Tanker Familiarization

Gas detecting Instruments

Gas Indicators

Measurement of Hydrocarbon
concentration
Catalytic Filament Combustible Gas
indicator (CFCG) is used to measure
HC gas in air at concentration below
LFL. ( % LEL)
Non catalytic heated filament gas
indicator and Refractive Index meter
used for measuring HC gas in excess
of LEL or oxygen deficient (inerted)
atmosphere.

Catalytic Filament Combustible Gas

indicator (CFCG)

Sensing element is catalytic metal

filament heated by an electric current.
When a mixture of HC in air is drawn
over the filament, gas oxidises on the
hot filament and makes it hotter.
This increases the resistance and change
of resistance provides a measure of
concentration of HC gas in the mixture.

Catalytic Filament Combustible Gas

indicator (CFCG)

Works on Wheatstone bridge with sensor

element forming one arm of the bridge.
Deflection is shown on a scale calibrated
to read 0 100 % LEL.
Some instrument may have extended
range of 1-10% LEL.
Follow Manufacturers detailed
instructions for the correct use and
calibration.

Catalytic Filament Combustible Gas

indicator (CFCG)

If concentration of HC is more than about

twice the LEL, there is insufficient oxygen in
the mixture to burn the HC gas completely.
Due to above, needle will point to max
reading on the scale and falls back to
reading near zero.
Continuous observation of the needle is
necessary to avoid overlooking this kind of
response.
For the same reason, this instrument does
not give reliable reading in inerted or oxygen
deficient atmosphere.

Catalytic Filament Combustible Gas

indicator (CFCG) - Checks

Check instrument prior use in fresh air.

Also check after renewing filament.
Calibrate as per manufacturer instructions
Check sensing lines for any leakages
Leak test by pinching aspirator if fitted.
Only instruments fitted with flashback
arrestors in inlet and oulet of detector
filament should be used
No filters other than cotton filters to be used
in inlet side.
Water trap or water absorbent material may
be used if gas is very wet.

Non Catalytic heated filament Gas

Indicator

Sensing element is non catalytic hot

filament.
Composition of surrounding gas
determines the rate of loss of heat
from the filament, and hence its
temperature and resistance.
Sensor filament forms one arm of
Wheatstone bridge.

Non Catalytic heated filament Gas

Indicator

Reading is shown as % HC.

Not affected by gas concentration in
excess of working range
Follow Manufactures detailed
instructions
Note reading under no flow condition
and atmospheric pressure.

Non Catalytic heated filament Gas

Indicator
Checks
Calibrate regularly prior use and
follow manufacturers instructions
Reading taken with gas at high
pressure will vary significantly from
actual reading

Refractive Index Meter

Optical device depending upon the

refractive index of the gas sample and air.
A beam of light is divided into two
Recombined at eye piece
Recombined beam exhibit an interference
pattern which appears to the observer as
a number of dark lines to the observer.
One light path is through chamber filled
with air and other filled with sample gas.

Refractive Index Meter

Initially zeroed with both chambers in

air.
After passing the sample in one
chamber, displacement of dark line is
measured which gives the
concentration of the gas.
Calibrated for a particular HC gas and
used for same mixture for
measurement

Fixed flammable gas detection

For pumprooms, accommodation, db

tanks, pipe tunnels etc
Sensing devices at multiple locations
and central control station for
monitoring
Use of vacuum pump
Use of infra red sensors

Toxic gases

Chemical indicator tubes

Sealed gas tube filled with proprietary
filling designed to react with specific
gas and to give visible indication of
concentration of that gas
Bellow type fixed volume
displacement hand pump
Color change along the length is the
measure of the toxic gas

Toxic gases

Must follow manufacturers detailed

instruction for correct use
Pumps and tubes of same
manufacture to be used
Cross sensitivity of one gas with other
to consult the manufacturer for
detailed guidance

Measurement of Oxygen

1.
2.
3.

Required to know the atmosphere in

an enclosed space or cargo tanks,
whether inerted or gas free
Most common type of oxygen
analyzer in use are:
Paramagnetic sensor
Electrolytic sensor
Selective chemical absorption iquids

Paramagnetic sensors

Substances having a magnetic

susceptibility greater than 0 are
paramagnetic. They are drawn into a
magnetic field.( Substances having a
negative magnetic susceptibility are
diamagnetic. They are repelled out of a
magnetic field ) Magnetic susceptibility
is the degree of magnetization of a
material in response to a magnetic field.

Paramagnetic sensors

Oxygen is strongly paramagnetic

whereas most other gases are not.
Sample cell has a light weight body
suspended in a magnetic field.
When sample gas is drawn through the
cell, the suspended body experiences a
torque proportional to the magnetic
susceptibility of the gas.

Paramagnetic sensors

An equal and opposing torque is produced

by an electric current passing through the
coil wound round the suspended body.
Equalizing current is a measure of magnetic
force and is measure of magnetic
susceptibility of the sample ie related to its
oxygen content.
Before use, calibrate with nitrogen or co2
to purge the sample cell for zero check and
with air for 21% oxygen for span.

Paramagnetic sensors

Analyzer readings are directly proportional

to the pressure in measuring cell.
Calibrated for specific atmospheric pressure
Reading errors can be significant for
pressure variation
Can avoid by reducing the sample air
pressure to atmospheric pressure
Filter should be clean and dry for smooth
gas flow.

Electrolytic sensors

Oxygen content measured by output of

an electrolytic cell
Oxygen diffuses through a membrane
into the cell causing current to flow
between two special electrodes
separated by a liquid or gel electrolyte.
Current flow is related to the oxygen
concentration in the sample

Electrolytic sensors

Analyzer readings are directly

proportional to the pressure in the
measuring cell but only small errors are
caused by normal variations in
atmospheric pressure.
Certain gases may affect the sensor
and give rise to false readings.
SO2 and oxides of nitrogen if
concentration more than 0.25% by
volume.

Electrolytic sensors

Mercaptans and H2S can poison the

sensor if levels are greater than 1%
by volume. Poisoning does not occur
immediately but over a period of
time.
For such cases, reference to be made
to manufacturers instruction.

Chemical absorption liquids

A known volume of sample gas is brought

in contact with a liquid which absorbs
oxygen, causing a volume change in liquid.
The relationship between these volumes is
a measure of oxygen content in the sample.
Not recommended for checking oxygen
level in ullage space due to high
concentration of hydrocarbon gases.

Personal oxygen monitors

Capable of continuously measuring the

oxygen content of the atmosphere
Employ an electrolytic sensor
Automatically provide an audible and
visual alarm when atmosphere becomes
deficient in oxygen so as to give the
wearer adequate warning of unsafe
conditions
These should be tested at regular
interval

Precaution for use of gas

measuring instruments

Due to their vital importance, need

to maintain and test carefully as per
Manufacturers instructions.
Each time an instrument is to be
used, a check is made of batteries,
zero setting and calibration.
Monitor the function and response
closely to get accurate reading

Precaution for use of gas

measuring instruments

Material and condition of sample lines

affect the accuracy of gas measurement.
Use only recommended hose types
Must be resistant to water
Cracked or blocked tubes, contaminated
tubes with cargo residues all affect
readings, so need to regularly inspect,
check and replace sampling tubes if
necessary.

Precaution for use of gas

measuring instruments

Dead spots in any enclosed space opr

cargo tanks where ventilation or purging
is less than the average in the bulk of the
tank. eg bottom of tank, corners as per
structural members etc
Sample lines to be long enough to reach
these spots
Proper use of filters in the sampling line for
filtering moisture follow makers advise
closely as per supplied instruction booklet.