We've discussed the 6 essentials of meeting NFPA 86, this week let's take a closer look at the sixth monitoring requirment: maintenance.
The system should be designed to provide the least amount of downtime, including routine calibration and maintenance of the sampling system and sensor.
We've discussed the 6 essentials of meeting NFPA 86, this week let's take a closer look at the fifth monitoring requirement: failsafe malfunction logic.
According to section 11.6.10.8 of NFPA 86, "alarms shall be provided to indicate any sample, flow, circuit or controller power failures."
We've discussed the 6 essentials of meeting NFPA 86, this week let's take a closer look at the fourth monitoring requirement: avoiding condensation.
NFPA 86 Section 11.6.10.11 requires that “the sensor and sample system shall be maintained at a temperature that prevents condensation.”
An interesting conversation arose after last week's discussion on calibration accuracy. What happens when a variety of solvents are used in a process?
We've discussed the 6 essentials of meeting NFPA 86, this week let's take a closer look at the third monitoring requirement: calibration accuracy.
We've discussed the 6 essentials of meeting NFPA 86, this week let's take a closer look at the second monitoring requirment: Speed of Response.
Last week we discussed the 6 essentials of meeting NFPA 86. Let’s take a closer look at the first monitoring requirement: Sample delivery system (section 11.6.10.11).
It is recommended that process applications employ active sample draw systems to continuously deliver a sample to the solvent vapor monitor.
Why?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) establishes fire safety standards, including standards for the safe operation of processes. In our world we focus specifically on NFPA86, THE Standard for Ovens and Furnaces.
It addresses the safe operation of Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class D ovens, dryers, and furnaces, thermal oxidizers, and any other heated enclosure used for processing of materials and related equipment.
The industry standard accuracy requirement for a flammable gas sensor is +/-10%. Response factors are therefore one of the most significant influences on accuracy, and can easily introduce large errors. Let's examine this concept when comparing FTA vs IR for process applications.
When comparing FTA vs IR for process applications, its important to remember that few analyzers react the same way to all substances.
An infrared sensor is a narrow-band instrument. It can usually discriminate between the substance of interest and background gases but it does not respond to gases outside of it's narrow range of vision.
