Mississauga, ON (April 19, 2011) – Dräger has developed an advanced breakthrough for area monitoring with the launch of the new X-zone 5000 system. Bridging the gap between portable and stationary gas monitoring devices, this state-of-the-art system uses wireless technology to create a reliable and flexible safety network to monitor for toxic gases.
Representing a new category in gas monitoring, the patented system was developed for use at a wide range of industrial sites. Dräger X-zone 5000 monitors are used in conjunction with the Dräger X-am 5000 personal gas detection device to create a wireless fence line alarm. The X-zone 5000 is a transportable unit that can be used individually or as part of a network that can connect up to 25 units in a continuous wireless network to monitor large areas such as pipelines, storage tanks and other industrial sites where a gas leak could occur. The flexible system can also be used individually to monitor one area or in conjunction with personal gas monitors.
The combination of mobile wireless systems and portable devices is patented by Dräger. The Dräger X-am 5000 portable gas detection device is plugged into the field units, communicating with them automatically. Each unit continuously monitors for up to six explosive, flammable or toxic gases, and warns if one of them is present in the ambient air. The X-zone system is also ideally suited for work in confined spaces, such as sewers and water treatment plants, instead of equipping every employee with a personal unit.
“The X-zone system was developed to meet the increased security needs of our customers,” said Ralf Drews, president and CEO of Draeger Safety, Inc. and inventor of the Dräger X-zone 5000. “On a visit to a water treatment plant, workers told us that it was difficult to instruct and train every employee in the correct use of the personal monitors. And yet, they needed a way to measure gases and communicate to the surface in locations where a potential gas hazard exists.”
Creating a Wireless Fence Line
The use of wireless technology solved the problem by providing a new way to communicate between units. Interlinking multiple units, the X-zone 5000 can form a fence line alarm chain and exchange information over a distance of up to 100 meters. Its potential-free alarm contact can immediately initiate security measures such as switching on a ventilating system, closing a gate or evacuating an area or an entire plant.
Easily transportable, the X-zone unit is the size and shape of a small shop vac. It takes in gases from all sides and warns both acoustically and optically. In case of danger, the detecting device sends its signal to the connection network, causing all devices to sound the alarm. The source of danger is easily identified: the triggering device glows red, the other devices are red and green.
To monitor the air in confined space applications, the X-zone 5000 unit has an optional pump to pull in sampling air from the container and sound an alarm if thresholds are exceeded. Alternatively, an X-zone unit inside the container can send an alarm to warn an attendant stationed outside.
Durable and Easy to Maintain
The sturdy, battery-operated unit provides continuous operation for up to 120 hours, a whole work week. The monitor is tested before first-time use with the bump test station or with the Dräger E-Cal station. No daily bump test is required. Once the X-zone unit is set up in an area, no calibration or adjustments are required.
Unlike personal gas detection instruments that are carried by personnel, the stationary X-zone unit can remain in the area when an alarm is triggered. Therefore, they are approved for ex zone 0 for continuous operation in explosive atmospheres. The waterproof units can operate in temperature ranges from -4 degrees F to +122 degrees F. (-20 degrees C to +50 degrees C.)
The X-zone 5000 has been used successfully worldwide since May 2010 to increase safety, lower costs, and improved productivity for its users. It was approved for Zone 0 use under CSA and UL guidelines in March 2011.
The X-zone 5000 is manufactured by Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA.
Dräger. Technology for Life® Dräger is a leading international company in the fields of medical and safety technology. Dräger products protect, support and save lives. Founded in 1889, in 2010 Dräger generated revenues of around EUR 2.18 billion. The Dräger Group is currently present in more than 190 countries and has about 11,000 employees worldwide. Please visit www.draeger.com for more information.
