Packing Specification
Service Details for Portable Gas Detectors:
- Bump
Test: This is the most frequent and important check. A bump test
involves briefly exposing the detector's sensors to a known concentration
of test gas to verify that the sensors respond and the alarms (audible,
visual, and vibratory) are triggered. A bump test confirms that the
detector is working but does not guarantee its accuracy. It should be
performed daily or before each use.
- Calibration:
Calibration is the process of adjusting the detector's sensors to a known
gas concentration to ensure accurate readings. It corrects for
"sensor drift," a natural phenomenon where a sensor's
sensitivity degrades over time.
- Zero
Calibration: Sets the baseline reading to zero in a clean air
environment (or with a zero gas like nitrogen for oxygen sensors).
- Span
Calibration: Exposes the sensor to a certified calibration gas with a
known concentration and adjusts the sensor's output to match.
- Frequency:
Calibration should be performed every 3 to 6 months, or more frequently
depending on the operating environment (e.g., in dusty, wet, or
chemically harsh conditions) and the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Physical
Inspection and Cleaning: Technicians will inspect the detector for
physical damage, such as cracks or worn parts, and clean the sensor ports
to prevent debris from blocking gas entry.
- Battery
and Power Check: For rechargeable detectors, the battery life and
charging cycle are checked. For single-gas detectors with a fixed
lifespan, the expiration date is monitored.
- Documentation:
A calibration certificate is issued after a successful service, detailing
the "as-found" and "as-left" readings and the date of
the next recommended service. This is critical for compliance and
record-keeping.
Fixed Gas Detection Systems
Fixed gas detection systems are permanently installed in
specific areas to provide continuous, 24/7 monitoring. They are often
integrated with other safety systems like alarms, ventilation, and emergency
shutdown systems.
Service Details for Fixed Gas Detection Systems:
- Visual
Inspection: Technicians will check the physical condition of the
detectors, wiring, and conduit for signs of damage, corrosion, or
tampering.
- Bump
Testing and Calibration: Similar to portable detectors, fixed systems
require periodic bump testing and calibration.
- Frequency:
Most regulations and manufacturers recommend calibration at least every
6 months, and in some cases annually, to ensure the system's
accuracy.
- Procedure:
Calibration is performed by applying a certified calibration gas to each
sensor and adjusting the system's output to the correct concentration.
- System
and Control Panel Checks: The service extends beyond the individual
detectors to the entire system:
- Alarm
Verification: Testing that the system's audible and visual alarms
(beacons, horns) activate at the correct set points.
- Relay
and Output Checks: Verifying that the system correctly sends signals
to other connected systems, such as activating a ventilation fan, closing
a valve, or sending a signal to a central control room.
- Power
Supply: Checking the main and backup power supplies to ensure the
system remains operational during a power outage.
- Documentation:
A detailed service report and calibration certificate are provided, which
are essential for regulatory compliance and safety audits. These logs
track the performance of each sensor and identify any trends in sensor
drift or failure.