Chlorine is the most used for industrial products around the world. This element is abundant in the earth’s crust and oceans. It is used to manufacture plastics, synthesize other chemicals, purify water supplies, treat sewage, and make refrigerants, varnishes, pesticides, drugs, disinfectants, and bleaches.

Chlorine is compressed gas that is very toxic, corrosive and a strong oxidizer. Extreme caution and safety equipment should be used when around any form of chlorine. When a person breathes chlorine, the corrosive substance splits hydrogen from water in most human tissue, releasing oxygen and hydrogen chloride, which can cause severe burns. Scientists say there are palliative remedies but no antidote.

Chlorine gas cylinders were first used by the Germans in 1915 as a chemical weapon. Chlorine gas destroyed the respiratory organs of its victims and this led to a slow death by asphyxiation. Chlorine is a severe eye, skin, nose, throat and upper repertory tract irritant. Small exposure causes coughing; choking, wheezing and burning of the eyes, throat and skin which can cause frostbite. Large exposure causes the airways to constrict, at the same time fluid builds up in the lungs causing the victim to drown. High doses can kill within a couple of breaths.

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References

“Capital is Coming to Kill You with Chlorine This Time”. Infoshop News. 20 Oct 2011. Web. 20 Jan 2012. <http://news.infoshop.org/article.php?story=20111020162216998&query=capital+is+coming+to+kill+you>.

“OSH Answers: Chlorine”. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. 19 Feb 1999. Web. 20 Jan 2012. <http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/chem_profiles/chlorine/basic_chlorine.html>.

“Chlorine”. Wikipedia. 7 Nov 2012. Web. 20 Jan 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlorine>.

“Chlorine Gas”. Spartacus Educational. Web. 7 Nov 2012. <http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/FWWchlorine.htm>.

Since Critical Environment Technologies Canada Inc. (CETCI) launched the Parkade Emissions Transmitter (PET) in September 2010, interests have spiked. PET is a highly competitive and versatile BACnet^® transmitter that is cost effective and is available in five configuration models.

PET BACnet^® transmitter is BTL certified, communicates via BACnet^® protocol MS/TP and is available with one or two electrochemical or solid-state sensors and temperature sensor. PET features thermal resetting fuse, tri-color LED indicators for power and alarm, optional 4-digit LED display, optional remote solid state sensor housing, and an optional 4-20 mA analog input for solid state sensors. In addition, PET includes a new sensor Calibration Extending Firmware (CEF) that takes into account the aging of the sensors so that less frequent calibrations are acceptable in non-critical applications.

Given that PET is available as a dual sensor transmitter; contractors will only need to purchase one unit, instead of two single sensor transmitter units. This could end up being a 30% cost saving. As a standard feature, both single and dual PET comes with a complimentary temperature sensor. There is no need to purchase and install a separate temperature device. All gas and temperature sensor values will be displayed at the same time, on a single unit. Not only is it cost effective to the contractor but is less time and money spent on installation.

PET is available in five configuration models:

• Single integral electrochemical sensor
• Dual integral electrochemical sensor
• Single integral solid-state sensor
• Single remote solid-state sensor
• Single integral solid-state sensor with 4-20 mA input activated for remote analog transmitter

Electrochemical sensor choices include ammonia (NH₃), carbon monoxide (CO), ethylene (C₂H₄), formaldehyde (HCHO), hydrogen (H₂), nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), oxygen (O₂), and sulphur dioxide (SO₂). This can be either a single or dual integral transmitter.

Solid state sensor choices include combustibles, TVOCs and refrigerants R11, R12, R22, and R134A. This can be either a single integral, single remote or single integral with analog input capabilities. For the later configuration model, any 24 VDC analog transmitters that output 4-20 mA can be connected to the PET and is powered by the PET. The PET in turn, converts the data to the BACnet^® protocol along with the integral solid-state sensor and temperature value.

PET is ideal for use in non-hazardous vehicle exhaust environments, commercial HVAC and light industrial applications.

For more information on the entire range of gas detection systems and IAQ instruments, please visit www.critical-environment.com.

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