CO Monitoring

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by John Astad on July 17, 2009 at 12:25pm

Group member Justin Clift at Hazard Control Technology is an excellent resource in this area.

Permalink Reply by Chris Bloore on July 17, 2009 at 6:19pm

The milkpowder industry uses CO monitoring to detect the early stages of self-ignition.
They need to detect very low levels because of the large airflows in driers.
Interference by vehicle exhausts is an issue, but CO levels in coal bunkers
may be high enough to avoid this potential problem.
Chris Bloore

Permalink Reply by Bob Taylor on July 23, 2009 at 9:57am

Andy; I have experience with CO monitoring and related systems used specifically to monitor and measure coal handling facilities. They can be powerful tools to detect and act on increasing trends that lead to controlling a situation early versus later. Feel free to contact me at rdtaylor@aep.com.

Permalink Reply by Steven Meszaros on August 16, 2009 at 10:00am

I operate 6 infant nutri plants around the world. (milk base formulas) We have had very good results using CO monitoring as a layer of protection for early detection against self ignition. The concern regarding background CO level setting of alarms and interlocks is addressed by using a delta CO system. We measure the inlet air and exhaust air and have the CO alarm points set on the deferential between the two readings.

Permalink Reply by Jeffrey Nichols on August 29, 2009 at 12:51pm

Yes, CO detection is just one layer of protection as mentioned above, and a good component of your overall plant safety program. It has been used successfully in the industries we work in for storage bins and silos where dried material can superheat and combust. -Jefff Nichols http://industrialfireprevention.blogspot.com/

Permalink Reply by Jeffrey Nichols on October 2, 2009 at 10:36am

Andy, That is a good point. I have seen CO monitoring used on storage vessels, but haven't seen any relative data. You may want to check the bulk-powder forums.