The BW Technologies GAXT-X-DL-2 GasAlert oxygen (O₂) single-gas detector is a handheld, single-gas detector that uses an electrochemical cell sensor to measure oxygen continuously, and that has audio, visual, and vibration alarms, which alert simultaneously when oxygen reaches either of two preset levels. The detector has an alphanumeric LCD screen that can be adjusted by the user to show the gas type monitored, the two alarm set-points, the alarm type, the maximum and minimum gas level recorded within the previous 24-hour period, the time elapsed since reaching that maximum or minimum level, and the battery life remaining. It is operated and adjusted with a single push button. This detector is used to indicate potentially harmful high or low levels of oxygen gas naturally occurring in the environment; in a variety of occupational settings such as petroleum refineries, tanneries, sewage treatment facilities, and paper mills; and in other personal safety, educational, and ambient monitoring applications.

This detector is set to alert to when gas levels reach either of two limits: a low-alarm level, when oxygen reaches 19.5% by volume, and a high-alarm level, when oxygen reaches 22.5% by volume. Alarm set-points are user-adjustable. In low-alarm conditions, the audible alarm beeps, the visual alarm flashes, and the unit vibrates slowly. In high-alarm conditions, the audible alarm beeps, the visual alarm flashes, and the unit vibrates quickly. The three bright, wide-angle visual alarm bars and the built-in vibration alarm help alert the user to potentially dangerous levels of oxygen in high-noise conditions. The detector logs and retains data of the 10 most recent gas exposure events, which it can transmit via an infrared Datalink USB adapter to a personal computer (both sold separately).

To ensure performance, the detector tests its sensor integrity, circuitry, and audible and visual alarms upon activation. It tests its battery upon activation and continuously every 0.5 second. The detector also features an automatic shutdown mode for additional safety, which activates when the detector fails its self-test. This detector comes with a back-mounted alligator clip to allow the unit to be worn on a belt, waistband, or lapel, and a concussion-resistant boot to help protect it against damage. It is water resistant, and is compatible with the BW Technologies MicroDock II automatic test system (sold separately). It has a European Conformity (CE) and ATEX certification in accordance with Directive 89/336/EEC for safety of electrical and electronic devices, and it is classified by Underwriters Laboratory (UL) to U.S. and Canadian standards as an Intrinsically Safe Apparatus and Associated Apparatus for Use in Class I,II, and III, Division I, Group A, B, C, and D. It has an ingress protection (IP) rating of 66/67.

Specifications

*H is height, the vertical distance from the lowest to highest point; W is width, the horizontal distance from left to right; D is depth, the horizontal distance from front to back.

A gas detector is a safety device that detects and monitors various toxic, combustible, and flammable gasses in an area, and which can also register a decrease in ambient oxygen. Gas detectors can be portable or stationary, and are typically classified by their detection methods, which include catalytic, electro-chemical, point infrared, open-path infrared, semiconductor, thermal path conductor, and paper tape detection. Gas detectors are first calibrated to known gasses that serve as a reference points. Their sensors can then be used to measure ambient gas concentrations in comparison to the calibration gasses. When gas concentrations exceed a pre-set limit, an alarm or signal is triggered, alerting the user to potential danger. Pre-set limits often include a low-alarm level, indicating a gas concentration that poses a moderate danger; a high-alarm level, indicating a gas concentration that poses a large danger; a short-term exposure limit (STEL), the maximum gas concentration to which workers can be exposed continuously for a short period of time without serious risk of harm, and time-weighted average (TWA) limit, the maximum average exposure personnel can experience over the course of an eight-hour work shift without serious risk of harm. Most gas detectors also feature LCD screens that provide a variety of information including gasses detected and their concentrations, pre-set exposure limits, and battery level.

Gas detectors have a variety of industrial and governmental applications, such as in fire and rescue, mining, construction, petroleum refineries, tanneries, sewage treatment facilities, and paper mills. Portable gas detectors are typically used to monitor the air around personnel, are worn on clothing or on belts or harnesses, and are powered with rechargeable or disposable batteries. They generally require periodic calibration, testing, and battery recharging or replacement, although some fixed-life detectors are designed to perform for a number of years without calibration or battery replacement before being discarded. Stationary gas detectors are typically powered electrically and mounted near the process area of a plant or control room. They also require periodic service, testing, and calibration.

BW Technologies by Honeywell manufactures and distributes portable and fixed gas monitoring equipment for use in a wide range of industries. The company, founded in 1987, is based in Canada in Calgary, Alberta.