

Crowcon has launched its Xgard range of gas detectors, which it claims cuts running costs and simplifies the maintenance of fixed detection and alarm systems.
Covering flammable, toxic and oxygen hazards, the range features a universal junction box and replacement sensors which simply plug in. Because many parts are common to all Xgard models, the need to hold a large supply of spares is removed, the company said in a statement.
A two-year sensor is now available for oxygen monitoring, halving the replacement costs of a traditional one-year unit. For flammable gas monitoring at high temperatures, a detector with an operating range of up to 150 degrees C is offered.
Explaining the working of the sensors, it said four technologies were involved. Poison-resistant pellistors detect flammable gases; electrochemical sensors cover toxic gases and oxygen; thermal conductivity sensors monitor high-volume concentrations of certain gases mixed with air or other gases, and unique sulphistors detect hydrogen sulphide at high temperatures and high background gas levels, which would cause conventional electrochemical sensors to fail.
“The Xgard combines proven circuitry from Crowcon’s Txgard and Flamgard models, which it replaces, with improved PCB accessibility to allow easy calibration,” the company explained.
The standard junction box has lugs for both wall and ceiling mounting, removing the need for additional brackets, while a choice of four cable gland sizes allows installation on any site. The detector takes a range of accessories for harsh or wet conditions, as well as a collector cone for lighter-than-air gases.
Constructed from durable A356 marine-grade aluminium with a tough polyester coating, X-gard is designed to operate in extremely demanding conditions. It is offered with Atex approval in both flameproof and intrinsically safe configurations, and is also available with no certification for use in non-hazardous environments.