Industrial safety demands robust, reliable gas detection systems that can integrate seamlessly with existing safety infrastructure. Zeta Alarms’ analogue gas detection range provides precisely this capability, offering a comprehensive solution for monitoring combustible, toxic and refrigerant gases across diverse industrial applications.
System Architecture: Flexibility Through Modular Design
The system centres around the GA-300.E series of analogue gas controllers, available in two configurations to suit different monitoring requirements:
- GA-300.E02: Two detector control
- GA-300.E04: Four detector control
Each controller features compact DIN rail mounting (71-106mm width depending on model) enabling installation in the extensive range of DIN rail enclosures available on the market. The controllers operate on 230V AC mains power with optional 12V DC battery backup, ensuring continuous operation during power disruptions.
The system’s true strength lies in its extensive range of GS-220.BC.V.ZETA detectors, with over 25 different gas-specific variants available. This diverse portfolio enables users to create bespoke monitoring solutions by mixing and matching detector types within a single controller. These ATEX-certified detectors provide 4-20mA analogue outputs, enabling precise gas concentration monitoring rather than simple threshold detection.
Comprehensive Gas Detection Capabilities
Combustible Gas Detection
The combustible gas detector range monitors gases from 0-100% LEL (Lower Explosive Limit), covering an extensive array of hydrocarbons and organic solvents:
Hydrocarbon Gases: Methane, propane, n-butane, n-pentane, n-hexane, n-heptane, n-octane, and ethylene provide coverage for most industrial fuel gases and natural gas applications.
Alcohols and Solvents: Methanol, ethanol, iso-propanol, acetone, MEK (methyl ethyl ketone), toluene, and ethyl acetate detection addresses paint shops, chemical processing, and solvent storage areas.
Specialised Detection: Hydrogen monitoring for battery rooms and industrial processes, plus unleaded petrol detection for fuel handling areas.
Toxic Gas Monitoring
The toxic gas range addresses workplace exposure limits with targeted detection ranges:
- Carbon Monoxide: 0-500ppm for boiler rooms and enclosed parking areas
- Hydrogen Sulphide: 0-100ppm for wastewater treatment and oil refining
- Nitrogen Dioxide: 0-30ppm for chemical processing environments
- Chlorine: 0-10ppm for water treatment facilities
- Ammonia: 0-100ppm for refrigeration and chemical applications
- Sulphur Dioxide: 0-20ppm for industrial emissions monitoring
- Oxygen: 0-25%Vol for confined space safety
Refrigerant Gas Detection
With increasing focus on refrigerant leak detection for both safety and environmental compliance, the range includes:
- Ammonia: 0-2000ppm for industrial refrigeration systems
- Fluorinated Refrigerants: R-134a, R-404a, R-407c, R-410a coverage for commercial HVAC systems
- Hydrocarbon Refrigerant: R-290 (propane) detection for natural refrigerant applications
Distinctive System Features
Advanced Sensor Technology
Each detector employs the most appropriate sensing technology for its target gas: catalytic sensors for combustible gases, electrochemical cells for toxic gases and semiconductor sensors for refrigerants. This targeted approach ensures optimal sensitivity and selectivity for each application.
Non-Intrusive Calibration
The system’s magnetic calibration capability represents a significant operational advantage. Technicians can perform calibration checks without opening detector enclosures, maintaining ATEX certification whilst simplifying maintenance procedures. This feature proves particularly valuable in hazardous area installations.
Intelligent Diagnostics
Self-diagnostic functions continuously monitor sensor condition and communication integrity. The system provides differentiated fault indication through LED displays, enabling maintenance teams to identify issues before they compromise safety.
Multi-Level Alarm Architecture
The controllers provide two distinct alarm levels with differential audible signals, allowing for graduated response protocols. Individual channel relay outputs activate at the “Danger” level, whilst a common alarm relay triggers at the upper threshold.
Integration with Fire and Safety Systems
The system’s design facilitates seamless integration with broader safety infrastructure:
Fire Alarm Integration: Volt-free relay contacts provide direct interface capability with any fire alarm system with a monitored input. This enables automatic suppression system activation or building evacuation protocols when gas concentrations exceed safe limits.
Building Management Systems: The outputs can feed directly into building management platforms, providing continuous monitoring data and trend analysis capabilities.
Emergency Response: The common alarm relay and individual channel outputs allow for differentiated response strategies – from local ventilation activation to facility-wide emergency shutdown procedures.
Technical Robustness
The detectors’ IP65-rated aluminium enclosures withstand harsh industrial environments, operating reliably from -20°C to +50°C with up to 90% relative humidity. ATEX certification (II 2G Ex ma (ib) e IIC T4 Gb) ensures safe operation in Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous areas.
Power consumption remains minimal at just 3W per detector, making the system suitable for battery backup applications where continuous operation during power outages is critical.
Applications Across Industries
This versatility makes the system applicable across numerous sectors:
- Oil & Gas: Hydrocarbon leak detection in processing facilities and storage areas
- Chemical Manufacturing: Multi-gas monitoring for process safety and worker protection
- Food & Beverage: Refrigerant monitoring in cold storage and processing facilities
- Automotive: Paint shop solvent detection and exhaust gas monitoring
- Utilities: Hydrogen monitoring in power generation and water treatment chlorine detection
- Commercial Buildings: Car park carbon monoxide detection and HVAC refrigerant monitoring
View our Analogue Gas Detection range.
