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Mark Sennett
Managing Editor |
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Kelly Rose
Editor |
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Detects refrigerant gases
19 March 2014
Effective monitoring and detection of Fluorinated (Freon) gases, which include hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), hydro-chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), is essential because not only are F-gases harmful to the environment, they are also extremely toxic and represent a significant health risk if inhaled.
SF6 also poses an asphyxiation risk as, once inhaled, it may be too heavy to expel from the lungs. Crowcon’s F-Gas infrared detector is a fixed-point detector specially calibrated to detect a wide range of F-gases. Rugged and easy to install, it can be connected to any control system which accepts analogue signals. Together with Crowcon’s Gasmaster control panel and Xgard toxic gas detector, the F-Gas detector provides an effective gas leak detection package.
In addition to protecting personnel from toxic gas risks, installing the F-Gas detector offers the following benefits:
- Provides an early warning that the gas is leaking and thus maintains system efficiency and reduces potentially huge gas replacement costs
- Enables the supplier and user to comply with the mandatory F-gas regulations
- Helps to reduce the risk of leakage of powerful greenhouse gases into the environment
The detector operates from 24Vdc nominally and provides a 4-20mA signal (the output can also be set to 0-20mA, 0-2V, 0-5V or 0-10Vdc). It is compatible with most control systems or 4-20mA type controller. Housed in a rugged IP54 enclosure, the detector is suitable for use in non-hazardous areas such as plant rooms or switchgear rooms. With no moving parts, very little maintenance is required – just a bi-annual gas check (with re-calibration if necessary).
Special features of the F-Gas detector include:
- IR sensor technology: provides fast, stable and dependable performance with low maintenance and long life. Unlike semi-conductor type sensors, the F-gas detector is not affected by other types of gas or changes in temperature or humidity
- LED indicators: tri-coloured LEDs indicate the operating status of the detector and, in combination with the function keys, facilitate simple adjustments such as zero and calibration
- Choice of signals: the analogue output signal can be set as 4-20mA, 0-20mA, 0-2V, 0-5V or 0-10Vdc for compatibility with virtually any control system
- IP54 rated enclosure: provides good protection from dust and water ingress in indoor environments
