|
As a shift away from chlorine, many paper mills are now using chlorine dioxide, ozone, peroxide or other more "environmental friendly" compounds as bleaching agents. A typical pulp and paper mill uses multiple stages of bleaching, often with different treatments in each stage. For those stages, which use chlorine dioxide, protection of employees from exposure is important since it causes respiratory irritation and bronchitis at very low concentrations. The current Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for ClO2 is .1 ppm and the Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL) is .3 ppm.
Even though most pulp and paper mills are reducing the amount of chlorine dioxide and other chemicals that make their way into the environment, monitoring equipment, both portable and continuous, are required to protect workers from exposure to dangerous atmospheres.
In addition to chlorine and chlorine dioxide, there may be other hazardous atmospheres present. They can include the following:
- Oxygen Deficiency
The leading cause of death due to confined space accidents. Most oxygen deficient atmospheres are caused by displacement, however combustion and oxidation can lead to oxygen deficient atmospheres as well. These atmospheres may be found in tanks, pits, sumps, vats or other confined spaces.
- Combustible Gas
A variety of combustible compounds such as, acetone, toluene, methanol, natural gas and turpentine can be found in pulp and paper mills. These combustibles, if allowed to build up above the LEL, may explode if a source of ignition is present. Also, many combustibles, such as acetone and toluene, are toxic in low concentrations.
- Toxic Gas
There are many different toxic gases that may be present in pulp and paper mills. They include hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, ozone and ammonia just to name a few.
MONITORING NEEDS
For continuous monitoring of combustible gas, hydrogen sulfide, ozone, sulfur dioxide, chlorine and chlorine dioxide under the adverse conditions found in the pulp and paper industry, the FX-SMT is the transmitter of choice. This rugged, non-intrusive transmitter can be easily connected to either the STN210 (SafeTNet Series), or STN410, STN2000 controller or can be quickly connected to an existing Distributive Control System (DCS) or Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). All zeroing and calibration of this transmitter can be done with a magnetic wand without opening up the housing. The FX Series of Transmitters provides you with state-of-the-art smart sensor technology which can be purchased pre-calibrated to save time and money.
If personal portable detection is required for combustible gas, oxygen content, hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide, the Genesis will meet your needs. This instrument is the most rugged portable gas monitor available and is able to monitor gas in four different modes:
Diffusion Mode, either warn on the belt or carried
Internal Pump, for sampling from confined spaces or remote locations
Hand Aspirated Pump, a low cost way of remote sampling
Extender Cable, in either 20' or 50' lengths when immediate response is needed
|
0 Items