Below are questions frequently asked by our customers and partners about GAO Tek’s ammonia gas detectors. They are further classified by their features: benchtop,  data logging, explosion proof, farming, handheld, industrial, outdoor, rugged, and  wireless.

 

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What are ammonia gas detectors?

GAO Tek ammonia gas detector is a specialized device designed to detect and monitor the presence of ammonia gas in the air.

 

How do ammonia gas detectors work?

GAO Tek’s ammonia gas detectors typically use electrochemical sensors that react to the presence of ammonia, triggering an alarm or warning signal when specific concentration levels are detected.

 

Where should an ammonia gas detector be installed?

Ideal locations for installation include areas where ammonia is used or stored, such as refrigeration plants, chemical plants, agricultural facilities, or any site where ammonia may be present.

 

What concentration levels can ammonia gas detectors detect?

Detectors cover a range of parts per million (ppm) or percent by volume (%vol), suitable for detecting ammonia gas leaks.

 

How often should the detectors be calibrated or tested?

Regular calibration is recommended, typically every 6 to 12 months, to ensure accuracy.

 

What should I do if the alarm goes off?

If the detector’s alarm activates, evacuate the area immediately, follow safety protocols, ensure proper ventilation, and contact relevant authorities.

 

Can these detectors be used in residential settings?

While primarily designed for industrial use, our models are suitable for residential applications where ammonia-based products are used.

 

What is the sensitivity of ammonia gas detectors?

Sensitivity is often specified as a percentage, such as 1.5±10% mV or V, indicating the device’s responsiveness to ammonia concentrations.

 

How does temperature affect the performance of the detectors?

Temperature effects on span and zero output are specified, ensuring accurate readings in various temperature ranges.

 

What materials are ammonia gas detectors made from?

Detectors are often constructed from materials like Stainless Steel, Steel Alloy, or Aluminum for durability and compatibility with different environments.

 

Can the detectors differentiate between other gases and ammonia?

Most ammonia gas detectors are specific to ammonia, but cross-sensitivity to other gases might exist. Ensure the detectors are designed for accurate ammonia detection.

 

What is the safe overload limit for the detectors?

The safe overload limit is often specified as a percentage of Full Scale (F·S), such as 150%F·S.

 

Can the detectors withstand limited overloads?

Detectors are designed to handle limit overloads, specified as a percentage of Full Scale (F·S), such as 200%F·S.

 

What is the temperature range for using the ammonia gas detectors?

Detectors are designed for specific temperature ranges, often specified as a minimum and maximum, like -4°F to 149°F (-20 to 65℃).

 

Are ammonia gas detectors customizable?

Yes, many detectors offer customization options, allowing users to adapt sensitivity or other parameters to specific requirements. We encourage users to explore these settings to optimize the detector’s performance for their unique needs.

 

What is the zero-output tolerance of the detectors?

Zero output tolerance is often specified, such as ±1% F.S, indicating the allowable deviation in the absence of ammonia.

 

Can the detectors be used for dynamic torque force measurement?

No, an ammonia gas detector is specifically designed for detecting and monitoring ammonia gas; it does not measure torque or force.

 

What is the input and output resistance of the detectors?

Input and output resistances are specified, ensuring compatibility with different systems and equipment.

 

Can the detectors be used in environments with potential temperature variations?

Yes, the compensated temperature range is often specified to ensure accurate readings despite temperature fluctuations.

 

What are the applications of ammonia gas detectors?

  • Refrigeration and Cooling Systems: Detection of ammonia leaks in industrial refrigeration systems used in cold storage warehouses, food processing, and large-scale cooling facilities.
  • Chemical Plants: Monitoring for leaks in facilities involved in ammonia production or processing, ensuring worker safety, and preventing environmental hazards.
  • Agricultural Facilities: Used in farming environments to detect ammonia levels in poultry or livestock houses where ammonia emissions can impact animal health.
  • Wastewater Treatment: Detection of ammonia gas in sewage treatment plants to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and worker safety.
  • Laboratories and Research Facilities: Monitoring for ammonia gas leaks in laboratories where ammonia might be used in various experiments or processes.
  • Industrial Safety: Ammonia gas detectors are employed in various industrial settings where ammonia is used in manufacturing processes, such as in the production of fertilizers, textiles, or pharmaceuticals.
  • HVAC Systems: Monitoring for potential leaks in air conditioning systems or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units in commercial or residential buildings.
  • Marine and Shipping Industry: Detection of ammonia leaks on ships, particularly in refrigeration and cooling systems used for cargo.
  • Emergency Services and First Responders: Used by fire departments and hazmat teams during emergency responses to identify and mitigate ammonia gas leaks.
  • Storage and Handling Facilities: Monitoring ammonia storage areas in warehouses or industrial sites to prevent leaks during handling and storage processes.
  • Food and Beverage Industry: Detection of ammonia gas in food processing plants, ensuring safety and compliance with hygiene standards.

 

What U.S. regulations do GAO Tek ammonia gas detectors comply or help customers to comply? 

  • OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration): OSHA sets workplace safety standards and regulations. Ammonia gas detectors are often used in industries where exposure to ammonia can pose health risks, and OSHA regulations mandate safety measures, including the use of detection systems.
  • NFPA (National Fire Protection Association): NFPA develops codes and standards related to fire prevention. Specific codes, like NFPA 58 for LP-Gas Code, NFPA 400 for Hazardous Materials Code, and others, may dictate requirements for gas detection systems, including ammonia.
  • EPA (Environmental Protection Agency): EPA regulations may apply in situations where ammonia gas detectors are used in processes or industries that have the potential to impact the environment. Regulations might cover handling, reporting, and emergency response procedures in case of ammonia leaks.
  • ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers): In the context of HVAC systems, ASHRAE standards may guide the use and maintenance of ammonia gas detectors in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning applications.
  • Local and State Regulations: Depending on the specific industry, state or local regulations may also apply, especially in situations where ammonia gas detectors are used in agriculture, food processing, or other localized industries.

 

What Canadian regulations do GAO Tek ammonia gas detectors comply or help customers to comply?

  • Canadian Standards Association (CSA): CSA is a standards development organization in Canada. Standards such as CSA B52 (mechanical refrigeration code) may include requirements for the use of ammonia and associated safety measures.
  • Occupational Health and Safety Regulations: Each province and territory in Canada has its own set of occupational health and safety regulations. Compliance with these regulations may require the use of ammonia gas detectors in workplaces where ammonia is used or produced.
  • Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations: The TDG regulations govern the transportation of dangerous goods in Canada. Ammonia is classified as a dangerous good, and regulations may specify requirements for monitoring and safety during transportation.
  • Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA): CEPA is federal legislation that addresses environmental protection, including regulations related to the release of hazardous substances. Compliance with emissions standards and regulations may impact the use of ammonia detectors in certain industrial settings.
  • Canadian Electrical Code (CEC): The CEC sets standards for the installation and maintenance of electrical equipment. Ammonia gas detectors, especially those with electronic components, may need to comply with relevant electrical codes.
  • CSA B52 Code for Refrigeration: This code provides safety requirements for the design, construction, installation, and inspection of mechanical refrigeration systems, including those using ammonia.
  • Transport Canada Regulations: Regulations related to the transportation industry, especially for facilities that transport or handle ammonia. Compliance with safety and security measures may be required.
  • Provincial Environmental Regulations: Provinces may have specific environmental regulations that govern the release and monitoring of pollutants, including ammonia. Compliance with these regulations may require the use of gas detectors.
  • Canadian Environmental Quality Guidelines: Guidelines may exist for airborne concentrations of pollutants, including ammonia. Gas detectors may be employed to ensure compliance with these guidelines.

 

What International Standards do GAO Tek ammonia gas detectors comply or help customers to comply?

  • ISO 15312: This standard specifies performance requirements and test methods for gas detection instruments used for the measurement of ammonia gas.
  • IEC 60079 Series: Part of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, this addresses electrical equipment used in explosive atmospheres, which can be relevant in places where ammonia gas detectors are used.
  • EN 378: This European standard defines safety and environmental requirements for refrigeration systems and heat pumps, where ammonia might be used as a refrigerant, affecting the requirements for gas detection systems.
  • IEC 61508 and IEC 61511: These standards relate to functional safety and safety instrumented systems (SIS), which are relevant in industries using hazardous substances like ammonia, setting requirements for safety-critical instruments.
  • ISO 20450: These standards address safety requirements for refrigerating systems and heat pumps. When ammonia is used as a refrigerant, this standard might guide the use of gas detection systems.
  • ATEX Directive: This European directive covers equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, setting requirements for safety equipment in hazardous environments.
  • ANSI/ISA-60079 Series: These standards from the International Society of automation (ISA) address the installation of electrical equipment in explosive atmospheres, impacting the use and installation of gas detection equipment.

 

What alternative names does an ammonia gas detector have?

The alternative names of ammonia gas detector include NH3 detector, ammonia gas monitor, ammonia gas sensor, ammonia gas alarm, ammonia leak detector, ammonia gas analyzer, ammonia gas meter, ammonia gas sniffer, and ammonia gas detection system.

 

What ammonia gas detectors does GAO Tek have?

Here is the link for the entire ammonia gas detectors category  https://gaotek.com/category/environmental/industrial-gas-detectors/ammonia-gas–detectors/. Ammonia gas detectors are further organized by feature: benchtop, data logging, explosion proof, farming, handheld, industrial, outdoor, rugged, and wireless.

 

What is the shipping time for GAO Tek to a U.S. location?

GAO Tek ships overnight to anywhere on the continental U.S. from one of its North American facilities.

 

What is the shipping time for GAO Tek to a Canadian location? 

GAO Tek ships overnight to anywhere in continental Canada from one of its North American facilities.