Description
Gas Alert Extreme, from BW Honeywell: for three years maintenance-free, Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) detection, in a neat, disposable package. These days, small gas detectors employ a lot of cell-phone type electronics. They are less expensive than ever before, more reliable, more robust and more convenient. This popular, maintenance-free gas detector gives continuous, reliability, throughout its three year life - well enough accurate to assure adequate warning against harmful gas concentrations. It is dependable on cautioning the user, well before gas levels become pathologically threatening - and it has some of the features of more complex instruments. We have used it much, in our hire and contracting work and hope our experience of several different types and brands may be useful in helping you decide your options. The 'two year' version; as with the 'three-year' model, requires no calibration, sensor replacement, or battery replacement but occasional 'bump-testing' is recommeded. Both types are powered by a soldered, 3.6V Lithium battery, the 3 year model employing more power and smarter CPU/mother-board management. Both versions are compatible with the BW, Micro Dock II automatic test system, affording simplicity of management and needing minimal operator training. The Gas Alert Extreme is also available for Carbon Monoxide detection - to buy, or to hire- at similar prices. BW's video refers to Oxygen and Sulphur Dioxide cell options, which we do not stock. Note that all 'galvanic' detection cells, such as these, will respond to other chemicals, other than the targeted range. For example, H2S detector cells will respond to oxides of Sulphur, too and to halogens, for example. It is therefore important to have a clear idea of what other gases might be incidental in the challenge atmosphere. Such specious alarm will tend to err on the side of caution. That is: if, say, Chlorine were present, the alarm would still prompt evacuation and other action but the user would not necessarily be aware that the challenge gas was Chlorine, rather than H2S Our list of Pros and Cons - an edit of BW's promotional information: Reasonably durable, reliable and easy to use without needing any downtime - it is not quite so robust as the Toxi-Rae III - but still a solid option, especially for on-site contractors and third parties. This model, having no calibration facility and no periodic 'bump-test' programme, makes it by far the easiest option for convenience and time management - but read on; this advantage must be used with caution. Bump testing is always recommended, at suitabe intervals! Record keeping is accurate and easy with automatic event logging. These models, once 'booted' through their first, ex-works start up, may not be switched off. The CPU has a factory set clock, that records dates and times and offers a 'lapsed-time' display, in the LCD window. The LCD screen is well protected and we have had few problems with broken screens. Low cost of ownership and BW will replace machines under warranty, should batteries or detection cells fail, within their allotted time-span. Compatible with BW Micro Dock II automatic test station. This is useful where many machines are deployed, saving much time and management but the Micro-dock station is quite expensive (enquire for details). Full function self-tests of sensor, battery status, and circuit integrity and audible/visual alarms. This is very useful and similar to other models such as the Toxi-Rae III but it has no calibration facility - although it can be bump-tested. Thus we do not consider it quite as well, for accuracy, as the Toxi-rae. One neat feature, however, is the 'clip's' little 'go-no-go' tick-mark, in the top left of the LCD screen. This indicates that the detector has gone through its self-checking test, within the past twenty hours, or so. If no 'tick' appears in the screen, it is replace by 'Test' - reminding the user to press its blue, boot button, to run its safety checks. Failure to do so will not result in the detector not working and, irrespective, it will carry on, doing its job - so, really, this is a confidence check and a run through the computer components. It does not replace the common-sense need for periodic 'bump-testing', which done with calibration gas, will indicate that the screen reading approximates to actual has concentrations! Bright wide-angled visual alarm bars augment a cell-phone type alarm vibrator and a very clear audible alarm - despite the small size of its buzzer. Overall, this is good kit but, in our view, it is an alarm indicator, rather than a measuring instrument and it should be purchased as such. An Impact resistance, bright yellow case provides both mechanical and damp or dust resistance. The gas detection cell is protected by a scintered PTFE filter screen but - as with all, similar devices - care should be taken to make sure that this does not become occluded with mud and debris, especially on jobs such as oil and gas well drilling. Water-resistant - let us qualify this statement. Most 'gas badge' type detectors are water resistant but NOT water proof. If these machines are left in open air, in cold damp conditions - especially where there is low-level, atmospheric contamination, the circuit boards will fail! The manufacturer's video about Gas Alert Clip, can be viewed at: www.gasmonitors.com/main.cfm?sub3=338&page=GACXT-Video Cost effective calibration and bump test management, for BW Portables... A time saving way to check calibration settings and bump testing of BW’s portable gas detectors is by using the Micro Dock II automated test and calibration system. It is portable and easily expanded, to accommodate more machines. The Micro Dock II requires no computer and provides simultaneous management of up to ten detectors. It aims to cut down expense and improve productivity. Quick and easy compliance checks - automated, accurate records. Automated bump testing, calibration, and battery charging (when used with re-chargeable models) One base station with one AC outlet supports up to ten modules to suit your application Verifies proper performance of detector cells and electronics. Saves a lot of time spent by expensive technicians. Multiple Micro Dock II systems can be connected via a LAN Includes BW Fleet Manager software for easy data analysis Multi-language support in English, French, German, Spanish and Portuguese