Biosystems Application Notes
Sensor Technology, Calibration Gas, Hazard Monitoring

Click on a link below to view PDF.  Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.   
Click Here for Adobe.com

Frequency for Verifying Sensor Accuracy

This applications note discusses the various methods of verifying sensor accuracy including "bump testing", fresh air calibration and span calibration in order to aid the user in setting up proper calibration frequencies and procedures

Equivalent Calibration Gas

This applications note includes a broad discussion of LEL sensor response to various combustible gases and includes a section on LEL sensor poisoning

CO and H2S: the Leading Toxic Hazards in Confined Space Entry

An overview of the mechanisms that lead to the development and toxic characteristics of these commonly encountered confined space hazards

Sample-Draw Cautions, Warnings & Limitations

Explains how sample draw kits can fail, and the tests which must be used to verify proper performance before every use of any gas detector sample draw kit

Monitoring for Reactive Gases

This application note provides end-users, and detector support personnel, with all of the information required to specify complete gas detection systems for monitoring reactive gases for worker safety and health applications

Monitoring Combustible Levels of Solvent & Fuel Vapors

This Applications Note is designed to provide information on the best way to set up and operate gas detectors used primarily to monitor combustible solvent and fuel vapors in the lower explosive limit (%LEL) range, and associated volumetric scales 0-1.00%

How Oxygen, Electrochemical Toxic, & Metal Oxide Semiconductor Sensors Work

Provides an overview of the detection mechanisms, capabilities, and limitations of these commonly used types of sensors

CO Plus Sensor Performance

Explains the principle of detection, capabilities and limitations of the CO Plus dual-purpose electrochemical sensor for the detection of CO and H2S

When to Use Fixed Rather Than Portable Gas Detectors

Explains the advantages and limitations of fixed vs. portable gas detectors, and provides selection criteria.

Atmospheric Hazards Commonly Encountered in Industry

An overview of the types of atmospheric hazards commonly associated with various industrial, municipal, and manufacturing activities.

Using a Chlorine Sensor to Monitor for the Presence of Chlorine Dioxide

Explains how some chlorine sensors may be used for the detection of chlorine dioxide

Atmospheric Hazards Associated with Ice Skating Rinks

Explains why carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide are associated with ice skating rink activities, and the regulations which may require monitoring for these hazards.

Using Biosystems' Instruments to Monitor for the Presence of JP-8

Discusses the special considerations and limitations when using percent LEL combustible gas sensors for the measurement of JP-8 aviation fuel.

Using the Travelpanel 50R to Make Sure Your Airline Respirator Air is Safe to Use

Provides a discussion of the capabilities, limitations and proper use of portable air purification and regulation panels, which are used to provide airline respirator users with Grade-D breathing air.

Shipping Products & Kits Which Include Calibration Gas

Explains how to ship products and kits which include calibration gas.

Fixed Monitoring System Electronics, Environments & Terminology

A beginner's guide to terminology, relays, outputs, and characteristics of 4-20 mA fixed gas detection systems.

Optimizing Cold Weather Performance

This application note provides a comprehensive overview of the effects of cold weather on the functionality of a gas detector. Subsections include general operating principles, temperature compensation and sensor accuracy in extremely cold temperatures.

Disposing of Biosystems Calibration Gas Cylinders

This application note provides instructions for the proper disposal of empty calibration gas cylinders.

Proper use of Fixed Flow Regulators

This application note provides instructions on how to avoid contamination of calibration gas cylinders through regulator fittings.

Selection of Cl2 and ClO2 Sensors

Biosystems currently offers four different sensors for the detection of chlorine and chlorine dioxide. This applications note provides an overview of the differences between the four sensors in order to assist in purchasing decisions.

Dilution Monitoring

Biosystems Cannonball3 is available with dual sampling pumps for sampling inert and nearly inert environments. This applications note includes a broad discussion of inert sampling practices and the theory behind the dual pump design.

Toxic Gas Measurement: Ceiling, STEL & TWA

A broad discussion of toxic gas hazards in confined spaces including both short and long-term risks. Includes an overview of Ceiling, STEL and TWA calculations.

Where to Set Your Confined Space Gas Detector Alarms

Oxygen, combustible gas and toxic gas alarm settings are discussed in the context of OSHA requirements. Biosystems default alarm settings are also covered.

Negative Gas Readings

This applications note begins with a basic discussion of how electrochemical toxic and catalytic hot-bead LEL sensors work, and then moves on to give possible explanations for negative gas readings. It concludes with guidelines on what to do when negative gas readings occur.

Sensor Life Expectancy

This Applications Note discusses sensor life expectancy of LEL, O2 and toxic gas sensors.

Introduction to PID

The fundamentals of PID technology from physical sensor makeup to correction factors.

PID Sensor Maintenance

PID sensor anatomy, cleaning instructions for the lamp and component replacement instructions.