Continuous Monitoring of Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen in Fermentation Rooms

Areas of concern for high levels of Carbon dioxide (CO2) in wineries include pits, sumps, storage tanks and bottling rooms, but in particular, fermentation rooms. During fermentation a significant amount of CO2 is generated. If the tanks are indoors, the CO2 that escapes can collect in low lying areas and pose a safety hazard to employees. CO2 is twice as heavy as air and will sink to the bottom of a room or a tank, forming potentially hazardous pools of gas that buildup and displace Oxygen (O2). Being odorless and colorless, the presence of CO2 is not known until symptoms of exposure are experienced, unless gas detection equipment is used.

Using Critical Environment Technologies’ FCS Flexible Control System with a CGAS Detector CO2 Transmitter, and a CGAS Detector O2 transmitter along with a personal, portable O2 detector is the solution. The placement of the transmitter inside the fermentation room provides continuous monitoring for potential leaks of Carbon dioxide. The FCS Controller with a top mounted strobe mounted outside the room door provides a status of the air quality conditions inside the room prior to entry. If a CO2 leak is detected the top mounted strobe will activate and an audible alarm will sound. The designated relays will activate a pre-set response, such as turning on a remote alarm device, actuating the mechanical ventilation system and/or triggering another set response as required.

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