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Recently, International Gas Detectors (IGD) and Medical Pipelines Services Ltd. have completed a large-scale gas detection system project.
The Manchester Engineering Campus Development Project of the University of Manchester is the largest engineering campus in the UK, with more than three hundred (300+) IGD TOC-750 addressable gas detectors operating 24/7 to protect students and staff.
The turnkey project was completed by IGD’s Aftercare partner Medical Pipeline Services Ltd. The final installation includes more than three hundred TOC 750 safe zone detectors and ten TOCSIN 750 control panels connected to a centralized HMI panel, all of which are protected by IGD's 10-year warranty.
This case study will explore how the MECD facility, the institution where Medical Pipeline Services Ltd is located, and the 2-wire addressable gas detection system pioneered by the IGD industry can protect the students, faculty and staff of the University of Manchester.
The Manchester Engineering Campus, the largest engineering department in the UK, covers an area of 80,000 square meters and has a community of 8,000 students, researchers and scholars.
The MECD building configuration includes Project A and B, James Chadwick Building (Upper Brook Street), Oddfellows Hall and York Street Building.
MECD is a world-leading research and innovation center, close to two flagship centers of excellence-the National Graphene Institute and the Henry Royce Institute, the UK’s most advanced materials research and innovation National Institute (the two institutes All have installed IGD gas detection system).
UoM MECD teaching and laboratory. Image source: International Gas Detector Co., Ltd.
The University of Manchester ranks first in the "Influence Ranking", and this investment will ensure that Manchester maintains a leading position in the field of world-class research.
Various inert and toxic gases are used in various scenes throughout the MECD building and all other buildings. The entire campus is filled with gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and fluorine. Therefore, British legislation requires the installation of gas detection systems on site to continuously monitor these hazards.
In addition to legal requirements, the system must be able to flexibly add or easily change gas types so that it can change with the development of the site.
The initial plan of MECD was to provide connected gas detection systems in ten floors and three buildings as needed.
Due to the size requirements of the gas detection system, the project was sent to a number of gas detection companies for bidding.
Unlike IGD, most bidding companies have proposed outdated simulation technology or PLC-based systems. These types of systems introduce a series of performance problems.
PLC (or programmable logic controller)-based systems are based on a long-term approach in the process control environment. They can provide reasonable connectivity, but they also require custom programming. In terms of gas detection, this is their downfall.
Gas detection systems are life safety systems, so, like fire and smoke detection systems, strict third-party approvals are required to accept recognized standards.
A custom programmable PLC system manufactured with standard components may not undergo the necessary inspections and cannot provide the level of safety required to meet safety standards.
This type of system usually uses analog detectors in the field. Companies that provide approved systems but use analog detectors also have major drawbacks.
The analog systems used today are usually replaced by digital technology. The analog detector needs its own separate interface cable to return to the controller. This makes them expensive to install.
The sensor head output signal needs to be calibrated, as does the PLC or controller input. This can introduce errors when observing the readings on the controller and detector and significantly increase the cost of ownership.
Analog signals are also susceptible to EMC interference from other nearby facilities. Even in small environments such as laboratories, this can cause major problems, not to mention the problems that may be encountered in large multi-gas detection systems.
Functionality is also limited, requiring a lot of intervention to add or change detector types, further exacerbating the ongoing cost of ownership. Such systems usually rely on traditional alarm signals, which can be confusing in a complex engineering environment with numerous safety systems.
Analog (4-20mA) systems often do not provide flexibility in design. This means that they are difficult to adapt to changes, especially in places/laboratories where gas hazards often change. This means that the gas detector heads are completely replaced to match the gas hazards.
The solution IGD provides for MECD and several other customers is its addressable gas detection system. These systems are developed in IGD's professional facilities and have passed international third-party certification and rigorous testing. This gives customers peace of mind because they know that the required safety standards have been met or exceeded.
The provided IGD system is fully digitally addressable, so as to realize the efficient networking of the detector and the controller. IGD's Sentinel+ technology platform facilitates the use of multiple detectors on a single 2-core cable up to 1000M. The detector communicates and is powered by a 2-core cable, and there is no polarity requirement during installation.
This feature can limit connection errors and significantly reduce installation time. In addition, each detector is equipped with an isolated I/O port, which can be connected to a series of other devices without additional hardware, thereby reducing additional installation costs.
For MECD, this simplifies the process of interfacing with gas control valves, "broken glass" devices, lighting signs, etc.
Typical installation diagram of MECD. Image source: International Gas Detector Co., Ltd.
In addition, use IGD's room status indicator to protect access to the room. These provide clear and direct instructions in other complex environments. The room status indicator is installed on the same cable as the detector and provides power to it.
TOC-750 room status indicator installed in MECD. Image source: International Gas Detector Co., Ltd.
The controller can automatically "find" and install the connected devices, and each device will accurately feedback its content and status to the controller. Therefore, the controller will automatically install detectors and room status indicators.
This eliminates potential debugging errors when implementing new/modified systems and frees up engineers' time so they can focus on causal alarm settings.
The controller also supports WiFi, which safely facilitates offline programming and backup of each system. The client can connect from any WiFi-enabled device to download event logs and system reports without the need for an Internet connection.
Typical installation diagram created by IGD. Image source: International Gas Detector Co., Ltd.
This gives both customers and service engineers access to complete traceability: the system controllers (10 in total) are all connected back to a centralized HMI panel. The controller can have a separate GSM connection to achieve a complete IoT (Internet of Things) connection.
The MECD staff chose to command the digital interface of the HMI. This provides a complete overview of the entire system network with complete data logging and trending capabilities. In addition, the HMI can be connected to the on-site BMS system to promote effective alarm conditions.
IGD remote color touch screen HMI. Image source: International Gas Detector Co., Ltd.
The TOC-750 addressable gas detector provides pre-calibrated further accelerated installation, allowing quick replacement or replacement of the sensor. This minor detail is critical because the system can recognize when the gas detector is "hot-plugged", and then communicate and update the new sensor.
When the useful life of the detector/sensor is over, these hot-swappable sensors facilitate quick replacement. Another benefit of IGD's hot-swappable system is the ability to easily change the gas type. This is very suitable for laboratories with different requirements and gas hazards.
For example, switching from a CO sensor to a CO2 sensor on a traditional system will require specialized engineers and additional field work to modify the controller settings. However, on the IGD addressable gas detection system, only the sensor needs to be replaced and the controller will accept the change.
The IGD TOC-750 safe area addressable gas detector installed in the MECD. Image source: International Gas Detector Co., Ltd.
The TOC-750 series gas detector will automatically update to the new gas type, new range and updated alarm level. The detector remains in its configured alarm group, so the only requirement is to insert a new detector head. This provides complete flexibility in a constantly changing security environment.
Of course, another major advantage provided by digital technology is that the digital readings are the same whether you are on the detector, room status indicator, controller, HMI, BMS, or through the Internet. Eliminates errors related to the simulation system.
The University of Manchester also benefits from IGD’s leading long-life sensor technology, ensuring that its oxygen consumption, CO2, N2O, and CO detectors have a service life of more than five years. The industry standard for oxygen and CO lifetime is less than three years.
The university also benefits from IGD’s 10-year impeccable warranty on the electronic products it manufactures, ensuring that it benefits from the most advanced gas detection technology with low maintenance costs.
IGD's TOC-750S N2O detector is the only stable and commercially available N2O detector today.
TOC-750 series safe area gas detectors and beacon detectors are installed in the bottle shop. Image source: International Gas Detector Co., Ltd.
After MECD effectively installed more than 300 gas detectors, IGD provided free training for university employees to integrate gas detection systems into their on-site Safe Operating Procedures (SOP).
IGD successfully trained Medical Pipeline Services in its certified gas detection service engineer course. This provides many benefits for medical pipelines and universities.
First, medical pipeline services are now integrated into the new IGD Aftercare plan. They can prove to the university that their engineers are fully trained and capable of maintaining the IGD gas detection system installed on site.
Participate in IGD’s gas detection installation and maintenance training for medical pipeline services. Image source: International Gas Detector Co., Ltd.
Alex Tighe of Medical Pipeline Services commented on this item:
"The IGD 2-wire system with TOC 750 panels is a perfect fit for MECD projects, offering flexibility, potential for future expansion, and the connectivity needed for future-oriented installations."
Tighe further explained his thoughts on cooperating with IGD, IGD equipment, and becoming part of the IGD Aftercare+ brand: “From product manufacturing to technical support, IGD has always supported our project team. Becoming an IGD Aftercare partner is an easy choice.”
This is a great project. It started 2 years ago when IGD worked with medical plumbing services and universities to help design the system.
Adam Pilkington, IGD UK Sales Manager
As part of IGD's after-sales service and training program, Medical Pipeline Services can ensure that MECD's gas detection system is properly maintained and maintains a 10-year warranty.
“The project not only demonstrated the capabilities of IGD and medical pipeline services, but also provided design, installation, service and training. But it also proved that IGD’s breakthrough 2-wire addressable gas detection system is comparable to those currently available on the market. Bi has great flexibility. It also further demonstrates the customer’s demand for digital and IoT-enabled gas detectors, and this is what the TOC-750 system provides. I implemented and completed for the Medical Pipeline Services and IGD teams I am very proud of this project. For the gas detection industry, this is indeed a landmark and historic project," Pilkington said.
The MECD gas detection system is now one of many large UK gas detection projects completed by IGD using IGD's 2-wire addressable gas detection system. The MECD building now contains more than 300 digitally addressable TOC-750 gas detectors, as well as improved long-life sensors.
The university is equipped with an advanced, IoT-enabled, addressable gas detection system, which is future-oriented thanks to IGD’s excellent 10-year warranty and long-life sensors. IGD is pleased to partner with Medical Pipeline Services to merge the company as part of the well-known IGD Aftercare brand.
This project demonstrates that the industry is moving towards true addressable technology and gas detection systems that support the Internet of Things, with IGD being the main innovator and manufacturer.
For more than a century, IGD has been proud to manufacture gas detection equipment and has the ability to help users meet their gas detection requirements. From portable to fixed display and project design, from installation to continuous traceability service, for the IGD team, there is no project too big or too small.
Contact the IGD team immediately to benefit from the advantages of true addressable gas detection technology.
Image source: International Gas Detector Co., Ltd.
Medical Pipelines Services is a medical and industrial pipeline company headquartered in the United Kingdom. The company was founded in 1987 and is located in Stockport, Manchester. It provides a range of medical, laboratory and process gas services for many industries.
Since the establishment of the company, Medical Pipeline Services has been involved in the fields of industrial gas, specialty gas, gas detection and maintenance. The company's clients include some of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, NHS trusts, private hospitals and universities.
Medical Pipelines Services is now an approved member of IGD's aftermath plan. This means that the company and its employees can use IGD's comprehensive training facilities. As part of this program, IGD provides Medical Pipelines with comprehensive certification to promote, supply and support a series of industry-leading addressable gas detection systems.
This partnership allows Medical Pipeline Services to provide its customers with complete turnkey projects, from pipeline installation with gas detection to continuous traceable calibration. Their engineers constantly visit IGD training facilities to build and update skills so that the medical pipeline service team can further improve their services.
IGD is pleased to include medical pipeline services as part of IGD's aftercare plan.
We are pleased to officially include medical pipeline services as part of our new IGD Aftercare brand and plan. We have cooperated with Medical Pipeline Services for many years, involving multiple laboratory projects. Working with the Medical Pipeline Services team has achieved great success, and we look forward to them becoming part of our authorized gas detection service engineer program IGD Aftercare. "
Colin Peake, Sales Director, IGD
IGD has more than a century of dedicated gas detection system design and manufacturing value. With a team all over the UK and one of the largest global distributor networks, IGD can provide you with comprehensive project support.
Visit the product page to learn more about the TOC-750 control panel and learn about the TOC-750 safe area detector.
Contact the IGD team immediately to explore the potential of addressable gas detection technology and get comprehensive support from system design to installation and ongoing maintenance.
This information is derived from materials provided by International Gas Detectors Ltd. and has been reviewed and adapted.
For more information on this source, please visit International Gas Detectors Ltd.
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