Room oxygen monitor detects oxygen deficiency in refrigerators and freezers down to -50°C.
CO2Meter's RAD-0002-ZR is a fixed, wall-mount low oxygen safety monitor and alarm using a sensor capable of measuring potentially dangerous oxygen levels in freezers and other cold storage applications.
It is designed to be used in cryogenic facilities, laboratories, food industry freezers, and similar low temperature environments with the ability to monitor oxygen levels down to -50°C (-58°F) in enclosed areas without calibration or maintenance for up to 10 years.
“With the recent trends in cold storage facilities moving away from ammonia and to CO2 as a refrigerant we wanted to ensure we were prepared for these facilities safety needs,” said Travis Lenander, CEO at CO2Meter.
“Our goal was to develop a safety monitor that would exceed even the most rigorous of temperature requirements. The RAD-0002-ZR provides customers with the ability to ensure workplace safety in enclosed spaces by monitoring enclosed areas oxygen concentrations per OSHA requirements even in extremely low temperatures,” he added.
What is Cold Storage Monitoring?
Cold storage monitoring helps laboratory and food production workers track the temperature of materials so that they go through fewer freeze and thaw cycles and maintain maximum consistency and performance. According to the European Medicines Agency (EMA), reagent stability is important for maintaining method performance over time.
Cold storage monitoring also involves the use of specialized systems and devices in order to track and manage temperature and other environmental conditions within cold storage facilities. These facilities are crucial for preserving and storing perishable goods such as foods, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and other temperature sensitive items. While maintaining the temperature and humidity levels is essential, so to is ensuring the safety of those working in these environments.
Oxygen Depletion Deficiency Alarm for Cold Storage Applications
While monitoring oxygen at low temperatures is a new feature, it is not the only change from our previous oxygen safety alarm. The new zirconium oxide sensor provides even greater longevity under normal operating conditions. The new sensor has a 10+ year lifespan.
Like any of our gas safety alarms, the RAD-0002-ZR includes both audible and visual alarm indicators in both the sensor unit and the remote display unit. This ensures staff will be instantly notified before they enter an oxygen deficient area. In the event of a potential hazard, both an audible and visual alarm will be triggered. In addition, 3 relays can trigger a fire control panel if required and a 4-20mA analog output can be wired into the facilities BMS or security system.
The RAD-0002-ZR has an easy-to-read LCD screen which displays the current oxygen levels at-a-glance. This gives employees peace of mind with the monitor’s presence and ease of readability.
Having designed the RAD-0002-ZR around customer feedback, this low oxygen monitoring system will not only ensure that employees are protected, but includes 3-user configurable alarms designed to meet OSHA confined space regulations. The first alarm and relay are the most critical and are pre-set to OSHA's evacuation standard of 19.5%.
For reference, "Confined space" means a space that:
- Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; and
- Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example, tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits are spaces that may have limited means of entry.); and
- Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.
Oxygen Depletion Monitor Benefits
The zirconium oxide sensor offers additional benefits as well. Customers now can use a single system when working with storage cylinders of nitrogen, argon, or helium. The sensor is an accurate, long-life solution that ensures no false alarms and no cross-sensitivity to low temperatures.
A bonus is the devices easy to use design. Simply mount it on the wall, plug it in and it starts working in seconds. CO2Meter calibrates the device prior to shipping too.
With continuous monitoring, extensive alarm settings, user configurability, field assurance, and more the RAD-0002-ZR is well suited for applications which before were not easily available in a single, easy to install and use device.
How the Cold Storage Oxygen Depletion Monitor was Designed
“Having a combined 30 years’ experience in this field has allowed our R&D team to identify an opportunity to create a product that provides a solution for almost every low temperature or cryogenic application,” said Robert Miller, CO2Meter, VP of Engineering.
"At CO2Meter we know that oxygen deprivation is a “silent killer”. By providing top-quality, low oxygen technologies such as the RAD-0002 ZR, we recognize that we can contribute to this market while protecting numerous lives," he added.
"Customer feedback was incredibly prominent in the design of this new and advanced low oxygen monitoring system", said Miller.
"Working with our customers’ overall needs and requirements has further strengthened our leadership within the cryogenic space. Whether the application is cryotherapy, cryo storage, pharmaceutical, food preservation, fabrication, welding, food packaging, we continue to be a highly credible manufacturer providing best-in-class devices, incomparable support, and true customer responsiveness."
“Our continued success is a direct result of our partnerships and customer relationships. With the increase use of inert gas applications, we will continue to expand our solutions for partners and customers across the globe,” he added.
Why is an Oxygen Depletion Alarm Useful?
Having an oxygen depletion alarm in a freezer or cold storage application is important for several reasons:
-
Safety of personnel: Oxygen depletion can occur in confined spaces, such as freezers or cold storage areas, due to factors like leaks or malfunctioning equipment. If the oxygen level drops below a safe threshold, it can lead to asphyxiation and pose a serious risk to anyone entering the area. An oxygen depletion alarm serves as an early warning system, alerting personnel to the presence of low oxygen levels and allowing them to take necessary precautions or evacuate the area promptly.
-
Protecting valuable inventory: Freezers and cold storage areas often contain perishable goods, such as food products or pharmaceuticals, that require specific temperature and oxygen conditions for preservation. If the oxygen level drops too low, it can negatively impact the quality and shelf life of these items. By installing an oxygen depletion alarm, any potential oxygen depletion issues can be detected early, allowing for corrective measures to be taken to safeguard the integrity and quality of the stored inventory.
-
Compliance with regulations: Many occupational health and safety regulations and standards require the implementation of safety measures, including oxygen depletion monitoring, in confined spaces. By having an oxygen depletion alarm in place, you can ensure compliance with these regulations and provide a safer working environment for employees.
-
Early detection of equipment malfunction: Oxygen depletion alarms not only monitor the oxygen levels but can also detect malfunctioning equipment or leaks that may be causing the oxygen levels to drop. Identifying such issues early on can help prevent further damage to the equipment, minimize downtime, and enable timely repairs.