Tips for Installing Fixed Gas Detectors

Being responsible for the installation and upkeep of a reliable gas monitoring system in any facility is an important task, and one that should not be taken lightly.

Industrial, commercial and public sector buildings all produce and consume a certain amount of toxic gases in the general running of their operations. For example, the HVAC-R systems used to keep buildings at ambient temperatures or chill cold storage rooms and circulate fresh air can leak refrigerant. Additionally, one can find various gases in heavy duty industrial cleaning equipment and as the byproduct of manufacturing processes in production facilities.

Installing Gas Detectors for Safety Compliance

Given enough time, despite your best efforts, every refrigeration system will leak. The only way to effectively deal with leaks is to be able to react quickly when they occur.

Gas detectors, like the MGS-400 Gas Detection Series, will constantly monitor the building’s atmosphere for a target gas and emit a warning signal when a set threshold is surpassed. These monitors can form part of an integrated network built into your building control systems and are critical to refrigerant safety compliance. The more advanced your building’s network of monitors and control systems the more peace of mind you can have in your personnel’s health and safety.

Considerations for Ensuring Successful Gas Detection

The first step in preparing for a potential gas leak is to have a network of properly installed and well maintained gas detection units in place throughout your building. Following these simple guidelines will ensure that your facility’s gas monitoring system effectively detects the presence of a target gas.

Choosing the Correct Number of Sensors

When choosing how many sensors to install, one should always err on the side of caution and get as many units as are required to provide maximum coverage.

Because gas monitors patrol a fixed point, not a general area, you will need to ensure any space which may be directly exposed to gas is monitored. The purpose of detector is negated if the refrigerant leak bypasses the detection point.

While there are no legal guidelines on how many gas monitors one should install, gas detectors should be installed no more than 16.5 feet (5 m) from a potential leak source. (Exhaust fans, air returns, etc. are an exception to this guideline.)

Selecting Where to Position Gas Detectors

In order for a gas detector to effectively serve its purpose, it must be installed where it can be seen, heard, and detect a potential leak. Installers should be mount monitors according to the product dimensions, maximum wiring lengths and the following considerations:

Environmental Conditions

Installers should account for the full range of environmental conditions when selecting a location to mount a gas detector.

Avoid Adverse Conditions

Gas detectors should not be installed in locations where they will be subjected to elements (extreme temperatures, high humidity, high concentration of airborne particles) which are outside of the device’s specifications. It is important that the instrument’s Ingress Protection (IP) rating is sufficient to protect its sensitive electronics.

Likewise, sensors should not be installed where they are exposed to damage in the daily use of the space. Such environments may impact the instrument’s ability to effectively detect the target gas.

Account for Currents / Airflow

Additionally, installers should take into account the airflow in the monitored space. Room ventilation can alter the airflow pattern and affect how efficiently the gas is monitored. In other words, installers should consider how escaping gas may behave due to air currents. (If appropriate, an installer may choose to mount gas detectors in ventilation ducts.) A smoke test may be conducted to ensure optimal placement.

High airflow may dilute the target gas. Because of this, placing sensors closer to a potential leak source may improve leak detection in spaces with high airflow.

Never locate a refrigerant detector where airflow may become obstructed. This commonly occurs in walk-in freezers where personnel may (inadvertently) push boxes against the instrument. Obstructed airflow to the sensor will result in ineffective leak detection.

Specifics of the Application

Installers may chose between perimeter detection and point detection when positioning gas sensors in a monitored space.

Point Detection

Point detection involves mounting the gas detectors at specific points where refrigerant leaks may occur. For example, installers may choose to position gas detectors close to compressors, expansion valves, mechanical joints or along cable duct trenches. As a result, leak detectors are located where they can expect to encounter the highest concentration of the target gas.

Perimeter Detection

Perimeter detection involves placing gas detection units all around the perimeter of the monitored area. This may be a better option where it is difficult to locate sensors near the leak source. The drawback of perimeter detection is that the target gas may become diluted before it reaches the gas detector.

Accessibility to Personnel

Gas detectors require regular maintenance to ensure functionality. Where possible, they should be installed in an area that is easily accessible for functional testing and servicing.

Instruments featuring a remote sensor(s) allow installers to monitor for refrigerant leaks in inaccessible locations without forfeiting convenient access for electrical / communications wiring.

Physical Characteristics of the Target Gas

One also needs to consider the heaviness or lightness (specific gravity) of the target gas. Place sensors used to detect gases heavier than air – such as butane, propane, LPG or ozone – close to ground level. Gas detectors meant to detect the presence of  gases that are lighter than air – such as hydrogen, methane, and ammonia – should have monitors located closer to the ceiling. Equal density gases should have monitors mounted at head height (usually 4 – 6 feet from the ground).

Effective Gas Detection is Critical to Safety

The health and safety of your personnel, the general public and the surrounding environment is largely dependent on the safe usage, storage and disposal of hazardous substances and materials. To ensure this safety, gases that are the by-product of building operations or processes (such as HVAC systems and industrial manufacturing, storage and cleaning processes) need to be monitored at all times.

Learn more about Bacharach’s complete line of refrigerant safety compliance solutions on our website. ∎

Do you have questions what refrigerant safety compliance? Want to know what type of gas sensors you should be using in your machinery / mechanical equipment room? Let the experts at Bacharach help by leaving a comment in the section below.