From high technology to detect potentially hazardous gases to simple railing systems to prevent falls and other mishaps, industry manufacturers offer a wide range of products to help keep treatment plant environments safe. Here are some recent innovations.
Safety receptacles
Meltric Corp. offers switch-rated safety plugs and receptacles. Safety plugs protect workers by preventing exposure to arc flash and live parts. Safety features include UL switch ratings, safety shutter, and easy lockout/tagout provisions. With the plugs installed, workers can connect and disconnect mixers, pumps and other equipment with plug-and-play simplicity.
The products are UL approved for use as motor circuit disconnect switches and as branch circuit disconnect switches. They include a switching mechanism that ensures the safe make-or-break of live connections and make certain that the contacts are dead before the plug can be removed.
A safety shutter on the receptacles prevents unintentional finger, tool or wire access to live parts, thereby maintaining an electrically safe work environment as required in the NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. 800/433-7642; www.meltric.com.
Infrared gas detector
The Polytron IR explosion-proof infrared gas detector from Draeger monitors continuously for combustible gases and vapors. It includes a gas list for 38 substances, SIL 2 (safety integrity level) certification, configurable measuring range, precise measurement, dirty-optics pre-warning, double-compensated and non-focusing optics, hermetically sealed SS 316 body (IP 67), and single cable multi-drop capability. It has no moving parts and uses no consumables. 800/230-5029; www.draeger.com.
Safety stop switch
Conveyor Components Co. offers a broken-cable version of its Model RSB series of cable-operated safety stop switches. The unit has a detection device that signals whenever the actuation cable is severed or pulled.
The Model RSB acts as an emergency stop for conveyors and other moving machinery. It has an extension spring that maintains constant tension on the pull cable. The operating handle is held in the center vertical position with the internal switch in a normally closed condition. If the cable is pulled or broken, the handle rotates to release the switch lever, activating the alarm signal. The operating handle is manually reset to the center position after the problem is cleared. 800/233-3233; www.conveyorcomponents.com.
Multi-gas solution
The one-button operation GasAlertMax XT portable multi-gas monitor from BW Technologies by Honeywell simultaneously monitors hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, oxygen, and combustibles (%LEL). It has a non-intrusive integrated sampling pump and uses SmartSample diaphragm pump technology.
The instrument, customized through tamper-proof adjustable options, is suited for confined-space entries, utilities, and wastewater treatment. Powered by rechargeable batteries, the device comes with standard event logging and data logging. Calibration is done by an automatic procedure.
The monitor is compatible with the BW MicroDock II automatic test and calibration system. Multi-language support is available in English, French, German, Spanish, and Portuguese. 800/663-4164; www.gasmonitors.com.
Portable detector
The portable gas leak detector from Analytical Technology Inc. helps users pinpoint the locations of gas leaks around gas storage areas, process equipment, and piping runs or in confined spaces before entry. The handheld unit contains an internal sample pump and an extension wand that draws the sample into 33 types of smart gas sensors.
Sensors are easily changed without tools and store in the included sensor keeper. Standard features include a large LCD display, data logger, three adjustable alarms, D-cell battery with Nicad backup, and storage case. 800/959-0299; www.analyticaltechnology.com.
Toxic gas detector
The FX-1500 Guardian toxic gas leak detector from Foxcroft Equipment & Service Co. detects slow leaks before they become a major problem for personnel and equipment. Electrochemical sensors provide rapid response and low maintenance.
Units are available for 12 standard gases including ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, chlorine, and oxygen. Standard features include a remote display that mounts 2,000 feet from the sensor, three alarm levels (caution, warning and danger), fourth cell failure alarm, configurable auxiliary output relays, LED display showing gas concentration in parts per million, 120dB Piezo buzzer and LED visual warnings, remote test and silence alarm buttons, and optional 4-20 milliamp retransmission output. Standard two- and four-channel models are available. 800/874-0590; www.foxcroft.com.
Digital detection
The gas-detecting digital Modbus RTU explosion-proof controller from Mil-Ram Technology has a 16-channel system (8 channels available) using the RS-485 Modbus RTU Network. The multi-drop network eliminates separate wiring to each transmitter.
The product has four relays (low, mid, high and fault), LED alarm indicators, 12-characters-by-2-lines LCD backlit display, and continuous diagnostics. Options include external alarm stations, remote relay modules, remote analog output module, and remote digital output module. 888/464-5726; www.mil-ram.com.
Aluminum railings
Corrosion-resistant aluminum railing systems from Kee Safety Inc. require only a hex tool and pipe cutters to install. Made of aluminum silicon magnesium alloy (A356-T6) for strength and corrosion resistance, the systems fit in 1- to 2-inch Schedule 40 pipe. Safety features include smooth contours and recessed setscrews. Various connections accommodate straight and curved railings, walkways, stairs, mezzanines, and other installations. 800/851-5181; www.keesafety.com.
MSA Introduces Altair 4 QuickCheck Station
The Altair 4 QuickCheck station from MSA performs most bump and function tests in less than a minute, effectively verifying instrument gas response and alarm functionality. The test station checks instrument’s visual and audible alarms. A checkmark appears on the instrument display for 24 hours after a test is passed. 800/672-2222; www.msanet.com.
Microprocessor gas monitor
The GSM-60 microprocessor gas monitor from Enmet Corp. has an internal sample draw pump and gas sensors that monitor VOCs, dew point, oxygen and CO, or other target gases. The unit connects to many remote 4-20 mA toxic or combustible gas sensor/transmitters.734/761-1270; www.enmet.com.
Dry scrubber
The EST Type DES 3000 one-ton dry emergency scrubber system from Severn Trent Services treats accidental releases of chlorine gas from an overfilled one-ton cylinder in accordance with the Uniform Fire Code worse case release of hazardous gas through a fusible plug. The system has a room exhaust rate of 3,000 cfm. A 10,000-cubic-foot room will have an acceptable entrance level concentration in about 45 minutes after the leak has ended. 866/646-9201; www.severntrentservices.com.
Emergency lighting
Staco Energy Products offers the FirstLine 924 central emergency lighting inverter in ratings from 8 kW to 30 kW, providing protection for personnel safety during power outages. In an AC power failure, the unit automatically transfers to battery power, providing a continuous power supply for 90 minutes, as required by NFPA 101.
When power returns, the device automatically recharges the batteries in preparation for the next power disturbance. This online, double-conversion central inverter provides computer-grade power quality for almost any lighting system. Besides providing power during blackouts, it isolates and protects the connected load from damaging sags, swells, harmonics, noise, and voltage imbalances in the primary AC supply. 866/261-1191; www.stacoenergy.com.
