Gas Mask and Powered Respirator PAPR: How to Choose Air Purifying Respiratory Protection Equipment

Choosing the right respiratory protective equipment is for all users and all applications a high level of security provides . For atmospheres with a minimum of 19.5% oxygen, 2 filter respiratory protection solutions are available: classic respiratory protective mask (more commonly known as a gas mask) or motorized air purifying respirator devices.

In air-purifying respiratory protection, the choice between a conventional mask and a powered mask is simple. Our experts recommend:

  • A classic respiratory protective mask (gas mask) for interventions or short-term situations
  • Powered air-purifying respirator for work or long-term interventions

Gas mask for short interventions

gas masks, filtered respiratory protective equipment is class 3 PPE (personal protective equipment), known in different forms: half masks, full face masks, single cartridge masks or double cartridge masks. These are the most popular and common respiratory protection devices. Whether full mask or half mask, this PPE is used in a multitude of applications and environments around the world.

A gas mask that covers the airways (nose-mouth) and sometimes the entire face (eye protection) cleans dirty, toxic and/or contaminated air through a filter system. Filter cartridges for gas masks, bayonet filters (compatible depending on brands and models of masks) or RD DIN 40 filters , well They are available as universal thread filters and protect against gases, organic vapors, solid and liquid particles, acid and nitrogen vapors, organic and inorganic compounds, monoxide and nitrogen oxides, radioactive particles, bacteria and viruses. very wide It offers a range of protection.

Use of gas mask significant and unnatural respiratory effort This type of protection is not suitable for long-term use. Gas mask selection when oxygen levels in the air exceed 19.5% by volume short-term situations or brief interventions True for (imminent problem, occasional and non-repetitive situations) (under supplied air breathing apparatus recommended).

A reinforced breathing apparatus unit for heavy or long-term work

A powered respirator (also known as a powered air-purifying respirator) is a positive pressure air filtration device. A small motor combined with a filtering cartridge block (usually positioned at the waist or rear) can clean and deliver polluted air without requiring any respiratory effort to its user. Purified air is distributed over a facepiece, which can be a hood, full mask, or even half mask.

Powered air breathing systems consist of 2 types of facepieces allows adaptation of: masks (panoramic, full or half masks) or respiratory protective headgear (usually offers a better field of view and is also preferred in case of chemical hazard, when wearing glasses or with a beard).

Our respiratory protection experts, during long working periods or in environments that are dirty, toxic, dusty and/or more than 40 times the OEL (occupational exposure limit value) of a pollutant physically demanding jobs recommends the use of PAPR during These devices are found in many areas, activities, workstations and production lines. These devices are used, for example, as welding respiratory protection, asbestos respiratory protection at decontamination sites, or as lead protective equipment after the Notre Dame de Paris fire.

Gas mask or powered respirator?

Choosing the right air purifying respiratory protective equipment should be based on several criteria, including type of use, duration of use, purchase budget and maintenance. Finally, The choice between gas mask and powered breathing apparatus is important, but for these devices choosing the right filter cartridge is essential. Use our filter cartridge selection tool to make the right choice and discover our gas mask maintenance solutions.

Development of Alcohol Ignition Interlock Devices (AIS)

The introduction of alcohol ignition interlock devices is nothing new. Since January 1, 2010, buses carrying children must be equipped with this device. The legislation extended this to apply to all buses used in public transport from 1 September 2015. As published in Le Figaro, a famous French newspaper, on March 16, 2017, this device has been in the testing phase for private individuals in three departments since December 1 last year. It should also be noted that some company vehicle fleets are equipped with such devices.

A system in testing phase:

As with many public policies, testing phases are implemented in one or more departments to evaluate the results in order to implement the system throughout France. The departments affected by the introduction of alcohol ignition interlock devices are Drôme, Nord and Marne.

Drivers who are sanctioned following a positive alcohol test will be able to maintain their license by agreeing to have an alcohol ignition interlock device (EAD) installed in their vehicles. In this case, as reported in the article, the governorship will issue a temporary driver's license mentioning the obligation of EAD on the vehicle.

Operation of an AIS

The working principle of the alcohol ignition interlock device is very simple. It consists of a breathalyzer (electronic breathalyzer) connected to the vehicle's starter motor. The driver must blow into the breathalyzer every time he starts the car. If the result is negative (zero or below the legal blood alcohol level), the vehicle can be started normally within five minutes of measurement. If the blood alcohol level is higher than the norm, a second test may be done. If this is also positive, the vehicle cannot be started for 30 minutes.

Tolerable alcohol limits are set out in L234 of the Highway Code. It is determined by the article. For public transport, use 0.2 grams per liter (i.e. 0.1 mg/L of inhaled air) and for other vehicles (company vehicles, private individuals, etc.) 0.5 grams per liter (i.e. 0.25 mg/L of inhaled air). air) should not exceed Alcohol ignition interlock devices are electronic measuring devices. Therefore, they require regular calibration for ethanol (an alcohol found in all alcoholic beverages).

For the calibration or gas testing of electronic breathalyzers, we offer a wide range of calibration gases (in this case ethanol) in disposable cylinders.

Sargassum Seaweed: Gas Detectors on Caribbean and West Indies Coasts

Sargassum seaweed phenomenon

Sargassum seaweed – brown algae also known as – is a type of algae that evolved in huge beds in the Atlantic (some beds exceed 45 km in diameter). On the Caribbean coast of the Atlantic since 2011 Large-scale strandings of sargassum seaweed have become a real environmental and public health problem. West Indies And French Guiana is regularly affected by this condition, and other countries in this region are also affected: coastal Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and even Florida sometimes one meter capable of exceeding from toxic sargassum seaweed accumulations is affected.

Tens of thousands of tonnes of sargassum algae (more than 40,000 tonnes) in 2018 Guadeloupe , Martinique , Saint-Martin and even to the shores of Guyana shot . Sargassum algae accumulates on shores, trapping marine animals, blocking ship access and Decomposition releases toxic gases . To deal with these dangers, in June 2018 sargassum programları was started. On the hardest-hit islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, local authorities and communities are developing actions: to verify health risks and environmental hazards measuring sargassum gas concentrations campaigns for, depending on residential areas and the most popular beaches cleaning works, coastal collection of sargassum algae beds … Closing schools located near beaches and cleaning at the height of the tourist season are the first responses to the sargassum phenomenon. affecting the health, environment and economy of the inhabitants of those countries a problem .

Why are sargassum algae poisonous?

Sargassum gas: hydrogen sulfide and ammonia

Even though sargassum algae are not poisonous on their own, they can enter the decomposition phase when washed ashore. toxic gases They reveal .

The gas released by sargassum algae consists of two main elements. consists of:

  • Colorless substance found naturally on Earth hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which is a gas. It is produced by the decomposition of organic and bacterial substances and can also be produced industrially. hydrogen sulfide, Harmful effects on health from 10 ppm and in high concentrations fatal toksik bir gazdır .
  • The decomposition of sargassum algae also releases ammonia (NH3) – also known as hydrogen nitride (composed of nitrogen (N) and hydrogen (H2)). Ammonia, even at low concentrations It is a flammable, explosive and poisonous gas.

Health effects of sargassum gas

Gases released by the decomposition of sargassum algae It is quite poisonous (hydrogen sulfide and ammonia). Being exposed to and breathing these gases, even at low concentrations, many dangerous effects on health why could it be .

Symptoms and risks of sargassum gas:

  • Eyelash irritation (conjunctivitis, discomfort in bright light)
  • Respiratory system irritation (hoarseness, cough, chest pain)
  • incoordination
  • chronic poisoning In case of: bronchitis, respiratory and skin irritation
  • acute poisoning In case of: dizziness, respiratory arrest, cardiac arrest, loss of consciousness

Additionally, people with asthma, children, and pregnant women are more sensitive to the health effects of these gases. Finally, at a certain level of concentration hydrogen sulfide (H2s) and amonyağa (Nh3) maruz kalmak can lead to death (100 ppm for NH3 and 1,000 ppm for H2S). Brown algae off the coast of the West Indies revealed by decomposition revealed by sargassum gazıdecomposition a real danger constitutes .

How to monitor sargassum gas?

The hydrogen sulfide and ammonia that make up decomposing sargassum seaweed emissions can be detected by smell – a rotten egg smell for H2S and a pungent odor for NH3. However, olfactory perception decreases as concentrations released by algae increase. When it is more than 50 ppm for NH3 and 100 ppm for H2S, it becomes impossible to distinguish these odors. This olfactory fatigue effect It is called . To prevent this and accurately measure the concentrations of these toxic gases It is necessary to use a special gas detector .

Among all available gas detectors, 2 solutions in particular monitoring sargassum gases Suitable for:

  • Portable single gas detectors 

    This, It is the most cost-effective solution but multi gas detector It is less useful than using . To monitor the presence of toxic gases released by sargassum seaweeds two portable single gas monitors required: one for hydrogen sulfide (H2S monitor) and one for ammonia (NH3 detector). The most commonly used device for this application is Does not require special care  such as the Senko SGT gas detector for It is a disposable gas detector . or

  • Portable multi-gas detectors 

    Using only one device to measure targeted gases is more suitable . A device equipped with NH3 and H2S sensors multi gas detector, properly monitoring sargassum gas concentration levels can be used for . Additionally, other sensors can be added to the device, such as CO or CO2, which are potentially released (at lower concentrations) during the decomposition process of algae.

These two types of detectors measure gas concentrations in air (expressed in ppm). etkili bir şekilde izleyebilir and on the dangers of sargassum seaweed may give a warning.

Alan gaz izleme cihazları veya sabit gaz algılama sistemleri gibi diğer çözümler de mevcuttur ancak bunlar sargassum yosununun ayrışması sırasında açığa çıkan gazların konsantrasyon seviyelerinin izlenmesi için nadiren kullanılır.

How to protect against sargassum gas?

Governments are responsible for the toxic emissions of decomposing sargassum He made different suggestions to combat its effects. For example, in the French West Indies, areas with more than 5 ppm H2S were closed to people not wearing appropriate respiratory protective equipment

People operating in polluted areas with toxic gases such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide should not have gas detection units. In addition with adapted respiratory protection masks needs to be equipped .

Therefore, people who collect or treat sargassum seaweed should be advised for short-term interventions. with ABEK filter Must use an equipped respiratory protective mask. Fully shielding the wearer's face, as brown algae emissions can irritate the eyes. full face mask It is recommended to use it (instead of a half mask).

  • In long-term exposures, powered air-purifying respirator with hood or ABEK filter mask use Highly recommended.
  • OEL of gas concentrations Using a respirator in polluted areas if it exceeds the (occupational exposure limit) limit by 60 times It is mandatory.

The Great War: World War I Gas Mask in the Hell of Trench Warfare

Although there were patents, known processes, and early stages of respiratory protective equipment before the early 20th century, the development of modern gas masks occurred during World War I to protect soldiers from new chemical weapons used during the conflict. Let's take a look at the history of World War I gas masks.

Chemical weapons during World War I

Chemical weapons of the early 20th century

Since ancient times, chemical and biological weapons have been used in wars. Historians report that poisons (rye spur, snowdrop root, curare) were used in many of the wars and military conflicts that occurred throughout the ages. In the late 19th century, wars—especially the Crimean War and the American Civil War—privileged the production of artillery weapons such as cannons. But at that time, chemical weapons was also being developed and by the headquarters sulfur oxide , picric acid or chlorine Bullets filled with were used. Before the start of World War I, France also produced a choke grenade. By the early 20th century, the chemical industry of the German Empire was very developed, and this country quickly became a world leader in chemistry and was able to rapidly develop chemical weapons, which were developed throughout the war. Despite the signing of the Hague Convention in 1899 and 1907, France, Germany and many other countries did not stop their research and did not give up using these weapons during the First World War. Therefore, the design of an effective World War I gas mask was extremely important.

World War I chemical weapons

Chemical weapons were used from the beginning of the First World War: the French army in August 1914 with tear gas used new loaded grenades (originally created for the Paris police). Germany's chemical industry used it to develop chlorinated weapons.

chemical warfare The escalation was initiated in 1915 with the use of gas shells on the Eastern Front on January 31. This German attack failed due to the very cold weather on the Polish front hindering the spread and effects of the gas. Nevertheless, on 22 April 1915 in Flanders, and particularly in the Ypres area, Germany launched its first large-scale gas attack. More than 150 tons of pressurized chlorine was released and dragged into the Allied trenches. gas cloud poisoned approximately 15,000 soldiers and this chemical attack caused more than 1,000 deaths. After this date, the research and use of chemical weapons increased on both sides of the front. And providing every soldier with a World War I gas mask became a priority.

in May 1915 Attacks using mixtures of phosgene, chlorine, and carbon monoxide It caused the death of more than 600 people on the Russian front. German chemists continued their research and designed a new substance based on bromine. In September 1915, France bullets filled with carbon disulfide launched the first major gas attack (highly toxic at high concentrations, this product quickly wears off when dispersed into the air). In 1916, French shells filled with phosgene caused heavy casualties in German trenches. Used by the Germans in July 1917 and later resynthesized by the French army mustard gas , causing numerous casualties on both sides of the front until the end of the war.

During World War I hydrogen cyanide, arsine, bromine, chlorine, phosgene and other chemical elements are increasingly deadly chemical weapons created . It is estimated that more than 130,000 tons of chemical weapons were used during World War I. Such weapons caused more than 90,000 deaths during the conflict.

Effects of World War I chemical weapons

Different chemical weapons used from 1914 onwards – such as tear gas – caused irritation (especially eye pain), temporary disability, iç ve dış lezyonlara neden olan ve ayrıca to death It releases harmful substances that can cause Various devices that soldiers could use as World War I gas masks were not always effective enough to protect soldiers.

During World War I, as chemical weapons were being developed, soldiers suffered, coughed blood, suffocated, suffered chemical burns, went blind, and died as a result of these attacks. Among the most well-known (and used) gases during World War I, mustard gas – also known as Yperite – was particularly destructive. Indeed, the chemical compound was used by both sides and caused great physical suffering (burns, suffocation, blindness, skin reactions, respiratory infections, and death). Using gas as a chemical weapon, incapacitating the enemy, provoking retreat, and causing psychological suffering. It was designed to demoralize and weaken the soldiers.

The poisonous gas used during the First World War is now used as a tool to protect people from its effects. gas with his mask can be purified, but this was not always the case.

World War I gas mask

Soldiers wearing makeshift respiratory protection equipment

At the beginning of World War I, soldiers were inadequately protected against gas attacks. Indeed, the modern gas mask had not been developed and soldiers later made temporary respiratory protection systems They developed . In 1914, only German soldiers were equipped with respiratory protection (essentially simple gags).

To protect against chemical weapons, and especially chlorine, a Canadian medic recommended that soldiers put a thick cloth over their mouth and nose soaked in water, baking soda and urine. found in urine ammonia, To avoid the effects of chlorine clouds Reacts with chlorine .

After the first major chemical attack at Ypres in 1915, France and its allies respiratory protection equipment started a serious study on . World War I gas mask development and production had to be done quickly. Compressed respiratory protection systems were rapidly developed. The Allies first created gags by copying German front-line units. These consisted of a cloth envelope filled with cotton soaked in hyposulphite solution. However, this envelope placed on the face with four straps was not enough to protect the entire respiratory system because these masks were not airtight. Despite this, compressed respiratory protection systems were rapidly developed. More effective solutions such as P2 stamps and S2 bags appeared on the Allies' side, followed by T and TN stamps.

French military forces to protect the eyes and part of the face adding goggles to the gas defense equipment array continued to make progress in developing protective equipment. However, it was not until 1916 that these glasses became airtight, adjustable and truly effective against gases. British forces appeared to be more effective on their side. titles They developed . They were later used by French soldiers as an addition to muzzles and goggles.

For each new substance, neutralizing and protective solutions for the eyes and respiratory tract must be developed. Of course, they must be effective against new gases, but they must also remain effective against previous substances still in use. This is conducted between chemists and engineers from both parties. It is a technical war.

World War I gas masks

In the autumn of 1915, German troops were equipped with a type of modern gas mask. Gummimaske is made of rubber fabric and a replaceable chemical air purification system cartridge with filter It was the first full face mask. These first cartridges are herbal coal It consisted of hyposulfite and soda ash. This particularly well-thought-out mask was impermeable to tear gas and mustard gas and effective protection against high phosgene concentrations was providing . However, the purification filter was ineffective against phosgene when introduced.

On the Allied side, the first World War I gas mask appeared and was distributed to the front on December 6, 1916. This was a full face mask that covered the entire face and used a compression system as a filter. Thanks to a rectangular plastic visor, this mask good field of view provided. This gas mask was placed on the face with 2 elastic straps. This mask evolved with eye cups throughout its development and was able to protect soldiers for 5 hours.

In August 1916, a new gas mask version inspired by German World War I gas mask units was designed and produced in January 1917. However, its use only began in January 1918. ARS mask (special breathing apparatus) or MCG This new mask, called the (chemical warfare mask), was similar to what Allied soldiers had to face at the time. It was the best protective unit against gases. Breathable for efficient protection air purifier cartridges It is secured with . Thanks to the adjustable elastic straps, the ARS covers the face well and provides good protection for the eyes and respiratory system. As it develops, this mask, filtering cartridges filled with agglomerated coal and glycerin water used various types of filters, including . With ARS gas masks, the old M2 unit was increasingly relegated to emergency function. Same principles and functions as escape masks – eebds and self-rescue masks – used in emergencies today.

Produced by thousands of units, these first World War I gas masks would later be developed and improved until the Armistice of November 11, 1918. They would then continue to be produced for new civilian applications after the war. The air-purifying and atmosphere-providing respiratory protective technologies developed during World War I are the first stages of the tools and equipment we now use on a regular basis. Modern gas masks, filter cartridges, escape respirators and self-rescuers, millions of firefighters, workers and operators It is used worldwide every day to protect across many industries through thousands of applications .

Sulphites in Wines

Sulfur compounds and wine have a long common history:

Invented about 8,000 years ago, several centuries before the invention of the wheel, wine is one of the world's oldest beverages, after beer and water. Ancient mythology is full of this symbol, with revered gods such as Dionysus for the Greeks and Bacchus for the Romans. The use of sulfur compounds in wine production is equally ancient.

According to some legends, the Romans added sulfur extracted from the Etna volcano directly to wine to help preserve it. Although these legends are probably true, it was only at the end of the 15th century that a German royal edict was found. The latter allows the addition of sulfur compounds. The presence of sulfites in wine was not revealed until 10 years ago, but mandatory labeling on bottles appeared.

Sulfites, a natural and indispensable element in winemaking:

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is involved in various stages of the winemaking process. Its antiseptic properties prevent the emergence of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria. Therefore, its presence in bottles prevents the wine from going through a second fermentation or even producing vinegar. Sulfur dioxide is also an antioxidant. This is why it prevents the wine from tasting like cider. Yeasts intended to produce alcohol naturally produce sulfur dioxide and are therefore found in all living things.

Sulfur dioxide is mostly used in the final bottling stage. European standards have set maximum sulfur dioxide levels to be used in wine. Red wine should not exceed 160 mg/L sulfite and white wine should not exceed 210 mg/L. Secondly, since transportation and storage are more delicate, they may contain more sulfites.

Do sulfites cause headaches?

The presence of the phrase “contains sulfites” on bottle labels has been the source of much controversy. The parallel between sulfites in wine and headaches is based on the origin of the sulfur used.

Anthropogenic sulfur, unlike natural sulfur, is never completely pure (burning fossil fuels). For this reason, many independent winemakers are starting to limit the use of sulfur, and when they do use it, they are choosing natural sulfur.

Many people believe that sulfites are responsible for the “harsh result.” Paradoxically, sulfur is found in dried fruits, egg yolks and many vegetables, and excess of these does not cause post-morning headaches. These are mainly caused by thirst caused by alcohol and not by sulfites, the presence of which is regulated and limited.

For the amount of sulfur in wine to become truly harmful to human health, you would have to drink very large amounts every day. So remember to drink small amounts to avoid sulfur poisoning!

Find our full range of gas detection and respiratory protection equipment for winegrowers, especially for the prevention of CO2 risks in winemaking.

Winemakers, Beware of Carbon Dioxide!

Every year during the harvest period, people suffer from CO2 poisoning…

Carbon dioxide in winemaking

CO2 Carbon dioxide (also known as carbonic gas or carbon anhydride) is a dangerous, odorless and colorless gas that is heavier than air. In the winegrowing industry, the CO2 hazard is mainly in barrels. and when working in buildings (cellars), it occurs especially at the lower points of the facilities because CO2 is heavier than air, so it sits on the ground…

During the fermentation process, one liter of wine produces 44 liters of CO2 . This gas comes mainly from the alcoholic fermentation of the wort. The process begins when the grape skin cracks and the temperature exceeds 12°C. Sugar also encounters yeasts present on grape skins or in the air and gradually turns into alcohol.

During the fermentation process, it gives the wine its softness carbon dioxide , ethanol (alcohol) and secondary compounds such as glycerols, succinic acid, acetic acid, which is a vinegar acid, and aromatic compounds (esters) from banana or raspberry found in young wines (Beaujolais nouveau) are emitted.

Check out our selection of gas detector equipment for wineries and breweries.

CO2 risks and dangers:

Over time and experience, dangers become habitual for permanent employees, so attention decreases... For temporary employees, the danger is ignorance of the fermentation process and lack of knowledge... CO2 dangers in numbers:

  • 400 ppm is the CO2 content in clean (and healthy) air
  • 1000 ppm (0.1%): Indoor comfort limit
  • 2000 ppm (0.2%): Increased respiratory rate
  • 5000 ppm (0.5%): Hygiene maximum value (laboratory control)
  • 10,000 ppm (1%): Increased heart and respiratory rate
  • 30,000 ppm (3%): Respiratory problems
  • 80,000 ppm (8%): ​​Cramps and fainting within minutes
  • 200,000 ppm (20%): Loss of consciousness and death within a few seconds

How to protect yourself from CO2 poisoning?

  • Provide effective ventilation with fresh, clean air in wine production facilities.
  • Perform permanent CO2 monitoring with a fixed gas detection system such as the GLACIÄR MIDI detector or, if this is not possible, use a portable CO2 detector
  • Equipped with rapid and effective intervention tools: self-contained breathing apparatus for rescue or evacuation, seat belt…
  • Watch out for accidents... During the rescue in tanks, 1 out of every 3 injured people turned out to be drunk!

What is Biogas?

Composition and use of biogas

methanization , that is, organic substances (vegetable or animal substances) decomposition ) or anaerobic digestion of domestic waste, It produces a gas called biogas. This, methane (CH4) (usually between 50% and 70%) carbondIoxide , at a low rate hydrogen sulfide (responsible for the odor of this gas) and in varying concentrations of water vapor is a mixture. Biogas, especially in swamps and in the wastelands in the atmosphere naturally can be produced. Also, especially wastewater and sludge treatment in the digesters during artificially is synthesized. in the food industry is also available.

Shares of biogas

Institutions, according to international climate scientists, the global climate change in recent years has been focusing on biogas for several years, as it is a part of In France, since the publication of the decree dated 9 September 1997, recycling biogas in waste land It is mandatory. Biogas recycling is of ecological interest as it could be an alternative to fossil fuel power. Therefore, economic activity linked to biogas is being developed: in 2012 there were 214 production facilities, while at the end of 2013 this number was 848. If it is not recycled, it must be incinerated. The main reasons for recycling or disposal are its toxicity, explosiveness and large volume.

Properties of biogas and its effects on health

Biogas is a flammable gas because it consists mostly of methane, but hydrogen sulfide and caustic because it contains a gas toxic is a gas. The digestive process involves the movement of bacteria and particles, which can lead to a variety of effects in humans. Therefore, an optical flame detector such as the Spyglass SG50 is ideal for detecting methane, avoiding the risks of methane, especially thanks to the color video option.

in the eyes (conjunctivitis) and nasal (cold) irritations and nausea are symptoms of high levels of exposure over a short period of time. Chronic exposure does not cause death, but rather effects the brain (headaches and chronic fatigue) or the digestive system (abdominal aches and nausea). organ failure leads to . Risks to humans are quite minimal if all basic precautions associated with activity around this gas are taken.

Precautions and protection tools against biogas

  • Since biogas is explosive, a 4-gas detector, such as the X-am 2500 portable gas detector, enables monitoring of biogas concentrations
  • To obtain an accurate analysis of changes in biogas concentrations, the use of specialized equipment such as the Biogas 5000, a biogas analyzer, should be preferred over conventional gas detectors (fixed or portable) that may not be able to monitor such significant concentrations.
  • Because biogas contains very high concentrations of H2S (sometimes up to 10,000 ppm) and asphyxiating gases (such as CH4 or CO2), a protective air-purifying mask is not suitable and an atmosphere that provides respiratory protective equipment (a self-contained breathing apparatus or airway system) is required. will be heard.

Use of Ethylene in the Food Industry

The development of the refrigeration industry, especially with refrigerants, has made it possible to transport food thousands of kilometers from its production sites. The European Union is the second largest market for deep frozen products.

Use of ethylene as a refrigerant

The chemical properties of some gases, such as boiling temperature, affect food products. It offers numerous opportunities for storing and transporting over longer distances. . Many refrigerants used in the past have been abandoned due to their harmful effects on global warming.

Refrigeration industries now have low or no impact on climate is turning to natural gases. Ethylene (C2H4) is part of these gases. Although thousands of tons are produced from human sources every year, Almost 74% of emissions come from natural sources.

Since the boiling point of ethylene is -103 °C, this gas a very low temperature refrigerant It is considered . Therefore, its use is limited to some foods. Many companies use ethylene mixed with water to synthesize ethylene glycol. This cooling medium is adapted to low temperature protection.

Use of ethylene in fruit ripening

To ripen climate fruits like kiwis or bananas. produces ethylene . To be edible in a remote country, coolants are not enough.

In addition to coolers, a ventilation system is often installed in warehouses to prevent ethylene accumulation due to fruit ripening. This process is used to slow down the growth and ripening of fruits. Thus, food can be transported without the potential risk of major losses caused by over-ripening.

Once the food reaches the consumer country, it is stored in warehouses that emit low ethylene concentrations. These concentrations are too low to be toxic and is calculated to be exactly equal to the amount that the climacteric fruit will produce to ripen.

Atmospheric Pollution: Causes and Symptoms

Various research projects on the number of deaths caused by atmospheric pollution observe that 3.3 to 8.8 million people in the world, mostly in Asia, will die prematurely due to symptoms related to ozone and fine particle pollution.

Ozone atmospheric pollution

This pollution should not be confused with the ozone layer located at very high altitudes. Bad ozone It is located at low altitude. such as carbon oxides (NOx) or hydrocarbons It is the result of various compounds. The main source of this pollution is cars. At high temperatures or lack of wind Since ozone remains in the atmosphere is more important.

Symptoms are versatile depending on duration and frequency of exposure as well as concentrations. They range from mild irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract (tingling in the eyes and nose) to respiratory illnesses.

Fine particles atmospheric pollution

Diameter less than 2.5 micrometers Particles that are are considered fine. These particles give shape and consistency to smokes. The main emissions come from cars, but also from forest fires and heating appliances.

These infinitely small particles pass directly through the respiratory tract unhindered and settle in the lungs. They are responsible for respiratory diseases and infections resulting from repeated and prolonged exposures over the long term.

Atmospheric pollution from nitrogen compounds

Nitrogen such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitric oxide (NO) compounds It is mainly expelled by the internal combustion engine (diesel), but also by thermal power plants or raw material combustion. Therefore, urban areas are primarily affected by this pollution.

However, nitrogen oxides are very toxic and are widely used as fertilizers in the food industry. Therefore, there is a risk when fertilizers are spread on fields, especially in rural areas

Gas Detector Tubes Detection System

What is a colorimetric gas detector tube

It is a closed tube made of glass that contains a chemical substance to monitor and react (with a color change) in the presence of the target gas or vapor. Gratuations, usually in ppm (parts per million) or %/vol (percentage of volume), offer very accurate measurements with relative immunity to interfering substances.

Application area of ​​gas detector tubes

Due to the large number of gases in the atmosphere or formed as a result of chemical reactions, it is not possible to detect all of them with a gas detector.

Having a surprising range of gases (hundreds) colorimetric gas detector tube It can be a particularly suitable and relevant solution in many cases. As well as being as easy to use as an alcohol analyzer, they are also affordable – a few dozen euros for a pack of 10 tubes.

Different categories of gas detector tubes:

There are two categories of gas detector tubes: colorimetric tubes and dosimeter tubes (also known as dosi tubes). Colorimetric plates also exist, but they are much less common and more complex to use.

  • Colorimetric tubes:

These units are by far the best known and most used due to the large number of toxic or asphyxiating gases they can monitor. To date, approximately 500 references are available for use in various fields of activity. Colorimetric gas detector tubes are instant measurement systems and must be used with a sampling pump. Gastec reagent tubes use special pumps to precisely sample a specific volume of gas. Colorimetric reagent tube is one-time gas concentrations where the result can be obtained within seconds. Dräger colorimetric reagent tubes are renowned for their efficiency and instant measurement.

  • Dosimetric tubes:

This is a TWA (Time Weighted Average) measurement system that measures gas concentration over a fixed period of time (e.g. 8 hours represents a working day). There is no need for a pump for this type of gas detector tubes, the gas concentration is read directly in the tube after exposure. This is an ideal and cost-effective solution for measuring gas exposure in working environments: exhaust gases, formaldehyde, paint shops…