The cryogenics industry involves production and handling of materials at very low temperatures, even as low as -196°C. This can be found in a wide range of industries depending on the type of work being undertaken (generally used in the medical sector such as in MRI units and laboratories). A wide range of gases can therefore be found in this industry due to the use of low-temperature liquified gases, meaning gas detection is essential to keep personnel safe from asphyxiation. IGD supply a full range of world renowned oxygen gas detectors, perfect for the cryogenics industry to help in mitigating these hazards, but first it is important to understand the hazards of the cryogenics industry.
What are the Hazards in Cryogenics Applications?
Typically, the cryogenics industry will utilise Cryogenic liquids, as they are usually needed in excess and are more convenient to be stored and transported in this form. Nitrogen, Oxygen, Argon or Helium are the most common types of cryogenic liquids, all of which have a boiling point of below -183°C. These are all perfect for the cryogenics industry as, for example, with nitrogen it is inexpensive and can provide the perfect temperature for use in Cryo-biology and Cryo-surgery.
Why Would you Need an Oxygen Gas Detector?
Due to the low boiling points of these gases, they can easily evaporate into gases and vapours if a leak were to occur. Additionally, cryogenic liquids are typically inert gases, meaning these will cause oxygen depletion in the air that we breathe, creating an asphyxiation hazard. For example, one volume of liquid nitrogen at its boiling temperature vaporizes to 696.5 volumes of nitrogen gas at room temperature, meaning even the smallest leak can be extremely dangerous to personnel.
A drop in oxygen percentage by as little as 2% can cause an increase in pulse rate, headache and rapid breathing in those in the environment. A further 5% drop will cause comatose and muscle spasms in the entire body, so it is clear to see how quickly this can become a dangerous atmosphere.
The British Compressed Gas Association (BCGA) state that an atmosphere containing staff should not drop below 19.5% volume, and with the ambient atmosphere having a concentration of 20.9% O2, an atmosphere can quickly become unsafe without the appropriate mitigation measures.
This is why an oxygen gas detector is essential for the cryogenics industry. No matter the type of inert cryogenic liquid being used, an oxygen gas detector can effectively monitor when an inert gas has entered the atmosphere as well as being able to measure oxygen enrichment in one monitor. But which is the most reliable, advanced but cost effective oxygen gas detector available on the market?
Detectably Better Solutions
IGD provide a full range of oxygen gas detector solutions for the cryogenics industry, back by our century of experience in gas detection making us the perfect one-stop solution for your detection requirements.
We offer the detectably better 750 safe area oxygen gas detector, the most versatile gas detector available on the market. Utilising our revolutionary 2-Wire addressable technology, the safe area oxygen gas detector can save companies up to 70% on installation costs as well as easy upgrades and additions to the system. Our Sentinel+ technology also allows for remote connectivity via an on-board WiFi page, for easy system management from anywhere.
In addition to this, our TOC-750 series gas detectors utilise our industry leading long life oxygen sensors. Coupled with our 10-year warranty on electronics, its easy to see why our TOC-750 series gas detectors are the preferred choice for oxygen depletion and enrichment monitoring.
Portable Oxygen Gas Detector Solutions
Our matching portable oxygen gas detector, the SGT-P by Senko, is the most durable and affordable portable monitor on the market, making it ideal for the cryogenics industry. This device displays live gas reading with an easy one button operation, meaning less training is needed and thus reducing worker downtime. The SGT-P oxygen gas detector offers reliable, accurate gas detection in a small and lightweight device and requires no charging. You can purchase the SGT-P Oxygen gas detector straight from our website here with next day despatch.
Contact Our Team Today
For further information on our detectably better oxygen gas detector solutions or any advice on the best system for you, contact the team at IGD here or visit the product section of our website.