Our new Remote Gas Calibrator is ideal for calibrating in high wind conditions and / or high temperatures.

In oil / gas and petrochemical production, refining, transportation and distribution facilities, safety is always of paramount concern due to the combustible nature of hydrocarbon-based products. All such facilities must install combustible gas monitoring systems to protect people and equipment. After selecting and installing catalytic bead sensors, maintenance is an ongoing task that requires periodic attention to ensure a safe work environment.

Maintenance Requirements
Even the best of safety monitoring equipment requires periodic inspection. There must be a maintenance plan in place with documented procedures, a regular schedule of inspections, repair or replacement activity as necessary, problem reporting, etc. It is important to train employees to know when inspection is necessary and what type of maintenance procedures must be performed on a specific type or model of gas detector.

Catalytic type combustible gas detectors require a routine “check” every 90 days under normal operating conditions. To verify the proper operation of a catalytic gas sensor, it is necessary to apply a known concentration of gas to the sensor. This is usually done manually at the site with gas supplied from a small lecture bottle. As the sensor reacts to the calibration gas, adjustments are made to the monitoring system to bring its calibration into agreement with the known concentration of the calibration gas. This is a simple process and usually requires 1-3 minutes.

It is critically important to recognize that the maintenance of catalytic bead sensors varies depending on environmental conditions and levels of gas exposure. In hot and humid environments, such as those in many parts of Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, they require more frequent inspections to ensure that the sensors are operating effectively. Excessively dusty and/or dirty environments can be a problem as well. If during operation, these sensors are also exposed repeatedly to high levels of hydrocarbon gas in the field, it can increase maintenance requirements and reduce the potential life of these products.

Remote Gas Calibrator
At times, catalytic type gas detectors are mounted in difficult to reach locations and operate under extreme conditions on compressor stations, drilling rigs, pumping stations, gas turbines and other equipment. Such locations often require expensive catwalks or scaffolding to reach them or equipment shutdowns to perform calibration. General Monitors now offers a unique Remote Gas Calibrator (RGC) that allows the calibration gas to be applied to the catalytic bead sensor from more easily accessed locations and without having to perform equipment shutdowns.

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The RGC blocks ambient air and redirects methane or other light hydrocarbon gases to the catalytic bead sensor for calibration or for testing sensor accuracy in various environments. The RGC uses 50% LEL methane or other light hydrocarbon gas, and it operates in wind conditions up to 45 mph and at temperatures up to 204°C (requires optional high temperature sensor and housing). No electrical wiring or connections are required with the RGC.

Learn more about the Remote Gas Calibrator

S4000C Combustible Gas Detector
Our Model S4000C Intelligent Combustible Gas Detector is a microprocessor-based transmitter designed for use with our catalytic bead sensors. Among its features is one person calibration and it self-calibrates by simply activating a magnetic switch and applying gas.

See for yourself how easy it is to calibrate by watching our online calibration demo

Understanding proper maintenance requirements and procedures is essential to maintain the safety of people and equipment in hazardous industries. The improper maintenance of gas monitoring systems of all types can result in expensive repairs or even the loss of life. At General Monitors, your safety is our first priority and our technical experts are available to help you not only develop the best gas monitoring strategy for your facility, but also to help guide you through the proper installation and maintenance of our gas detectors.