Ammonia detection (NH3 / R-717) is essential for a safe working environment
Ammonia detection is the alpha and omega when working with ammonia, and why?
Ammonia is considered one of the most cost-effective, energy-efficient and natural refrigerants for industrial refrigeration, greenhouse potential (GWP) and ozone depleting potential (ODP) aside. However, ammonia is classified as a B2L refrigerant, which means it is toxic and flammable. Therefore, detecting for ammonia gas is crucial for safety.
Are you focused on ammonia safety?
Toxicity
Safety is paramount for ammonia refrigeration systems. Ammonia is corrosive and explosive, it could result in a chemical burn. As ammonia is extremely hygroscopic (rapidly absorbs moisture), it easily migrates to moist areas of the body – such as the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Even low levels of ammonia gas are harmful, therefore it is important that you do not exceed the limit values.
|
Concentration / time |
Effect |
|---|---|
|
0-25 ppm |
Low odor threshold for most people, slight irritation to eyes and respiratory tract. |
|
25 ppm TWA |
8 hours TWA (NIOSH) |
|
35 ppm STEL |
15 minute period |
|
50 ppm TWA |
8 hours TWA (OSHA), visible eye and throat irritation. |
|
50-100 ppm |
Swollen eyelids, dizziness, nausea/vomiting and irritated throat. |
|
300 ppm IDLH |
Immediate danger to life and health. |
TWA: Expression for an 8-hour working day.
STEL: Expression for short-term exposure for 15 minutes.
IDLH: Immediately dangerous to health.
Flammability
Ammonia is considered flammable between concentrations of approximately 15-28 percent volume in air. Therefore, it is recommended to have two alarm levels for early warning.
- At low alarm level 15,000 ppm (10 percent lower exposure limit (LEL)) alarm and mechanical ventilation must be activated.
- At a high alarm level of 30,000 ppm (20 percent LEL), the cooling system must be automatically stopped.
Ammonia detection effectively increases safety
Bacharach offers a wide range of solutions within the detection of gases including ammonia. These innovative solutions are designed for cooling environments at extreme temperatures. Bacharach’s multi-zone aspirated system delivers industry-leading low-level leak detection, and the MGS-400 and MGS-550 diffusion systems offer exceptional low-temperature performance down to minus 40ºF / C.
Which system is right for you depends on the total number of detectors and ammonia levels you want to record, sampling frequency and integration with BMS/CTS control systems.
|
Multi-zone |
MGS-400-series |
MGS-550-series |
|
|
Integration with BMS / CTS control system |
Modbus, BACnet, LonWork and analog communication |
Modbus, digital and analog communication |
Modbus, digital and analog communication |
|
Temperature zone / application |
low and medium |
low and medium |
low and medium |
|
Sensing Medium |
Infrared |
Electrochemical (EC), Catalytic (CAT) |
Electrochemical (EC), Catalytic (CAT) or Semi Conductor (depending on PPM alarm range) |
|
Remote location of sensors / test points |
Up to 360 meters from the monitor |
MGS-460: 5 meters from transmitter MGS-410 with MGS-402: 1,000 meters from transmitter |
5 meters from transmitter |
|
Typical lifetime of the sensor |
Up to 10 years |
Up to 7 years |
Up to 7 years |
|
Maintenance (function test / calibration) |
annual |
annual |
annual |
|
Sensor Hot Swap |
Not relevant |
Plug and play pre-calibrated sensor modules for quick, easy sensor replacement |
Plug and play pre-calibrated sensor modules for quick, easy sensor replacement |
|
Sensor channels |
4-16 |
1 |
2 |
|
Sensor range |
25-10,000 ppm on one sensor |
0-100 PPM |
0-100 PPM |
|
User interface |
Large graphic LCD screen and built-in controls |
Mobile app interface with Bluetooth connection |
Built-in controls and LCD display |
related products
Here is a selection of our ammonia detection equipment.
Contact experienced specialists
GasDetect A/S is a specialist in gas detection. With us you will find a large selection of detectors from Bacharach – particularly suitable for the risk of ammonia leakage. Our experienced technicians are ready to advise you on exactly the solution that matches your wishes, needs and requirements.
