Gas-Tec
Gas-Tec Introduction
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II. Gas-Tec Introduction
2.1 Product description
Gas-Tec is a portable gas detector for rapid survey and leak localisation . GPS, data and event logging
allow survey teams to pinpoint and report on areas of significant interest .
Gas-Tec senses hydrocarbons through the use of flame ionisation detection offering an extremely fast
detection speed of less than 2 seconds .
Gas-Tec is worn across the body and is supplied with a standard probe . A wide range of other probes and
accessories are available (see Sections VII and XI) .
2.2 Flame Ionisation Detection (FID)
Flame Ionization Detection (FID) is the fastest, most sensitive and accurate way to detect concentrations
of hydrocarbons such as methane, butane or hexane . The FID process uses a hydrogen flame to burn
hydrocarbons in an air sample then counting the ions produced by the burnt sample . The instrument then
displays an accurate measurement of the concentration of hydrocarbons present in the sample . All sam-
ples are destroyed as the measurements are generated . This process takes place in a specially designed
chamber .
2.3 Hydrogen Safety
Users of the Gas-Tec will need to handle the hydrogen cylinder correctly . A leak from a full cylinder could
result in a build-up of gas that could, in extreme cases, cause an explosion .
Install the cylinder carefully (Section III .1, p10)
Check the cylinder is secured in place before opening the valve . Tighten the
cylinder as tightly as possible by hand .
The Gas-Tec LCD display will prompt users through the startup and shut-
down procedures ensuring safe use . Gas-Tec will display relevant mes-
sages: if the gas pressure is too low
• to let the operator know if the gas pressure is too low .
• to prompt the operator to open the valve to allow gas to flow
• to prompt the operator to close the valve during shut-down
• to let the operator know it is safe to power down the Gas-Tec
See the list of warnings in Section XIII for more details .
The person responsible for providing hydrogen cylinders should read Sections XII and X .1 of this manual .