Mechanical Equipment Rooms

Be safe, do more and save with the complete gas detection solution for your building’s mechanical system – by Honeywell Analytics The Complete Gas Detection System for Chiller Rooms

301EM-20 Controller

The 301EM-20 is a controller for up to 20 sensors for refrigerant, toxic and combustible gases suiting a variety of gas detection system solutions for mechanical rooms.

301IRFS Infrared refrigerant gas detector

The 301IRFS is an infrared refrigerant gas sensor used with the 301EM-20 in the complete mechanical room solution.

301EMRP-20 Chiller Room Monitoring Controller remote panel Eliminate the guesswork and hassle of knowing whether all your bases are covered. One complete The 301EMRP-20 Remote Panel system from Honeywell Analytics keeps you in offers four relay outputs and visual compliance with ASHRAE 15 and CSA-B52, keeps indication of the gas concentration you environmentally responsible by detecting the latest outside or inside the mechanical refrigerant gases, and maximizes protection from room and can connect to ten leaks. Our continuous, real-time monitoring system is 301EMRP-20 Remote Panels. the quickest, most reliable way to detect and respond to leaks. Unlike sample draw systems which take periodic samples of the air over time, our diffusion technology alerts you of a leak at the absolute earliest by continuously monitoring the air quality in real time. With no pumps, filters or tubes, installation and maintenance costs are also reduced.

2 Chiller Room Monitoring System

Figure 1 – Typical mechanical equipment room monitoring system

Relay 1 Activates fan

R-123 Chiller 1

301IRFS - sensor wiring

- relay wiring Mechanical Ventilation

Relay 2 Initiates visual alarm

R-123 Chiller 2

301IRFS Alert Beacon

Relay 3 Initiates audible alarm

301EM-20 R-123 Chiller 3

301IRFS Alert Horn

Boiler 1

Relay 4 – Deactivates machinery

S301D2

3 Mechanical Room Codes and Standards

This step-by-step guideline helps designers select an optimal monitoring system in order to provide a safe mechanical equipment room.

• The detector shall shut down any applies when both boilers and Mechanical Room combustion process in or near the chillers are in the same mechanical Codes and mechanical room in the event of a equipment room. Standards refrigerant leak. • A self-contained breathing apparatus Step 5: Gas detection central Step 1: Determine the reason why (SCBA) is required. A second SCBA panel and relay module you want to monitor gas in your is recommended as a back-up. (See • Must be easily accessible and mechanical room. step 13 for details.) visible. • Area monitoring: Applying stationary • Normally close to the main sensor(s) where permanent Sequence of entrance door of the mechanical monitoring is required in mechanical equipment room. equipment rooms. Operation • Should be installed inside the • Leak pinpointing: This requires mechanical equipment room. Step 3: Actuation of mechanical portable hand-held equipment ventilation to check for an individual leak(s) Step 6: Self-test diagnostic and The mechanical ventilation should be in refrigeration equipment (this malfunction warning document is not intended for leak designed to meet the requirements pinpointing applications). of ASHRAE Standard 15-2007. Two • Not all monitors offer such features. distinct ventilation rates are defined • Gas monitors satisfy the • Ensures refrigerant leak protection for the mechanical equipment room requirements for equipment at all times. (MER). The first is normal ventilation at room emissions included in EPA a rate of 0.5 cfm per square foot (or regulations. Step 7: Output signals more, if excessive heat is produced in the room), and is required whenever • Alarm relay output: generally two Step 2: Be aware of the the MER is occupied; the second are required (low- and high-level requirements of ASHRAE standard is the purge ventilation rate, and is alarms). 15-2007 and applicable local based on the mass of refrigerant in • Failure relay output: only one building codes: the refrigeration system. required (indicates monitor failure). • Each machinery room shall contain a • Analog output: one per type of detector located where a refrigerant Step 4: Combustion process refrigerant monitored (normally leak would concentrate. shutdown in the mechanical interlocked with BAS). • The detector shall trigger an audible equipment room and visual alarm both inside and As per ASHRAE Standard 15-2007: outside the mechanical room and A refrigerant detector is employed actuate mechanical ventilation. to automatically shut down the (See Table 1 for recommended combustion process in the event alarm levels.) of refrigerant leakage. This only 4 Mechanical Room Codes and Standards

3) Recognize that occupants of chiller room in case of cylinder Sensors the mechanical equipment room leakage. are most likely to be exposed Step 8: Locating sensors 6) Remember, as per ASHRAE to refrigerants through direct Standard 15-2007: locate the The following considerations should inhalation. sensor where refrigerant is likely to be kept in mind when determining The quantity of sensors is generally concentrate. the location of the actual refrigerant governed by the following rules: sensor: After an optimal location is 1) Consider a 20 ft. (6.1 m) radius determined based upon the above 1) Determine the air flow pattern per sensor – the sensor must be recommendations, consider in the mechanical equipment located within 20 ft. (6.1 m) of the accessibility and maintenance issues. room to: chiller. (See Figure 3.) Sometimes a minor change in location a) see where a refrigerant leak 2) There should be at least as many of a sensor will enhance access with may accumulate if areas of the sensors in a given mechanical no detriment to functionality. chiller room air flow become room as there are different types stagnant, creating pockets of refrigerants. Step 9: Height of sensors where refrigerant vapors can concentrate. 3) As refrigerants are heavier than CFC-, HCFC- and HFC-based air, monitor the presence of refrigerants are all heavier than air. It b) locate the sensor in the refrigerant in locations like pits, is recommended to locate the sensor air stream produced by the stairwells and trenches. module 18 inches above the floor. mechanical ventilation in the room. (See Figure 2.) 4) If possible, monitor the vent line of the chiller. 2) Remember that occupant safety is the primary motive for installing 5) Remember to monitor the cylinder the sensor(s). storage area if inside or near the

Table 1 – Refrigerant data and suggested alarm levels

Prefix:“R” or… No. Chemical Name Chemical Formula 1st Alarm Level Low 2nd Alarm Level High

7 1 CFC 11 Trichlorofluoromethane CCl3F 250 ppm 500 ppm

7 2 CFC 12 Dichlorodifluoromethane CCl2F2 250 ppm 500 ppm

7 3 HCFC 22 Chlorodifluoromethane CHClF2 250 ppm 500 ppm

4 5 HCFC 123 2,2-dichloro1,1,1-trifluoroethane CHCl2CF3 50 ppm 150 ppm

7 6 HFC 134A 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane CF3CH2F 250 ppm 500 ppm

1 - 50% of TWA, 8 Hr, PEL (OSHA) – Ceiling, TLV (ACGIH) 5 - Upon recommendation of DuPont 2 - 50% of TWA, 8 and 12 Hr, AEL (DuPont), WEEL (AIHA) 6 - 50% of TWA, 8 Hr and 12 Hr, AEL (DuPont), WEEL (AIHA) 3 - 50% of TWA, 8 Hr, TLV (ACGIH) 7 - Early detection level 4 - TWA, 8 Hr and 12 Hr, AEL (DuPont), WEEL (AIHA) A broad range of other refrigerants can be detected. Alarm levels can be modified upon customer requirements.

Abbreviations: ACGIH: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration AEL: Acceptable Exposure Limit TLV: Threshold Limit Value AIHA : American Industrial Hygiene Association

5 Mechanical Room Codes and Standards

Figure 2 – Gas detection equipment location and airflow

- sensor wiring - relay wiring Power transformer

301EM-20

301EMRP-20

301IRFS 301IRFS

approved self-contained breathing • They should be located close to Accessories apparatus, suitable for the refrigerant every warning device. used, shall be located outside of, Step 10: Self-contained breathing • Warning signs should also be but close to, the machinery room. apparatus (SCBA) installed at each door entrance of A second, backup, self-contained the mechanical room. • SCBAs should be NIOSH-approved breathing apparatus shall also be and contain the following: provided. 1) 30-minute aluminum cylinder • SCBAs must be installed in (filled with breathing air), adjustable dedicated wall mountable cases. harness and backpack (See Figure 4.) 2) Face mask, whistle and pressure gauge with luminous face Step 11: Warning signs 3) Medium pressure hose, first stage • Signs should be 12 to 16 in. pressure regulator and positive (30 to 40 cm) square. pressure second stage regulator • Black engraved letters on white • Avoid using NFPA-compliant SCBAs bond. as they are made for firefighting • They must designate and identify the • As per ASHRAE Standard 15-2007: meaning of all system status from When a mechanical room is required visual and audible alarm devices. per the rules of 7.4, at least one (See Figure 5.) 6 Mechanical Room Codes and Standards

Figure 3 – Sensor location general guidelines

301EM-20

301EMRP-20

Closeout Procedures

Step 12: Demonstration and training Utilize a factory-authorized service representative to train owner’s maintenance personnel to adjust, operate, diagnose, calibrate and maintain the refrigerant monitoring system.

Step 13: Calibration • Calibration intervals must comply with manufacturer’s recommendations. • Calibration kits should be provided on the delivery date of the gas detection system. • Owner may consider using factory- authorized service representative to maintain and calibrate the gas monitoring system periodically.

7 Mechanical Room Codes and Standards

Figure 4 – Accessory layouts

301EMRP-20 – Remote panel

Self-contained breathing apparatus

Warning sign

OUTSIDE equipment room entrance

301EM-20 – Controller

Self-contained breathing apparatus

Warning sign

INSIDE equipment room entrance

Figure 5 – Warning signs

INSIDE Mechanical Room OUTSIDE Mechanical Room

DANGER! DANGER! REFRIGERANT R123 REFRIGERANT R123 Leave room IMMEDIATELY when When alarm sounds, DO NOT alarm sounds. ENTER ROOM without self- contained breathing apparatus.

SIGN 1 to be installed close to SIGN 2 to be installed at each the main entrance door inside entrance door outside of the the mechanical equipment room mechanical equipment room

8 The Complete Gas Detection System for Boiler Rooms

301C Controller

The 301C controller continuously monitors and controls toxic gases, combustible gases and oxygen hazards. Designed for installation and operational simplicity, the 301C reduces the cost of installation and ownership.

E3Point Toxic, combustible & oxygen The toxic and combustible gases gas detector & transmitter in boiler rooms are potentially E3Point is capable of dangerous and can undermine detecting the widest range of toxic and combustible gases safety if leaks occur. Eliminate found in commercial building spaces and outbuildings. the guesswork with Honeywell Analytics’ complete mechanical room solution.

A building’s mechanical room is the hub of its heating, Sensepoint® XCD ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. This can Toxic, combustible & oxygen gas include central utility plants, boiler and chiller rooms, detector & transmitter mechanical and electrical rooms and fuel rooms. The equipment within these rooms have the potential to leak The Sensepoint XCD transmitter harmful combustible or toxic gases, including costly and provides comprehensive monitoring environmentally harmful refrigerant gases. of combustible, toxic and oxygen gas hazards in potentially explosive Boiler Room Monitoring atmospheres — and is marked by Monitor your mechanical room’s boiler equipment installation ease and user-friendly to ensure an adequate supply of combustion air operation. and to help reduce the build-up of a flammable gas concentration. Working as a stand-alone system or networkable to your existing equipment, compliance couldn’t be more reliable.

9 Boiler Room Standard Installation

equipment). However, it is considered Step 5: Location of control Boilers Standard good practice to use certified gas equipment Installation sensors to remove the possibility Most gas detection control panels are of the sensor being the source of not certified for use in hazardous areas Step 1: Ventilation ignition. This permits the operation and should be mounted away from of the gas sensors when all other The prime objective for boiler room the gas installation, ideally outside the potential ignition sources have been ventilation is to ensure an adequate boiler room to ensure gas readings switched off at the second or higher supply of combustion air. It can can be checked prior to entry. alarm level. also help reduce the build-up of Control panels are available in a a flammable gas concentration; Honeywell Analytics produces number of mechanical configurations however, this cannot be guaranteed, gas sensors certified to the for ease of application, these include: which is why gas detection systems latest Class I, Div. 1 or applicable • Din rail mounting for inclusion within are so widely used. regulations. other plant control panels • Wall mounting Step 2: Detection system Step 4: Location of gas sensors • Rack mounting A gas detection system consists of Natural gas is lighter than air; a number of strategically located therefore, gas sensors should be An alternative power supply in the sensors hard wired to a control panel. located over potential leak areas. event of power failure is also good Upon the detection of gas, alarm These include: practice and battery back-up systems relay contacts within the control panel • The gas burner assembly are also available. are used to activate audible and visual • The gas train assembly alarms. Should the gas concentration reach a higher level, a second set • The pressure boosters (if fitted) References: of contacts are used to remove the • The gas shutoff valve EN50073:1999 Guide for selection, power to an electrically operated installation, use and maintenance • The combustion air intake solenoid valve fitted to the gas of apparatus for the detection and supply line. (See Figure 6.) • The gas meter measurement of combustible gases Another option is to use gas sensors On a small gas boiler installation a or oxygen. that provide an output suitable number of these points may be close BS EN61779-1:2000 electrical for direct interface to a Building together requiring a single point of apparatus for the detection and Management System (BMS). The BMS detection. On installations using large measurement of flammable gases – then cuts the gas supply and switches shell type boilers (as in hospitals, Part 1: General requirements and off any potential ignition sources. factories or large blocks of flats), test methods. it may be necessary to install one EN60079 Series, Electrical Apparatus detector over each of these areas. Step 3: Gas sensors for use in explosive atmospheres. Consideration must be paid to Catalytic Bead Sensors are less mechanical ventilation and its likely prone to false alarms than Solid effect upon the path of leaking gas State or Semi-Conductor sensors, when locating a gas sensor. which are affected by changes in ambient temperature and humidity. For installations using Liquefied The best catalytic bead detectors are Petroleum Gas (LPG), which is heavier ‘poison resistant’ which offer a longer than air, gas sensors would need to operational life, typically 3-5 years be mounted near to the floor or in or more. pipe and cable ducts. Gas fired boiler rooms are usually designated as a ‘safe area’ (i.e., not requiring hazardous area certified

10 Boiler Equipment Room Monitoring System

Figure 6 – Typical boiler equipment room monitoring system

XCD (Class I, Div 1)

Boiler 1 Building Solenoid Automation Valve System

301C E3Point

11 Honeywell Analytics Lines of Business

Commercial Industrial Portables Gas detection from standalone units to Renowned Sieger and Manning gas Single or multi-gas Lumidor and other fully engineered, multi-point systems, detection systems with advanced premium detectors with compact, all offering cost-effective regulatory electrochemical, infrared and open path lightweight designs ranging from compliance sensing technologies simple alarm only units to advanced, » Applications: parking structures, » Applications: oil and gas, cold fully configurable and serviceable chillers, mechanical rooms, office storage, water/wastewater treatment, instruments towers, commercial buildings, chemicals, engine rooms, plastics » Applications: underground utility shopping centers, swimming and fibers, agriculture, printing and and electricity ducts, boiler rooms, pools, golf courses, schools and light industrial post-fire sites, sewers, industrial universities, laboratories plants, industrial hygiene, first responder teams, remote fleets

High Tech/Government Technical Services A complete portfolio of gas and chemical 24/7 global network includes detection instrumentation including post-sales service and Systems infrared spectroscopy (MST) with no cross Integration teams Find out more interference, to Chemcassette paper- » Emergency call out, service www.honeywellanalytics.com based solutions (MDA Scientific) offering contracts, on/off-site repair, training detection down to parts per billion and commissioning Contact Honeywell Analytics: » Applications: semiconductor » Complete range of spares, Honeywell Analytics, Inc. manufacturing and nanotechnology, consumables and accessories 4005 Matte Blvd., Unit G aerospace propulsion and safety, Brossard, QC, Canada specialty chemicals industry, research J4Y 2P4 laboratories, emergency response Tel: 450.619.2450 Toll-free: 800.563.2967 Fax: 888.967.9938 [email protected]

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Please Note: While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy in this publication, no responsibility can be accepted for errors or omissions. Data may change, as well as legislation, and you are strongly advised to obtain copies of the most recently issued regulations, standards, and guidelines. This publication is not intended to form the basis of a contract.