Gas Detection in Confined Space

In today's industrial and living environment, the existence of confined spaces can be seen everywhere, confined spaces are characterized by limited entry and exit points, limited gas diffusion, and easy accumulation of toxic or combustible gases, posing a serious threat to workers' safety and health. The multi-gas detector can continuously analyze the composition of gases in confined spaces, including Carbon Monoxide, Hydrogen Sulfide, Oxygen, and combustible gases. When the concentration of the detected gas exceeds the safety threshold, the detector triggers an alarm to remind workers to evacuate immediately or take necessary precautions. The gas detector systems can ensure the safety of staff entering confined spaces and avoid economic losses.

Types of Confined Space

• Enclosed and semi-enclosed equipment: cabins, storage tanks, reaction towers, refrigerated trucks, caissons and boilers, pressure vessels, floats, pipelines, tankers, etc.
• Underground confined space: underground pipelines, underground warehouses, underground fortifications, culverts, tunnels, culverts, pits, mines, waste wells, cellars, biogas tanks and septic tanks, sewers, ditches, wells, construction piles, underground cable trenches, etc.
• Above-ground confined spaces: toilets, storerooms, wine tanks, fermentation tanks, waste stations, greenhouses, granaries, flues, etc.

Hazards of Enclosed Environments

• Harmful gases such as Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) may accumulate in confined spaces due to restricted gas diffusion. These gases pose a serious threat to human health and can cause poisoning, asphyxiation and even death.
• Oxygen supply in confined spaces may be insufficient, leading to hypoxic conditions. Lack of Oxygen can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, etc., and can be fatal in severe cases.
• Combustible gases such as methane and ethane may leak in confined spaces, forming mixtures of combustible gases. Once the mixture reaches the flammable range, the slightest source of ignition may cause a fire or explosion.
• Lack of adequate ventilation in confined spaces may result in degraded air quality. This can be caused by factors such as evaporation of chemicals and breathing by personnel, affecting their health and comfort.
• Confined spaces may contain piles, dust or other materials that may block ventilation paths or occupy space, increasing the risk of asphyxiation.
• Enclosed environments usually have limited exits and in the event of an emergency, personnel may be restricted from escaping quickly.

Why Need Gas Detectors in Confined Space?

Gas detection in confined spaces is a critical safety measure to prevent accidents and protect the health of workers who need to enter such spaces. Confined spaces are areas with limited entry and exit points, inadequate ventilation, and the potential for hazardous substances, including gases, to accumulate. Common examples of confined spaces include storage tanks, pipelines, sewers, manholes, and underground utility vaults.

• Gas detector devices can monitor gas concentrations and environmental parameters in real time, providing instantaneous data and alerts to help people detect potential hazards early and take necessary measures.
• They can provide toxic gas concentration detection before staff enters the confined space, when the equipment shows that the toxic gas concentration exceeds the safe operating range, it will promptly issue an audible and visual alarm, reminding the operator to take good protection and ventilation measures.
• Multi gas monitors are capable of detecting many different types of gases, including hazardous gases, combustible gases, toxic gases, etc., providing comprehensive monitoring capabilities.
• They typically have high sensitivity and can detect the presence of gases at low concentrations, allowing for better identification of potential risks. This is important for detecting leaks of toxic gases.
• Gas Dog gas monitor devices can also record and store historical data on gas concentrations. This helps to analyze and evaluate trends in gas concentrations afterward, as well as to monitor workplace safety and environmental monitoring.

What Gases Can Be Detected?

Carbon Monoxide (CO): Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless and toxic gas that is usually produced by incomplete combustion. Carbon Monoxide is closely bound to the respiratory and circulatory systems of the human body, and high concentrations of Carbon Monoxide will bind to hemoglobin, reducing the ability to transport Oxygen in the blood, resulting in hypoxia and poisoning symptoms. Especially in a closed environment, due to the lack of ventilation and airflow, the concentration of Carbon Monoxide can accumulate rapidly, increasing the risk of poisoning.

Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S): Hydrogen Sulfide, also known as sewer gas, is a flammable, acidic gas that smells like rotten eggs at low concentrations and is highly flammable. Inhalation of small amounts of highly concentrated Hydrogen Peroxide can be fatal in a short period of time. Hydrogen Sulfide is heavier than air and tends to accumulate at the bottom of poorly ventilated spaces. Hydrogen Sulfide gas is produced in large quantities in sewers, sewage wells, cellars, etc., where large quantities of Hydrogen Sulfide gas can accumulate.

Oxygen (O2): Low Oxygen levels are the biggest cause of death in confined spaces, so accurate Oxygen measurement is essential. Before entering a confined space, workers must sample Oxygen levels and continuously monitor them throughout the work process. If the concentration of Oxygen in a confined space exceeds 23.5%, the Oxygen content of the space is too high, which may cause the flammable gas to catch fire. On the other hand, low Oxygen levels can impair one's judgment and coordination. Very low Oxygen levels can cause nausea, vomiting and loss of consciousness.

Combustible Gas (EX): Combustible gas refers to a gas that can burn and produce fire or explosion, including natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, Hydrogen, volatile organic compounds, etc. Combustible gases in confined spaces may come from underground pipes, remnants inside containers, bacterial decomposition, etc. Combustible gas is flammable, and if it gathers too much in a confined space, it can lead to explosions and fires, especially when its concentration reaches the explosion limit.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Carbon Dioxide is a gas produced by processes such as respiration, biological metabolism and combustion. In a confined space, poor ventilation prevents the entry of fresh air and the removal of CO2. This leads to a gradual increase in the concentration of Carbon Dioxide in the confined space. High concentrations of Carbon Dioxide can cause discomfort, such as headaches and fatigue, to personnel.

Ammonia (NH3): Ammonia is a colorless gas with an irritating odor. High concentrations of ammonia are harmful to human health. Short-term exposure may cause eye pain, breathing difficulties and throat irritation. Long-term exposure may adversely affect the respiratory system and lungs. In high concentrations and with sufficient sources of ignition, Ammonia can cause fires or explosions and release toxic nitrogen oxide (NOx).

Confined Space Gas Detectors: Multi Gas Detector (4 Gas) or Single Gas Detector

4 Gas Multi Gas Detector

The recommended Gas Dog multi-gas detector is a portable gas detector (4 gas) with a high-quality gas sensor, sound alarm and IECEX, ATEX explosion-proof certification. It is the first choice for personnel entering confined spaces, and continuously monitors the presence of four gases in a confined space simultaneously:

1. Carbon Monoxide (CO)
2. Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)
3. Oxygen (O2)
4. Flammable gas

Portable Single Gas Detectors

1. Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector: It can be used to detect the presence of Carbon Monoxide in the air and whether it reaches a dangerous concentration. When you want to measure the concentration of Carbon Monoxide, you can choose a CO de detector sold by GasDog shops at a low price and high quality.
2. Ammonia (NH3) Detector: An Ammonia detector is used to detect NH3 concentrations, especially in agricultural, industrial and commercial environments, to ensure that the concentration of Ammonia in the air does not exceed safety standards. The gas detector emits an audible or optical signal to warn staff when ammonia concentrations exceed a preset safety threshold.
3. Combustible Gas Detector: A combustible gas detector can be used to monitor the concentration of combustible gases such as Methane, Ethane and Hydrogen in confined spaces, and can help to prevent the risk of fire and explosion.
4. Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Detector: It is a poisonous gas with an irritating odor, and high concentrations of Hydrogen Sulfide can be hazardous to human health. The Hydrogen Sulfide detector can detect and measure the concentration of H2S gas in confined spaces, identifying potential health and safety risks in advance.

We are committed to providing top-tier gas detection products that offer real-time monitoring, accurate readings, and dependable performance. They are designed to effectively identify and alert you to hazardous conditions, giving you the peace of mind you need when working in confined spaces. Visit GasDog.com today to explore more gas detector selections now.