Monitoring System Revolutionizes Safety

July 24, 2018
MSA's system features a Modbus RTU output with common relays.

With its state-of-the-art next-gen design, the TriGas Monitoring System featuring Ultima X3 technology delivers a total safety solution that provides exceptionally reliable protection against the water industry’s most challenging triple threat: (1) confined space oxygen deficiency, (2) hydrogen sulfide leaks (H2S) and (3) combustible gases (methane).

 

Confined spaces such as wastewater treatment plant tanks, vaults or other enclosed areas are among the most dangerous of workplace environments, where workers can be quickly overcome due to a lack of oxygen (O2 deficiency).  H2S gas with its tell-tale “rotten egg” smell in high concentrations is another potential hazard that also causes severe life-threatening respiratory problems.  Combustible gases such as methane (CH4) are commonly found in wastewater treatment plants and can explode suddenly with severe results.

 

Now there is one revolutionary gas monitor designed specifically for municipal or industrial wastewater treatment.  MSA’s all-in-one TriGas Monitoring System is a powerful protection tool that quickly alerts workers to each of these dangerous gas hazards.  With three highly responsive Ultima X3 sensors housed in a rugged NEMA 4X stainless steel enclosure, the system is ideal for areas of wastewater treatment plants that are subject to flooding such as wet wells (pumping stations) and other locations.

 

The portable design of the versatile TriGas Monitoring System makes it perfect for use where workers must enter and work within confined spaces for extended time periods. With additional mounting feet and a handle, the unit can be placed near the entrance to confined space areas, alerting workers to the confined space's atmospheric conditions.

 

The TriGas Monitoring System was developed for optimum performance within high-moisture environments, where combustible petrochemical vapours also can be present. It is designed to meet NFPA 820 Fire Protection in Wastewater Treatment Plants, OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910.148 Confined Space and ANSI 2117.1-1989 Safety Requirements.

 

With its Ultima X3 sensing technology, the TriGas Monitoring system features a Modbus RTU output with common relays for use with up to three gas sensors.  Ultima X3 electrochemical cell sensors detect O2 (0-25% range) and H2S levels in three optional ranges (0-10, 0-50, 0-100 ppm), while an infrared (IR) sensor detects combustible gases including methane (CH4) at the lower explosive limit (LEL) range of 0-100%.  

 

Local alarms are visible with red LED indicators on the gas detectors themselves, which can be set to high and low limit ranges.  The system enclosure’s built-in 95db buzzer and red strobe lights alert workers further away in nearby or adjacent areas.  The system’s Modbus communications also supports an optional remote mounted human-machine interface (HMI) display, and the entire system can be integrated within a plant-wide automated control safety system.

 

With the TriGas Monitoring System from MSA, there’s never been a more effective, efficient and flexible total solution to address toxic and combustible gas safety in wastewater treatment plants.  Its triple threat monitoring, detection and alert capabilities truly take gas safety to the next level in water treatment applications.