Date: 25.07.

2024
Fire Protection: Unit 1 (V Sem)
Gas Monitors

Gas monitors are crucial devices used to detect and monitor the presence of
hazardous gases in the environment. They are widely used in various
industries such as chemical, mining, oil and gas, and manufacturing to ensure
the safety of personnel and equipment.
Gas monitors continuously sample the air and detect the presence and
concentration of specific gases. They are used to protect workers, equipment,
and the environment from dangerous gas levels.

Different Types of Gas Monitors

1 Portable Gas Monitors : Handheld devices used for spot-checking and
personal safety.
Applications: Used by workers to monitor their immediate environment.
2. Fixed Gas Monitors : Installed permanently at specific locations to
continuously monitor gas levels.
Applications: Used in industrial settings to monitor large areas.
3. Single-Gas Monitors : Designed to detect one specific gas.
Applications: Used in environments where only one type of hazardous gas is
expected.
4. Multi-Gas Monitors : Capable of detecting multiple gases simultaneously.
Applications: Used in complex environments with multiple potential gas
hazards.
Features
• Real-time Monitoring: Provides immediate feedback on gas levels.
• Alarm Systems: Audible and visual alarms to warn of hazardous
conditions.
• Data Logging: Records gas concentration levels for analysis and
reporting.
• Durability: Robust design to withstand harsh industrial environments.
• Battery Life: Long-lasting batteries for portable models.
• Connectivity: Options for wireless communication and integration with
control systems.
Design Considerations:
• Sensor Type: Choose based on the specific gas or gases to be detected.
• Environment: Ensure suitability for the environmental conditions
(temperature, humidity, etc.).
• Power Supply: Battery life for portable units, and power source for fixed
units.
• Housing: Material and design should protect against environmental
hazards (dust, water, corrosive gases).
Maintenance:
• Regular Calibration: Ensure accurate readings by calibrating sensors
periodically.
• Sensor Replacement: Replace sensors as they wear out or become less
sensitive.
• Cleaning: Keep sensors and housings clean to avoid false readings.
• Battery Maintenance: Check and replace batteries to ensure
uninterrupted operation.
• Firmware Updates: Keep the device firmware up to date for optimal
performance.
• ISO 26142: Specifies the requirements for the performance of gas
detection equipment.
• EN 45544: European standard for workplace gas detectors.
International Standards for gas monitors
• ANSI/ISA-92.00.01: American standard for toxic gas detection.
• IEC 60079: Standards for equipment used in explosive atmospheres.
• ATEX Directive: European Union directive for equipment used in
explosive atmospheres.
• EN 50271: Standards for electrical apparatus for the detection and
measurement of combustible gases.
Indian Standards
• IS 15883:2009 - Gas Detectors and Alarm Systems
Scope: This standard specifies the general requirements for gas detectors
and alarm systems used for detecting and signaling the presence of
hazardous gases in the environment.
Key Points: Covers performance criteria, testing methods, and
operational requirements for gas detection devices.
• IS 5780:2015 - Code of Practice for Design and Installation of Fixed
Automatic Gas Detection and Alarm Systems
Scope: Provides guidelines for the design, installation, commissioning,
and maintenance of fixed gas detection and alarm systems.
Key Points: Emphasizes the need for appropriate sensor placement,
system integration, and regular maintenance.
• IS/IEC 60079-29-1:2008 - Explosive Atmospheres - Gas Detectors
Scope: Specifies requirements for the construction, testing, and
performance of gas detectors used in explosive atmospheres.
Key Points: Ensures that gas detectors used in potentially explosive
environments meet stringent safety standards to prevent ignition of
flammable gases
• IS 5572:2009 - Classification of Hazardous Areas (Other than Mines)
Having Flammable Gases and Vapours
Scope: Provides guidelines for the classification of hazardous areas
where flammable gases and vapours are present.
 Key Points: Assists in selecting appropriate gas detection equipment
based on the classification of hazardous areas.
• IS 14489:1998 - Code of Practice on Occupational Safety and Health
Audit
Scope: Provides guidelines for conducting occupational safety and health
audits, including the assessment of gas detection systems.
Key Points: Ensures that gas detection systems are part of the overall
safety management system in workplaces.
• IS 11233:1985 - General Guidelines for Selection, Installation, and
Maintenance of Electrical Apparatus for Use in Potentially Explosive
Atmospheres (Other than Mining)
Scope: Covers the selection, installation, and maintenance of electrical
equipment, including gas detectors, in potentially explosive atmospheres.
Key Points: Focuses on ensuring the safe operation of electrical
equipment in hazardous environments.

Adhering to Indian standards for gas monitors ensures the safety of personnel,
protection of property, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
It also helps in preventing accidents and minimizing the risk of exposure to
hazardous gases.
By selecting gas monitors that comply with these standards, organizations can
effectively manage gas hazards and create a safer working environment.
Regular audits and maintenance are crucial to maintaining the integrity and
functionality of gas detection systems.
*****************************
Dr A R Sontake
Professor, NFSC, Nagpur.
 Date: 26.07.2024

Fire Protection: Unit 1 (V Sem)

Gas Monitors

Concentration Level Terminology

Principle of Operation
Gas monitors operate based on different sensing technologies depending on the
type of gas being detected;
• Electrochemical Sensors :Measures the concentration of gas by
oxidation or reduction reactions producing a measurable electric current.
Gases Detected: Oxygen, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, etc.
• Catalytic Bead Sensors : Detects combustible gases by oxidizing the gas
on a catalytic bead and measuring the resulting change in resistance.
Gases Detected: Methane, propane, butane, etc.
• Infrared (IR) Sensors :Measures the absorption of infrared light by gas
molecules.
Gases Detected: Carbon dioxide (4.26 µm), hydrocarbons (3.3 µm), etc.
• Photoionization Detectors (PID) :Uses ultraviolet light to ionize gas
molecules and measures the resulting current.
Gases Detected: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• Semiconductor Sensors : Measures the change in electrical conductivity
of a semiconductor material due to gas adsorption.
Gases Detected: Ammonia, carbon monoxide, etc.

Key Considerations for Compliance

 1. Performance and Accuracy: Gas monitors must meet the performance
criteria specified in the standards, including sensitivity, response time,
and accuracy of detection.
2. Environmental Suitability: Ensure that the gas monitors are suitable
for the specific environmental conditions they will be used in, such as
temperature, humidity, and presence of other gases.
3. Certification: Gas monitors should be certified by recognized testing
laboratories to confirm compliance with the relevant standards.
4. Installation and Maintenance: Follow the guidelines for proper
installation and maintenance to ensure the long-term reliability and
effectiveness of gas detection systems.
5. Documentation: Maintain detailed records of installation, calibration,
maintenance, and testing of gas monitors to demonstrate compliance
with safety standards.

Catalytic Bead Sensors

A catalytic bead sensor, also known as a catalytic combustion sensor, is
a type of gas sensor used to detect combustible gases. It operates based
on the principle of catalytic oxidation, where the target gas reacts with a
catalyst to produce heat.This heat change is then measured to determine
the concentration of the gas.

Principle of Operation
1. Catalytic Oxidation: The sensor consists of two beads coated with a
catalyst, typically platinum. One bead (active bead) is exposed to the gas,
and the other (reference bead) is sealed to serve as a control.
2. Heating: Both beads are heated to a high temperature. When a
combustible gas comes into contact with the active bead, it oxidizes
(burns) on the bead's surface, generating heat.
3. Temperature Difference: The heat generated by the oxidation reaction
causes the active bead to heat up more than the reference bead. This
temperature difference between the two beads creates a change in the
electrical resistance of the sensor.
 4. Resistance Measurement: The sensor circuit measures the change in
resistance, which is proportional to the concentration of the combustible
gas present in the environment.

Features
• Sensitivity: High sensitivity to a wide range of combustible gases.
• Durability: Robust and can operate in harsh environments.
• Response Time: Quick response to the presence of gas.
• Cost-Effective: Generally less expensive than other types of gas sensors.
• Maintenance: Requires periodic calibration and maintenance to ensure
accuracy.
Applications
• Industrial Safety: Monitoring combustible gases in refineries, chemical
plants, and manufacturing facilities.
• Mining: Detecting methane and other combustible gases in mines.
• Residential Safety: Used in household gas detectors to detect leaks from
stoves, heaters, and other gas appliances.
• Environmental Monitoring: Measuring gas concentrations in various
environmental settings.
Maintenance
• Regular Calibration: Ensures the sensor provides accurate readings by
comparing it to known gas concentrations.
• Sensor Replacement: The catalyst can become poisoned or degraded
over time, requiring sensor replacement.
• Cleaning: Keeping the sensor clean from dust and contaminants to
maintain its functionality.
Design Considerations
• Housing: Often enclosed in a rugged, explosion-proof housing to protect
the sensor and the environment.
• Power Supply: Requires a stable power supply for heating the beads and
operating the measurement circuitry.
• Integration: Can be integrated with alarm systems and data logging
devices for continuous monitoring and alerting.
 •
Infrared (IR) Sensor

Infrared gas detectors work based on the absorption of infrared light by

gas molecules.
Each gas has a unique absorption spectrum, which allows the detector to
identify and measure the concentration of specific gases.

Light Source: The IR gas detector has an infrared light source that emits light
at specific wavelengths.
Gas Interaction: When the infrared light passes through the gas sample,
specific gas molecules absorb light at their characteristic wavelengths.
Detector: The detector measures the amount of light that passes through the
gas without being absorbed. The reduction in light intensity is proportional to
the gas concentration.
Analysis: The device uses the absorption data to calculate the concentration of
the target gas based on its known absorption characteristics.
Photoionization Gas Monitor
Photoionization Gas Monitor /detectors (PIDs) are a type of gas detection
instrument used to measure the concentration of volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) and other gases in the air.

Principle of Operation
Photoionization detectors use a lamp emitting UV light to ionize gas molecules:
 1. UV Light Source: A lamp generates ultraviolet light, which has enough
energy to ionize the target gas molecules present in the air sample.
2. Ionization: When the UV light shines on the gas, it ionizes the gas
molecules by ejecting electrons from them, creating positively charged
ions.
3. Detection: The ions are then detected by an electrode system. The
current generated by these ions is proportional to the concentration of
the gas.

Cannot detect gases that do not ionize under UV light.

Features
• High Sensitivity: PIDs can detect very low concentrations of VOCs,
typically in parts per billion (ppb) to parts per million (ppm) range.
• Rapid Response: They provide almost instantaneous readings, which is
vital for safety in environments where VOC levels can change quickly.
• Selective Sensitivity: While PIDs are less selective compared to other
types of sensors and can detect a broad range of VOCs, they are
particularly sensitive to aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, and alcohols.
 •
Types
PIDs vary mainly in the energy level of the UV lamp used, which determines the
types of VOCs they can detect:
• 10.6 eV Lamps: Can ionize most VOCs, including benzene, toluene, and
xylene.
• 11.7 eV Lamps: Used for detecting chlorinated compounds and other
VOCs that require higher energy to ionize.
Design & Maintenance
• Lamp Maintenance: The UV lamp has a finite lifespan and needs to be
replaced periodically to maintain accuracy.
• Calibration: Regular calibration with a known concentration of a
standard gas is necessary to ensure continued accuracy.
• Cleaning: The sensor and lamp area should be kept clean to prevent
contamination from affecting the readings.
Semiconductor Sensors
Semiconductor gas sensors, also known as metal-oxide semiconductor
(MOS) sensors. Principle of Operation
Semiconductor gas sensors typically use metal oxides such as tin dioxide
(SnO2) as the sensing material. The basic working principle involves the
following steps:
Heating Element: The sensor includes a heating element that heats the
metal oxide material to a specific operating temperature, usually between
200°C to 400°C.
Surface Reaction: When the target gas comes into contact with the heated
metal oxide surface, it undergoes a chemical reaction. For reducing gases
(e.g., carbon monoxide, hydrogen), the gas donates electrons to the metal
oxide, while for oxidizing gases (e.g., ozone, nitrogen dioxide), the gas
captures electrons from the metal oxide.
Change in Resistance: This reaction causes a change in the electrical
resistance of the metal oxide material. The change in resistance is
proportional to the concentration of the target gas.
Signal Processing: The change in resistance is measured by an electronic
circuit, which converts it into an output signal that can be interpreted as
the gas concentration.
Types of Semiconductor Gas Sensors
• Tin Dioxide (SnO2) Sensors: Commonly used for detecting reducing gases
such as carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH4), and hydrogen (H2).
• Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Sensors: For ethanol and ammonia.
• Tungsten Oxide (WO3) Sensors: For nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and other
oxidizing gases.
Features
• High Sensitivity: Capable of detecting low concentrations of target gases.
• Fast Response and Recovery: Provides quick detection and reset times.
• Low Cost: Economical to produce and widely available.
• Compact Size: Suitable for integration into portable devices.
Design Considerations:
• Sensing Material: Selection of appropriate metal oxide based on the
target gas.
• Heating Element: Ensures the sensing material is maintained at the
optimal operating temperature.
• Signal Processing Circuit: Converts the change in resistance into a
measurable output signal.
Maintenance:
• Calibration: Regular calibration with known gas standards to maintain
accuracy.
• Cleaning: Periodic cleaning to prevent contamination and ensure sensor
performance.
• Replacement: Sensors may need to be replaced after a certain period due
to degradation of the sensing material.
 Applications
• Industrial Safety: Monitoring hazardous gases in industrial
environments.
• Air Quality Monitoring: Detecting pollutants and ensuring indoor air
quality.
• Home Appliances: Integrated into devices like air purifiers and smart
home systems for gas detection.
• Automotive: Monitoring exhaust gases and ensuring vehicle safety.
Advantages
• Cost-Effective: Affordable for mass production and widespread use.
• Versatile: Can detect a variety of gases with appropriate sensing
materials.
• Simple Design: Easy to integrate into different devices and systems.
Limitations
• Cross-Sensitivity: May respond to multiple gases, leading to potential
false alarms.
• Temperature and Humidity Sensitivity: Performance can be affected by
changes in environmental conditions.
• Long-Term Stability: The sensor's sensitivity may degrade over time,
requiring periodic recalibration or replacement.

International Standards
PIDs are designed to meet various international safety standards to ensure
they perform reliably in hazardous environments. These standards help in
calibrating and testing PIDs to ensure they meet the required safety and
performance criteria.
By using UV light to ionize gas molecules and measuring the resulting current,
PIDs provide a valuable tool for monitoring the presence of VOCs and other
gases, playing a crucial role in industrial safety and environmental monitoring.

CO Monitor Calibration
In a first approach gas sensors do not measure gas concentrations directly:
Electrochemical sensors measure electron flow changes, catalytic bead sensors
measure resistance changes, and IR-detectors measure changes of IR-radiation
intensity in the near infrared. These changes always refer to the normal
condition (clean air) which is called zero point because no target gas is present.
Only by calibration it is possible to correlate a certain gas concentration to a
certain output signal, resulting in a gas detection instrument.
Calibration of a carbon monoxide (CO) monitor is essential to ensure accurate
detection and measurement of CO levels. Regular calibration helps maintain
the reliability and accuracy of the monitor, which is critical for safety. Here's a
detailed guide on how to calibrate a CO monitor:
By following these calibration steps and maintenance tips, you can ensure that
your CO monitor remains accurate and reliable, providing essential protection
against carbon monoxide exposure.
A gas monitor is a device designed to detect the presence and concentration of
various gases in the environment, providing early warnings of hazardous
conditions. These devices are crucial in industries where gas leaks or emissions
can pose significant health, safety, or environmental risks.

Materials Needed:
1. Calibration Gas: A certified CO gas cylinder with a known concentration
(usually between 50 and 100 ppm).
2. Zero Gas: Usually nitrogen or clean, CO-free air.
3. Regulator and Flow Meter: To control the flow of calibration gas to the
monitor.
4. Tubing: To connect the gas cylinder to the CO monitor.
5. Calibration Cap: Specific to the CO monitor model for directing the
calibration gas to the sensor.

Calibration Steps:
1. Preparation:
o Ensure the CO monitor is in a stable environment (stable
temperature and humidity) and has been running for at least 30
minutes to stabilize.
o Verify that the calibration gas and zero gas cylinders are not
expired.
2. Zero Calibration:
o Connect the tubing from the zero gas cylinder to the regulator and
then to the CO monitor's calibration cap.
o Attach the calibration cap to the monitor's sensor.
o Open the valve on the zero gas cylinder to allow the gas to flow at
the manufacturer-recommended rate (usually 0.5 liters per
minute).
o Allow the zero gas to flow for the specified time (usually 2-5
minutes) to purge any residual gases from the sensor.
o Adjust the monitor's zero calibration setting according to the
manufacturer’s instructions until the display reads zero ppm CO.
3. Span Calibration:
o Disconnect the zero gas and attach the calibration gas cylinder to
the regulator and then to the calibration cap.
o Open the valve on the calibration gas cylinder to allow the gas to
flow at the recommended rate.
 o Allow the calibration gas to flow for the specified time (usually 2-5
minutes) to ensure the sensor is fully exposed to the known CO
concentration.
o Adjust the monitor’s span calibration setting according to the
manufacturer’s instructions until the display reads the correct
concentration of the calibration gas.
4. Verification:
o After adjusting the monitor, close the valve on the calibration gas
cylinder and remove the calibration cap.
o Allow the monitor to sample ambient air and verify that the
readings return to zero (or the background CO level if there is any
CO present).
o Repeat the zero and span calibration steps if necessary to ensure
accuracy.
5. Documentation:
o Record the calibration date, time, calibration gas concentration,
and any adjustments made.
o Note the serial number of the CO monitor and the calibration gas
cylinder.
Frequency of Calibration:
• Routine Calibration: Typically performed every 3 to 6 months,
depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations and the operating
environment.
• Post-Exposure Calibration: After the monitor has been exposed to high
concentrations of CO or other contaminants.
• Pre-Use Calibration: Before critical uses, such as confined space entry
or emergency response operations.
Importance of Calibration:
• Accuracy: Ensures the CO monitor provides precise measurements of
CO concentrations.
• Safety: Prevents false alarms or failure to detect dangerous CO levels,
ensuring the safety of personnel.
• Compliance: Meets regulatory and manufacturer standards for gas
detection equipment.
Maintenance Tips:
• Regular Testing: Perform regular bump tests to check the monitor’s
response to a known concentration of CO.
• Sensor Replacement: Replace sensors according to the manufacturer’s
recommendations or if calibration cannot be achieved.
• Cleanliness: Keep the monitor and sensors clean and free of dust and
contaminants.
• Storage: Store calibration gas cylinders in a cool, dry place and check
expiration dates regularly.
*****************************
Dr A R Sontake
Professor, NFSC, Nagpur.