Description
Why to test breathing air ?
It is imperative that breathing air is tested often and thoroughly for contaminants in compressed breathing air, excessive levels of CO, CO2, oil and mist can cause the user to become lightheaded, nauseous and dizzy.
High levels of contaminants can be caused by saturated filters or incorrect compressor servicing; these factors would not necessarily be picked up in the initial stages of servicing, adding emphasis to the importance of compressed air testing.
How do you know that the compressed air you’re breathing is safe?
Would you know if unsafe gases had entered the compressor? There could be fatal consequences if hazardous gases were to get into your compressed breathing airline that’s used to fill your air tank cylinder.
The instrument is designed as conveniently packaged inline breathing air quality test kit that allows for ‘on the spot’ measurement of compressed air quality, used for respiratory devices in the marine, fire, and industrial applications.
What does the legislation say?
The international standard for the quality of compressed air states that “in any event all contaminants shall be kept to as low a level as possible and shall be below the national exposure limit.”
The “AS 1715-2009 Appendix A – Air Quality Requirements” provides standards to ensure that workers breathing compressed air are not placed at risk
The AIRQUAL-1 is in compliance with BS EN12021:2014 and AS/NZS 1715:1994. Moreover it is also inline with the international regulations (USA 29 CFR 1910.134, Canada CSA Z180.1-00)
What does the AIRQUAL-1 measure?
The AIRQUAL-1 breathing air quality test kit has been designed for use with the Gastec Airtec Tubes and is supplied complete with oil mist, water vapour, carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) test tubes to allow immediate multiple testing. There are 10 Airtec tubes in each pack. Oxygen is measured using the Protege ZM which has been fitted to the AIRQUAL-1.
In addition to the detection of the compressed air contaminants listed above, AIRQUAL-1 also features an oxygen detector allowing for the constant real-time display of the oxygen content within the compressed air system.
This comprehensive breathing air quality test kit is compact, easy to operate and can be used to indicate the level of contamination, as well as, operating flow, temperature, and pressure.
Where do contaminants come from and what harm do they cause?
Carbon Dioxide – There are high levels of CO2 within the compressor cylinders. CO2 exhaust fumes can also contaminate the compressor. Carbon dioxide is an asphyxiant and can have fatal consequences when inhaled.
Carbon Monoxide – The air intake within a compressor may draw in carbon monoxide from the compressor motor. Carbon monoxide is toxic because of the way it reacts with the breather’s blood.
Oil Mist – Lubricants leaking from within the compressor can cause oil mist in the airline. Inhaling oil mists can lead to chronic respiratory problems or asthma.
Oxygen – Compressed air quality testing measures the amount of oxygen in the air . This is vital – a dryer malfunction can reduce the oxygen to an unsafe level.
Water and Water Vapour – Dew point measurements are important to prevent condensation or freezing of water in the airline. This could disrupt the supply of air to the user.
How is the AIRQUAL-1 packaged?
At 7kg and packaged in an aluminium casing, the AIRQUAL-1 is rugged, lightweight and does not require charging, meaning that it can even be used in situations where power isn’t accessible.
How does the AIRQUAL-1 work?
The AIRQUAL-1 Breathing Air Quality Test Kit is designed to provide stand alone compliance of AS 1715-2009 Appendix A & BS EN12021 legislation. This comprehensive breathing air quality test kit is compact, easy to operate and can be used to indicate the level of contamination, as well as, operating flow, temperature and pressure. On-The-Spot Measurement, Instant Results Sampling of compressed air is fast, with the ability to process results in less than minutes. Concentrations of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxygen and oil & mist can be determined almost instantly without further lab analysis.
FEATURES
- Robust aluminium case
- Lightweight only 7kgs
- Rated up to 10 bar g (high pressure available upon request)
- Calibration flow meters
- No external power required
- No downtime, on the spot measurement
- No additional equipment required
- compliance with AS 1715-2009 Appendix A and BS EN12021