Laboratories regularly use inert gases in a number of applications. Helium and Argon, for example, provide a stable inert atmosphere within glove-boxes by purging the Oxygen. In addition they provide the same function in Additive Manufacturing (AM) machines and 3D printer chambers. Liquid Nitrogen is also used to provide temperatures as low as -196°C . This makes it ideal for use in Cryo-biology, Cryo-Surgery and General Cryogenic research.
Oxygen Deficiency
Laboratories regularly use inert gases in a number of applications. Helium and Argon, for example, provide a stable inert atmosphere within glove-boxes by purging the Oxygen. In addition they provide the same function in Additive Manufacturing (AM) machines and 3D printer chambers. Liquid Nitrogen is also used to provide temperatures as low as -196°C . This makes it ideal for use in Cryo-biology, Cryo-Surgery and General Cryogenic research.
Laboratories focus on health and safety because if these Inert Gases escape they can rapidly displace Oxygen from the air. This situation rapidly creates an very unsafe environment. A person can become unconscious without warning when the Oxygen concentration is sufficiently low. Death by asphyxiation can quickly follow. See diagram below
The Riken Keiki OX-600 is a Stand-Alone Oxygen Deficiency monitor. In addition it can provide a low cost solution for monitoring Oxygen enrichment. Oxygen Enrichment can be a combustion hazard in a situation where re-active materials are being used.
Many facilities store and use quantities of Inert Gas. Laboratories are typical of this type of establishment. In addition Hospitals, Hospices and Cryogenic storage units use and store inert gases.
The OX-600 displays Oxygen levels on an LCD screen that changes colour at each alarm level. This is a unique to the Riken Keiki 600 series, indeed HSE Inspectors are Increasingly looking for this feature in Gas Monitors.
The Unit comes with two preset alarms set to Low and Low Low. The user can program the alarms to other levels if desired. The OX-600 provides relay outputs for the 1st and 2nd alarms in addition there is a 4-20mA output. These features allow customers to connect to optional external accessories such as additional sounders beacons etc. Users can also connect a data-logger using this feature as well Drive other external items ( see below ).
The Instrument comes ready to operate from a 24 VDC Power supply (an optional mains adapter provides 240VAC operation if required). In addition a Battery Powered option is available.
The OX-600 has the option of an extender cable. The use of an extender cable allows the unit to be mounted outside the room with the sensor inside. Staff therefore have the ability to ascertain the state of the room prior to entry.
The OX-600 provides relay outputs for 1st and 2nd alarms in addition to a 4-20mA output. These can connect to external accessories such as additional sounder beacons as well as data-loggers etc . They can also be used, with the addition of a simple relay, to control ventilation fans as well as shutoff valves.
A battery backed power supply is also an optional extra.
Applications include Laboratories, Hospitals, Gas Storage rooms and Clean rooms a well as Cryogenics storage facilities and Pharmaceutical Packaging Plants.
The OX-600 is a member of the industry leading 600 series of standalone monitors. This family includes the RI-600, EC-600 and GM-600
Oxygen deficiency Monitoring in the presence of compressed inert gas cylinders can and does save lives.
Carbon dioxide gas (CO2) is regularly used in Laboratories in incubators, gas chromatography machines and mass spectrometers. Dry ice is also made of carbon dioxide, and is used to freeze specimens and in other cryogenic applications.
Carbon Dioxide is an inert gas. As a result Laboratory Managers often think that Oxygen Deficiency monitors should be used in order to warn of Oxygen Depletion should there be a leak. It is indeed a fact that if Carbon Dioxide leaks into an enclosed room it will displace the Oxygen in much the same way other inert gases do. However Carbon Dioxide is very toxic even in small amounts, therefore occupants of the Laboratory will die from CO2 poisoning long before Oxygen asphyxiation occurs.
It is therefore extremely important to monitor Carbon Dioxide levels in these situations rather than relying on Oxygen Depletion Monitors .
The Riken Keiki RI-600 is an indoor stand-alone Carbon Dioxide Enrichment monitor. The RI-600 provides a cost effective solution for monitoring CO2 in Laboratories and other areas.
The RI-600 displays CO2 levels on an LCD screen that changes colour at each alarm level. This is a unique feature of the Riken Keiki 600 series. And like the OX-600 HSE inspectors are increasingly looking for gas monitors to incorporate this feature.
The Unit comes with preset alarms set to High and High High. Users can program their own alarm levels if desired. Users can access relay outputs for 1st and 2nd alarms in addition to a 4-20mA output. These features allow customers to connect optional external accessories, such as such as additional sounders and beacons and control items such as ventilation fans and shutoff valves.
Optional extras that include a Battery backed UPS as well as additional sounder beacon(s) are available.
The Instrument has a 24 VDC Power supply. An Optional Mains power adapter provides 240-VAC operation if required
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Key Benefits :
Plant rooms are often situated underground. This is by design to save space or by virtue of being built into existing basements or chambers. Underground Plant Rooms often contain an array of machinery such as Pumps, Boilers, Sprinkler Systems or Generators.
View StoryDisclaimer : Information given in this article is for general guidance only, and is based on experience and is not intended to replace advise from professional gas sensor location experts and/or gas mapping services, that can provide accurate bespoke design.
For more information about positioning fixed gas detectors, further guidance can be found in the new Gas Mapping Standard BS 60080 (Fire and Gas Mapping ), IEC 60079-29-2 (Explosive atmospheres – Part 29-2: Gas detectors – Selection, installation, use and maintenance of detectors for flammable gases and oxygen), and also EN 45544-4 (Workplace atmospheres – Electrical apparatus used for the direct detection and direct concentration measurement of toxic gases and vapours. Guide for selection, installation, use and maintenance.). Additionally, The CoGDEM ( Council of Gas Detection and Enviromental Monitoring ) Guide to Gas Detection is an excellent general user guide for Gas Detection, written by those in the industry.
View StoryCatalytic combustion sensors are the standard method for detecting combustible gases including Hydrogen, however in order to operate a minimum of about 10% Oxygen needs to be present. IR sensors are a good solution to this problem for measuring most combustible gases in an inert environment where O2 levels are below 10% volume but IR sensors cannot detect Hydrogen.
Riken Keiki offers several solutions around this problem.
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