Importance of Bump Testing Gas Detectors
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Questions and Answers

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?

  • 2000
  • 1990
  • 1993 (correct)
  • 1997

    • 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?

    <p>0.3%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the expected failure rate if the bump test interval is increased to 20 days?

    <p>It doubles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the average frequency of gas detectors failing to respond and alarm properly to an actual gas alarm event?

    <p>One out of every 100 gas detectors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the most common cause of bump test and instrument failures?

    <p>Environmental factors and user handling</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common way that portable gas detectors are damaged?

    <p>Being dropped from high places</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of iNet?

    <p>To collect data from portable gas detectors used in the field</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many gas detectors are used in over 1,100 end-user locations, according to the iNet database?

    <p>27,000</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of a bump test in a portable gas detector?

    <p>To verify the functionality of sensor(s) and alarms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended frequency of bump testing a portable gas detector?

    <p>Prior to each day's use</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many datalogged readings were used to support the importance of bump testing?

    <p>1 billion+</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between a bump test and a calibration?

    <p>A bump test verifies functionality, while a calibration sets the sensor's accuracy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it not necessary to use a precise concentration of gas during a bump test?

    <p>Because the concentration of gas is not critical to the test</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many customer sites were involved in the data collection for the analysis?

    <p>1,100+</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary benefit of bump testing, as supported by the data analysis?

    <p>It saves lives by ensuring gas detectors are functioning correctly</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used to describe the process of briefly exposing the gas detector to a known concentration of gas?

    <p>Bump test</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason for the failure of a gas detector to respond to a dangerous concentration of gas?

    <p>Improper calibration of the instrument</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended frequency for performing a bump test on gas detectors?

    <p>Daily</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the consequence of not performing a daily bump test on gas detectors?

    <p>Increased risk of instrument failure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the average rate of failure of untested instruments on a given day?

    <p>1 in every 2,500</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a bump test?

    <p>To detect instrument failures before they occur</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the benefit of using calibration stations and docking systems for bump testing?

    <p>They save time and eliminate operator error</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the consequence of ignoring the need for daily bump testing?

    <p>Catastrophic damage to the control center may occur</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary benefit of using Gas Detection as a Service?

    <p>Automated equipment replacements and full visibility into gas detection programs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of portable gas detectors?

    <p>To protect workers from hazardous gas concentrations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason for using hosted software for gas detection programs?

    <p>To provide safety managers with tools to address problems before they happen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    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.

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    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.

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