Its what we do.

In co-occurrence with regulation and practicality, we ensure control panels are positioned outside of the hazardous area, and protected by their connected gas detectors via signaling. 

Visual control panels should be accessible such that when an alarm is triggered, it is possible to evacuate the area and view the gas levels from the controller display.

Depending on the application, we will evaluate the efficacy of the gas detection system to substantiate the inclusion of HMI panels, mimic panels, or BMS integrations for remote alerts of alarm, through email and text notifications and other IoT solutions viewmyair offers a total solution.

The fundamental part of any gas detection system is the gas sensor. This is a device that detects the presence and or concentration of gas in the environment where it is sited. 

Gas sensors are typically classified into various types based on the type of sensing element it is manufactured with. Below is the classification of the various types of gas sensors based on the sensing element that is used in most applications:

• Metal Oxide-based gas Sensor.
• Optical gas Sensor.
• Electrochemical gas Sensor.
• Capacitance-based gas Sensor.
• Calorimetric gas Sensor.
• Acoustic-based gas Sensor.

Of the above types of sensing elements, the most commonly used gas sensor is a Metal oxide semiconductor-based gas sensor. Every gas sensor consists of a sensing element which comprises the following parts.

• Gas sensing layer
• Heater Coil
• Electrode line
• Tubular ceramic
• Electrode

viewmyair engineers are comprehensively trained on each type of sensor. Each sensor is different due to the particular concentration of gases within the environment the sensor is sited. Thats beacuse each sensor will generate a voltage value that then estimates the type and concentration of the gas.  

For example, based on the concentration of the gas the sensor produces a corresponding potential difference by changing the resistance of the material inside the sensor, which can be measured as output voltage. 

What gas sensors are used for: 

To protect people and buildings.

To monitor the concentration of toxic gases.

To detect emergency incidents.

To detect plant degradation.

To monitor the concentration of the gases that are released.

To avoid Hazards, fires & Explosions.

Used for air quality checks throughout all sectors.

Used in air conditioners to monitor CO2 levels.

Used as first-line fire defence.

Used to identify the concentration of gases in dangerous environments.

Typically, if there is a gas detection system in an area then there should also be an audio and visual alarm to alert occupants in the same area, or others within the premises. 

As part of our project delivery, we recommend standard beacon sounders positioned near where the sounder can be silenced. i.e near the control panel once an alarm is set. viewmyair engineers can deploy scalable sounders with no limitations on-site scale or complexity.

In some instances, we advise the inclusion of light beacons and that they are positioned where practical. 

Beacon lights are electronic devices used as a signaling devices to visually alert people of a hazardous area or potentially dangerous situation. These visual alarms are extremely important in industrial and automation applications as they keep people informed of what to expect and how to respond per the onsite health & safety procedure. viewmyair will only use beacons that exceed EMC (Electromagnetic compatibility), ECE R10, and RoHS standards.

In some instances, we will propose the installation of annunciators at the pre-construction phase. Annunciators are small devices typically installed at door or stairway entry points. 

In the event of a gas leak alarm, an annunciator will provide a clear audible visual alarm to warn people from entering the area where a gas hazard could be present. 

viewmyair can integrate annunciators into BMS systems, to work in conjunction with other alarms, remote monitoring, and safety procedures of a building - where advisable.

Annunciators are a simple solution for the right application. They can be rapidly installed on standard dado trunking systems, doorways, or other tricky areas where light and sound beacons may not be easily installed. 

Some environments, such as wet rooms, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and process engineering provide extremities that may work against gas detection technology. 

Therefore, we may propose the installation of gas collector cones. These can be considered for use in areas where detectors are placed in close proximety to boilers or meters in rooms with high ceilings. 

In some instances, we will recommend gas collector cones above the plant to enhance the capability of detectors.

For detectors fitted at a low level, and within wet environments, we can include the installation of splash guards. These are appropriate to protect sensors from floor splashes, washing, and debris such as dust.

Ultimately, viewmyair will provide support throughout the design, pre-construction and handover phases of an installation process to ensure total system efficacy. 

Every application is different, there are many factors affecting every environment, such as gas characteristics, people, plant room layout and associated equipment, ventilation, air flows, heat conduction, convection, thermal radiation, and phase-change transfer. 

Thays why viewmyair ensures system compatibility, compliance, and integrity at the design stage by using Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Thermal Effects Analysis concepts.

Typically manufacturers design a gas detector to be capable of providing up to 75SQM area coverage based on a 5M radius of operation. On most applications, this is the criteria viewmyair adheres to on gas detector deployment.

Besides asphyxiation, flammable gases are not toxic and therefore, the calculated location of detectors is where the gas is expected to accumulate based on its relative density to air i.e. heavier or lighter.

Most people think that all gases are lighter than air. However, this is not the case. Some gases are heavier than air, and they can pose a serious threat to our safety. 

Heavier gases, such as CO2, sink to the bottom of an environment and collect in low-lying areas. Lighter gases, such as H2O vapor, behave similarly to hot air and rise to the top of an environment.

viewmyair are experts in gas detection, and we ensure that all our installations not only assess the gases density and suitably of detector location, but we also harmonize our installations with building regulations and professional guidance such as building bulletin 101 and the institution Of Gas Engineers & Managers

viewmyair offer specialist servicing, maintenance, and calibration of gas detection equipment across the UK, covering all gases. viewmyair ensures that you’re gas detection systems are kept in excellent condition, maintained, and working as expected in all environments.

The Factories Act 1961 is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. At the time of its passage, the Act consolidated much legislation on workplace health, safety, and welfare in Great Britain. Though as of 2008 some of it remains in force, it has largely been superseded by the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 and regulations made under it. However, the Act continues to have legal importance in cases of chronic workplace exposure to hazards such as gases. 

The Factories Act 1961 states a requirement for all gas detection systems to be systematically examined and recalibrated. Regular checking and calibration in compliance in accordance to BS EN 60079-29-2:2007.

BS EN 60079-29-2:2007 legislation also states that gas detection systems must be serviced every 6 months. 

HSE - BS EN 50073 & COGDEM gas detection & callibration guide.

Whilst the PUWER 1998 (Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulation) states “safety equipment needs to be effective and maintained”. 

British Standards Document

BS EN IEC 60079-0

Explosive atmospheres. Equipment. General requirements

Legislation available to review here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Eliz2/9-10/34/contents