Say Hello to 2021 with GDS Corp

In every manufacturing facility or warehouse, there are different hazards that threaten the health and safety of every worker. With the number of materials and chemicals used on a regular basis, it’s important to have detection systems in place to monitor your surroundings.

By detecting a leak or faulty equipment ahead of time, you can quickly respond with remedial action to maintain your facility’s overall working conditions. Take a look at some of our most popular gas detection equipment to help prepare your facility for the new year.

1) Gas Detectors

At the base level, our range of NRTL-certified fixed gas detectors can be configured to measure any hazardous gas in your vicinity. Here’s a review of our top models:

• GASMAX II – a single/dual channel gas monitor with high-resolution intelligent display and industry-standard communications
• GASMAX CX – a single/dual channel gas monitor with high visibility color display, advanced networking, and sophisticated sensor signal processing
• GASMAX EC – a loop-powered two-wire gas detector designed to detect highly reactive gases under the most hazardous conditions

2) Alarm Controller

In order to have a full-range detection system that will alert employees to unsafe conditions, it’s important to have a reliable alarm system. With GDS alarm controllers, you can keep an eye on all of your gas detection systems from one centralized place. Here’s a review of our top models:

• C1 Protector – eight or sixteen channel alarm and display controller certified for use in Class I, Division 2 potentially hazardous areas
• C2 Protector – two-channel alarm and display controller for combustibles and Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, D for use in hazardous areas.
• C2 Quad Protector – four-channel alarm and display controller for combustibles and Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, D for use in hazardous areas.
• C64 Protector – advanced sixty-four channel alarm and display controller best suited for flow measurement, tank level monitoring, and other critical alarm applications

3)  Wireless Gas Detection Systems

Ultimately, not every facility will benefit from a standard wired gas detection system. If you have areas that are off-site or hard to access, having a wireless option is crucial. Here’s a list of our top wireless gas detection solutions:

• GASMAX TX – wireless gas detector equipped with dual-channel capability, infrared sensors, and advanced radio technology with the ability to send encrypted transmissions
• C2/TX – wireless site manager controller that monitors alarm data from up to 32 GASMAX TX Gas Detectors and offers MODBUS, RF, and 802.11 b/g WiFi outputs
• 95/TX – wireless alarm station that allows you to easily install warning strobes and horns to your individual gas detectors

New Year, New Possibilities

The start of a new year gives us an opportunity to look back over all that was accomplished in the year past and look forward to the possibility for change in the future. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the resources you need to protect your employees from harm.

How can we help you safeguard your facility for the new year? Get in touch with our team for more information about our gas detection solutions.

Understanding Combustible Gases

In industrial applications, one of the greatest threats to employees’ safety is combustion. Both manufacturing and chemical processes use gases that are prone to explode or catch fire under the right conditions. Some of these combustible gases are more popular than others, but it’s important for all workers to understand the chemical properties of what is being used. Take a look at our Combustible Gases List to learn everything you need to know about these dangerous materials.

Examining Top 5 Toxic Gases

When certain chemicals are inhaled, their chemical properties can create havoc within the human body. From irritation to suffocation, it’s important to know the health effects of toxic gases used in your facility. Discover the top 5 Types of Toxic Gases with our in-depth analysis of their chemical properties and health repercussions. 

Defining Hazardous Locations in Detail

To help enhance the safety of all workers in a particular area, certain associations have come together to create a tool to accurately define a location’s hazard level. Most commonly known as Hazardous Location Classification, it’s important to know what dangers may be present in each class, division, or zone so you can adequately prepare your team.

Recognizing the Importance of LEL Detectors

We take pride in our range of gas detection equipment including sensors, alarm systems, and onsite detection systems. If you regularly work with materials that contain combustible or toxic gases, having a detector that measures the concentration levels in your atmosphere is crucial to making sure leaks are repaired quickly and without injury. With innovative wireless technology and customized calibration, we’re here to remind you of the Importance of LEL Gas Detection in your specific environment.

Ring in the New Year

The holiday season and the end of another year are always busy, but this year, we’re looking forward to 2021 with more anticipation than ever. GDS Corp is dedicated to improving ourselves in the new year, and we hope to pass that hope for improvement on to you, our clients!

What are your holiday plans? Let us know on Facebook and enjoy your time off!

To minimize the risks of undetected gas leaks, companies are now looking to use sophisticated alarm system control panels in their facilities. However, due to the rapid pace at which technology is advancing, it can often be confusing to understand the inner workings of alarm controllers. From quality sensors to data transmission technology, learn the most important aspects of alarm control panels, and why they are beneficial for any industry dealing with hazardous gases.

Alarm Control Panels Explained

Simply put, an alarm control panel is a device that is usually installed on the wall to give controllers complete access to an alarm system. With that being said, an alarm controller for gas detection systems enables engineers the ability to maintain a number of gas detectors from one centralized location. Designed with a digital display and input options, alarm controllers can have different channels configured to specific gas sensors, heat detectors, and alert outputs such as horns or LED flashes.

By calibrating all of your gas monitors into one system, you can have ultimate control over the gas concentration levels in your facility at all times. Learn more about the unique ways alarm control panels can work to fully secure your environment.

High-Tech Sensors

One of the most important aspects of any alarm control panel is the integration with specialized high-tech sensors. Every control panel works in conjunction with sensors stationed around a facility to monitor various gas levels, emergency systems, security systems, and much more. This versatility allows alarm panels to be customized to monitor any type of floor plan and building layout, giving employers ultimate control.

Whether you work in areas that have confined spaces, wide-open warehouse areas, or rugged outdoor environments, the sensors from each location can be connected to your central control panel.

Central Data Network

Depending on your environment, you may require alarm monitoring and continual gas detection across a number of different areas. With an alarm control panel, you can have one central readout station to analyze and monitor the data that is being monitored. Each alarm control can provide simultaneous display and alarm functions for a number of input channels, giving engineers and technicians the ultimate central monitoring station. By having a central data network, security and life safety decisions can be made quickly, especially if equipment malfunctioned or emergency situations occurred.

Real-Time Data Transmission

With the advent of wireless connectivity, there is an increased demand and opportunity for data to be accessed in real-time. Both production plants and manufacturing facilities will benefit from alarm panels that can display the latest pressure-flow rates and sensor ratings. In addition to giving engineers complete control and accessibility, the real-time data feature is crucial for dangerous areas. By having mobile devices linked to the building’s wireless network, you can enable both on-site and off-site personnel to have immediate access to vital information.

Pro Tip: Make sure your alarm controller is certified for use in your environment to reduce equipment failure or sensor errors.

System Shutdowns

In many facilities where equipment may be automated, it’s necessary to have a way to initiate a complete shutdown. Whether you have an equipment malfunction or emergency gas leak, having an individual available to access this function can be difficult. An alarm control panel can be programmed to perform an automatic shutdown if certain conditions warrant. When the device is activated under specific parameters, the controller will shut down equipment in an area, activate fire alarms and sprinkler systems, and send out automatic notifications to mobile devices.

The Role of a Reliable Control Panel

If you have multiple gas monitors or motion sensors in your facility, having a total connect solution is advantageous for both you and your employees. By giving you complete access and control, you can ensure that all of the hazardous gases and materials are being kept at optimal levels in your environments.

Does your facility have a control system to connect all of your detection equipment? Get in touch with our team to determine which protector controller will meet your needs.

Gas Monitoring Solutions

To ensure you make the best decision, here are some monitoring systems that work quite well in many areas of the oil and gas industry.

1. Fixed-area monitoring systems
2. Open-path area monitoring systems
3. Portable gas monitors
4. Disposable gas monitors

1) Fixed Area Monitoring Systems

Fixed area monitoring systems consist of individual point gas monitors spread throughout medium to large industrial facilities. These are designed to monitor large areas night and day. Designed and certified to be explosion-proof, the monitors provide the most accurate and timely readings. In addition, these systems can also stand up well to adverse weather conditions or harsh work environments where humidity, dust, and extreme temperatures may be present.

Pro Tip: Many gas detection systems are designed to send real-time data to your smartphone. See if the system your facility needs offers this feature.

2) Open-path Area Monitoring Systems

For applications like fencelines, refinery boundaries or other long linear areas where gas might be present, open-path gas detectors may be preferred over fixed-point detectors. Open-path detectors use a beam of infrared light to detect hydrocarbon gases. The advantage of open-path detectors is that they can operate over distances of between 30 and 100 meters, so fewer are needed to cover a given distance. However, they are more expensive than fixed-point detectors,  must remain aligned precisely and cannot pinpoint a leak source. 

3) Portable Gas Monitors

Portable gas monitors are designed to be carried by a worker and detect gas in the immediate vicinity. These augment fixed systems and provide peace-of-mind for workers who spend a large part of their day in confined spaces or around highly pressurized vessels that can unexpectedly leak dangerous gases. Monitoring from one to four gases, these units include alarms and are often used with data collection systems that track employee exposure to gas levels throughout the day. 

4) Disposable Monitors

Disposable monitors are similar to portable monitors but are not reusable. While they may last a few years, the sensors and batteries cannot be replaced and as a result their reliability, accuracy and repeatability decline over their working life. These are most useful for plant turnarounds or other special single-use applications.

Keeping Your Worksite Safe

No matter which type of monitoring system is used at an oil or gas facility, it’s important to maintain, test and calibrate any gas detectors on a regular basis. Today’s gas detection systems are highly capable and should be considered indispensable when considering worker safety and equipment protection.

Contact us to find the right monitoring solution and control systems for your facility.

Gas detection systems that are designed to alarm when combustible gas is present use LEL Detectors based on catalytic bead or infrared absorption technology. These measure the amount of combustible gas on a scale of zero to one hundred percent (100%) of the Lower Explosive Limit, or “LEL” of the target gas. 

Combustible Gas Sensing

Often there is a choice of sensors that can be used to detect combustible gases. The two most common are Catalytic Beads and Infrared. Catalytic bead sensors detect the presence of any combustible gas by safely burning a small amount of the gas on a hot ceramic bead coated with a special catalyst. These sensors will detect any combustible gas, including hydrogen, but are subject to drift and poisoning. Poisoning can occur if certain substances containing silicon or similar compounds come in contact with the bead; if this happens, the compounds can coat the bead with an insulation layer that can keep the Catalytic Bead sensor from responding to a combustible gas. The only sure way to ensure the operation of a catalytic bead sensor is periodic calibration or bump tests where sensor response is measured when actual gas is applied to the sensor.

Infrared sensors use a completely different technique. These sensors measure the absorption of infrared light by hydrocarbon gases. Since they are microprocessor-based, they perform multiple self-checks to ensure correct operation without the need for bump tests. As with all sensors, they should be calibrated periodically to make sure they generate accurate readings. 

Multi-Alarm Capability

In sophisticated gas detection systems, the output of LEL detectors is generally combined into a single combustible gas alarm, either a strobe or horn, or both. This is very important in situations where the environment is noisy and where a simple display output is insufficient. In smaller systems, alarm horns and strobes can be directly attached to each gas detector to provide instant local warnings of hazardous conditions. 

Expandable Wireless Networks

With most facilities now adopting multiple wireless networks, today’s gas detection systems can be equipped with wireless LEL detection technology using ultra-low-power infrared sensors. Battery-powered wireless LEL detectors can be deployed around hot work sites, temporary buildings, and other areas where the installation of permanent detectors is unwarranted. 

State-of-the-Art Calibration

As part of normal maintenance, periodic calibration is extremely important in making sure your combustible gas detection system is fully functional and ready to provide that all-important early warning should hazardous conditions exist. Calibration procedures should be easy to follow and as automated as possible to eliminate human error. GDS Corp gas detectors include a user-prompted two-point calibration procedure that reduces errors and ensures that all calibration upper and lower performance limits are met. 

If you choose the proper sensor, keep up regular maintenance and perform periodic calibrations, you can be sure that your combustible gas detection system will be ready to protect your equipment and keep your employees safe when hazardous conditions occur. 

Ready to equip your worksite with reliable combustible gas detectors and improve your safety rating? Connect with us to get started.