Detector sniffs out six dangerous gases

The Firefly MGD-2 multiple gas detector from Orthos has been developed to mimic the human nose as an excellent detector of fire or combustion by measuring the gases they emit.

The Firefly MGD-2 multiple gas detector from Orthos has been developed to mimic the human nose as an excellent detector of fire or combustion by measuring the gases they emit, with the ability to sense that a problem is developing long before any automatic system responds.

Designed to work in the widest range of installations from industrial plants to ships and airports, it also has the nose's ability to "sniff out" the difference between normal background smells and increases in fire-related gas concentrations.

An auto-learning function monitors normal background gas characteristics to establish a base line and assess all subsequent measurements against that standard.

This outstanding feature means that the device discounts background gas levels and only measures changes, which is very important since gases produced by combustion are often present in small concentrations even when there is no problem.

This state-of-the-art instrument uses six different gas sensors, which between them can detect and measure the concentrations of a very wide range of industrial and combustion gases.

A small airflow is drawn through a removable filter into the detector chamber by a fan and each sensor analyses six samples per second to a six-digit resolution.

Standard current instruments have the detectors connected to a remote control panel, from which alarms can be triggered and extinguishing systems activated.

Two ongoing developments are enabling connection of the detectors and controllers to a PCbus and Vds assessment for full Zone 22 ATEX approval.

With an operational temperature range of -16 to +65C as standard, extendable up to 85C, the instruments may be installed in association with an individual machine, a bank of machines or within an industrial location such as a flour mill.

Other ideal sites are as varied as storage facilities, computer and motor control rooms, railway stations, shopping centres, theatres and subways.

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