Articles - Otis Instruments

The Hazards of Wastewater Plants

Wastewater plants are full of confined spaces, like recirculation pits, clarifier tanks, and wet wells. These spaces alone can be hazardous to workers, with increasing danger considering the gases that could be potentially present in the air from processes at wastewater treatment facilities. Methane and hydrogen sulfide, as well as byproducts of decomposing organic materials…

Otis Link

Otis Link provides solutions that enable users to view and manage assets from nearly any location by utilizing custom web-based dashboards with real-time data maps, charts, and controls. Advanced technology and innovative strategy created a unique telemetry product, allowing the features listed to be possible for any operation: Mobile access to current gas levels, sensor…

Flame Detection to Maintain Industrial Safety

In the oil and gas industry, as well as in a wide range of other hazardous processes and manufacturing industries, flame detection equipment is essential in preventing catastrophic fires and ensuring industrial safety. To choose an appropriate flame detection system for an application, companies must consider their processes and site performance requirements, aiming to mitigate…

Otis Link’s OIA-SDPUMP

The Otis Instruments WireFree OIA-SDPUMP measures the gas concentration in the head-space of a tank before opening the thief hatch. The instrument draws in an air sample at a configurable period (for example every 15 minutes), allowing the sensor to report back the present gas concentration that may be present. A message is sent to…

Gas Detection in Welding Applications

Welding joins materials together by melting a metal workpiece along with a filler metal to form a strong joint. The process results in visible smoke containing harmful metal fumes and gas by-products. Welding is classified into two groups: fusion (heat alone) or pressure (heat and pressure) welding. There are three types of fusion welding: electric…

The Dangers of Hydrogen Cyanide

Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is a colorless gas with a bitter, almond-like odor. It can be fatal not only when swallowed, but even when it merely comes into contact with the skin. The chemical is a highly volatile and fast-acting lethal blood agent. Combustible, HCN has an explosive risk at 5.6% volume in its liquid state.…

Health and Safety Inspections for Gas Detection

There is no legal requirement for a HSE inspector to visit unannounced and review your company’s gas detection controls. The main priority of the HSE is to have health and safety to be a cornerstone of society. When a HSE inspector visits your business, they are ensuring various gas detection controls are in place and…

Detecting Isocyanates

Isocyanates are a class of highly reactive and powerful compounds that produce superior quality products. Used across the manufacturing industry, isocyanates are regarded as the key for high performance. But, isocyanates are not always helpful as they can be harmful when exposed to high concentrations. Professions that utilize isocyanates include spray painting or foam-blowing is…

Understanding Explosion-Proof Gas Detection Equipment

In combustible work sites, explosion-proof sensor assemblies are vital components to ensure the safety of personnel. Utilizing explosion-proof units can properly monitor atmospheric conditions, detecting volatile compounds and unsafe sections of a facility while reducing all-around exposure to dangerous environments. Within a sensor assembly, the explosion-proof feature allows operations at a work site to be…

How Often Should Methane Emissions Be Monitored?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the largest contributor to global warming, however, methane (CH4) emissions and its impact on the environment should not be overlooked. Although methane does not remain in the atmosphere as long as carbon dioxide, it’s much more potent in the short term. Studies indicate methane is 28 times more effective in retaining…