Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Gas Detection and Respiratory Protection Solutions for Landfill Gases

from the Instrumentation Group at Cross

Quick, Easy, and Comprehensive Chemical Measurement

Though methane and carbon dioxide are generated in the largest quantities, many other substances can be found in landfill gas.  Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a very toxic substance, is also a by-product of decaying organic material.  Various fuels, oils, paints, solvents and other hydrocarbons may end up in the landfill.  Even at these much smaller quantities, these compounds are toxic.  Many of these chemicals give little or no warning through a sense of smell.

The Draeger-Tube system is the most form of gas and vapor measurement in the world.  The system is easy to use, produces quick results, and offers the most comprehensive (over 500) choice of hazards detected.

The Draeger-Tube system consists of glass vials filled with chemical reagents.  The hand operated accuor bellows pump pulls a calibrated amount of air through the tube.  Should the targeted gas or vapor be present, the reagent inside the Tube changes color.  A longer the length of color change is produced when more of the targeted chemical is present.  A scale printed on the tube indicates the amount of gas or vapor present.  

Landfill Gas: Carbon Dioxide
Measuring toxic gases generated in a landfill
Large quantities (35-50 %Vol.) of carbon dioxide (CO2) are produced in by decomposition of organic materials in a landfill. CO2  poses two safety concerns.  First it will displace the available oxygen (O2) for proper respiration.  However, it is also a toxic gas, able to cause sudden and serious effects like dizziness, impaired judgment, or even unconsciousness from a relatively short exposure to levels found in a landfill.

The Draeger X-am 7000 Monitor can be equipped with and Infrared (IR) sensor for measuring 0-5.0 %Vol. and/or 0-100 %Vol. of CO2 allowing it to measure in both the toxicity range and higher levels experienced in landfill operation.  The X-am 7000 Monitor can also be equipped with Methane, O2, H2S and CO sensor making it ideal for use in many landfill gas measurement applications.



The versatile monitor can also be equipped with a Photo-Ionization Detector (PID) which can detect and measure toxic amounts of fuels, solvents, paints and other chemicals that mistakenly find their way into a landfill.  All measurements made by the X-am 7000 can be recorded on an internal datalogger for documentation purposes.

Landfill Gas: Methane
Monitor for Safety and Process Applications
The anaerobic decomposition of organic materials in a land fill produces large quantities (55-65 %Vol.) of methane (CH4) in a low oxygen background.  Additionally, relatively large quantities of gases like carbon dioxide (35-50 %Vol.) and hydrogen sulfide (1000 ppm) may also be present.  This poses problems for conventional gas detectors.  The catalytic oxidation sensors used in most combustible gas detectors requires oxygen to measure methane.  Additionally these higher quantities of H2S will cause these catalytic methane sensors to lose sensitivity over time.  Most gas detectors are also limited to a measuring range of only 0-100 %LEL (0-5 %Vol.) of methane. 

The Draeger X-am 7000 Monitor can be equipped with an Infrared (IR) based sensor for measuring 0-100 %LEL and 0-100 %Vol. of methane.  Unlike conventional catalytic combustible gas detectors, the IR sensor does not need oxygen to operate and is completely unaffected by sulfur bearing compounds.  The X-am 7000 is ideally suited for making both safety and process style measurements.

The X-am 7000 is completely dust-proof and waterproof (IP-67), even submersion in water does not bother the electronics or sensors.  The integral rubber boot allows this monitor allows this monitor to withstand the most challenging industrial conditions.  The integral rubber boot allows this monitor to withstand the most challenging industrial conditions.  The internal pump can draw a sample from up to 150 ft (45m) away, strong enough to measure deep inside any vent hole or well.  The standard NiMH battery pack will last well in excess of 10 hours continuous usage.

For Maximum Protection
High levels of carbon dioxide and other toxic chemicals can be encountered in a municipal landfill.  There is also the distinct possibility for low oxygen environments.  Both oxygen deficiency and high levels of carbon dioxide and other toxic gases require the highest level of respiratory protection equipment.  The Draeger ProAir Evolution SCBA provides the protection needed in these demanding environments.  This is because our industrial system uses the same high-performance and pneumatic system as our fire fighting unit and is backed with a life time warranty.



The NIOSH certified ProAir Evolution uses an ergonomic and light weight carbon fiber back plate and fully adjustable harness system, providing the user with exceptional safety, maneuverability, and comfort.  Our one-size-fits-all Panorama Nova mask provides a safe and reliable seal to all users.  Lightweight aluminum and carbon fiber air cylinders with durations of 30, 45 and 60 minutes are available.  Compressed airline connections and other accessories are available.

Filtering Respirators
Protection and Comfort
The new Draeger X-Plore Series masks set a new benchmark in fit and comfort in respiratory protection.  The innovative X-guided strap system secures the mask evenly over the face providing an excellent fit while remaining very comfortable.  Three sizes (S, M, L) of masks and a flexible nose seal ensure a proper fit for every type of face.  The X-plore comes in limited use (3300) and re-usable (3500) half-mask styles.  The full face (5500) mask provides a higher level protection when needed.  To meet a wide range of industrial applications, Draeger offers a full line of NIOSH approved cartridges and filters with their exclusive two-point bayonet connector.


Draeger X-Plore 5500 Twin Filter Respirator

With an exclusive multi-layer filtering design, the Piccola provides the best particulate filtration efficiency with the lowest breathing resistance in a disposable filtering face mask.  Draeger’s patented SynSafe material uses both mechanical and electrostatic filtration principles for the ultimate filtering efficiency.  It is extremely lightweight and comfortable to wear with a soft humidity resistant inner lining.  The foldable mask designs allows for easy storage in your pocket and repeated use through the workday.  The X-plore 1300 masks are available in a NIOSH approved N95 and R95 types, with or without exhalation valves. 



For assistance with Draeger Safety selections, contact the experts at BuyDraegerSafety.com
866.905.9793

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1 comment:

  1. really??? cool . .. how much does it cost to buy it in the market???
    vapor recovery unit

    ReplyDelete