Overview
Matching the Manning Systems Sensor with the Application

The most critical part of any monitoring/alarm system is the "primary measurement device". Accurately measured information is the basis to successful performance of any safety/alarm system. Since there is not a "perfect" gas sensor, we've created these "Tech Notes" to summarize the basics of sensor characteristics and application parameters for the various technologies used by Manning Systems.

Because we know that effective and reliable gas detection systems can save lives, Manning Systems is committed to high-quality, durable construction, including robust, well-designed steel sensor and readout enclosures. Manning sensors in steel boxes can be mounted easily and have pre-punched holes to accommodate conduit and flex. The enclosures have adequate room to work inside with high quality connectors that are removable for easy wire insertion. Unlike fragile plastic housings that may break in cold temperatures, Manning Systems enclosures have secured hardware and hinged doors to speed sensor installation in both cold and wet environments.

Manning Systems sensors are calibrated easily in the field with certified calibration gas that is always available from us. Our entire calibration process takes about two minutes and any adjustment can be made quickly and easily at the sensor. Because our sensors are calibrated in place, there is never a moment when the facility is left unprotected and, most importantly, the sensor is calibrated in its actual operating environment, not under ideal lab conditions.

As government regulations or insurance carriers demand increasingly low trip levels for several gases, electrochemical technology meets that requirement with dependable, gas-specific performance for gases including ammonia, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, oxygen, chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, etc. The Manning Systems EC has excellent zero and calibration stability over long periods of time. Electrochemical sensors eliminate false trips, even in the most hostile environments.

For refrigerants, carbon dioxide and high-level ammonia sensing, infrared sensors offer the sophistication of highly specific analyzers in a simple rugged design, without pumps, filters or moving parts. These sensors are selective, stable and durable over many years and provide long-term, virtually maintenance-free operation, even in refrigerated or process areas.

Manning Systems latest innovation is its new family of gas sensing instruments with microprocessor-based SensorCheck™ technology. The revolutionary new SensorCheck™ technology monitors Manning Systems EC-F9-NH₃ ammonia sensor by testing it every 24 hours for electrical viability. If a sensor dries up or is disconnected, SensorCheck™ sends an indication that can be detected by a Manning Systems Gas Monitor or a PLC. For the new AirScan™ infrared family of sensors, every two seconds SensorCheck™ technology monitors the AirScan™ iR source and ensures that the dual channels are functioning properly. A notification signal will be transmitted if any of several performance parameters is not met. SensorCheck™ also monitors the incoming signal level from the source, as well as incoming voltage to ensure full signal strength.

Manning Systems EC and IR sensors can be equipped with the optional ATMOS equipped^® enclosures that allow them to meet all of their performance specifications down to -50° F (down to 0° F for EC-O2) and in condensing humidity environments or during washdown. ATMOS (Adaptive Temperature and Moisture Optimizing System) is a comprehensive, enviro-adaptive technology that actually senses the surrounding environment and creates a controlled, mini-atmosphere inside the sensor enclosure to optimize the air sample quality. ATMOS allows the EC and IR sensors to automatically adapt to their environment and provide accurate and reliable performance under the harshest conditions.

The Manning Systems SB semi-conductor sensor is available in NEMA 1 or explosion-proof designs for high range ammonia sensing (1%-2%) in well-ventilated engine rooms. It is not for use in refrigerated areas.

All sensors can tie to Manning Systems dedicated central alarm panels with relays to trigger key emergency control functions. The Manning offers solutions for the detection of toxic gas leaks showing gas safety status of an entire industrial facility. Manning Systems provides a "hardened" gas safety equipment system utilizing dedicated electrochemical and infrared sensors connected in realtime to HA20, HA40 or HA71 dedicated central gas alarm monitors – all protected by an uninterruptible power system. Multiple relays trigger key emergency safety control of equipment shutdown functions and allow Emergency Responders to easily assess an ammonia or other gas leak situation - even in the event of computer viruses, operating system crashes or human error.

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.

Calibration Gas Kits are always available from Manning Systems to maintain and verify the highest level of total system performance.

IMPORTANT: These sensor "Tech Notes" call out the basic guidelines for sensor selection, but should not be taken as complete information for specifying Manning Systems equipment. To verify sensor choices before publishing specifications, please call our application engineers at 800.444.9935.