Description

Oxygen (O2) is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that makes up approximately 20.9% of the Earth’s atmosphere by volume. It is absolutely essential for human life, as our bodies require a constant supply of oxygen for cellular respiration, the process that generates energy.

Normal Oxygen Levels and Effects of Deficiency:

• Normal Air: Approximately 20.9% oxygen.
• Comfortable Range: Typically, oxygen levels are considered safe and comfortable between 19.5% and 23.5%.
• Oxygen-Deficient Atmosphere (Hypoxia): Below 19.5% oxygen, the atmosphere is considered oxygen-deficient and hazardous.
  • 16-19.5%: Impaired judgment, coordination, and breathing. Increased pulse and breathing rates.
  • 14-16%: Faulty judgment, rapid fatigue, muscular incoordination.
  • 10-14%: Very poor judgment and coordination, severe fatigue, intermittent respiration.
  • 6-10%: Nausea, vomiting, collapse, convulsions, gasping respiration, rapid death.
  • < 6%: Convulsions, respiratory arrest, rapid death.

 

Oxygen depletion occurs when oxygen is consumed or displaced by other gases in an enclosed or poorly ventilated space. This is a critical concern in many industrial and occupational settings.

Locations where oxygen levels may drop to uncomfortable or dangerous levels:

• Confined Spaces:

  • Tanks, Vessels, Silos, Pits, Vaults, Sewers, Manholes: These spaces are often enclosed or partially enclosed, limiting natural ventilation.
  • Causes of Depletion:
    • Consumption: Rusting of metal surfaces, decomposition of organic matter, fermentation, welding, brazing, or other hot work.
    • Displacement: Introduction of inert gases (nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide) for purging, blanketing, or fire suppression.
    • Chemical Reactions: Some chemical processes can consume oxygen.

• Areas with Fermentation or Biological Decomposition:

  • Breweries, Wineries, Distilleries: Fermentation processes consume oxygen and produce carbon dioxide, which displaces oxygen.
  • Landfills: Decomposition of waste generates gases (like methane and carbon dioxide) that can displace oxygen in enclosed structures or low-lying areas.
  • Manure Pits and Lagoons (Agriculture): Decomposition of animal waste consumes oxygen and produces other gases.
  • Sewage Treatment Plants: Decomposition in sludge tanks and digesters.

• Areas with Inert Gas Usage:

  • Laboratories: Use of inert gases (nitrogen, argon) for experiments or specialized equipment, especially in walk-in cold rooms or glove boxes that are not adequately vented.
  • Cryogenic Facilities: Leaks from liquid nitrogen or other cryogenic gas storage and transfer systems can rapidly displace large volumes of oxygen as they vaporize.
  • Industrial Processes: Purging pipelines, tanks, or reactors with nitrogen to remove flammable substances before maintenance, or using inert gases for blanketing to prevent explosions.

• Areas with High Combustion Activity:

  • Furnace Rooms, Boiler Rooms, Engine Rooms: If ventilation is inadequate, combustion processes (which consume oxygen) can reduce ambient oxygen levels.
  • Fire Scenes (Post-Fire): After a fire, oxygen can be significantly depleted in affected areas.

• Refrigerated Storage Facilities (e.g., Cold Rooms):

  • While not consuming oxygen directly, if refrigerants like carbon dioxide are used and leak, they can displace oxygen.

• Areas with Rusting or Corrosion:

  • Large, enclosed metal structures (e.g., ships’ holds, storage tanks) that are rusting can consume significant amounts of oxygen over time.

 

Replacement Sensor, Part No. 17134461, Properties

Gas Detected (Abbreviation)	Sensor Type	Measurement		Accuracy	Response time (Seconds)		Calibration Gas & Concentration
		Range	Resolution	At Time & Temp of Calibration)	T50	T90
Oxygen O2	Electrochemical	0 to 30% Volume	0.1% Vol	±0.8% Vol (0-5% Vol) ±0.5% Vol (5.1-30% Vol)	15	30	O2 20.9% Volume