Laboratories are controlled environments designed for scientific research, analysis and experimentation. They are structured to support safe handling of chemicals, biological agents and specialised equipment, often featuring dedicated workstations, fume hoods and ventilation systems. The primary purpose of a laboratory is to enable accurate and repeatable testing while ensuring the safety of personnel and the integrity of results.
Risks
Due to the nature of their work, laboratories carry several risks associated with the presence and use of gases.
- Toxic Exposure
- Accidental release of toxic gases can harm health, causing anything from headaches and respiratory irritation to serious long-term illness or death.
- Explosive Atmospheres
- Flammable gases, if leaked and mixed with air, can create explosive atmospheres that pose a significant fire and explosion risk.
- Asphyxiation
- Inert gases such as nitrogen or argon can displace oxygen in confined spaces, leading to a dangerous drop in breathable air and risk of unconsciousness or death.
- Corrosive Effects
- Some gases can be corrosive, damaging equipment, degrading materials and creating hazardous working conditions over time.
- Undetected Leaks
- Many gases are odourless and colourless, making leaks difficult to detect without monitoring systems—increasing the risk of exposure or incident.
Challenges
Implementing effective gas detection in laboratories is essential but comes with several challenges due to the complexity and variability of these environments. A suitable system must balance sensitivity, reliability and adaptability to protect both personnel and processes. Some challenges include:
- Varied Gas Types
- Laboratories often work with a wide range of gases—from toxic and flammable to inert—requiring detection systems that can monitor multiple substances simultaneously.
- Confined and Complex Layouts
- Laboratory spaces can include enclosed areas, fume hoods and storage cupboards, making it difficult to achieve consistent coverage and airflow-based gas dispersion.
- High Sensitivity Requirements
- Even trace amounts of certain gases can be hazardous or interfere with experiments, so detection systems must be highly sensitive and capable of rapid response.
- False Alarm Potential
- Common lab activities may trigger false positives, which can lead to disruption and reduced trust in the system if not correctly managed with intelligent sensing and calibration.
- Integration with Safety Systems
- Gas detection must be fully integrated with alarms, ventilation controls and emergency shut-offs—a technical challenge that requires careful planning and compatibility with existing infrastructure.
Laboratory Gas Detection
Gas detection in laboratories involves using fixed or portable sensors to monitor for hazardous gases such as toxic, flammable or oxygen-depleting substances. Technologies include electrochemical, infrared and catalytic sensors, often integrated with alarms and ventilation systems.
Gas detection is vital for ensuring staff safety, preventing fire or explosion risks, protecting sensitive experiments and complying with safety regulations. Early detection allows rapid response—minimising harm and disruption.
Carbon Dioxide, Asphyxiant or Toxic?
A common misconception is that carbon dioxide (CO₂) is harmless because it’s naturally present in the air; however, in confined laboratory spaces, even small leaks can lead to dangerous concentrations, causing headaches, dizziness or asphyxiation. Many assume oxygen monitors are sufficient, but CO₂ requires dedicated detection. Accurate implementation involves placing CO₂ detectors at low level—since CO₂ is heavier than air—and ensuring proper alarm thresholds, ventilation integration and regular calibration to maintain safety and compliance.
Oggioni DUST
The Oggioni DUST range offers versatile gas detection solutions for laboratories and industrial environments, supporting a wide variety of gases including toxic, flammable and oxygen-depleting types. These microprocessor-based detectors feature multiple outputs for seamless integration.
Suitable for harsh environments, the DUST range includes models with IP65 enclosures and ATEX Zone 2 certification. Sensor types include catalytic, infrared, electrochemical, and chemical absorption, enabling detection of gases such as methane, propane, carbon dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide. With pre-calibrated sensors and real-time displays, Oggioni DUST ensures reliable and accurate monitoring for critical safety.
Oggioni DUST explosive gas detectors use catalytic and infrared (IR) sensors to detect flammable gases such as methane, propane, and hydrogen, offering fast, reliable monitoring for explosion risk areas.
Oggioni DUST oxygen gas detectors use electrochemical sensors to accurately monitor oxygen levels. These detectors provide early warnings for both oxygen depletion and enrichment, helping maintain safe breathable environments.
Oggioni DUST toxic gas detectors use electrochemical sensors to monitor harmful gases like carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide and ammonia. They deliver precise, real-time readings to protect personnel from exposure.
Approvals
Oggioni DUST-AD
The Oggioni DUST-AD range features advanced gas detectors for toxic, flammable gases and oxygen. With real-time displays, 4–20 mA and RS-485 outputs and relay contacts, they offer seamless integration. Housed in IP65 enclosures and ATEX Zone 2 certified, they ensure reliable, fast detection with pre-calibrated sensors.
Oggioni DUST-DY
The Oggioni DUST-DY range offers advanced gas detectors for toxic, flammable gases and oxygen. Featuring real-time LCD displays, RS-485 MODBUS output and IP65 enclosures, they’re ATEX Zone 2 and SIL 2 certified. Pre-calibrated sensors ensure high accuracy and false alarm resistance, with flexible installation options.
Why Choose Eurofyre?
- Complete System Supplier
- Eurofyre supplies all aspects of fire and gas detection, including the Oggioni gas detection range, and can provide expert advice and consultation.
- Demonstration and Training
- We offer demonstrations and expert training on a range of systems, including Oggioni Gas detection systems, in our very own sophisticated training facility.
- After-Sales Support
- Eurofyre offers both on-site and telephone support to assist you in ensuring that your system is fully functional and operating at maximum efficiency. Our after-sales care and support are second to none.
For more information about Oggioni DUST Gas Detection, or to discuss any of the other products that Eurofyre have to offer, please feel free to get in touch either by phone on +44 (0) 1329 835 024, by email to [email protected] or via the online enquiry form situated on our contact page.
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