Gas monitoring and detection is sometimes necessary for a single gas such as a fumigant, or multiple gases before workers enter a confined space. Dozens of manufacturers make gas detection equipment, but only a few offer the capabilities to detect the array of gases of interest to most IFC customers, especially fumigant gases.

Pumps and Tubes

Advantages of pumps and tubes include simplicity, broadest availability of gas capabilities, and no need to calibrate equipment. At $5 or more per reading tubes may be an economical choice if a small number of readings are necessary, or they could quickly become the most expensive choice if many readings will be required. Clear disadvantages include the relatively slow speed of operation, glass construction and limited shelf life for tubes.

MSA

Item #80-081
     Basic Kwik-Draw Pump         488543

Item #80-080
     Deluxe Kwik-Draw Pump      487500

Item #70-180
     Methyl Bromide                  710544
     200-8000 ppm

Item #70-181
     Methyl Bromide                  710391
     2-100 ppm

Item #70-183
     Phosphine                         485680
     .1-100 ppm

Item #70-1812
     Phosphine                         497101
     .05-3 ppm

Item #70-1320
     Phosphine                         489119
     500-2000 ppm

Draeger Chip Measurement System (CMS)

The Draeger CMS utilizes the same detection technology as tubes, but features 10 tiny capillary tubes imbedded on a credit-card sized chip. An electronic device collects the air sample and presents a digital gas reading.

Single Gas Electrochemical Instruments

These instruments provide immediate and constant digital readouts of a target gas level, as well as visual and audible warnings if pre-set alarm levels are detected. These are most appropriate for monitoring personal breathing zones, however accessory pumps are available for remote sampling of certain confined spaces. Electrochemical sensors should be alarm tested before each use, and most units require periodic calibration. The following overview presents instruments with phosphine sensors. Please call to inquire about the availability of other gas sensors.

Item #70-2990
     Porta Sens: Quality device for leak detection and monitoring.

Item #80-1960
     Phosphine sensor
     0-10/220 ppm

Photo-Ionization Detectors (PID's)

PID instruments are non-specific in their ability to detect volatile organic compounds, however in an atmosphere with a known target gas, such as methyl bromide, very accurate detection is possible. Exposure to certain chemical vapors and gases such as phosphine or vapona can foul a PID and require extra cleaning and maintenance.

Item #70-2050      ToxiRae PID

Multi-Gas Electrochemical Instruments

These versatile instruments can be equipped with a customized array of sensors for monitoring from 1-5 gases. These are the instruments of choice for pre-testing confined spaces. Remote sampling pumps are frequently used with these instruments for testing confined spaces, however pumps can often be turned off or removed to allow an instrument to be used in diffusion mode for a longer period of operation on a battery charge. Many sensors are available, but the most common among IFC customers are oxygen, LEL (explosive gases), carbon monoxide, and low-range phosphine. Instruments should be alarm tested before each use, and calibrated regularly. The sensors present will dictate what calibration and testing supplies are necessary.