Gas monitoring is a very important process in a number of different industries. It helps to protect workers and ensure that environments are kept safe from things like toxic gases and asphyxiants.
Gas monitoring systems are able to detect the leak of any noxious or explosive gases whilst maintaining proper oxygen levels and complying with any regulations and laws. They are used in a wide range of different industries.
With that in mind, CEM Solutions look at some of the most important ones.
Semiconductor manufacturing industries
Semiconductor fabrication requires the use of gases like methane, carbon monoxide and phosphine. As part of this, fabrication processes like deposition, photolithography, doping and edging all use gases as a catalyst to create reactions at a molecular level.
Whilst these gases are hugely important in the process, they are also highly toxic and can cause a number of issues if they are inhaled. It is therefore essential to have a gas detection system in the area to allow the easy detection of any leaks.
This allows manufacturers to take quick actions in order to prevent the spread of gas over a wide area and locate the source of the leak.
Oil and gas industries
The oil and gas sector is broken into a number of different sectors, and all of them involve highly combustible gases that run the risk of exploding when exposed to high temperatures. There can also be an issue with exhaust gases, which can provide a number of environmental concerns.
Gas monitoring systems help to control the release of these harmful gases into the air to ensure that businesses remain compliant with all necessary regulations. They can also be strategically placed in order to help detect any gas leaks so that casualties can be prevented.
Wastewater treatment plants
Sewers can often be home to septic wastewater, and this can lead to the production of gases like carbon monoxide, methane and hydrogen sulphide. The bacteria in the sewers not only help to decompose the organic matter in the wastewater, but they also release sulphur compounds that are capable of reacting with the hydrogen to form dangerous gases.
Inhaling these gases can be extremely harmful and can even result in death amongst those working in the sewers, so it is extremely important that gas detection monitors are in place. These gases can also be extremely flammable and can cause an explosion if ignited.
Mining Industries
Gas detection monitors are necessary in the mining sector in order to detect the presence of any flammable or toxic gases.
There are also many gases known as asphyxiants, which are capable of displacing oxygen from the mines, creating adverse health effects, which can decrease productivity and even cause permanent mental conditions.
By making use of gas detection systems, it is possible to ensure there is an oxygen rich environment for any workers in order to avoid potential health hazards.
Chemical Industries
The chemical industry can release harmful toxic gases which are capable of causing serious irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. When inhaled, they can even lead to nausea and convulsions, which can then result in much more serious consequences.
Even gases which are not toxic are able to displace oxygen, resulting in suffocation and a difficulty in breathing. These gases are stored and transported in large metal containers, and there is a risk of leaks while here being transferred. Portable gas detectors can therefore be very important to make sure any leaks are detected quickly.
Gas detection monitors are essential in a wide range of industries in order to help keep businesses complying with necessary regulations and ensure the ongoing safety of any workers.
Mike Lloyd is the Managing Director at CEM Solutions, who offer products and services to cover all aspects of monitoring emissions to air and process control.
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