Oxygen depletion is a condition where oxygen in the air is replaced by inert gases such as nitrogen, helium, or argon. This can easily occur if a cylinder of these gases, stored in a confined space, develops a leak. Being colorless and odorless, employees entering such an environment would soon pass out from a lack of oxygen. 

When an oxygen depletion sensor is installed in a gas detection system, the goal is to measure the oxygen level in an enclosed space and signal an alarm if the level exceeds fixed limits. Gases displace the amount of oxygen in the air, which makes it difficult to detect hazardous gases. By monitoring the change in oxygen levels, you can stay one step ahead of leaks, keeping both your employees and equipment safe.

Defining Oxygen Depletion

Oxygen makes up a significant portion of the air we breathe, which consists of 20.8% of oxygen, 78% nitrogen, and a small amount of carbon dioxide and other trace gases. Oxygen is essential for maintaining life, and levels below 18% can be hazardous. When certain gases are present, the amount of oxygen is reduced, hence the term oxygen depletion. For facilities to maintain adequate control of the gases that are present, it’s important to monitor oxygen levels. By staying ahead of hazardous conditions, workers can quickly prepare for whatever consequences could ensue from the lack of oxygen.

Pro Tip: Because gases such as nitrogen, helium, and argon are chemically inert, leaks cannot be detected directly by traditional electrochemical sensors that depend on the target gas reacting with the senor’s electrolyte. An oxygen depletion sensor is often used as an indirect way to determine if an inert gas is leaking into an enclosed cabinet or storage space. 

Health Risks of Inert Gases

Inert, or noble gases pose the greatest risk for reducing the amount of oxygen in the air. From argon to helium and nitrogen, inert gases are used in a variety of industrial processes such as medical procedures, laboratories, commercial driving, and food packaging. These gases are toxic-free but are known to reduce the amount of oxygen when present. Due to asphyxiation caused by the lack of oxygen, inert gases can quickly impair a person’s concentration and decision-making.

Benefits of an Oxygen Depletion Sensor

In order for workplaces to monitor a room’s oxygen levels, a fixed gas detection system is necessary. With an oxygen sensor attached, you can measure the amount of oxygen in a certain area and receive alerts to hazardous conditions. If you’re unsure whether you need an oxygen depletion sensor installed in your workplace, consider the following:

• Ongoing Protection  – An oxygen sensor helps create a safe environment for your employees. When oxygen levels decrease, you can trust that you will receive an alert so that you can respond promptly.

• Equipment Safety – In situations where oxygen increases to 24% or higher, certain traditionally non-combustible materials can catch fire or explode. With an oxygen sensor, you can protect both your equipment and facility from unnecessary harm.
• Consistent Detection – Other sensors and detection systems monitor the concentration levels of specific toxic gases, but if the amount of oxygen is displaced, readings will be inaccurate. By having a sensor dedicated to measuring the oxygen levels in your environment, you can ensure that all devices are working properly.

Pro Tip: Each piece of equipment at your site has its own requirements for optimal functioning. Determine the optimal atmospheric conditions when installing an oxygen sensor in your facility.

Protecting Your Oxygen Levels

With an oxygen depletion sensor, you can be one step ahead of disastrous consequences. Like most gases, oxygen has no taste, smell, or color. With a detection system configured to measure oxygen alone, you can adequately maintain safety within your facility. If you regularly work with inert or specialty gases, it’s pertinent for you to have an oxygen depletion sensor installed.

Connect with our sales team to find a gas detection system configured to your specific processes and work conditions.

To lessen the chances of this occurring, many industrial work sites make use of oxygen depletion systems. Able to quickly detect changes in oxygen levels due to toxic gases, these systems are extremely important in many ways. If you want to keep your vent-free heating safe, here is why you need an oxygen depletion monitor.

24/7 Detection

Whether a toxic gas buildup occurs during the day shift or overnight when few people may be around, it is crucial to have a system in place that provides 24/7 monitoring detection. With an oxygen depletion sensor, this is exactly what you have. Thanks to advanced software and the latest electronics, these detection systems can instantly detect changes in oxygen levels, the presence of other gases in the atmosphere, and other abnormalities that require instant analysis. Thus, whether the data is sent to on-site technicians and supervisors or engineers located in off-site monitoring centers, data is quickly analyzed so those fast decisions can be made in the event of a crisis.

Inspections of Confined Spaces

In many labs or industrial settings, the major components of vent-free heating systems are found in confined spaces. Because of this, maintenance personnel often spend many hours per day in these areas, where they install, troubleshoot, repair, or replace equipment as needed. Unfortunately, confined spaces are in most cases the most difficult areas to accurately monitor for decreased levels of oxygen. Rather than place these workers at unnecessary risk, companies now use portable oxygen depletion sensor alarms when workers are in these areas. Smaller than most cellphones, the alarms transmit real-time data while being clipped to a person’s shirt or belt. In addition, they possess wireless technology, enabling them to send data to mobile devices such as tablets or smartphones. With this capability, it becomes much easier for on-site supervisors and safety engineers to monitor the real-time data. Thus, should a dangerous situation start to develop, workers in these spaces can be alerted and quickly evacuated,

Detection of Multiple Gases

When using an oxygen depletion sensor gas heater, it will be crucial to perform multi-gas detection. In many situations, oxygen levels in an area drop due to the presence of other hazardous substances or gases that have gone undetected. However, by relying on a detection system that constantly scans for various gases and substances, problems that could become critical can often be resolved quickly and efficiently. From shutting off a valve to repairing a piece of broken equipment, these detection systems not only save lives, but are also very cost-efficient in terms of helping avoid costly production delays.