Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the importance of exposing gas sensors to gas?
What is the importance of exposing gas sensors to gas?
- To know if the sensor is functional and will respond to dangerous gas in the atmosphere (correct)
- To reduce the frequency of calibration
- To ensure the sensor responds accurately in clean air
- To prolong the lifespan of the sensor
When did confined space legislation come into effect in the United States?
When did confined space legislation come into effect in the United States?
- 2000
- 1990
- 1993 (correct)
- 1997
What is the purpose of the bump test?
What is the purpose of the bump test?
- To calibrate the instrument prior to use
- To ensure the instrument is tested prior to use while reducing calibration requirements (correct)
- To identify faulty sensors
- To detect gas leaks
What is the failure rate of bump tests in instruments tested daily?
What is the failure rate of bump tests in instruments tested daily?
What happens to the expected failure rate if the bump test interval is increased to 20 days?
What happens to the expected failure rate if the bump test interval is increased to 20 days?
What is the average frequency of gas detectors failing to respond and alarm properly to an actual gas alarm event?
What is the average frequency of gas detectors failing to respond and alarm properly to an actual gas alarm event?
What is the most common cause of bump test and instrument failures?
What is the most common cause of bump test and instrument failures?
What is a common way that portable gas detectors are damaged?
What is a common way that portable gas detectors are damaged?
What is the purpose of iNet?
What is the purpose of iNet?
How many gas detectors are used in over 1,100 end-user locations, according to the iNet database?
How many gas detectors are used in over 1,100 end-user locations, according to the iNet database?
What is the primary purpose of a bump test in a portable gas detector?
What is the primary purpose of a bump test in a portable gas detector?
What is the recommended frequency of bump testing a portable gas detector?
What is the recommended frequency of bump testing a portable gas detector?
How many datalogged readings were used to support the importance of bump testing?
How many datalogged readings were used to support the importance of bump testing?
What is the main difference between a bump test and a calibration?
What is the main difference between a bump test and a calibration?
Why is it not necessary to use a precise concentration of gas during a bump test?
Why is it not necessary to use a precise concentration of gas during a bump test?
How many customer sites were involved in the data collection for the analysis?
How many customer sites were involved in the data collection for the analysis?
What is the primary benefit of bump testing, as supported by the data analysis?
What is the primary benefit of bump testing, as supported by the data analysis?
What is the term used to describe the process of briefly exposing the gas detector to a known concentration of gas?
What is the term used to describe the process of briefly exposing the gas detector to a known concentration of gas?
What is the primary reason for the failure of a gas detector to respond to a dangerous concentration of gas?
What is the primary reason for the failure of a gas detector to respond to a dangerous concentration of gas?
What is the recommended frequency for performing a bump test on gas detectors?
What is the recommended frequency for performing a bump test on gas detectors?
What is the consequence of not performing a daily bump test on gas detectors?
What is the consequence of not performing a daily bump test on gas detectors?
What is the average rate of failure of untested instruments on a given day?
What is the average rate of failure of untested instruments on a given day?
What is the purpose of a bump test?
What is the purpose of a bump test?
What is the benefit of using calibration stations and docking systems for bump testing?
What is the benefit of using calibration stations and docking systems for bump testing?
What is the consequence of ignoring the need for daily bump testing?
What is the consequence of ignoring the need for daily bump testing?
What is the primary benefit of using Gas Detection as a Service?
What is the primary benefit of using Gas Detection as a Service?
What is the primary role of portable gas detectors?
What is the primary role of portable gas detectors?
What is the primary reason for using hosted software for gas detection programs?
What is the primary reason for using hosted software for gas detection programs?
Study Notes
Bump Testing of Gas Detectors
- A "bump" test of a portable gas detector is performed to verify the functionality of sensors and alarms.
- The test is performed by briefly exposing the instrument to a known concentration of the target gas(es) and verifying that the instrument responds accordingly.
Importance of Bump Testing
- Bump testing is necessary to ensure that gas detectors are functioning properly and can respond to dangerous gas concentrations.
- Without bump testing, 1 in every 2,500 untested instruments will fail to respond to a dangerous concentration of gas.
- Daily bump testing can detect failures before they occur, preventing accidents and saving lives.
Data Analysis
- Analysis of 1 billion+ datalogged readings, 4.7 million+ bump test records, 2.5 million+ alarm events, and 1.1 million+ calibration records from 27,000+ gas detectors and 1,100+ customer sites reveals:
- The incidence of bump test failure in instruments tested on a daily basis is approximately 0.3%.
- Increasing the bump test interval to 20 days doubles the expected failure rate.
Why Bump Test Failures Occur
- Failure is often caused by the environment and manner in which the instruments are used, rather than the quality of the product.
- Portable gas detectors are used in harsh applications, exposed to extreme temperatures, humidity, dust, water, and mud, which can damage sensors and electronics.
- Delicate sensors and electronics can be damaged by shock, and sensor membranes and openings can be blocked by debris.
Tools to Automate Bump Tests
- Calibration stations and docking systems can automate bump tests, saving time and reducing operator error.
- Industrial Scientific's iNet provides automated functions, automatic equipment replacements, and full visibility into gas detection programs, allowing safety managers to address problems before they happen.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Understanding the significance of bump testing gas detectors prior to each day's use, debunking the myth of 'maintenance-free' gas detectors, and why it's a crucial safety practice.
