Air Monitoring Presented By: Etech Environmental & Safety Solutions, Inc.

Field Air Monitoring Instruments Collection of “Real Time” data to aid in the decisions concerning Collection of “Real Time” data to aid in the decisions concerning –Hazards & Risks to Public & Personnel –Selection of Personal Protective Equipment –Site Work Zones –Effects on Environment –Mitigative Actions

Field Instruments Desired Characteristics Portable & Rugged Portable & Rugged Easy to Operate Easy to Operate Inherently Safe Inherently Safe Reliable & Useful Results Reliable & Useful Results

Reliable & Useful Results Response Time Response Time Sensitivity Sensitivity Selectivity Selectivity Accuracy Accuracy Precision Precision

Hazardous Atmospheres (NEC) Concentration between the Lower Explosive Limit and Upper Explosive Limit (LEL – UEL) Concentration between the Lower Explosive Limit and Upper Explosive Limit (LEL – UEL) Presence of an Ignition Source Presence of an Ignition Source Exothermic Reaction Exothermic Reaction

Definitions Intrinsically Safe - Designed so that parts are not exposed to explosive atmosphere or, if so, there is insufficient energy for ignition Intrinsically Safe - Designed so that parts are not exposed to explosive atmosphere or, if so, there is insufficient energy for ignition Explosion Proof – Designed to contain an explosion and cool gases to prevent spread Explosion Proof – Designed to contain an explosion and cool gases to prevent spread Purged System – Inert gas filled system; positive pressure to prevent explosive gases or vapors from entering Purged System – Inert gas filled system; positive pressure to prevent explosive gases or vapors from entering

Instrument Protection Criteria Class I, Division 1, Group A,B,C, & D Class I, Division 1, Group A,B,C, & D –Intrinsically Safe –Explosion-Proof –Purged System Class I, Division 2, Groups A,B,C, & D Class I, Division 2, Groups A,B,C, & D –Non-Incendive Class II, Division 1 & 2, Groups E,FD, & G Class II, Division 1 & 2, Groups E,FD, & G –Dust-Ignition Proof

Typical Instruments Used Oxygen Indicators Oxygen Indicators Combustible Gas Indicators Combustible Gas Indicators Toxic Atmosphere Monitors Toxic Atmosphere Monitors Radiation Survey Meters Radiation Survey Meters

Oxygen Indicators Exterior Sensor Exterior Sensor Interior Sensor Interior Sensor –Manual Pump –Automatic Pump Combination Units Combination Units

Oxygen Indicators (cont.) Limitations & Precautions Limitations & Precautions –Atmospheric Pressure (Altitude) –Interfering Gases –Operating Temperature

Combustible Gas Indicators Manual vs. Automatic Manual vs. Automatic Super-Sensitive Unit Super-Sensitive Unit Combination Units (CGI-O 2 ) Combination Units (CGI-O 2 )

Combustible Gas Indicators (cont.) Limitations & Precautions Limitations & Precautions –Temperature –Oxygen Requirements –Interfering Gases Lead Lead Sulphur Sulphur Silicone Silicone Hydrogen Chloride Hydrogen Chloride Hydrogen Fluoride Hydrogen Fluoride –Relative Response

Combustible Gas Indicators (cont.) Always monitor for Oxygen levels before checking for combustible gases

Toxic Atmosphere Monitors Detector Tube Systems Detector Tube Systems Specific Agent Specific Agent –H 2 S –CO Total Vapor Analyzers Total Vapor Analyzers –Photoionization Detectors (PIDs) –Flameionization Detectors (FIDs)

Detector Tube Systems Pump Pump –Bellows –Piston Tubes Tubes –Specific Chemicals –General Chemicals –Concentration Ranges

Detector Tube Systems (cont.) Limitations & Precautions Limitations & Precautions –Accuracy –Temperature, Humidity, Pressure –Expiration Date –Lot Numbers –Color Change Endpoint –Pump Strokes, Volume –Interferences –Reusable

Toxic Vapor Analyzers PIDs Uses Uses –Analyze for a broad range of contaminants –Can be calibrated to analyze for specific chemicals –Sensitivity

Toxic Vapor Analyzers PIDs (cont.) Considerations Considerations –Lamp Energy & Chemical IP –Dust & Humidity –High Methane –Electromagnetic Radiation –Lamp Aging –Relative Response –High Concentrations

Toxic Vapor Analyzers FIDs Uses Uses –Accuracy to specific hydrocarbons –Data is usually very accurate

Toxic Vapor Analyzers FIDs (cont.) Considerations Considerations –Detects only organics –Sensitive to methane –Relative response –Hydrogen gas needed –Electromagnetic Radiation

Toxic Vapor Analyzers Chemical Specific Uses Uses –Good for personal monitors in known atmospheres –Accuracy

Toxic Vapor Analyzers Chemical Specific (cont.) Considerations Considerations –Sensor Wear –Dust & Humidity –Unknowns –Calibration –Electromagnetic Radiation