Draeger Ammonia Gas Detection For Refrigeration
Ammonia (NH3) is a cost effective and environmentally friendly gas used in cooling systems throughout the food and beverage industry. While it is an efficient coolant and a great alternative to fluorocarbons, it’s also toxic, causing corrosion to the skin and mucous membranes. At concentrations above 15% (150,000 ppm), the ammonia atmosphere is potentially explosive. And because people who work with ammonia daily can become desensitized to the acrid smell, it’s important to have gas detection systems which can detect high concentrations before they become a hazard. Here’s a great overview of ammonia use in cold storage from Cross’s partner, Dräger.
ANSI/ASHRAE 15-2022
ANSI/ASHRAE 15-2022 specifies the safe design, construction, installation, and operation of refrigeration systems. While the standard covers various topics, such as cylinder pressure guidelines, four specific sections directly relate to gas detection. Dräger manufactures market leading gas detection systems to ensure safety wherever refrigeration systems are used.
Section 7.3.4.4 mandates installing gas detection points in areas susceptible to hazardous substance release. Dräger Electrochemical (EC) sensors, paired with a Polytron 7000 or 8100 to measure ammonia (NH3) levels within the 0-300 ppm range. When the concentration of NH3 surpasses the Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) of 25 ppm prescribed by NIOSH, evacuating all personnel from the affected area immediately is imperative.
Section 7.3.4.4 also mandates that the refrigeration detection systems activate release mitigation controls. The Regard 3000 and Regard 7000, for smaller and larger applications respectively, are paired with Dräger’s cutting edge sensors for robust and reliable performance at a variety of temperatures.
Section 7.6.2.4 outlines several additional detection system requirements. One crucial aspect is the communication speed, where the transmitter must notify the safety controller within 30 seconds of detecting a leak of 25% LFL. DrägerSensors have some of the fastest response times in the industry, well within the 30 second response time.
Section 8.11.6.2 mandates de-energizing refrigerant compressors, pumps, and valves at 25% LFL. By using Dräger controller and transmitter solutions, it is easy to comply with this standard.
Portable Ammonia Detection Solutions
Plant personnel can also wear portable ammonia detection solutions like the Dräger Pac 8000 single gas detector for ammonia. It features audible, visual and vibrating alarms and is protected against water, dust and other contaminants with a special membrane filter.
Why Work with Cross Company?
Whether it’s fixed or portable detection systems from Draeger, it’s important to have the right equipment in place to keep your personnel safe. The process solutions team at Cross Company works with customers in a range of industries and can help determine the best products to use in your application. Work with our process engineers to improve safety in your process.
