Oxygen Depletion

For monitoring oxygen safety levels in the range of 0-25% or 15-25%, the EC-O₂ electrochemical oxygen sensor utilizes a large supply of electrolyte that is formulated to be minimally affected by interference gases. It exhibits exceptionally long life (10 years at 20.9%) and has excellent chemical durability.

Although it is a concept open to question, some code requirements can be met by simply monitoring oxygen levels, while ignoring the offending gas.

Manning Systems always recommends, in addition to the required oxygen monitoring, that sensors be installed to sense the "target" gas. With oxygen comprising about one-fifth (20.9%) of our atmosphere, it takes almost 5% (50,000 ppm) of some other gas (i.e., carbon monoxide) to displace 1% of normal ambient oxygen levels. With technology available for selectively monitoring most common gases, the level of safety is greatly increased by including a "second nose" to monitor the offending gas and identify a problem long before oxygen displacement would be recognized. Electrochemical and infrared are gas-specific sensor technologies for monitoring gases at the "early warning" level.

Related products and technology

Manning Systems can supply a single point gas sensor system, four channel system, or multi-channel unit that monitors as many as ten sensors at a single master safety control panel.

The new AirAlert™ 96d multi-channel gas monitoring system adds addressable RS-485 Modbus communication protocol to the broad line of Manning Systems readout/alarm units. A total of 96 gas sensors and relay modules can be linked to a single controller.

All readouts have relay outputs to notify security personnel, activate fans, shut off valves or refrigeration equipment, etc. Sensors give a linear 4/20 mA output and can tie directly to a PLC or building control system.

Manning Systems offers personal protection portables by BW Technologies for the single or multi-sensor toxic gas detector market. These innovative, low-cost portables are ideal for industrial hygienists, safety managers, petrochemical applications, fire departments, police and emergency responders at risk of exposure to toxic contaminants.