Looking for information or need gas detection for a boiler room? Hopefully we can help with some questions and considerations before you install equipment and go through some possible solutions. The specific questions we will look at in this boiler room detection overview are:
- Is gas detection required in boiler rooms?
- What gas detection equipment is needed?
- Choosing the controller and sensors?
- Where do I install the sensors?
- How many sensors are required?
- Where to install the controller?
- Servicing requirements
Is gas detection required in boiler rooms?
Installing gas detection in boiler rooms makes good common sense and protects the safety of occupants, workers and visitors. A gas detection system can alarm when gas levels rise due to a leak. The gas supply supply can be automatically shut down using a gas solenoid valve.
In educational settings
where there is a risk of combustion products passing into an occupied space such as a teaching area/corridor/office, a CO and flammable gas detection system shall be installed. The detection system shall raise an alarm and isolate the fuel supply.
Some other considerations
Installation of gas detection or automatic isolation valves (AIV) is not normally a requirement for gas installations in boiler rooms. However where fitted AIVs shall comply with EN161. It is recommended within IGEM/UP2 such installations are subject to a risk assessment.
Modern boiler plant (and boosters) will be compliant with EN676 will be fitted with flame safeguards and low (gas) pressure protection under these conditions, there is no requirement for a pipework integrity check (pressure proving).
Where proving is fitted it shall meet the specific requirements of BS EN1854 or BS EN 60730-2-6, which require the use of certified pressure safety device (typically a pressure switch), pressure transducers failing to meet the essential requirements in a safety circuit will need to meet as a minimum SIL2.
Under DSEAR confined/congested installations may also raise the create ATEX rated zones within the plantroom.
Standards
- IGEM/UP2
- IGEM/UP11
- IGEM/SR/25
- EN676
- BS EN161
Choosing your gas detection controller
One of the first considerations will be how many sensors will need to be connected. The controllers at Duomo state how many channels the controller has. For example the GS300MC is a 3 Channel controller meaning 3 separate sensors can be connected. These sensors need not be for the same target gas on our multiple channel controllers. Other considerations may include the controller alarms settings, display, IP Rating, emergency stop connections to name a few.
Alarm Levels
Alarm levels are pre-set to work with all our controller out of the box and activate outputs. As an example the GS300MC has three alarm levels:
Pre-Alarm No.1 – 8% LEL / 120ppm
Pre-Alarm No.2 – 13% LEL / 200ppm
Main Alarm – Fixed at 20% LEL / 300ppm
Choosing your sensors
You’ve chosen the controller based on number of sensors and features required and you need to choose gas sensors. Your target gas will narrow down from the sensors available
Methane
SGM595 Natural Gas Methane – This is our most popular sensor and is used nationwide across the UK in many boiler and plant rooms.
SG500 – Usually chosen for cost considerations. We would recommend the SGM595 in most instances.
LPG
SGM595 LPG – Our SGM595 can also be set to detect LPG.
Carbon Monoxide
CO100AR – Features a Time weighted average (TWA) that can indicate when gas levels have been over lower levels for a set time periods.
CO233/A – As above but with a display at the sensor.
Where do I install the sensors?
Sensors for lighter than air gases such as Methane (Natural Gas, CH4) should be installed 30cm from the highest point from ceiling of the protected area.
Sensors for heavier than air gases such as LPG should be installed 30cm from the lowest point from the floor of the protected area.
Gas sensors should be mounted in accordance with certain considerations. Do not position next to burners, heaters or ovens where temperatures above the room ambient may be experienced. It is, if possible, better to mount the sensors on the opposite wall. This is, of course, dependant on the size of the protected area.
Servicing Calibration & Training
Calibrated products such as sensors are affected by the local environment and in order to continue to perform correctly, need regular servicing. We offer servicing for all our gas detection products and are able to maintain continuity of performance by replacing any equipment necessary at time of service. All Duomo gas sensors have a ‘days active counter’ which advices anticipated life of the sensor.
Duomo also provide training for any engineers wishing to fully understand the systems you have, gas detection and related legislation. Our specialist Gas detection and proving training covers the use of Duomo products; Gas Safety Industry Standards and Gas Safety Awareness Training for a range of applications.
Duomo are here to help with all your gas monitor service and calibration needs. Our team consists of expert technicians across many engineering disciplines and provides a leading service across the UK.
If you have any questions about gas detector servicing or training, contact one of our experts today on 01905 797989 or use our contact form.
