Calibration gases play a crucial role in the calibration of gas detectors. They establish the relationship between measurement standards and measuring instruments, allowing the evaluation of errors and technical characteristics of devices. Calibration results help determine whether a device can continue to be used reliably.
In industrial production, the presence of toxic and asphyxiating gases poses a significant risk of poisoning. Sudden incidents involving harmful gases have raised serious concerns. Common hazardous gases include N2, Ar, CO2, NO, NO2, SO2, NH3, H2S, CH4, among others.
Key Gas-Related Hazards in Safety and Production
- Explosion Risks: Caused by flammable gases such as H2, CH4, CO.
- Oxygen-Related Risks:
- Asphyxiation due to oxygen deficiency.
- Increased fire risk in oxygen-enriched environments.
- Toxic Gas Poisoning: Caused by gases like NH3, H2S, CO, NO2, SO2.
Common Hazardous Gases and Their Effects
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Ammonia (NH3)
- A colorless gas with a pungent, irritating smell, often compressed into a clear solution.
- Low concentrations can cause coughing and irritation to the nose and throat. High concentrations can result in severe burns, blindness, lung damage, or death.
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Carbon Monoxide (CO)
- A colorless, odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion.
- Long-term exposure to low concentrations can cause chronic CO poisoning, leading to nervous system disorders and memory loss. High concentrations can cause acute poisoning and rapid fatality.
- Major sources include car engines, stoves, and cigarettes, especially in enclosed spaces.
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Methane (CH4)
- While non-toxic, methane is an asphyxiant that displaces oxygen, potentially lowering levels below 18%.
- Commonly found in oceans, marshes, mines, and areas with decaying organic matter.
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Other Hazardous Gases
- Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S): Smells like rotten eggs and is released from oxygen-deprived sludge or incomplete combustion of sulfur-containing fuels.
- Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Emitted during combustion in engines and welding processes.
- Chlorine (Cl2): Found in bleaching and disinfecting agents.
Challenges in Detecting Toxic Gases
Human olfactory senses are limited in detecting toxic gases, particularly at low concentrations. For example:
- H2S is detectable by its characteristic odor at low concentrations but becomes undetectable at dangerously high levels.
Even seemingly harmless gases like Argon, Helium, and Nitrogen can pose risks in oxygen-depleted environments. Oxygen levels below 6% can lead to suffocation, while oxygen-rich environments heighten the risk of combustion or spontaneous ignition.
Role of Gas Detectors
Without gas detection devices, identifying these hazards in time to prevent accidents is nearly impossible. Ensuring the safe thresholds of toxic, asphyxiating, and flammable gases is a mandatory safety requirement in industrial operations.
Gas Calibration for Gas Detectors
Portable gas detectors require periodic calibration to maintain sensor accuracy. For calibration, a standard gas cylinder with known concentrations of calibration gas and a pressure regulator are essential.
Gas detection and monitoring are vital in preventing accidents, protecting human lives, and safeguarding assets in industrial environments.
VI NA Industrial Gases – Exclusive authorized distributor of Air Products in Vietnam
In Vietnam, VI NA Industrial Gases is the exclusive authorized distributor of Air Products, specializing in the distribution of calibration gas products manufactured by Air Products. These gases are used for calibrating various types of gas detectors.
Air Products’ calibration gas cylinders are compatible wit h gas detection devices from leading global manufacturers, including: Drager, Honeywell, ISC, MSA, SMC, GFG, UNIPHOS,..
View Specifications of Air Products’ Gas Detector Calibration Cylinders:
Watch the video tutorial on calibrating the gas sensor:
VI NA Industrial Gases distributes premium products from Air Products, including:
- Ultra-high purity gases with purity levels of 99.9992%, 99.9995%, 99.9999%, and 99.99998%.
- Complex gas mixtures containing over 30 components with concentrations as low as parts per billion (ppb).
Our specialty gases offer long shelf life, exceptional stability, and precise calibration to meet the strictest market demands, particularly in laboratory analysis and experiments.
Contact VI NA Industrial Gases for expert consultation on industrial and specialty gases, contact VI NA Industrial Gases today! We are ready to meet all your gas-related needs with tailored solutions and world-class products.