The more widespread use of CO2 in refrigeration is set to gain major impetus from new gas detection technology that enables leaks to be monitored at temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees. The adoption of CO2 as one of the most practical natural refrigerant alternatives to halocarbons is key to reducing and eventually eliminating the use of environmentally damaging greenhouse gases in refrigeration.
The breakthrough in gas sensor technology means that the danger to human health involved in using C02, an odourless but dangerous gas in enclosed environments, no longer poses an obstacle to its use as a refrigerant in commercial and industrial applications. Up until now, no sensor on the market was robust enough to monitor extreme temperatures for C02.
Developed and marketed worldwide by Murco Gas Detection, a leader in the field for over two decades, the new CO2 gas sensor is based on advanced infrared detection technology with a sensor based on a novel optical design. A major advantage is that it also allows for a smaller housing. The new Murco gas detector also uses a stainless steel case rather than the ABS plastic generally seen in the industry. This robust enclosure protects the unit in difficult working environments such as machine rooms or cold stores.
This new Murco CO2 gas detector unit is approved for temperatures ranges from minus 40 to plus 50 degrees Centigrade and is available in IP66 and ATEX versions. This performance range makes it suitable for many industrial and food processing environments such as wash down areas and others with high humidity or condensation. Gas detector units are also available for internal fitting in ducts to monitor airflows and in vent pipes to monitoring pressure relief valves.
The performance range of the new CO2 gas leak detector covers concentration levels from zero to 10,000ppm and above, with typical alarm thresholds of 5,000ppm in refrigeration monitoring and 1,000ppm or above in air conditioning. Some fruit ripening and other industrial applications commonly produce CO2 concentration levels of 2-5%, making timely and accurate monitoring essential for worker safety.