Infra-Red Gas Detection System for Zone 2 areas
April 1st 2006

FlameTec's AIR Gas Detection System for materials handling equipment used in Zone 2 classified hazardous areas, has added a new dimension to the forklift truck market, claims the company.

The only Infra-Red protection system for this application, it has undergone rigorous testing and development recently.

With new versions due soon and also the option of an added safety gas checker called AIR SAFE, the system increases productivity and offers substantial savings for the end user.

CIBA Speciality Chemicals in Paisley has been using a Crown 2t electric pallet truck fitted with the AIR Gas Detection System in a Zone 2 area consistently for over 12 months, lifting and moving containers that hold a blue base element powder used in automotive and printing industries.

The material has been known to contaminate pellistor type systems in as little as 2 to 3 weeks before a service or change of the detector head is necessary, resulting in increased servicing costs and downtime.

FlameTec tested an Infra- Red detection head from the truck for contamination. It was found that although blue material was visible on the sintered face under a microscope, no contamination or ingress was present and the head still worked as normal after a six month period.

The company has concluded that - as well as being unaffected by silicon and acrylic contaminated environments - the AIR system is not affected by the base material. This results in cost savings from less downtime and minimal servicing requirements.