gives simultaneous viewing of all gas readings, alarm conditions and battery life. The unit is water- and dust-resistant to IP65, floats in water and is ATEX approved for use in hazardous areas.

If a gas hazard is detected, the Tetra gives an instant warning with a powerful 94 dBA alarm, extremely bright red and blue alternate flashing lights and by vibrating. “Our staff really like the red/blue light,” commented Andy. “There are so many flashing red lights all around these days that the red/blue one instantly stands out. The alarm is also impossible to miss, even in the very noisy environments our staff often work in.”

The Tetra’s lithium ion battery provides up to 16 hours continuous use. “This is more than enough for our purposes,” added Andy. “Staff often have the Tetras on for 12 hours at a time, which still leaves them with spare battery life should they need it.”