Although the NFPA standards are widely accepted and referenced, local, state or Federal agencies with

regulatory authority may have specific requirements that differ from the NFPA recommendations. Particular
insurance carriers may also have different criteria, and manufacturer’s recommendations or site conditions can
influence activities or frequencies.

Hazardous gas detection sensors and some terminology

November 2002, Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring

Gases of environmental concern fall into two basic categories: toxic or combustible.
Because of their respective characteristics, the need to detect any or all of them is of
paramount importance for plant and personnel safety.

Combustible gases normally have defined flammable (explosive) limits, the lower
explosive level (LEL) and the upper explosive level (UEL). LEL and UEL are usually
expressed as percent by volume of the material in air (or other oxidant). Substances only
become combustible between these two limits. Below the LEL the substance is too 'Lean'
to burn whilst above the UEL it would be too 'Rich' to burn. A typical range of
measurement for a combustible gas sensor would be 0-100% LEL where the LEL value
would have been established, for example 1,1% for hexane or 4% for hydrogen.

Some gases are both toxic and combustible; in these instances toxicity becomes the
prime consideration. Carbon monoxide, for example, has a threshold limit value (TLV) of
25 ppm, but also has an LEL of 12,5% (125 000 ppm). The category of the gas is
decided by the concentration range of the gas to be measured, so carbon monoxide is
considered to be a toxic gas.

The measuring range for toxic gases is established for the various categories of TLVs as
follows:

(a) Threshold limit values - time weighted average (TLV - TWA) These values represent
the time weighted average concentrations of substances to which nearly all workers may
be repeatedly exposed for a normal 8-hour working day and a 40 hour workweek day
after day without adverse effect.

(b) Threshold limit value - short term exposure limit (TLV - STEL) STEL is defined as a 15
minute TWA exposure which should not be exceeded at any time during a working day
even if the 8-hour TWA is within the TLV-TWA. Exposures above the TLV-TWA up to the
STEL should not be longer than 15 minutes, and should not occur more than four times
per day.

(c) Immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) IDLH concentrations represent the
maximum concentrations from which one could escape within 30 minutes without a
respirator, in the event of respirator failure, without experiencing any escape -
impairment (eg, severe eye irritation) or irreversible health effects.

From the above it can be seen that the correct selection of operating ranges is critical to
ensure safety of personnel.

Sensors for general applications

It should be noted that the instruments utilising these sensors are intended to detect the
presence of a particular gas in air, and not as a gas analyser. The most suitable and
widely used sensor types for ambient air monitoring are as follows:

Solid-state sensors

These were introduced in the 1970s and represented a major breakthrough in the field of
ambient air monitoring. They are unique in the fact that they can detect both toxic and
combustible gases in concentrations in the low ppm range to as high as 100% LEL and
above. Modern sensors are capable of detecting in excess of 150 different gases including
some that could otherwise only be detected by sophisticated (expensive) analytical
instruments. A major advantage of solid-state sensors is their typical life expectancy of
more than 10 years.

Catalytic bead sensors

These sensors can only be used in applications where the detection of combustible gases
is required. They only respond well to concentrations from 1000 ppm to % LEL levels.
Catalytic Bead sensors are non-specific and will respond to a wide variety of
combustibles. Historically they have been known to have a susceptibility to poisoning
from hydrogen sulphide, silicones and other substances. Later advances have led to the
introduction of catalytic bead sensors that are poison resistant, with good stability and
long life expectancy.

Electrochemical sensors

These were used as long ago as the 1950s for the monitoring of oxygen, but today are
available for more than a dozen toxic gases in ppm ranges, including carbon monoxide,
hydrogen sulphide, and ammonia. For some gases electrochemical sensors exhibit good
sensitivity and selectivity with a further advantage of low power requirements. Exposure
to high gas concentrations for long periods of time will automatically reduce their useful
life.

Sensors for special applications

Infrared sensors are typically used for the monitoring of carbon dioxide in the range of
2000 ppm full scale to 10% by volume, carbon monoxide for 1% full scale and up, and
hydrocarbons such as methane 1% to 100% by volume, as well as other hydrocarbons
1000 ppm and up.

Photo-ionisation detectors are used in analytical chemistry due to their fast response and
good sensitivity to the family of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Due to the need for
relatively frequent calibration their use is normally restricted to portable instruments.

Selection of sensors and gas detection instrumentation is not a 'black art' - but is for the
most part strictly applications orientated.

Gas Detection Glossary

 
Needing a better idea as to what something means that you saw on our site or in your user manual

for your new gas detector? We got you covered! Certified Air Safety's exclusive Gas Detection

Glossary currently holds hundreds of industry related terms with clear, concise definitions. Are we

missing something? Let us know and we'll get you the answer!

 Absolute Pressure

A measurement of pressure which sets a total vacuum as having a value of zero. For example the

commonly used term psia stands for pounds per square inch of absolute pressure.

Absolute Zero

The lowest point in the Kelvin temperature scale. 0°K = - 459.67°F or -273.15°C in the

Farenheit or Celsius temperature scales, respectively.

Absorption

The physical penetration of a substance into the structure of another substance, such as the

dissolution of a gas into a liquid.

Accuracy

Expresses the degree of agreement of a measured value when compared to the true or expected

value of the

quantity of concern. This term is often confused with precision, which is the range of the confidence

level that a measured

value can be considered valid.

ACGIH

American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, a group which makes

recommendations on the exposure levels of hazardous materials in the workplace.

Absorption

The adherence of molecules, ions or atoms of a gas or liquid to the surface of another substance.

The adsorbed species is thought to be adhered to the surface by weak physical or chemical forces.

Aerobic

Describes gases that contain oxygen and which are commonly used as atmospheres for biological

culture growth.

Aerosol

A suspension in air (or gas) of minute particles of a liquid or a solid.

AIHA
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA): A membership organization of occupational and

environmental health professionals practicing industrial hygiene in industry, government, labor,

academic institutions, and independent organizations. Founded in 1939, a nonprofit organization

with more than 75 local sections. AIHA's 11,600 members are highly educated professionals; 96

percent are college graduates, 51 percent hold master's degrees, and 12 percent possess doctoral

degrees.

Alarm Only Instrument

An instrument providing an alarm(s) which does not have an integral meter or other readout device

indicating current concentration levels.

Alarm Set Point

The selected gas concentration level where an alarm is activated.

Alphagaz

A registered trademark for Specialty Gas Products offered by Air Liquide Group S.A. worldwide.

ALPHATECH

A proprietary passivation process developed by Air Liquide for treating the inner walls of cylinders

to render

them inert. The process prevents the adsorption for reactive compounds in the gas from adhering

to the walls of the cylinder.

The process also removes any compounds on the cylinder walls that may react with components in

the gas.

Ambient Air

The concentration of air (20.9% VOL) to which an Oxygen sensing element is normally exposed.

Ammonia, (NH3)

Molecular formula (NH3). CAS Number: 7664-41-7

UN1005 Normally encountered as a gas with a characteristic pungent odor. Ammonia contributes

significantly to the nutritional needs of terrestrial organisms by serving as a precursor to foodstuffs

and fertilizers. Ammonia is the starting material for nitric acid manufacture; Used in calibration gas

mixtures for environmental emission monitoring, petrochemical industry, industrial hygiene

monitors and trace impurity analysis; Used in semiconductor manufacturing and advanced

materials for the deposition of silicon nitride (Si3N4) by Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD); Used

instead of chlorofluorocarbons (freons) in refrigeration.

Anaerobic

Describes gases that do not contain oxygen which are used for biological culture growth.
Analyzer

An instrument which can determine qualitatively and quantitatively the components in a mixture.

Anhydrous

Literally means without water. The term is often used with those gases that are particularly

corrosive in the presence of moisture, such as ammonia.

Annealing Gas

A gas blend used as a reducing atmosphere in the metals industry during heating to render them

less brittle. A commonly used furnace gas consists of a blend of hydrogen and nitrogen.

Approved

The acceptance by an authority having jurisdiction. This term is typically considered synonymous

with "listed" or "certified."

Area Monitor

A term that is often misleading. When applied to gas monitoring sensors, a true area monitor must

be able to measure the concentration of a substance at any point in three dimensional space in a

defined value or it must be able to indicate the total quantity of a substance that has penetrated a

defined volume.

Arsine, (AsH3)

Molecular formula (AsH3). CAS Number: 7784-42-1

UN2188 A Flammable, pyrophoric, and highly toxic gas, the simplest compound of arsenic.

Applications in the semiconductor industry and for the synthesis of organoarsenic compounds.

Exclusively used in semiconductor manufacturing. The Arsenic atom is an n-type dopant for

epitaxial silicon. Arsenic is introduced in the silicon wafer by diffusion or implantation techniques.

Asphyxiant Gas

A gas which displaces air in an enclosed space and which can cause unconsciousness or death due

to lack of oxygen.

ASSE

American Society of Safety Engineers, (ASSE), founded October 14, 1911, the oldest and largest

professional safety organization. With more than 32,000 members, the ASSE manages, supervises

and consults on occupational safety and health and environmental issues in industry, insurance,

government and education. Along with other organizations including Occupational Safety and

Health Administration (OSHA), The ASSE takes part in the North American Occupational Safety and

Health Week (NAOSH), helping to raise awareness of occupational safety and health issues.
ASTM

American Society of Testing Materials, an organization which sponsors committees which develop

standards for Industrial Manufacturers and Consumers.

Avogadro's Law

One of the gas laws which states that equal volumes of gases at the same temperature and

pressure contain the same number of molecules.

Avogardo's Number

The number of molecules in one mole or gram-molecular weight of a substance (6.0221367X1023

molecules/gm-mole).

Azeotrope

A mixture of two substances that typically cannot be separated easily by simple distillation. A

commonly used term to describe a liquid mixture that has a constant boiling point.

BASEEFA

ABritish approval agency. The Electrical Equipment Certification Service (EECS) is based at the

Health and Safety Laboratory's Buxton research center in Derbyshire, England. BASEEFA provides a

range of testing and certification services primarily related to equipment and systems intended for

use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Benzene, (C6H6)

Molecular formula, (C6H6) CAS Number: 71-43-2 A colorless and highly flammable liquid with a

sweet smell and a relatively high melting point. Because it is a known carcinogen, its use as an

additive in gasoline is now limited, but it is an important industrial solvent and precursor in the

production of drugs, plastics, synthetic rubber, and dyes. A natural constituent of crude oil, and

may be synthesized from other compounds present in petroleum. Benzene is an aromatic

hydrocarbon.

Biosystems (gas detection products)

Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Middletown Connecticut, Biosystems is a wholly owned

subsidiary of "Sperian Protection". As a manufacturer of portable and fixed gas detection systems

for portable, confined space and area monitoring, Biosystems is an industry leader in the field of

life safety instrumentation.

Boiling Point (BP)

The temperature of a liquid at which the vapor pressure is equal to the pressure of the atmosphere

above it.
Boron trichloride, (BCl3)

Molecular formula (BCl3). CAS Number: 10294-34-5

UN1741 A colorless gas, a valuable reagent in organic synthesis. Dangerously reactive. Largely

used in semiconductor manufacturing. Boron atom is an p-type dopant for epitaxial silicon.

Bourdon Tube

A curved metal tube commonly used in pressure gauges. The tube flexes a known degree as

pressure is applied, and that movement is translated as the physical movement of a gauge needle

across a scale.

Boyle's Law

A gas law which states that for an Ideal Gas at constant temperature the volume of the gas is

inversely proportional to the pressure applied.

Bromine Trifluoride, (BrF3)

Molecular formula (BrF3). CAS Number: 7637-07-2

UN1008 A toxic, colorless, and corrosive liquid, soluble in sulfuric acid, explodes on contact with

water and organic compounds. A potent fluorinating agent and ionizing inorganic solvent. Used to

produce uranium hexafluoride, UF6 in the processing and reprocessing of nuclear fuel.

BTU

An abbreviation for British Thermal Unit, a unit of energy defined as the quantity of heat needed to

raise the temperature of one pound of water 1°F.

Bump Gas

A cylinder of calibration gas typically packaged in an Aerosol container and sprayed over the sensor

housing like a spray paint. Never to be used for a calibration procedure, these cylinders often

contain much higher concentrations of gas components than is required for a correct calibration

procedure.

Burst Pressure

The designed test pressure at which a gas-containment device such as a cylinder, piping or

pressure adjusting device will begin leaking but not violently rupture. For most gas handling

equipment, the industrial standard is that the burst pressure is four times (400%) of the normal

operating pressure.

Butane, (C4H10)

Molecular formula, (C4H10) CAS Number: 106-97-8 Also called n-butane, the unbranched alkane

with four carbon atoms, CH3CH2CH2CH3. Butane is also used as a collective term for n-butane
together with its only other isomer, isobutane. Butanes are highly flammable, colorless, odorless,

easily liquefied gases.

BW Technologies

Based in Calgary, Alberta Canada. BW Technologies is a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell. BW

Manufactures and markets a full line of gas monitoring equipment for various industries including

mining, police, fire, rescue, shipping, transportation, telecom, oil and gas industries. BW offers a

broad line of gas detection equipment including portable, hand-held instruments as well as fixed

detectors that can be stationed in buildings, field sites or stations. BW Technologies products

provide personnel with an early warning of poisonous gases such as VOCs (PID), H2S, CO, O2,

SO2, PH3, NH3,NO2, HCN, Cl2, ClO2, O3, and Combustible gases. 

CALGAZ

Calgaz is the recognized global leader for calibration gas mixtures and related equipment. Unique

production methods and dedication to quality, combined with unparalleled service and support

have defined Calgaz as the standard for calibration gases. Calgaz provides calibration gases in non-

refillable cylinders and features a full line of regulators manufactured in Cambridge, Maryland, USA

at a state-of-the-art production facility. Calgaz is a wholly owned subsidiary of Air Liquide, the

world's largest industrial gas company, operating in more than sixty countries.

Calibration Procedure

The procedure for adjusting a gas detecting instrument for proper response: e.g., zero level, span,

alarm and range

Calibration Gas Standard

A gas mixture that has been accurately analyzed against a known reference standard. This mixture

can be used as a comparative standard for determinations on analytical instruments.

Calorie

The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of water at 15°C by one

degree Celsius

Capillary Cell, (O2 Sensor)

Capillary cell clectrochemical sensor technology is replete with many different types of sensing

devices that detect the presence and concentration of various gases. All sensors contain

components that electrically and/or chemically analyze gases that are exposed to those

components. If the sensor is designed merely to detect the presence of a certain gas, the exposure

of the analyzing components to the gas is typically maximized within the confines of the sensor. In
some sensors, a porous barrier is placed in front of the gas analyzing components of the gas

sensor. Gas diffuses through the barrier at a known rate, thereby providing a controlled gas

exposure. Porous barriers

easily become clogged with dust or other air-borne debris the adversely affect the performance of

the sensor. Capillary gas sensors eliminate the use of porous barriers by replacing them within

solid barriers having a single precision capillary opening formed in the center. Gas passes through

the capillary opening at a rate which is determined by the diameter and the length of the capillary

opening. The size and length of the Capillary opening can be precisely controlled. As a result

numerous barriers can be manufactured that have a gas diffusion rate within a very small range of

tolerances. In addition, Oxygen sensors that are designed with this technology compensate for

variances of altitude and Barometric pressure automatically, as opposed to Galvanic

Electrochemical sensors which can have wide fluctuations in readings due to changes in altitude

and weather patterns.

Carbon Dioxide, (CO2)

Molecular formula, (CO2) CAS Number: 124-38-9

UN1013 (gas); UN2187 (liquid refrigerated); UN1845 (solid). A chemical compound composed of

two oxygen atoms covalently bonded to a single carbon atom. A gas at standard temperature and

pressure and exists in Earth's atmosphere in this state. Prouced from the combustion of coal or

hydrocarbons, the fermentation of liquids and the breathing of humans and animals. Found in small

proportions in the atmosphere, it is assimilated by plants which in turn produce oxygen. CO2 gas

has a slightly irritating odor, is colorless and heavier than air. It cannot sustain life. It freezes at -

78.5 °C to form carbon dioxide snow. In an aqueous solution it forms carbonic acid, which is too

unstable to be easily isolated.

Carbon Monoxide, (CO)

Molecular formula, (CO). CAS Number: 630-08-0

UN1016 A colorless and odorless, tasteless, yet highly toxic gas. Molecules consist of one carbon

atom covalently bonded to one oxygen atom. Formed from the combination of a carbon atom with

an oxygen atom. Flammable, highly toxic and odorless. Produced, from incomplete combustion due

to lack of oxygen. Can cause poisoning, or death if heating systems are poorly maintained.

Produced on a large scale in industry, in combination with hydrogen, by reforming hydrocarbons,

generally natural gas. Used in large quantities to produce various intermediary organic chemicals,

such as acetic acids, isocyanates, formic acid, also certain polymers such as polycarbonates and

polyketones.

Carrier Gas

The gas which flows through a separation column of a gas chromatograph and propels a sample to

a detector.
CAS Number

A Chemical Abstract Services numbering system assigned to each new chemical as it is reported in

the

world’s literature. Virtually every commercially manufactured chemical has been assigned a

CAS number that allows it to be

easily identified.

Catalyst

A substance which initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction. CAS Number A Chemical Abstract

Services numbering system assigned to each new chemical as it is reported in the world’s

literature. Virtually every commercially manufactured chemical has been assigned a CAS number

which allows it to be easily identified.

Catalytic bead Sensor

A combustuible gas sensor consisting of two coils of fine platinum wire each embedded in a bead of

alumina, connected electrically in a Wheatstone bridge circuit. One of the pellistors is impregnated

with a special catalyst which promotes oxidation whilst the other is treated to inhibit oxidation.

Current is passed through the coils so that they reach a temperature at which oxidation of a gas

readily occurs at the catalysed bead (500-550°C). Passing combustible gas raises the

temperature further which increases the resistance of the platinum coil in the catalysed bead,

leading to an imbalance of the bridge. This output change is linear, for most gases, up to and

beyond 100% LEL, response time is a few seconds to detect alarm levels (around 20% LEL), at

least 12% oxygen by volume is needed for the oxidation.

Celsius

A temperature scale that has been set up so that ice melts at 0° and water boils at 100°C

CEM

Continuous emission monitor, a device used to measure the emissions typically from an exhaust

stack on a continuous

basis. Also refers to the gas standards used to calibrate these monitors.

Certificate of Analysis (COA)

A printed guarantee by a gas producer that a particular gas has been analyzed to the levels of

purity or impurity stated.

Certified Concentration

The concentration printed on the certificate. The numerical concentration assigned to a component

that is printed on the Certificate of Analysis or Accuracy. This is the concentration represented to
the customer for that component and the concentration the customer is supposed to use. The

certified concentration may be either the blended or analyzed concentration.

Certificate of Conformance (COC)

A printed guarantee by a gas producer that a particular gas meets a recognized standard.

Chemiluminescence

Absorption and emission of light by a chemical compound. Chemiluminescence detectors function

by monitoring this absorption and emission of light by a substance at certain wavelengths.

Chlorine Dioxide, (ClO2)

Molecular formula, (ClO2). CAS Number: 10049-04-4 A reddish-yellow gas, crystallizes as orange

crystals at −59 °C. One of several oxides of chlorine, A potent and useful oxidizing agent used in

water treatment and in bleaching.

Chlorine, (CL2)

Molecular formula, (CL2) CAS Number: 7782-50-5

UN1017A In its common elemental form (Cl2 or "dichlorine") under standard conditions, it is a pale

green gas about 2.5 times as dense as air. Has a disagreeable, suffocating odor that is detectable

in concentrations as low as 1 ppm, and is choking and poisonous. Chlorine is a powerful oxidant,

used in bleaching and disinfectants. A common disinfectant, chlorine compounds are used in

swimming pools to keep them clean and sanitary.

Chromatography

An analytical method where a mixture is physically separated into its individual components.

Coefficient of Flow (CV)

Rate of flow through a regulator or other gas handling device measured in U.S. gallons per minute

at 60°F with a pressure differential of 1 psig

Colormetric Gas Sampling Tube

Colormetric sampling tubes are glass tubes filled with reagents that change color in reaction to

certain chemicals. A Wide variety of gases can be measured and they can measure many gases

that cannot be measured by direct-reading instruments. The disadvantages of colormetric tubes

are a level of accuracy of ±25% under ideal conditions. Must use hand pump (or electronic

pump ) and wait for reaction to take place. Cannot provide continuous monitoring or sampling.

Examples of Tubes Vendors: GasTec, Dräger Safety, Kitagawa (Matheson), Sensidyne.

Compressed Gas
A gas in a container which meets one of the following criteria: Contained at pressures exceeding 40

psia at 70°F. Contained at pressures exceeding 104 psia at 130°F. A flammable liquid having a

vapor pressure exceeding 40 psia at 100°F as determined by ASTM D-323-72

Compressed Gas Association (CGA)

A nonprofit technical organization which develops and promotes industry standards for the safe

handling, transport and storage of compressed gases.

Confined Space

A Confined space is any space that: (1) that has limited or restricted means of entry or exit; (2) is

large enough for a person to enter to perform tasks; (3) is not designed or configured for

continuous occupancy and (4) is any covered space of depth more than 4 feet. A utility tunnel, the

inside of a boiler (only accessible when the boiler is off), the inside of a fluid storage tank, a septic

tank that has contained sewage, and a small underground electrical vault are all examples of

confined spaces. The exact definition of a confined space varies depending on the type of industry.

That is, confined spaces on a construction site are defined differently than confined spaces in a

paper mill. Confined spaces that present special hazards to workers, including risks of toxic or

asphyxiant gas accumulation, fires, falls, flooding, and entrapment may be classified as permit-

required confined spaces depending on the nature and severity of the hazard.

In the U.S., entry into permit-required confined spaces must comply with regulations promulgated

by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. These regulations include developing a

written program, issuing entry permits, assigning attendant(s), designating entrants, and ensuring

a means of rescue.

Correction Factor, (PID)

A "Correction Factor" adjusts Sensitivity when Measuring Pure Compounds Correction Factors are

scaling factors used to adjust the sensitivity of the PID to directly measure a particular

gas compared to the calibration gas. For example, a PID is nearly twice as sensitive to benzene

(CF=0.53) as it is to its calibration gas of isobutylene (CF=1.00). So if we are measuring 1 PPM of

benzene, after calibrating on isobutylene, we have two options:

• We will see approximately 2 PPM on the display of the PID. If we multiply this reading by 0.53

we will get

the true reading of benzene.

• We can apply the CF of 0.53 during calibration so that the display will automatically read in

PPM benzene.

By using a CF of 0.53 we can reset the internal scale of the PID to read 1 PPM of benzene even

though we calibrated on isobutylene

Corrosive
The ability of a chemical to attack another substance, causing irreversible damage. The term

applies to substances which attack human tissue and other materials it may come in contact.

Cracking Pressure

The inlet pressure at which a gas begins to flow through a regulator, valve or other pressure-

control device.

Creep

The slow increase in the outlet pressure of a regulator which may be caused by changes in inlet

pressure or failure of the regulator seat.

Critical Density

The density of a pure substance at its critical point.

Critical Point

The point of a temperature vs. pressure curve of a pure substance above which a gas cannot exist

in both gas and liquid phases.

Critical Pressure

The pressure at the critical point above which a pure gas cannot be liquefied.

Critical Temperature

The temperature above which a gas cannot be liquefied by pressure alone.

Cryogenic Liquid

A liquid having a normal boiling point below -240°F. (-151.1°C).

Cryogenic Vessel

An insulated container for the storage, transport and dispensing of liquids having a boiling point

below -130°F.

CSA

Canadian Standards Association An approval agency based in Canada.

Custom Certified Standard

Custom Certified Standards are prepared gravimetrically but must be certified against traceable

reference standards. Gravimetric numbers may be used in place of analytical numbers but only if

they are determined to have less uncertainty. The method of determination of the reported number

is stated on the Certificate of Analysis.

Cylinder

A container designed to safely hold compressed gases and which is designed and tested to meet

government specified standards of construction. 

Dalton's Law of Partial Pressure

One of the gas laws which states that for ideal gases the pressure of a gas blend is equal to the

sum of the pressures of each of its components.

Density

The mass of a substance divided by its volume.

Department of Transportation (DOT)

Federal agency that regulates the transport of hazardous materials per Title 49, Code of Federal

Regulations.

Dew Point

The temperature at which a gas vapor begins to condense as a liquid.

Dewar

A vessel that is usually portable and is used to contain cryogenic liquids.

Diameter Index Safety System (DISS)

Type of valve designed with metal to metal seals for high leak integrity, generally used for high

purity, corrosive or toxic gases

Diborane, (B2H6)

Molecular formula (B2H6). CAS Number: 19287-45-7

UN1911 A colorless gas at room temperature, repulsively sweet odor. Diborane mixes well

wit+B61h air, easily forms explosive mixtures. Will ignite spontaneously in moist air at room

temperature. Synonyms include boroethane, boron hydride, and diboron hexahydride. In

tetrahydrofurane, diborane is a powerfull reducing agent in organic synthesis. Largely used in

semiconductor manufacturing. The Boron atom is a p-type dopant for epitaxial silicon. Introduced

in silicon wafers by diffusion or implantation techniques. Also used for the production of

borophosphosilicate glasses (BPS).

Dichlorosilane, (H2SiCl2)

Molecular formula (H2SiCl2)

CAS Number: 4109-96-0

UN2189 Commonly known as DCS, usually mixed with ammonia (NH3) in LPCVD chambers to grow

silicon nitride in semiconductor processing. In semiconductor manufacturing, dichlorosilane is a

silicon-precursor gas used in chemical vapor deposition processes with oxygen, nitrogen or metallic

(tungsten) compounds to deposit layers of silicon dioxide, silicon nitride or oxinitride or metal

(tungsten) silicide layers.

Discharge Ionization Detector (DID)

A universal detector used in gas chromatography where the species detected is ionized by electrical

discharges between plates.

Dopant

An impurity added to a pure substance in small amounts to alter its properties.

DOT Numbers

Product identification numbers assigned to chemicals for shipping purposes that helps in the rapid

identification by emergency response teams. The prefix used, UN, designates the United Nations,

meaning that these numbers are recognized worldwide.

Dual Certified Primary Standard

Dual Certified Primary Standards are recommended where the greatest accuracy is required. These

mixtures are prepared gravimetrically to close tolerances and analyzed against NIST traceable

standards. The reported concentrations are tied to both the gravimetric numbers and the analytical

results to determine the reported uncertainty. Both numbers should fall within 1% of the reported

value. Such dual analysis ensures the greatest accuracy. 

Eductor Tube

A tube inside a cylinder which allows for liquid withdrawal from the bottom of the cylinder when the

valve is opened.

Effluent Splitter

The part of an analytical instrument which divides the effluent stream into smaller segments and

diverts them to different detectors.

Electron Capture Detector

Chromatographic detector used commonly for halogenated compounds. Electrons are generated by

a radioactive source and are captured by the species being monitored. The current drop across two

plates is measured.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The governmental agency responsible for environmental standards in the United States.

EPA Protocol Mixture

Standard gas mixture prepared and analyzed following EPA-600/R-97/121 guidelines. These

standards are required for calibration purposes when EPA analytical methods must be followed.

Ethylene Oxide, (C2H4O)

Molecular formula, (C2H4O). CAS Number : 75-21-8

UN1040 A colorless flammable gas with a faintly sweet odor is the simplest epoxide, a three-

membered ring consisting of two carbon and one oxygen atom. Commonly handled and shipped as

a refrigerated liquid. The chief precursor to ethylene glycol and other high volume chemicals but is

also used for medical sterilization.

Exposure Limits

Concentration of substances under which it is believed that nearly all workers can be repeatedly

exposed on a daily basis without adverse effects.

Fahrenheit

A temperature scale that has been set up so that ice melts at 32° and water boils at 212°.

Flame Ionization Detector (FID)

One of the most commonly used detectors for measuring organic compounds in a gas stream.

Organic species are decomposed by a hydrogen flame and measured by electrodes near the flame.

Flammability Limits

The extremes of the range at which a gas mixed with air can be ignited with a source of ignition.

The lower number is referred to as the lower explosive limit (LEL), and the upper number is called

the upper explosive limit (UEL).

Flammable Gas

DOT definition of any gas which either will form a flammable mixture with air at concentrations of

13% or less by volume or have a flammable range wider than 12% regardless of the lower

explosive limit (LEL).

Flash Point

The lowest temperature at which a flammable liquid will give off enough fumes to form an ignitable

mixture with air directly above the liquid surface.

Fluorine, (F2)

Molecular formula, (F2) CAS Number: 7782-41-4

UN1045 A supremely reactive, poisonous, pale, yellowish brown gas. Elemental fluorine is the most

chemically reactive and electronegative of all the elements. Will readily "burn" hydrocarbons at

room temperature, in contrast to the combustion of hydrocarbons by oxygen, which requires an

input of energy with a spark. Molecular fluorine is highly dangerous. Uranium hexafluoride (UF6) is

produced by direct fluorination of uranium oxide or UF4 using fluorine. Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) or

sodium fluoride are produced from fluorine.

Fuel Cell Sensor, (ElectoroChemical)

Electrochemical Fuel Cell Sensors are electric batteries which consume gas from outside rather

than solid/liquid materials inside them. (Their original application was in space vehicles where

hydrogen is consumed to provide electrical power). In

addition to consuming the fuel gas they also consume oxygen. Fuel cell sensors are miniaturized

fuel cells which react to low (parts per million) concentrations of gas. They consume minute

amounts of gas. The electrochemical reactions produce current (uA) which is linearly proportional

to the concentration of gas in air. In theory, because fuel cell sensors consume no internal

ingredients, they should have an infinite life. In practice they last 3 or 4 years. 

Galvanic Elecrochemical Sensor

Galvanic Electrochemical Sensors are not fuel cells because electrodes or electrolyte are used up.

Oxygen sensors is are

not fuel cells but metal oxygen cells. The metal is gradually consumed and this governs the

sensor's life. Ammonia and hydrogen cyanide are measured by consumable or galvanic sensors.

The life of these sensors is governed by the amount of gas which they absorb so their life can be

shortened when exposed to continuous high levels of gas. Galvanic Fuel cells for Oxygen typically

last 18-24 months.

Gas

A state of matter in which the individual molecules are almost totally unrestricted by cohesive

forces. An ideal gas is one which obeys the gas laws under standard conditions.

Gas Detector

A device used for detecting the presence of various gases; explosive gases such as Methane, toxic

gases such as Hydrogen Sulfide and/or for insufficient amounts of oxygen within an area, these

units are designed to provide a udible and visual alarms warning about gases which are harmful to

humans or animals.

Gas Processing Association (GPA)

Organization consisting of both member companies and suppliers to the Gas Processing Industry.

This organization was established to exchange technology related to the industry and to develop

standards applying to the processing of gas products.

Gastec
The Gastec Corporation is a manufacturer of gas sampling products for personal protection and

Industrial Hygiene. Founded in 1970 and based in Kanagawa, Japan. Gastec manufactures,

instruments for detecting and measuring gases and water quality. Products include detector tubes

and instruments for detecting and measuring oxygen, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide, and

other toxic gases.

Gastech

A wholly owned subsidiary of Thermo Science. Gastech provides Industrial Hygiene instruments

that are used by a variety of people from industrial hygienists to first responders, in a wide range

of situations from occupational health to safety applications. GasTech provides gas and dust

detectors for personal monitoring, confined spaces and alerting of potentially dangerous

environments. GasTech products continuously monitor for the presence of irritating particulates,

combustible gases, and toxic gases.

Gay-Lussac's Law

One of the gas laws which states that for an ideal gas under constant pressure, the volume

increase is proportional to the increase in temperature.

Germane, (GeH4)

Molecular formula, (GeH4)

CAS Number: 7782-65-2

UN2192 The simplest germanium hydride and one of the most useful compounds of germanium.

Like the related compounds silane and methane, germane is tetrahedral. It burns in air to produce

GeO2 and water. Used for the deposition of epitaxial and amorphous silicon-germanium alloy layers

(MOCVD).

Gravimetric Certified Standard

Gravimetric Certified Standards are lower cost standards that are suitable for routine analysis or

peak identification. The reported

concentrations are determined using gravimetric numbers for each component. Only qualitative

laboratory analysis may be

done on these mixtures to confirm each component. Since the concentration of reactive

components may change inside the

cylinder, the gravimetric numbers for reactive components may not be a good indication of actual

concentration in the blend.

Therefore, the uncertainty of reactive components will not be reported.

Gross Weight

The total weight of both the container and the contents therein.
 Halocarbons

A family of compounds made up of a hydrocarbon combined with one or more halogens from the

group VIIA elements in the Periodic Table. This name is commonly attributed to those compounds

in the family which are used for refrigeration systems.

Heat of Adsorption

The total heat generated from the initial adsorption of a compound on an adsorbate to the point at

which equilibrium conditions are met and no more adsorption can take place.

Heat of Fusion

The heat energy required to convert one mole of substance from the solid phase to the liquid phase

at one atmosphere of pressure.

Heat of Vaporization

The heat energy needed to transform one mole of substance from the liquid phase to the gas phase

at one atmosphere of pressure.

Hexane, (C6H14)

Molecular formula: (C6H14) CAS Number: 110-54-3 An alkane hydrocarbon with the chemical

formula CH3(CH2)4CH3 or C6H14. A common constituent of gasoline and glues used for shoes,

leather products, and roofing. Also used in solvents to extract oils for cooking and as a cleansing

agent for shoe, furniture and textile manufacturing. In laboratories, hexane is used to extract oil

and grease from water and soil before determination by gravimetric analysis or gas

chromatography.

Hydrocarbon

An organic compound which contains both carbon and hydrogen in its molecular structure.

Hydrogen Chloride, (HCl)

Molecular formula, (HCl) CAS Number: 7647-01-0

UN1050 At room temperature, a colorless gas, which forms white fumes of hydrochloric acid upon

contact with atmospheric humidity. Hydrogen chloride gas and hydrochloric acid are important in

technology and industry. The formula HCl is often used to refer, somewhat misleadingly, to

hydrochloric acid, an aqueous solution derived from hydrogen chloride. The chemical industries use

hydrogen chloride to produce a large variety of organic chlorinated compounds (methyl or ethyl

chloride, benzene chlorides…). Chlorinated metals (such as aluminium or silicon chlorides) are

produced with HCl. Hydrometallurgy processes used hydrogen chloride to enhance the separation

coefficient of ores. The hot galvanizing process can use HCl. Hydrogen chloride is used in
calibration gas mixtures for environmental emission monitoring. Hydrogen chloride is used in

semiconductor fabrication for etching of native oxide, CVD reactor cleaning or moisture getter.

Used with xenon in "excimer" lasers, hydrogen chloridel can produce wavelengths which vary as a

function of operating conditions.

Hydrogen Cyanide, (HCN)

Molecular formula, (HCN) CAS Number: 74-90-8 A colorless, extremely poisonous, and highly

volatile liquid that boils slightly above room temperature at 26 °C (78.8 °F). Has a faint, bitter,

almond-like odor. Weakly acidic and partly ionizes in solution to give the cyanide anion, CN–. The

salts of hydrogen cyanide are known as cyanides. A highly valuable precursor to many chemical

compounds ranging from polymers to pharmaceuticals.

Hydrogen Fluoride, (HF)

Molecular formula, (HF) CAS Number : 7664-39-3

UN1052 Widely used in the petrochemical industry and a component of many superacids. Boils just

below room temperature. HF is lighter than air and its odour is particularly penetrating. Aqueous

solutions of HF, called hydrofluoric acid, are strongly corrosive. Hydrogen fluoride is used to

calibrate environmental emission monitoring, and trace impurity analyzers. Cement and glass

industries are more particularly concerned by the analysis of HF in their releases.

Hydrogen Sulfide, (H2S)

Molecular formula, (H2S) CAS Number: 7783-06-4

UN1053 A colorless, toxic and flammable gas, partially responsible for the foul odor of rotten eggs

and flatulence. It often results from the bacterial break down of sulfates in organic matter in the

absence of oxygen, such as in swamps and sewers (anaerobic digestion). It also occurs in volcanic

gases, natural gas and some well waters. The odor of H2S is commonly misattributed to elemental

sulfur, which is in fact odorless. Hydrogen sulfide is used to calibrate environmental emission

monitoring, industrial hygiene monitors and trace impurity analyzers and as balance gas for some

calibration mixtures.

Hydrogen, (H2)

Molecular formula, (H2) CAS Number: 1333-74-0

UN1049 (gas); UN1966 (liquid refrigerated) A colorless, odorless, nonmetallic, tasteless, highly

flammable diatomic gas with the molecular formula H2. Atomic weight, 1.00794, hydrogen is the

lightest element. Discovered by Henry Cavendish in 1766, hydrogen owes it name to Lavoisier, who

combined the Greek hydor, water, and genen, to engender. It is the lightest gas in the world and

therefore is not held by the earth’s gravity. Hydrogen is only found in the atmosphere at trace

levels ; it is synthesized from hydrocarbons (petroleum and petroleum by-products) and from

water where it constitutes the lightest fraction of the H2O molecule. Hydrogen gas is colorless,
highly flammable, very light, cannot sustain life and reacts easily with other chemical substances.

Used in a fuel cells, combines with oxygen to efficiently produce electricity and doesn’t emit

anything… except water.

Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP)

An instrument used in atomic emission spectroscopy primarily for the quantitative analysis of trace

metals in solids or liquids.

Inert Gas

A gas which is considered stable and does not react with other materials at normal temperatures

and pressures.

Infra Red, (CO2) Sensor

Infra Red, ( CO2 ); Gases which contain more than one type of atom absorb IR radiation. Therefore

gases such as carbon

dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, sulfur dioxide etc, can be detected by this means but gases

such as oxygen, hydrogen and chlorine cannot. Specific gases are detected by measuring their

absorption at particular frequencies of IR which correspond to the resonance of the molecular

bonding between dissimilar atoms. In the simplest infrared gas detectors, the sample is drawn into

an optical chamber by convection or by means of a

pump. At one end of the chamber is an IR source, normally a filament lamp and at the other end is

an IR sensor.

The IR is tuned to the absorption frequency of the gas being measured by means of an optical

filter. As the concentration of gas being measured increases, the output signal from the sensor

reduces, in an approximately logarithmic fashion. This means that linearising circuitry needs to be

built into the electronics.

Inorganic Compounds

Substances which do not contain carbon in their molecular structure.

Irritant

A substance which causes inflammation of living tissue but does not cause irreversible damage.

ISEA

International Safety Equipment Association. The trade association in the United States for

companies that manufacture safety and personal protective equipment. Its member companies are

world leaders in the design and manufacture of protective clothing and equipment used in

factories, construction sites, hospitals and clinics, farms, schools, laboratories, emergency response

and in the home.

Isobutylene, (C4H8)

Molecular formula, (C4H8) CAS Number: 115-11-7 UN1055 Isobutylene (or 2-methylpropene): A

hydrocarbon of significant industrial importance. It is a four-carbon branched alkene (olefin), one

of the four isomers of butylene. At standard temperature and pressure it is a colorless flammable

gas. Used as an intermediate in the production of a variety of products. It is reacted with methanol

and ethanol manufacture of gasoline oxygenates methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and ethyl tert-

butyl ether (ETBE), respectively. Also used in the production of methacrolein. Polymerization of

isobutylene produces butyl rubber (polyisobutylene). Antioxidants such as butylated

hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) are produced by Friedel-Crafts

alkylation of phenols using isobutylene. 100 ppm of Isobutylene is the default calibration gas

standard for most PID (Photo Ionization Detector) sensors.

Isotopes

Forms of an element that have the same structure but differ from each other only in atomic mass.

These slight changes in atomic mass often lead to instability and radioactivity. 

Kelvin

A temperature scale related to the triple point of water.

Level of Detection

In chromatography, the amount of sample in a stream necessary to produce a peak height two to

three times the baseline noise height.

Liquefied Compressed Gas

A gas which under charged pressure is partially liquid at 70°F (21.1°C).

Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG)

A term generally used to describe those hydrocarbon gases which exist as liquids at normal

temperature and pressure.

Lower Explosive Limit (LEL)

The minimum percent by volume of a gas in air which forms a flammable mixture at normal

temperatures and pressures. 

Manifold

A device having a single outlet but several inlets to which cylinders can be connected for multiple

usage at the same time.

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

A data sheet for a particular substance describing the characteristics and hazards associated with

the handling and use of this product.

Melting Point

The temperature at which the solid and liquid phase of a substance are at equilibrium (normally

given for 1 atmosphere of pressure).

Metal Oxide Semi-Conductor Sensor, (MOS), AKA, Solid State

The sensing material in TGS (MOS) gas sensors is metal oxide, most typically SnO2. When a metal

oxide crystal such as SnO2 is heated at a certain high temperature in air, oxygen is adsorbed on

the crystal surface with a negative charge. Then donor electrons in the crystal surface are

transferred to the adsorbed oxygen, resulting in leaving positive charges in a space charge layer.

Thus, surface potential is formed to serve as a potential barrier against electron flow. Inside the

sensor, electric current flows through the conjunction parts (grain boundary) of SnO2 micro

crystals. At grain boundaries, adsorbed oxygen forms a potential barrier which prevents carriers

from moving freely. The electrical resistance of the sensor is attributed to this potential barrier. In

the presence of a deoxidizing gas, the surface density of the negatively charged oxygen decreases,

so the barrier height in the grain boundary is reduced. The reduced barrier height

decreases sensor resistance.

Methane, (CH4)

Molecular formula, (CH4) CAS Number: 74-82-8

UN1971 (gas); UN1972 (liquid refrigerated) Mixed with argon, methane is used in Geiger counters

and for the detector in X Ray Fluorescence (XRF) as a quenching gas.

When mixed with other hydrocarbons, methane is used as reference point in calorimetric

measurements for the measurement of PCI of hydrocarbons or coal. Methane is also used in

calibration gas mixtures for petrochemical industry; environmental emission monitoring, industrial

hygiene monitors and trace impurity analyzers.

Methanol, (CH3OH)

Molecular formula, (CH3OH) CAS Number: 67-56-1 Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol,

carbinol, wood alcohol, wood naphtha or wood spirits. A chemical compound with chemical formula

CH3OH (often abbreviated MeOH). It is the simplest alcohol, and is a light, volatile, colourless,

flammable, toxic liquid with a distinctive odor that is very similar but slightly sweeter than ethanol

(drinking alcohol). At room temperature it is a polar liquid and is used as an antifreeze, solvent,

fuel, and as a denaturant for ethanol. Also used for producing biodiesel via transesterification

reaction.

Methyl Ethyl Ketone, (see n-Butanone)

MEK = Butanone; Molecular formula, CH3C(O)CH2CH3 CAS Number: 78-93-3 A colorless liquid

with a sharp, sweet odor reminiscent of butterscotch and acetone. It is a ketone, better known as

methyl ethyl ketone or MEK. It is produced on a large scale industrially. Butanone occurs in only

trace amounts in nature.

Methyl Mercaptan, (Methanethiol, CH4S)

Molecular formula, (CH4S) CAS Number: 74-93-1 Methanethiol, also known as methyl+B119

mercaptan. A colorless gas with a smell like rotten cabbage. A natural substance found in the

blood, brain, and other animals as well as plant tissues. It is disposed of through animal feces.

Occurs naturally in certain foods, such as some nuts and cheese. It is also one of the main

chemicals responsible for bad breath and the smell of flatulence. The chemical formula for

methanethiol is CH3SH.

Micron

A unit of length equivalent to 1 x 10-6 meters.

Mole

Mass equivalent to the molecular weight of a substance. It is commonly expressed as grammole,

the molecular weight in grams.

Molecular Weight

The sum of all the atomic weights of the atoms which make up a single molecule of a substance.

Nanogram (ng)

Mass equivalent to 1 X 10-9 grams.

Nanometer (nm)

Length equivalent to 1 X 10-9 meters.

National Formulary (NF)

A supplement to the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP).

NIST

National Industrial Standards Testing (NIST). A U S Government Metrology Agency.

Nitric Oxide, (NO)

Molecular formula, (NO) CAS Number: 10102-43-9

UN1660 An important signaling molecule in the body of mammals, including humans. An extremely

important intermediate in the chemical industry. A toxic air pollutant produced by cigarette smoke,
automobile engines and power plants. Nitric oxide is used in calibration gas mixtures for

petrochemical industry; environmental emission monitoring, industrial hygiene monitors and trace

impurity analyzers.

Nitrogen Dioxide, (NO2)

Molecular formula, (NO2) CAS Number: 10102-44-0

UN1067 An intermediate in the industrial synthesis of nitric acid. A reddish-brown toxic gas with a

characteristic sharp, biting odor, a prominent air pollutant. Nitric dioxide is used in calibration gas

mixtures for petrochemical industry; environmental emission monitoring, industrial hygiene

monitors and trace impurity analyzers.

Normal Temperature and Pressure

A reference base for the gas industry of 70°F temperature and 14.696 psia pressure.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer (NMR)

An analytical instrument normally used for the qualitative identification of compounds containing

hydrogen. The device measures the absorption of radio frequency waves by hydrogen molecules as

they are electromagnetically excited. 

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Organization within the Department of Labor which sets standards for employers to ensure a safe

working environment for its employees.

Oxidizing Agent

A substance that supports or causes combustion of other materials.

Oxygen, (O2)

Molecular formula, (O2) CAS Number: 7782-44-7

UN1072 (gas); UN1973 (liquid refrigerated) The third most abundant element in the universe by

mass after hydrogen and helium. The most abundant element by mass in the Earth's crust.

Diatomic oxygen gas constitutes 20.9% of the volume of air. Oxygen is used in calibration gas

mixtures for petrochemical industry; environmental emission monitoring, industrial hygiene or

safety monitors and trace impurity analyzers.

Ozone, (O3)

Molecular formula, (O3) CAS Number: 10028-15-6 Ozone or trioxygen (O3) is a triatomic molecule,

consisting of three oxygen atoms. An allotrope of oxygen that is much less stable than the diatomic

O2. Ground-level ozone is an air pollutant with harmful effects on the respiratory systems of

animals. The ozone layer in the upper atmosphere filters potentially damaging ultraviolet light from

reaching the Earth's surface

Parts per Million (PPM)

A method of expressing low concentrations of impurities in a mixture. The unit can be expressed in

moles, volume or weight per million of the same units. Lower concentration may be expressed in

parts per billion (ppb) or parts per trillion (ppt).

Pellistor, Catalytic Bead Sensor

Most commonly known as a "Wheatstone Bridge Sensor", Catalytic bead Pellistor sensors consist of

2 coils of fine platinum wire each embedded in a bead of Alumina, connected electrically in a bridge

circuit. One of the beads is impregnated with a special catalyst which promotes oxidation while the

other bead is treated to inhibit oxidation. Current is passed through the coils so that they reach a

temperature at which oxidation readily occurs at the catalyzed bead ( about 940° F ). This raises

the

temperature which increases the resistance of the Platinum coil in the catalyzed bead, leading to an

imbalance in the bridge.

Pentane, (C5H12)

Molecular formula, (C5H12) Any, or one of the organic compounds with the formula C5H12. This

alkane is a component of some fuels and is employed as a specialty solvent in the laboratory. Its

properties are very similar to those of butane and hexane. It exists in three structural isomers, the

branched isomers are called isopentane and neopentane.

Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)

Maximum routine exposure levels for different substances in the work environment as set by

OSHA.

Phosphine, (PH3)

Molecular formula, (PH3) CAS Number: 7803-51-2

UN2199 Highly toxic; kills at low concentrations. Used for pest control by fumigation. For farm use

it is sold in the form of aluminium phosphide, calcium phosphide, or zinc phosphide pellets. In

semiconductor industries, phosphine is a N-type dopant for silicon based material (selected regions

of silicon wafer such as emitters, source-drains, or collector contacts). Phosphine is used for doping

polycrystalline or amorphous silicon and for forming borophosphosilicate glasses (BPS) by PECVD.

Photo Ionization Detector (PID)

A PID is a type of gas detector that measures volatile organic compounds and other gases in

concentrations from sub parts per billion to 10 000 parts per million (ppm). A PID is capable of

giving instantaneous readings and monitoring continuously. PID's are widely used in military,

industrial, and confined working facilities for safety. PIDs are used as monitoring solutions for

Ammonia detection, Hazardous materials handling, Arson investigation, Industrial hygiene and
safety, Indoor air quality, Environmental contamination, remediation and Cleanroom facilities

maintenance.

Poison

A substance that in small dosages can cause death or serious impairment to organs when entering

a living organism by either ingestion, injection, absorption or inhalation.

Primary Reference Material (PRM)

A Calibration standard individually analyzed by NIST.

Primary Standard

Primary Standards are prepared gravimetrically to close tolerances. They are analyzed against

reference standards if available to confirm the gravimetric numbers. The methodology used to

determine each concentration and the uncertainty is reported on the Certificate of Analysis.

Propane, (C3H8)

Molecular formula, (C3H8) CAS Number: 74-98-6

UN1978 Propane, a three-carbon alkane, normally a gas, compressible to a transportable liquid.

Derived from other petroleum products during oil or natural gas processing. Commonly used as a

fuel for engines, barbecues, portable stoves and residential central heating. When used as vehicle

fuel, Propane is commonly known as liquified petroleum gas (LPG or LP-gas), a mixture of propane

with small amounts of propylene, butane, and butylene. The odorant ethanethiol is also added so

that people can easily smell the gas in case of a leak. Propane is used to calibrate environmental

emission monitoring, industrial hygiene monitors and trace impurity analyzers, particularly for total

hydrocabons measurements (THC). Propane is can be used as a fuel in atomic absorption analyzers

(AAS).

Propylene, {Propene} (C3H6)

Molecular Formula (C3H6) Propene, is also known as propylene, an unsaturated organic compound

having the chemical formula C3H6. Has one double bond, and the second simplest member of the

alkene class of hydrocarbons, it is also second in natural abundance. Uses of propene include

blending for gasoline (80% of volume), a copolymer for polypropylene, synthesis of isopropanol,

trimers and tetramers for detergents, propylene oxide, cumene, and glycerine. Propylene is used in

calibration gas mixtures for petrochemical industry; environmental emission monitoring, industrial

hygiene monitors and trace impurity analyzers.

Pyrophoric

A substance that can spontaneously ignite when exposed to air at temperatures of 130°F or

below. 
Rare Gas

Those constituents of air that make up less than 1% of air and are generally considered inert.

Examples include the gases in the far right column of the Periodic Table.

Restrictive Flow Orifice (RFO)

A safety device place in the outlet of a valve that limits the release rate of a hazardous gas to a

maximum specified range in the event of accidental opening of the valve or failure of the gas

containment system downstream.

RKI Instruments

Partnered with the Riken Keiki Company, Ltd., RKI Instruments is the world leader in gas detection

and sensor technologies. Celebrating over 65 years in the gas detection business, Riken has over

150,000 points of detection world wide in the semiconductor industry alone. RKI Instruments is the

exclusive North American supplier of Riken products.

Safety Relief Device

A device usually incorporated into the valve of a cylinder, actuated by either pressure or

temperature at predetermined limit to prevent rupture of the vessel.

Self Venting Device

A device on certain types of regulators that relieves the outlet pressure as the regulator pressure is

reduced.

Silane, (SiH4)

Molecular formula, (SiH4) CAS Number: 7803-62-5

UN2203 Used in semiconductor manufacturing as a source of silicon in polycrystalline silicium

deposition for interconnects or masking; growth of epitaxial silicon; chemical vapor deposition

(CVD) of silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, silicon carbide, and refractory metal silicides. Also used for

the manufacturing of amorphous silicon devices for photosensitive drums or solar cells.

Span Gas

A calibration gas that is used to set the maximum reading on the scale of an analyzer.

Specific Gravity

The ratio of the mass of one substance to that of a standard substance. For gases the reference is

air (air = 1).

Specific Heat

The amount of heat required to raise that temperature of a unit mass of a substance one degree at

either constant temperature or volume.

Standard Reference Material (SRM)

A Reference standard certified by NIST.

Standard Temperature and Pressure (STP)

An internationally recognized reference of a standard temperature of 0°C and standard pressure

of 14.6960 psia.

Sublimation

The direct passage of some substances from the solid state to the gaseous state without going

through the liquid state first.

Sulfur Dioxide, (SO2)

Molecular formula, (SO2) CAS Number: 7446-09-5

UN1079 Produced by volcanoes and various industrial processes. The combustion of Coal and

petroleum generates sulfur dioxide. Oxidation of SO2, usually in the presence of a catalyst such as

NO2, forms H2SO4, and thus acid rain. SO2 is used as a fumigant, preservative, bleach, and

steeping agent for grain.

Small amounts of sulfur dioxide are commonly used as preservatives in winemaking to protect

grapes and wine from microbial attack or further oxidation. Sulfur dioxide is used in calibration gas

mixtures for the petrochemical industries, environmental emission monitoring, industrial hygiene

monitors and trace impurity analyzers.

Tare Weight

The weight of an empty cylinder without a valve or cap.

Thermal Conductivity (TC Sensor)

Operates by comparing the thermal conductivity of the sample with that of a reference gas (usually

air). A heated sensor is mounted so that it is exposed to the sample gas while a reference sensor is

enclosed in a sealed compartment full of the reference gas. If the sample has a higher thermal

conductivity than the reference gas, heat is lost from the exposed element and its temperature

decreases, while the thermal conductivity

is lower than that of the reference, the sensor heats up. The temperature changes are normally

monitored by electrical resistance changes in the sensing element. Because these sensors run quite

hot to increase sensitivity, they are normally mounted in a flameproof sintered block like Pellistors.

The technique sounds crude but is remarkably sensitive and is often used to measure hydrogen,

helium, methane, neon, freon, and carbon dioxide. These are normally measured in a background

gas of air, but the sensors operate just as well in a background of nitrogen or when monitoring two

inert gases (often referred to as a binary mixture) such as the concentration of methane in carbon
dioxide. This is very useful because many other sensor types need at least a trace of oxygen

present to work. In addition the simplicity of the technique, which requires no complex signal

processing or precision machining such as in Infrared sensors, means it is very costeffective and

the sensors are extremely robust. Once calibrated, they rarely fall out of calibration and need very

little maintenance. There are no chemicals to denature or optics to misalign.

Thermocouple Detector (TCD)

One of the earliest detectors used in gas chromatography. This detector operates as one leg of a

wheatstone bridge that detects slight changes in conductivity as the exposed wire changes

temperature. Also, sometimes this type of detector is referred to as a hot wire.

Threshold Limit Value (TLV)

Maximum standards set by ACGIH for airborne hazardous substances below which workers can be

routinely exposed without adverse effects.

Threshold Limit Value/Short Term Exposure Limit, (TLV/STEL)

Refers to a 15 minute time weighted average exposure for substances which should not be

exceeded at any time during a workday.

Threshold Limit Value/Time Weighted Average, (TLV/TWA)

Refers to the time weighted average over a normal 8 hour workday and a 40 hour week to which

all workers may be repeatedly exposed without adverse effect.

Threshold Limit Value-Ceiling (TLV-C)

Airborne concentration of a substance which should not be exceeded.

Toxic

A substance which has the ability to produce injurious or lethal effects through its chemical

interaction with the body.

Triple Point

The defined pressure and temperature for a pure substance at which the three phases all exist in

equilibrium.

Ultra Zero Air

Usually made from mixing components of Oxygen and Nitrogen together under laboratory

condtitions. Manufactured Ultra Zero Air is guaranteed to be free of all contaminants. 

Vapor Pressure

The pressure exerted by the vapor above a liquid when the two phases are in equilibrium. 
Zero Air

Ambient air filtered to contain less than 0.1 parts per million (PPM) of total hydrocarbons.

Zero Gas

Calibration gas used to set the minimum reference point on the scale of an analyzer.

glossary

Aerosol is a suspension in air (or gas) of minute particles of a liquid or a solid.

Alarm is an audible, visual, or physical presentation designed to warn the instrument user that a specific level of a
dangerous gas/vapor concentration has been reached or exceeded.

Alarm Only Instrument is an instrument providing an alarm(s) which does not have an integral meter or other
readout device indicating current concentration levels.

Alarm Set Point is the selected gas concentration level where an alarm is activated.

Ambient Air is air to which the sensing element is normally exposed.

Analyzer is an instrument which can determine qualitatively and quantitatively the components in a mixture.

Approved is acceptance by the authority having jurisdiction. In Delphian literature, the term is considered
synonymous with "listed" and "certified."

Area Monitor is a term that is often misleadingly applied to gas monitoring sensors that are installed in a regular
grid pattern throughout an area requiring monitoring. A true area monitor must be able to measure the
concentration of a substance at any point in three dimensional space in a defined value or it must be able to
indicate the total quantity of a substance that has penetrated a defined volume.

BASEEFA.  British approval agency.  The Electrical Equipment Certification Service (EECS) is based at the
Health and Safety Laboratory's Buxton research center in Derbyshire, England. It provides a range of testing and
certification services primarily related to equipment and systems intended for use in potentially explosive
atmospheres.

Blocking
Certain conditions can cause a sensor not to function. when this happens, normal gas sensing is blocked until the
conditions are removed. The most common block is lack of oxygen. Oxygen deprivation can be caused by sensor
flooding and a clogged flame arrestor.

CALIBRATION is the procedure used to adjust the instrument for proper response (e.g., zero level, span, alarm
and range). Also see Remote Calibration

Calibration Gas is the known concentration(s) of gas used to set the instrument span or alarm level(s).

CAM
Common Alarm Module provides a relay contact transfer whenever any one gas detection alarm occurs in a zone.

Catalysis is a phenomena in which a relatively small amount of material augments the rate of reaction without
itself being consumed.

Catalytic Bead Sensors

Chlorine
Clean Air [Zero air] is air that is free of any substance that will adversely affect the operation of or cause a
response of the instrument. Clean air is also called "zero air" or "zero gas".

Coating
A form of sensor poisoning where a chemical reaction takes place which coats the surface of a sensor, to the
extent where it is unable to sense a gas. For instance exposure to a small concentration of a volatile silicon
compound can kill a catalytic sensor in less than five minutes. Special poison resistant CHC sensors are available
from Delphian.

Combustible Hydrocarbon (CHC) is any organic gas or vapor which when mixed with air or oxygen is capable
of the propagation of flame away from the source of ignition when ignited. See CHC Sensors.

Combustion is the rapid oxidation of a material evolving heat and generally light.

CommonSensor
This sensor allows the user to switch sensor elements and flame arrestors instead of the whole sensor. A sensor
is thereby replaced with a minimum of cost in time and money.

Constant Temperature Operation

Consumables are those materials or components which are depleted or require periodic replacement through
normal use of the instrument.

Control Unit/Module [Controller] is that portion of a multi-part gas detection instrument which is not directly
responsive to the gas but which responds to the electrical signal obtained from one or more detector heads to
produce an indication, alarm, or other output function. The control unit contains the operating controls such as
zero, span and alarm setpoint adjustments along with readouts, status indicators, recorder outputs and relay
contacts.

CSA  An approval agency based in Canada.

Canadian Standards Association

DC Controller.  Digital Controller

Detector Head is the gas-responsive portion of a gas detection instrument located in the area where sensing the
presence of gas is desired. Its location may be integral with or remote from any circuitry.

Diffusion is a process by which the atmosphere being monitored is transported to the gas-sensing element by
natural random molecular movement. This movement is accelerated by thermal energy.

Electrical Noise
Electrical noise has been creating problems ever since the first antennas were installed and lightning storms
interfered. Almost every form of electrical or electronic device has had to live with the problem at one time or
another. Today, we recognize that almost any device which operates on the principle of moving an electron from
one point to another can be a receiver of electrical noise. Since the problem first became obvious to early radio
engineers, the term ‘radio frequency interference’ (RFI) was most often applied. As engineers spread the use of
electronics beyond its beginnings in radio communication, it was found that electrical interference didn’t confine
itself to the radio spectrum. The newer term electromagnetic interference (EMI) acknowledges the fact that
electrical interference encompasses the entire electromagnetic spectrum from the lowest magnetic frequencies
through the highest microwave frequencies.  Delphian's RFI Filter

Electrochemical Sensors

Etching
Volatilization - a form of sensor poisoning which removes the sensor catalyst. Special poison resistant CHC
sensors are available from Delphian.

Explosion is an uncontrolled chemical reaction which generates a large amount of heat and gas in a short period
of time.
Fail Safe. Any system that cannot fail in any mode without providing a directly observable indication of failure.
Consider an electrical relay with a set of contacts that are open when it is un-powered. If a power source and a
light bulb are connected in series with the contacts, the lamp will glow when the relay is energized. If the goal of
this system is to insure that the relay has power, then this system is said to be fail safe. If the lamp, relay
contacts, lamp power source relay coil, or the relay coil power supply fail, then the lamp extinguishes itself
providing a directly observable foolproof indication of failure.

Fault Tolerance Ability of a functional unit to continue to perform a required function in the presence of faults or
errors (IEC 61508-4, 3.6.3)

Fault Tree Used in safety engineering to quantitatively determine the probability of a safety hazard.

FIT Failure in Time (1x10-9 failures per hour)

Fixed Installation. The terminology commonly used to indicate that a gas monitor is permanently installed, such
as in the control panel of a control room. Occasionally gas monitors are mounted in vehicles, such as fire trucks
or tankers. These are also generally referred to as fixed installation monitors.

Flame Arrestor
Its purpose is to prevent flame propagation from the heated sensor side of the sensor. It reduces the differential
cooling effect of wind on the sensing element and protects the sensor from flooding by a high velocity of gas. It
also protects the sensing element from damage during handling. It should be checked for proper attachment and
fit, and for signs of corrosion, dirt or moisture. An area must be declassified (free from Combustible Gas) before a
flame arrestor can be removed from a catalytic system. See CommonSensor.

Flameproof or ExplosionProof
Flame paths through housing flanges or flame arrestors are dimensioned such that the hot, gaseous products of
internal explosion, which may leak out of the enclosure, will be sufficiently cooled to prevent igniting the specific
flammable surroundings. The enclosures are strong enough to withstand the internal explosions without
damaging these controlled flame paths. Surfaces that may contact the flammable atmospheres have maximum
temperatures below the ignition point of the specific gas or vapor to be encountered.

Flammable (Explosive) Limits. For gases or vapors which form flammable mixtures with air or oxygen, there is a
minimum concentration of vapor in air or oxygen below which propagation of flame does not occur on contact with
a source of ignition. There is also a maximum proportion of vapor or gas in air above which propagation of flame
does not occur. These boundary-line mixtures of vapor or gas with air, which if ignited will just propagate flame,
are known as the "lower and upper flammable limits" (LFL and UFL) or the "lower and upper explosive limits"
(LEL and UEL), and are usually expressed in terms of percentage by volume of gas or vapor in air. LEL and LFL
are different terms for the same concept and can be used interchangeably. In popular terms, a mixture below the
lower flammable limit is too "lean" to burn or explode and a mixture above the upper flammable limit too "rich" to
burn or explode.

Flammable (Explosive) Range. The range of flammable vapor or gas-air mixture between the upper and lower
flammable limits is known as the "flammable range", also often referred to as the "explosive range". For example,
the lower limit of flammability of acrylonitrite at ordinary ambient temperatures is approximately 3 percent vapor in
air by volume, while the upper limit of flammability is about 17 percent. All concentrations by volume of
acrylonitrite vapor in air falling between 3 percent and 17 percent are in the flammable or explosive range.

Flashpoint is the minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off a sufficient vapor to reach 100% LEL (sufficient
vapor to form an ignitable mixture with the air near the surface of the liquid).

Flexirack. Delphian's flexible custom-tailored rack mounting system built for the exact number of gas detection
controllers required.

Flooding
Sensor flooding occurs when a gas concentration at the sensor exceeds its stoichiometric mixture. The signal
from the sensor reverts to zero because the mixture in the air is too gas-rich to burn.

FMECA Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analysis

FMRC
Factory Mutual Research Corporation

FuelGuard
Gas monitor for Alternate Fueled Vehicles.

Gas is a phase of matter which expands indefinitely to fill a containment vessel. Characterized by a low density.

Gas Detection Instrument is an assembly of electrical, mechanical and chemical components (either a single
integrated unit or a system comprised of two or more physically separate but interconnected component parts)
which senses and responds to the presence of gas in air mixtures.

Gas Sensing Element (Sensor) is the particular subassembly or element in the gas detection instrument which,
in the presence of a gas, produces a change in its electrical, chemical, or physical characteristics.

HFT Hardware Fault Tolerance

Hydrogen Sulfide is interchangeable for: hydrogen sulfide, H2S, dihydrogen sulfide, and hydrogen sulfide gas.

IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health) represents the maximum concentration level of a substance
from which one could escape within 30 minutes without escape-impairing symptoms or any irreversible effects
(For instance 300 ppm for Hydrogen Sulfide).

Ignitable Mixture A mixture within the flammable range (between the lower and upper flammable/explosive
limits) that, when ignited, is capable of the propagation of flame away from the source of ignition.

Ignition Temperature is the minimum temperature necessary to initiate combustion (oxidation) and have self-
sustained combustion of the solid, liquid, gas, or vapor of interest.

Infrared Detectors

Interference
An interferent is any gas other than the target gas that will cause a gas detecting sensor to give a signal. In the
case of a combustible sensor, any combustible gas or vapor will cause a signal.

Intrinsic Safety Electrical apparatus and its associated wiring in the hazardous location is intrinsically safe when
it is designed to operate with insufficient electrical or thermal energy, under either normal or abnormal conditions,
to ignite the specific hazardous atmospheric mixture.

ISA  Instrument Society of America

LDM  Low Demand Mode, where the frequency of demands for operation made on a safety related system is no
greater than twice the proof test frequency.

LDM  Leak Detection Module

Liquid is a phase of matter which is free to conform to a shape of a vessel but has a fixed volume and has a
greater density than a gas.

Locating Sensors

LOPA Layer of Protection Analysis (safety)

Lower Explosive Limit (LEL)

Lower Flammable Limit (LFL)
The lower explosive limit (LEL) or lower flammable limit (LFL) of a combustible gas is defined as the smallest
amount of the gas that will support a self-propagating flame when mixed with air (or oxygen) and ignited. In gas-
detection systems, the amount of gas present is specified in terms of % LEL: 0% LEL being a combustible gas-
free atmosphere and 100% LEL being an atmosphere in which the gas is at its lower flammable limit. The
relationship between % LEL and % by volume differs from gas to gas. For data on other gases, refer to the most
recent edition of the Handbook of Chemistry and Physicspublished by the C.R.C. Press. Typical settings for the
alarm circuit are 20% for the low alarm, 40% for the high alarm and 60% for the high-high alarm.
The LEL of a gas is affected by the temperature and pressure: as the temperature increases, the LEL decreases
and hence the explosion hazard increases; the relationship between LEL and pressure is fairly complex, but at
approximately one atmosphere a pressure increase usually lowers the LEL. The LEL of a gas is not significantly
affected by the humidity fluctuations normally encountered in the operation of a gas-detecting system.
Flammable Limits of Various Gases & Vapors

Markov Analysis Analyses the reliability and availability of systems whose components exhibit strong
dependencies.

Mobile refers to a continuous-monitoring instrument mounted on a vehicle such as, but no limited to, a mining
machine or industrial truck.

Monitor is an instrument used for continuous measurement of a condition which must be kept within prescribed
limits.
Monitors are not the same as analyzers. An analyzer is capable of determining the quality, quantity and/or type of
specific substance or substances in a mixture. A monitor continuously measures a condition which must be kept
within prescribed limits.

MTBF Mean Time Between Failures is sometimes used instead of The Failure Rate, when the failure rate is
constant.

NEC
National Electrical Code

NEMA
National Electrical Manufacturers Association.  Technical standards for electrical equipment.  [NEMA Enclosures]

Nonsparking Nonsparking circuits are those which contain no contacts or in which contacts are isolated from the
surrounding atmosphere such as by hermetic sealing.

Nominal Voltage is the voltage given by the manufacturer as the recommended operating voltage of their gas
detection equipment. If a range (versus a specific voltage) is given, the nominal voltage shall be considered as
the midpoint of the range, unless otherwise specified.

Nonincendive
Nonincendive circuits are those which may spark under normal operating conditions, but which may not release
enough energy to cause ignition. Circuits may contain enough energy for potential ignition should both the
equipment fail and the process fail (two concurrent failures).

Oxidation-Reduction
In its most basic form Oxidation is a chemical reaction with oxygen. Example: the oxidation of Methane (formula).
In this example, molecular Oxygen is the oxidizing agent and the substance reacting with oxygen (methane) is
called the reducing agent. Confusingly the reducing agent (Methane) can also be called an oxidizable gas.
Compounds containing oxygen can yield oxygen in a reaction and are also called oxidizing agents. Oxidation is a
reciprocal process in which one agent is reduced and one oxidized. A more complete way of describing oxidation
is through the transfer of electrons. The substance oxidized loses electrons. The substance reduced gains
electrons. Under suitable conditions, the oxidation-reduction reaction produces a flow of current. 
See electrochemical sensor

Paper Tape Detectors

PFDAVG Average Probability of Failure on Demand (safety measurement)

PFH Probability of Dangerous Failure per Hour (safety measurement)

Point Monitor. All popular gas monitors are point monitors. This means that their sensors are only capable of
indicating the concentration of a substance at a single point in three dimensional space. Selection of the proper
point in three dimensional space at which to place a sensor or sample probe is the most important element in the
art of gas monitoring.  (Sensor Location)
Poisons
Sensors can be quickly destroyed (or poisoned) by certain materials. Even low concentrations of poisoning
substances can cause serious problems. The two most common phenomena are coating and etching. [Available
from Delphian: Special Poison Resistant CHC Sensors and Poison Protection Caps]

Portable refers to a self-contained, battery-operated or transportable gas monitor worn or carried by the person
using it. A gas detector that can be carried.

Ported Sensor provides a 1/4" NPT connection on the side of a sensor body or sensor adaptor for delivery of
calibration gas.  Typically used when sensor is located in a hard-to-reach or hazardous location.

PPM 
Parts Per Million

Range is the series of outputs corresponding to values of concentrations of the gas of interest over which
accuracy is ensured by calibration.

Remote Calibration
Conventional gas detectors require two people with walkie talkies, one at the controller to adjust zero and span
and one at the sensor to apply calibration gas. With Delphian's one-person calibration, zero and span
adjustments are made at the sensor by the same person applying calibration gas. Also see Calibration

SAM
Sequential Acknowledgment Module provides a relay contact transfer whenever any one gas detection alarm
occurs in a zone, but each alarm can be sequentially acknowledged.

Sample Draw refers to a method to cause deliberate flow of the atmosphere being monitored to a gas-sensing
element.

Satellite
Delphian's SAGE CE Computerized Gas Monitoring System utilizes Sensor and Relay Satellites. These support
eight sensor-transmitter/relay inputs converting signals to transmit over an inexpensive twisted-pair network to the
central computer.

Semiconductor Sensors

Sensing Element
A sensing element is unique to each gas to be monitored. The element is constructed to plug into a circuit board
in the sensor housing. Sensor elements can, with the use of a special tool, be replaced in the field.
See CommonSensor.

Sensor
A gas detecting sensor converts the presence of a gas or vapor into an electrically measurable signal. The sensor
is the heart of a gas monitor. The system is as good as the sensor. See Sensor Technology.

SFF Safe Failure Fraction summarizes the fraction of failures which lead to a safe state and the fraction of failures
which will be detected by diagnostic measures and lead to a defined safety action. (safety measurement)

SIF Safety Instrumented Function

SIL Safety Integrity Level. SIL is a measure of safety system performance. It is one means of reducing risk. It can
be expressed either as a failure rate or as the amount of risk reduction. The higher the SIL, the lower the PFD
(Probability of a failure on demand) for the system. A product’s SIL rating means it is suitable for use within a
system with a specified SIL rating.

SIS Safety Instrumented System - Implementation of one or more Safety Instrumented Functions. A SIS is
composed of any combination of sensor(s), logic solver(s) and final element(s).

SLAM
Special Local Alarm Module for use with the SafeCAL and infrared detectors.  See SLAM
Solid is a phase of matter characterized by a definite volume and definite shape. A solid resists external forces to
change shape.

Span is the algebraic difference between the upper and lower values of a range.

Stationary refers to a gas detection instrument intended for permanent installation in a fixed location.

Stoichiometric. The exact percentage of two or more substances which will react completely with each other
leaving no unreacted residue. For example, a 7% mixture of methane by volume in air will react completely with
the oxygen present leaving only CO2and H2O as residue. If the methane concentration here is less than 7%, there
would be oxygen left over. If the methane concentration were greater than 7%, there would be methane left over.

Test Gas is a known concentration of the gas to be detected diluted with clean air.

Threshold Limit Value Time-Weighted Average (TLV-TWA) is the time-weighted average concentration of a

substance for a normal 8-hour work day and a 40-hour work week, to which nearly all workers may be repeatedly
exposed, day after day. (OSHA)

Toxic Gas or Vapor. Any substance which causes illness or death when inhaled or absorbed by the body in
relatively small quantities. H2S is a highly toxic gas.

Transfer Factors
For each CHC there is a specific minimum concentration above which an ignition source will cause an explosion
or flame front propagation. This is called the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) of each gas. The LEL is different for
every gas. Through the use of conversion tables (transfer factors) it is possible to calibrate with one CHC gas and
use the system to measure the % LEL of another CHC.
It is always best to calibrate a gas monitor with the gas it will be monitoring.   Each combustible gas has its own
unique characteristics, as well as different LEL values.  Transfer factors, even when experimentally determined,
are only approximations and will vary from sensor to sensor.  In addition, as sensors age, their response to gas
changes.  The transfer factor for new sensors may not be the same for older sensors.  As of our latest FMRC
Approval, we are the only manufacturer of gas monitoring systems who has permission to use transfer factors for
other known gases while calibrating using methane gas.  An approved transfer factor list is available from
Delphian (ask for part number 361-987-01)

Transmitter
A transmitter in a gas detection system amplifies the signal from the sensor and converts it into a more
convenient form for transmission. Some monitors collect sensor signals without the use of transmitters.

Trouble Signal is a signal (contact, transfer, and/or visible or audible signal) advising an instrument user of
conditions such as input power failure, an open circuit breaker, a blown fuse, loss of continuity to the detector
head, defective gas-sensing element, or significant downscale indication

VAM
Voting Alarm Module provides a relay contact transfer when a specified minimum number of individual alarms
occur in a zone.

Vapor is the gaseous state of a material below its boiling point.

Vapor Density relates the molecular weight of a gas to the molecular weight of air.
MW (GAS)
MW (AIR)
Vapor density is the weight of a volume of pure vapor or gas (with no air present) compared to an equal volume of
dry air, at the same temperature and pressure. This information assists in determining the location of a sensor. A
vapor density figure of less than 1 indicates that the vapor is lighter than air and will tend to rise in a relatively
calm atmosphere. A figure greater than 1 indicates that the vapor is heavier than air and may travel at low levels
for a considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back (if the vapor is in the flammable range). Note
that some gases such as ethane have a vapor density of 1 and may be present at low levels or may rise
significantly, dependent upon ambient conditions.

ZAM
Zone Alarm Modules are logic cards which provide special function contact outputs based upon the alarm status
of one or more monitoring points in a gas detection zone. A zone is a user-designated group of points.
See CAM, VAM and SAM.

Zero Gas
Zero gas is clean air, and is an excellent way of insuring that a small release of gas is not near the sensor while
zeroing the sensor signal during calibration.

industry abbreviations

A Amperes
A/C Air Conditioning
ABS Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene
amp Amperes
AsH3 Arsine
ASHRAE American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
avg Average
BACnet® Building Automation and Control Networking
BMS Building Management System
BTL BACnet® Testing Laboratories
BTU British Thermal Unit
C Celsius
C2 H4 Ethylene
CAT Catalytic
CH2O Formaldehyde
CH4 Methane
CE Communaute Europeenne
CEF Calibration Extending Firmware
CET Critical Environment Technologies (Canada Incorporated)
CETCI Critical Environment Technologies Canada Incorporated
cfm Cubic Feet Per Minute
Cl2 Chlorine
ClO2 Chlorine Dioxide
cm Centimeters
CO Carbon Monoxide
CO2 Carbon Dioxide
COCl2 Phosgene
CSA Canadian Standards Associaation
DC Direct Current
DDC Direct Digital Controller
EC Electrochemical
EEPROM Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory
EMC Electromagnetic Compatibility
EN European Norm
ETO Ethylene Oxide
EU European Union
F Fahrenheit
F2 Fluorine
g Grams
GB Gigabyte
H2 Hydrogen
H2 S Hydrogen Sulphide
HCHO Formaldehyde
HCN Hydrogen Cyanide
HE High Efficiency
HEPA High Efficiency Particulate Air
HF Hydrogen Fluoride
HPU Heat Pump Unit
HVAC Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
Hz Hertz
IAQ Indoor Air Quality
IP Internet Protocol or Ingress Protection
IR Infrared
kg Kilograms
lbs Pounds
LCD Liquid Crystal Display
LED Light Emitting Diode
LEL Lower Explosive Limit
LGA Landfill Gas Analyzer
LPM Liters Per Minute
m Meters
mA Milliamperes
max Maximum
MB Megabyte
ME Medium Efficiency
MERV Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value
min Minimum
mm Millimeters
MS / TP Master-Slave / Token-Passing
N2 H4 Hydrazine
N2 O Nitrious Oxide
NDIR Non-Dispersive Infrared
NEC National Electric Code
NEMA National Electrical Manufacturers Association
NFPA National Fire Protection Agency
NH3 Ammonia
NiMH Nickel-Metal Hydride
NIOSH National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
NO2 Nitrogen Dioxide
NOx Nitrogen Oxides
NTC Negative Temperature Coefficient
O2 Oxygen
O3 Ozone
PH3 Phosphine
PID PhotoIonization Detector
PPM / ppm Parts Per Million
psi Pounds Per Square Inch
PVC Polyvinyl Chloride
QA Quality Assurance
REL Recommended Exposure Limit
RH Relative Humidity
SiH4 Silane
SPDT Single Pole, Double Throw
SO2 Sulfur Dioxide
SS Solid State
SSM Smart Sensor Module
STEL Short Term Exposure Limit
TLV Threshold Limit Value
TVOC Total Volative Organic Compound
TWA Time Weighted Average
UL Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
USB Universal Serial Bus
V Volts
VA Volt-Ampere
VAC Volts Alternating Current
VDC Volts Direct Current
VOC Volatile Organic Compound
W Watts
WWC Wired Wireless Controller
ZEB Zero Energy Building