Laboratory Gas Interlock System Installation
IGS Electrical completed the installation of three gas interlock systems serving laboratory areas where natural gas is used to supply Bunsen burners.
Laboratory gas installations require careful consideration because Bunsen burners typically do not incorporate individual flame failure devices. If a burner is left open without a flame, gas can continue to discharge into the room. The interlock systems therefore needed to provide a controlled method of enabling the laboratory gas supply while monitoring the conditions required for safe operation.
Gas Safety and Environmental Monitoring
Each laboratory was provided with a dedicated gas interlock arrangement incorporating carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) monitoring.
The monitoring equipment continuously checks the laboratory environment and interfaces with the gas safety system. Should monitored conditions move outside the configured parameters, the system can prevent or interrupt the gas supply.
Local displays also provide laboratory staff with a clear visual indication of the monitored conditions and system status.
Pressure Proving for Bunsen Burner Supplies
An important part of the installation was gas pressure proving.
Because the Bunsen burners do not have individual flame failure protection, simply opening an automatic gas valve would not provide adequate confirmation that all downstream outlets were closed.
The installed system uses a gas valve and pressure transducer to prove the integrity of the downstream gas installation before allowing normal operation.
This provides an additional layer of protection against gas being released through an open Bunsen burner tap when the system is enabled.
Three Independent Gas Interlock Systems
Three separate systems were installed across the laboratory site, allowing each area to operate independently.
The installation included the electrical supplies, control wiring and connections required between the gas safety panels, environmental monitoring equipment, pressure proving equipment and associated gas shut-off controls.
Emergency gas shut-off points were also provided at appropriate locations, giving users a clearly identifiable means of shutting down the gas supply when required.
Installation Around an Operational Laboratory
Working within laboratory environments requires electrical work to be planned around existing equipment, services and the day-to-day operation of the facility.
The new equipment was positioned to remain accessible to users while keeping the installation neat and straightforward to operate. Existing services unrelated to the gas interlock installation were retained and were not part of our works.
Following installation, the electrical works and control interfaces were tested to confirm correct operation of the completed systems.
Commercial Gas Interlock Systems
IGS Electrical undertakes electrical and control work associated with gas interlock and gas safety systems for laboratories, commercial kitchens, schools, educational facilities and other commercial premises.
Our experience with electrical controls, ventilation systems and gas safety interfaces allows us to deal with the complete electrical side of an interlock installation rather than treating the individual components in isolation.
We provide commercial electrical services throughout Birmingham and the West Midlands, including the installation, alteration, testing and maintenance of electrical control and safety systems.
