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  • ViewSmart alarm controller that is used as part of an ammonia gas detection monitoring system.

    ViewSmart 1600 SS Alarm Controller


Fixed Ammonia (NH3) Gas Detection Applications

Ammonia gas detectors are an essential part of workplace safety because the strong-smelling ammonia gas can become toxic when exposed to air. Continuous monitoring of ammonia concentration in the air lessens the risk of skin, eye, nose, and throat irritation and may even help prevent respiratory failure.

Fixed gas detection utilizes electromechanical sensors that feature a liquid electrolyte. As ambient air passes through the sensor, electrodes within the electrolyte produce a current that digitizes the flow to produce a measured value that is transmitted as an analog signal. When levels reach a concentration higher than what is allowed per safety regulations, the ammonia gas sensor triggers a warning signal or alarm.

Ammonia(NH3)Gas Detectors, Monitors and Alarm Controllers

 

Fixed Gas Detector Solutions for Monitoring Ammonia Gas Levels

RC Systems has been a global leader in fixed gas detection and alarm control since 1989. Our SenSmart line of ammonia gas detectors and sensors provide the price/performance ratio and versatility to fit any situation. SenSmart ammonia (NH3) gas detectors and monitors offer important features including sensor heater (SenSmart 3100 & 6100) for low-temperature applications such as ammonia refrigeration, Ethernet with embedded Web Server (SenSmart 6100), and wireless ammonia monitoring with the easy to install SenSmart 7100.  Our SenSmart 1100 and 2100 4-20mA loop-powered ammonia (NH3) gas detectors and monitors offer the same reliability, but at a lower price point.

Outdoor landscape view of tall gas pillars with steam coming out of the top.

Need Help Selecting an Ammonia Leak Detector?

Selecting the correct sensor for your application can be confusing. The professionals at RC Systems have years of experience monitoring ammonia and other toxic gases. Please reach out to us for help selecting the best SenSmart products for your specific application.             

Sensors for Ammonia Monitoring Applications   

  • SenSmart 1100 - Low power and cost-effective, the SenSmart 1100 provides a convenient 4-20mA output
  • SenSmart 2100 - Loop-powered, cost-effective solution that features a graphical display
  • SenSmart 3100 - Adds a backlight to the display and the ability to add Modbus RTU and relays for local alarming
  • SenSmart 6100 - Our top-of-the-line wired ammonia gas detector. Features a colored display, standard Ethernet port with an embedded webpage, and enhanced Smart Sensor capabilities
  • SenSmart 7100 - Our state-of-the-art wireless ammonia gas detector that can be powered via battery or 10-30VDC power; providing unparalleled versatility and ease of deployment as part of our WaveNet System

Proper Ammonia Gas Sensor Placement for Effective Gas Detection

Proper placement of the ammonia gas sensor is important for it to be effective. Since ammonia gas is lighter than air, it will typically rise to the ceiling when it is released. Placing ammonia gas sensors at ceiling height will help ensure that leaks are detected before they reach dangerous levels. If they are placed too low in the room, the ammonia gas sensors will take much longer to detect the gas, allowing it to accumulate and cause respiratory irritation.
 
When installing ammonia gas sensors for fixed gas detection, it is important to avoid placing the detectors near windows, vents, or fans. Installation near drafts or circulating air will prevent the sensor from getting an accurate reading, making the device less effective. Humidity and temperature are also important, as hot or humid conditions can affect the accuracy of readings. If your operating environment is humid or the ammonia gas sensor will be exposed to high temperatures, the use of protective heat shields may be required.

HVAC system located in ceiling of a large building
 
For effective ammonia gas detection, you also need to have enough sensors to provide enough coverage for your room size. Our experts can help you determine how many ammonia gas sensors you need based on your facility size, ammonia equipment size, and type of sensor selected.

The Importance of Maintaining Your Sensors for Effective Ammonia Gas Detection

Ammonia gas sensors should be tested monthly, at a minimum, to ensure they are functioning properly. These tests, known as bump tests, involve briefly exposing the sensor to ammonia gas to see if it responds. If the ammonia gas sensor does not trigger an alarm after exposure, the device will need to be calibrated. To calibrate the anomia gas sensor, the device is subjected to prolonged exposure to ammonia gas. During this time, the readings provided by the sensor are monitored to ensure accuracy.
 
The date the testing took place, as well as the results, should be recorded as part of your fixed gas detection preventative maintenance plan. Maintenance and calibration can be performed by a facility manager, or by a local RC Systems gas detection expert. Contact our support team to learn more about monitoring ammonia levels at your facility.

Ammonia Gas Sensors, Monitors and Alarm Controllers

RC Systems provides a wide range of ammonia gas sensors, detectors, and alarm controllers that can be configured based on your requirements. Our products are designed for fixed gas detection applications and come will full installation and maintenance support from our experts.

Highlighted Features

  • Ethernet Communication via Modbus TCP
  • Wireless Communication via 900MHz or 2.4GHz
  • Wired Modbus
  • 4-20mA Analog Output<
  • Low Power Intrinsically Safe Models
  • Color Display
  • Embedded Webpage
  • Relays for local alarming
  • Temperature-compensated sensors
  • Class 1 Div Certified
  • Heater elements for low-temperature applications
  • Smart Sensor Technology stores configuration for easy upload
  • Simple one-person remote calibration
  • Sensor life indication
  • Cost-Effective Poly Enclosure

Fixed Gas Detection for Ammonia Refrigeration

Ammonia (NH3) is the most common choice of refrigerant for many industries including food and beverage, HVAC, schools, laboratories, hospitals, and many others. Because of this, ammonia detection is more important than ever. Anhydrous ammonia can cause an immediate danger to life and health at only 300 ppm, and is explosive in certain conditions.
Large refrigerated room with pallets of material and a circulation system on the ceiling.
Utilizing our SenSmart Gas Detectors and ViewSmart Alarm Controllers we can provide complete ammonia gas detection and alarm control solutions. Installing sensors in cold environments, such as those you find with ammonia refrigeration, is no issue for RC Systems' ammonia (NH3) sensors, as they have heated sensor elements helping to lower their operating temperature range to -40C. RC Systems has a professional engineering team ready to provide solutions for ammonia gas detector system engineering, from system design with detailed wiring diagrams, to site startup and commissioning services.

Learn More About Our Ammonia Detector and Alarm Control Solutions

View the resources below for additional information about ammonia gas detection or contact us directly to discuss your unique detection requirements.

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