Ammonia gas detection

• Ammonia is commonly used as a refrigerant gas, in fertiliser, for purification of water supplies, and in manufacturing of textiles, plastics, pesticides, dyes and other chemicals.
• Anhydrous ammonia gas is lighter than air and will rise.
• In the presence of moisture e.g. high relative humidity, vapours are formed from the liquefied anhydrous ammonia gas that are heavier than air.
• These vapours may spread along the ground or into lower areas where they can become concentrated.

The dangers of ammonia gas

• Ammonia is irritating and corrosive and can cause irritation and/or damage to the eyes, nose, throat and
  respiratory tract.
• Exposure to low concentrations of ammonia in the air can produce skin or eye irritation very quickly.
• Higher concentrations of ammonia cause severe injury and burns.

The risk of a build up of ammonia gas

• Exposure to ammonia is most commonly from inhalation of the gas/vapours.
• Whilst ammonia’s distinctive smell can be detected by most humans at low levels, exposure to higher
  concentrations of ammonia in air causes burning of the nose, throat and respiratory tract resulting in a lack
  of smell.

The solution

• Utilising the basic functions of our gas alarm system, operators of areas subject to the build up of ammonia
  can monitor multiple sensor points.
• Ammonia sensors are distributed in the areas at risk of gas build up, and are constantly monitored by the
  central monitoring station.
• We can advise you on the best location for the sensors during a site survey.
• The sensors usually have a range of 0-100 PPM (parts per million) and are of the electro-chemical type.
• The ammonia alarm system is normally set to give a first stage warning alarm at 25 PPM carbon monoxide,
  and then a second stage full alarm at 35 PPM carbon monoxide. This enables early warning of increasing
  levels allowing for action to be taken before an unsafe exposure is reached.
• The alarm system has a user interface. Here it is possible to view the readings from the gas sensors, an
  indication is made audibly and visually if the system detects an alarm condition.
• It is highly advisable and considered best practice to site the user interface outside of the risk area so that
  in the event of an alarm, the information from the system can be accessed without entry into the risk area.
• Ideally, the user interface should be fitted at the entrance to the risk area, so personnel can view the display
  when entering the area.

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