Experts in Power Plant Gas Detection
The lower ownership costs of Ambient fixed gas detection versus portable gas monitors, and the requirements for continuous monitoring, without human presence, has led to the widespread adoption of fixed point monitoring for many power plant hazardous gas detection applications. While fixed-point gas detection has a three to six month maintenance interval, portable monitors must be operationally verified prior to each use. Add battery charging and disposal, ancillary equipment requirements, mandated record keeping, frequent losses, plus the wear and tear of being on a person, and the operational expenses can easily exceed that of a fixed system point of detection.
Portable gas monitors are the standard for confined space entry. However, fixed gas detection is the best choice for compliance issues (e.g. Ammonia storage) loss prevention and potential asphyxiation situations such as CEM Shelters.
Modern Power Plants often employs Fixed Gas and Optical Flame Detectors for worker safety and loss prevention. The applications are listed below order of their approximate order of frequency in the plants.
Ammonia Gas Detection
Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) in flue gas are reacted into Nitrogen and water by injecting Ammonia ahead of a special catalyst. Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) is the only proven method of reducing NOx emissions for compliance with EPA standards. The bullet tanks, pumping, vaporization and injection areas are monitored.
Hydrogen Gas Detection
The cooling medium for the generator – may be produced on-site. H2 is monitored to prevent seal-oil system fires, unscheduled shutdowns and protect personnel from “invisible fires.” Battery rooms generate considerable Hydrogen and monitoring is often used in conjunction with ventilation.
Carbon Monoxide Gas Detection
A toxic component of incomplete combustion, CO comes from Boiler casing leaks and smoldering coal. It’s now commonly monitored in coal tunnels, bunkers, hoppers and tipper rooms to detect pre-fire conditions, especially when Powder River Basin coal is in use.
Oxygen Gas Detection
Monitored in Instrument or CEM Shelters and other enclosed areas containing hazards that might deplete or displace Oxygen.
Natural Gas Detection
Methane is the main component of Natural Gas and the major volatile in Coal. It’s often monitored in gas-fired plants for loss prevention and increasingly monitored in silos and bunkers along with CO, as Methane can collect in these enclosed structures posing an explosive hazard.
Hydrazine Gas Detection
A very hazardous chemical use to scavenge Oxygen from feedwater in super critical steam generators.
Others Types of Gas Detection
Many other unique areas and processes may require gas detection for personnel protection. These monitored gases include but are not limited to CO2, CL2, ClO2, HCl, NO2, O3, SO2, SO3.
Flame Detection
Not the Flame Safeguard system used on burners, but optical flame detection for high hazard ambient areas to detect fires, whose presence means serious malfunction and a potential catastrophic situation. The detection of fire usually results in immediate suppression and shutdown measures. Optical fire detection is most commonly used near the Natural Gas trains metering rooms and associated burners.
Sensidyne provides FM performance certified and hazardous area approved gas and optical flame detection equipment. The approvals include coal dust and all hazardous gases and vapors found in a power plant. A full line of low-maintenance sensors and mounting accessories are available to simplify the application and reduce maintenance issues. Consult Sensidyne with our Application Specialists for assistance with your project at 800-451-9444.
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119, Process Safety Management; EPA Risk Management Program, 40 CFR 68
