Tennents Brewery gas detection system

Edited by the Processingtalk editorial team Feb 17, 2005

Problems with water ingress prompted a complete change of gas detection system at Tennent Caledonian Breweries, in the fermentation, conditioning and filtration areas

Problems with water ingress prompted a complete change of gas detection system at Tennent Caledonian Breweries, now part of InBev, the world's biggest brewer by volume.

Colin Reilly, Engineering Technologist at InBev explains, "As part of the brewing process, the gas detection sensors in our fermentation, conditioning and filtration areas are exposed to water on a regular basis.

Unfortunately, water ingress was proving to be a serious problem and, to ensure reliability, we have replaced the entire system with Draeger Regard Controllers and Polytron Detectors.

Offering a higher IP rating of 65, these new units have solved the problem so successfully that we now plan to extend the installation to another two areas." Installed in confined space areas, the systems are used to check for oxygen depletion and high CO2 levels.

Draeger Regard 3800 Controllers are used with Polytron 3000 Detectors in cellars as well as in the yeast room and filter house.

Regard 1 Controllers were chosen with Polytron 3000 detectors in the pump room and with Polytron IR CO2 detectors in the CO2 storage area.

A 12-channel CO2 Sample System is also used in one of the larger Fermentation Rooms and a Regard 1 with Polytron 3000 checks for oxygen depletion in the nitrogen generator room.

Reilly concludes, "I am delighted to say that this large, complex installation was completed on schedule and with the minimum of disruption.

In addition, the sample system was installed in a completely new area and, because of its minimal wiring requirements, proved to be very cost effective." To ensure maximum safety, each system has been supplied with audible and/or visual alarms and, to ensure ongoing reliability and to simplify calibration, each sensor is maintained under the Sensor Exchange Programme.

Draeger Safety has a wealth of experience in the design, installation and commissioning of fixed gas detection systems.

Used throughout beverage and food processing, pharmaceutical, oil and gas, petrochem and other failsafe applications, Draeger systems can also be used in other environments such as water and waste, utilities and local government where the presence of gas may present a risk to health and safety.