Please note this blog was originally published on the 11th August 2014. It was updated on the 8th September 2021 to include new information about gas detecting thermal imaging cameras, as well as relevant gas detector, flue gas analyser, and thermal camera models.
Detecting gas has come a long way since the Victorian days when miners would use a canary as an early warning indicator of toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, methane, or carbon dioxide.
In the 19th century, scientist John Scott Haldene was investigating mine explosions. He demonstrated that canaries show signs of distress when breathing in carbon dioxide. This led to the Coal Mines Act 1911 which made it mandatory to use canaries in mines and, surprisingly, this practice continued in Britain until 1987!
Thankfully, in recent years more sophisticated test methods and gas detection tools have been developed to the great relief of gas engineers, miners, and canaries across the country. Fast forward to the 21st century and gas detection equipment has evolved beyond recognition. Today brands, such as Anton, Digitron, Kane, Teledyne FLIR, Testo, and TPI, offer an eclectic array of gas detection instruments including handy gas leak detectors, flue gas analysers, and gas detecting thermal cameras.
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Gas Leakage Detectors
The most common form of gas leakage detector is for combustible gases. Models start from as low as £42 (including VAT).
TPI 725L Pocket Combustible Gas Leak Detector
Ergonomic and economic, the TPI 725L is a highly sensitive, methane (40ppm) gas leak detector. It is compatible with several gas types including methane, butane, propane, gasoline, diesel, and kerosene, and features a long probe for inserting into difficult-to-access areas. To pinpoint the source of leaks, the TPI 725L Pocket Combustible Gas Leak Detector’s tick rate can be adjusted to nullify background gas concentrations.
Digitron DGS-10 Gas Leak Detector
Optimised for finding gas leaks in residential and commercial properties, the Digitron DGS-10 Gas Leak Detector is compact and features a 406mm flexible gooseneck probe with an LED tip for accessing tight, dark spaces. It can detect all combustible gases and provides audible and visual indications.
Anton AGM55 Combustible Gas Leak Detector
Capable of detecting methane leaks as small as 10ppm, the Anton AGM55 Combustible Gas Leak Detector features an adjustable sensitivity and tick rate allowing you to pinpoint gas leaks. The Anton AGM55 Combustible Gas Leak Detector issues an audible and visual alarm upon gas detection. A flexible gooseneck and bright LED searchlight facilitate access to dark and/or difficult-to-reach areas; while an enclosed gas sensor and robust, rubber boot make the Anton AGM55 Combustible Gas Leak Detector suitable for use in rugged environments.
Flue Gas Analysers
New flue gas regulations came into force in April 2014. These require engineers to measure and record the carbon monoxide (CO) level in flue gas when a condensing boiler is commissioned. The CO level in the chimney flue gas and the combustion (CO/CO2) ratio are also measured using a flue gas analyser.
More recently, leading brands such as Anton, Kane, and Testo have begun to offer flue gas analysers with NO/ NOx sensors. This is in response to 2018 ErP legislation limiting the maximum NOx emissions permissible for new domestic oil-fired, gas, and LPG boilers. For more information on this topic please read our blog, What You Should Know About the ErP and NOx Emission Control.
Anton Sprint Pro1 Multifunction Flue Gas Analyser
This entry-level flue gas analyser measures carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and oxygen as well as temperature (differential, flow, return, and excess air) and efficiency. It is also capable of performing BS7967 CO sweep tests and can be used to create BS7967 CO room safety reports. Data, colour prompts, and warnings are visible via the Anton Sprint Pro1 Multifunction Flue Gas Analyser's high-contrast display. An intuitive menu, large function buttons, and a click-in flue probe connector make the Anton Sprint Pro1 Multifunction Flue Gas Analyser easy to operate. Finally, this FGA features robust construction with double protection against condensation ingress, water-stop technology, and a condensation trap with a particulate filter.
Kane 457 Flue Gas Analyser
The Kane 457 Flue Gas Analyser measures flue temperature, oxygen, carbon monoxide, efficiency, CO:CO2 ratio, and excess air. It can also perform let-by and tightness pressure tests and is compatible with an array of fuel types including natural gas, propane, butane, LPG, light oils (28/35 sec), and wood pellets. Up to 99 combustion, 20 pressure, 20 let-by/tightness, 20 temperature, 20 room, and 240 timed tests can be saved to the Kane 457’s integrated memory. Data may be printed using a compatible wireless Kane printer (sold separately). The Kane 457 FGA is ideal for installing, commissioning, and maintaining combustion equipment.
Testo 300LL Flue Gas Analyser with NOx Sensor
This long-life Testo 300 can measure nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, oxygen, draught, pressure, and temperature, features an adjustable NO2 pre-set value, and can calculate the total NOx. Data is visible on the 5-inch, recessed, scratchproof, touchscreen display and may be saved to the Testo 300LL’s 32GB memory (capacity for 5000 readings). Reports can be created onsite and can be signed by the client using the Testo 300LL FGA’s Signature function.
Gas Detecting Thermal Cameras
Advances in thermal imaging technology have led to the creation of sophisticated thermal cameras capable of detecting methane, sulphur hexafluoride, ethylene, and ammonia gas leaks. These cameras are ideal for inspecting industrial plants, natural gas power plants, natural gas supply chains, and liquified natural gas terminals and storage units, making canaries well and truly redundant (fortunately). These thermography cameras also find uses within the renewable energy sector.
Teledyne FLIR GF77 Gas Find Uncooled IR Thermal Camera
Compatibility with high-range and low-range lenses makes the Teledyne FLIR GF77 Gas Find Uncooled IR Thermal Camera suitable for a variety of industrial, natural gas, and renewable energy applications. These lenses ensure that Teledyne FLIR GF77 is spectrally fitted for specific gases to prevent false negatives, allowing you to trace leaks to their source. Cameras fitted with a low-range lens can be used to detect methane, nitrous oxide, propane, sulphur dioxide, R-134a, and R-152a; while cameras equipped with high-range lenses can be used to find sulphur hexafluoride, ammonia, and ethylene. In addition to this, the Teledyne FLIR GF77 features an IR resolution of 320 x 240px, 4-inch LCD, and 180° rotating optical block, as well as built-in GPS and Wi-Fi, laser-assisted autofocus, a High-sensitivity mode, an Area Measurement Tool, and a removable 8GB SD card.
Further Information
Please contact our Sales team on 01642 931 329 or via our online form for more information regarding our eclectic range of gas detection equipment by leading manufacturers.
