Laboratories using Bunsen burners require a reliable method of controlling the gas supply and monitoring conditions within the room. IGS Electrical installs laboratory gas interlock systems for schools, colleges, universities, research facilities and commercial laboratories throughout Birmingham and the West Midlands.
Our systems can combine gas pressure proving, carbon dioxide monitoring, carbon monoxide monitoring, emergency shut-off controls and automatic gas isolation to provide a practical and dependable safety solution for laboratory gas supplies.
Gas Interlock Systems for Bunsen Burners
Bunsen burners are commonly connected to a shared laboratory gas supply and typically do not incorporate individual flame failure devices. This means additional safeguards are required to help prevent gas being released if an outlet is inadvertently left open.
A laboratory gas interlock system provides controlled enabling of the gas supply rather than relying solely on a manual isolation valve. Depending on the requirements of the installation, the system can monitor the condition of the downstream gas pipework before allowing the main gas valve to open.
This provides laboratory staff with straightforward day-to-day operation while important gas safety functions are automatically supervised by the control system.
Gas Pressure Proving
Gas pressure proving is particularly important where multiple Bunsen burner outlets are connected to a common gas supply.
A pressure transducer can be used to monitor the downstream gas pressure as part of the start-up sequence. The gas interlock controller uses this information to verify the condition of the downstream installation before allowing normal operation.
If the required conditions are not achieved, the gas supply remains isolated and the control system provides an indication that attention is required.
Pressure proving therefore provides an additional safeguard for laboratory installations where individual Bunsen burners do not incorporate their own flame failure protection.
CO2 Monitoring in Laboratories
Carbon dioxide levels can rise when multiple Bunsen burners are operating, particularly in heavily occupied laboratories or where ventilation is insufficient for the activities taking place.
We install CO2 monitoring as part of laboratory gas interlock systems, providing laboratory users with a clear indication of carbon dioxide concentration while allowing the monitoring equipment to interface with the gas safety controls.
Where configured limits are reached, the system can provide an alarm and initiate the appropriate gas safety response.
Carbon Monoxide Monitoring
Carbon monoxide monitoring can also be incorporated to detect potentially dangerous concentrations of CO within the laboratory environment.
CO sensors continuously monitor conditions within the room and can interface directly with the gas interlock controls. If an unsafe condition is detected, the system can provide a warning and isolate the laboratory gas supply.
CO and CO2 monitoring can be combined within the same laboratory gas safety installation to provide continuous environmental monitoring alongside the gas interlock controls.
Automatic Gas Isolation
The laboratory gas supply can be controlled using an electrically operated gas safety valve connected to the interlock system.
The gas supply is only enabled when the required operating conditions have been satisfied. If the system detects a fault, unsafe environmental condition or emergency shut-off signal, the gas valve can automatically close to isolate the supply.
This provides a controlled approach to laboratory gas safety while keeping normal operation straightforward for teachers, technicians and other authorised users.
Emergency Gas Shut-Off
Clearly identifiable emergency gas shut-off buttons can be installed at suitable locations within or adjacent to the laboratory.
These provide a simple means of immediately isolating the gas supply in an emergency without requiring access to the main gas valve or control equipment.
Emergency shut-off controls are integrated directly with the laboratory gas interlock system to provide rapid and reliable gas isolation when required.
Laboratory Gas Interlock Installation and Upgrades
IGS Electrical can install new laboratory gas interlock systems as well as alter or upgrade existing installations where laboratory layouts, gas supplies, controls or monitoring requirements have changed.
Our laboratory gas interlock services can include:
- Laboratory gas interlock control panels
- Gas pressure proving systems
- Pressure transducer installation
- CO2 monitoring
- Carbon monoxide monitoring
- Automatic gas safety valves
- Emergency gas shut-off controls
- Electrical supplies and control wiring
- System alterations and upgrades
- Fault finding and diagnostics
- Testing and commissioning
Gas Interlock Systems for Schools and Laboratories
We provide laboratory gas interlock systems for a wide range of educational, research and commercial environments, including school science laboratories, colleges, universities, research facilities and specialist laboratories.
Every installation is considered individually to ensure the electrical controls, monitoring equipment, gas safety interfaces and operational requirements work together as a complete system.
Experienced Electrical Control Specialists
With over 22 years of electrical industry experience, IGS Electrical combines commercial electrical expertise with practical knowledge of control systems, safety interlocks, monitoring equipment and building services.
We can support projects from initial assessment and electrical design through to installation, control wiring, testing and commissioning, providing a single point of contact for the electrical and control elements of the installation.
Based in Birmingham, we provide laboratory gas interlock system installation and electrical control services throughout Birmingham and the wider West Midlands.
