HOW TO DETECT GAS LEAKS

Learning how to detect a gas leak could be very important knowledge that prevents an accident from occurring in your household or business premises. In this blog, we’re going to talk about different types of gas leaks and how to recognise them, as well as what to do if you find one in your home. Liquid Nitrogen Leak Liquid nitrogen gas leaks can be deadly; being odourless and invisible, it is easily missed. Luckily, liquid nitrogen is not combustible, so you aren’t going to need to worry about a sudden explosion occurring as a result of a liquid nitrogen leak; however, it is an asphyxiant. Trying to breathe in an environment flooded with liquid nitrogen will effectively strangle an individual. A surplus of nitrogen in the air displaces the amount of oxygen available to the individual and breathing in this substance in large amounts can cause dizziness, confusion, lack of consciousness, and even death. Fatality can occur in seconds. Liquid nitrogen is typically stored in a cryogenic container with a temperature and pressure control system. In order to prevent a leak, it is vital that your controls are functioning properly and undergo regular checks. The best place to store your gas is always outside, as any leaks will disperse into the atmosphere where they aren’t going to cause harm to nearby people. If you MUST store this gas indoors, the recommended minimum ventilation for the room in which it is stored is six air changes per hour (airproducts.com). If you suspect that your nitrogen has already leaked into a room without adequate ventilation, the best course of action is to call a higher authority. Here are some of the steps that a professional might take to identify your leak: Leak Detection Spray This works by spraying the solution from a distance. If bubbles occur on the gas canister, a leak is present. Electronic Leak Detector An electronic leak detector must be checked once a year, but best practice states that it should be checked within a day following each use. If you’re worried about gas leaks occurring in your storage area, you could also think about purchasing an oxygen detection alarm which can inform you if the breathable oxygen available in the area drops below a sustainable percentage. Such alarms can help to save lives against leaks of undetectable gases.

For more information on HOW TO DETECT GAS LEAKS talk to Adams Gas