RAE Systems Introduces AreaRAE Inert for Atmospheric Monitoring in Oxygen Depleted Work Sites
Published: 13 November, 2009
RAE Systems Inc. (NYSE AMEX: RAE), a leader in delivering innovative sensor solutions introduced AreaRAE Inert for use in low-oxygen atmospheres, in which normal levels of atmospheric oxygen would initiate a chemical reaction, fire or explosion.
“As planned, we are successfully expanding our wireless monitor family,” said Bill Jackson, RAE Systems vice president if marketing. “Wireless options provide more cost-effective and sustainable means to ensure safety in industrial, energy, environmental, and government safety markets worldwide.”
Bobby Sheikhan, RAE Systems’ wireless products manager, said, “AreaRAE Inert’s built-in pump provides the ability to monitor the inert atmosphere up to 100 feet of sample draw tubing, allowing the unit to remain outside of the work area and in radio contact with the breathing air services and safety managers. Thus, it is the perfect tool for confined space entry in oxygen purged pressure vessels, storage tanks or catalyst towers where there is known low oxygen and workers are equipped with proper breathing apparatus.”
AreaRAE Inert applications will include catalyst servicing in petroleum refineries or chemical plants; hot work in storage tanks; and confined space entry where oxygen has been displaced by an inert gas such as nitrogen. Even though oxygen may have been purged from a space, it is still vital to accurately measure the concentration of both oxygen ( to remain below 10%) and explosive gases, since their toxicity remains unchanged and the danger of combustibility has been reduced, but not eliminated.
The AreaRAE Inert can be equipped with up to five sensors, a photoionization detector (PID), a lower explosive limit (LEL) sensor, an solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) oxygen sensor, and two additional toxic gas sensors as the application or worksite demand. AreaRAE Inert is packaged in a rugged, weather-resistant, stainless-steel housing. The wireless range is up to two miles and the data can easily be re-transmitted over the Internet for remote experts’ monitoring and evaluation. The instrument can be switched from inert operation to normal atmosphere mode in seconds, adding to its versatility.
The Needs for Monitoring an Inert Atmosphere
- The inert atmosphere needs to be monitored for explosive gases. If people are involved, they must have an adequate breathing supply.
- Regular calibration and testing of the equipment used to generate inert gas is required to ensure that it works correctly. A sensor to measure the level of the inert gas and/or oxygen is needed to ensure atmosphere is not in the flammable range.
- The inert atmosphere needs to be monitored for toxic gases. For example, in refinery catalyst maintenance the presence of benzene, VCM, toluene, xylene, EDC, and many other hydrocarbons can exist.
