Our award-winning range of portable gas detectors provides customers with a simple, reliable and stress-free approach to safeguarding personnel against a wide range of hazardous gases.
Unlike fixed gas detectors, which permanently monitor a designated area, portable gas detectors are mobile devices used by personnel to provide pre-entry gas level checks.
Each portable device will test gas levels in an area to ensure it is safe for human entry.
The focus on three core pillars reflects that of our customers – ship safety, performance and crew welfare, so we know we tick all portable gas detection boxes.
Portable gas detectors such as the Marine 4 & 5™ or the Triple-C can be worn by crew members to check that various spaces are safe before they approach them. The gas detector will check for multiple gases at the touch of a button and provide a reading.
The Marine 5™ can detect up to five gases with its catalytic and toxic sensors, infrared capabilities and photo ionisation detectors. Most portable detectors will be calibrated to test for some or all of the standard four gases (Flam, H2, CO, and O2).
Some portable gas detectors are affected by sensor poisoning and drift. Others may not be compatible with Zone 0 (flammable) or inert (oxygen-free) environments.
We can safely say the Triple C is the toughest portable gas detector on the planet, as its IP68 rating attests. The Triple C can withstand Zone 0 and inert environments without impacting performance; it is immune to fine dust and can be submerged up to 1.5m underwater too.
It doesn’t need calibrating, is entirely customisable, can be digitally assigned to a crew member or department, and is the only portable gas detector with three years of battery life, allowing for 90 seconds of alarm daily.
We understand that one of the cumbersome tasks onboard is trying to ensure all of your equipment is fully functional with no batteries or charges being run down, so this is borne in mind with the design of all of our products.
We can safely say the Triple C is the toughest portable gas detector on the planet, as its IP68 rating attests. The Triple C can withstand Zone 0 and inert environments without impacting performance; it is immune to fine dust and can be submerged up to 1.5m underwater too.
It doesn’t need calibrating, is entirely customisable, can be digitally assigned to a crew member or department, and is the only portable gas detector with three years of battery life, allowing for 90 seconds of alarm daily.
We understand that one of the cumbersome tasks onboard is trying to ensure all of your equipment is fully functional with no batteries or charges being run down, so this is borne in mind with the design of all of our products.
Below are our customers’ most common questions about our marine portable gas detection offering. If you need to know more, please get in touch with our friendly team.
Gas detectors use a sensor to measure the concentration of certain gases in the atmosphere. The sensor serves as a reference point and scale, producing a measurable electric current when a chemical reaction caused by a specific gas occurs. The sensor will monitor these currents and alarm the user when the presence of gas approaches a hazardous amount.
At Martek Marine, we offer various options in portable gas detection options, from single gas detection to a world-first in gas detection.
The portable gas detectors work by monitoring different gas levels in the air. These devices are generally battery operated and used for safety. Once they detect a higher than normal concentration of gas in the air, they warn people in the location through a series of really hard to miss audible beeps.
Fixed gas detectors permanently monitor a designated area. Portable gas detectors are mobile devices used by personnel to provide pre-entry gas level checks.
This allows personnel to test a number of different areas to ensure it is safe for human entry.
Unlike fixed gas detectors which permanently monitor a designated area, portable gas detectors are mobile devices used by personnel to provide pre-entry gas level checks. This means they can test the area before entering it to assess the levels of gas in the air to ensure it is safe for human entry.
The size, capability, and usage of personal and portable gas detectors can vary significantly.
However, suppliers might not always clearly define these distinctions, which can be confusing.
Which type and model of detector you choose will depend on your particular requirements:
PERSONAL DETECTORS
As the name suggests, personal gas detectors are small enough to be clipped to the belt or clothing of the user.
Because they’re designed to be worn, they need to withstand the knocks or damage when they’re carried into confined spaces, so you’ll usually find that they have a high IP rating.
They’ll probably use a self-contained battery sealed inside the detector to keep everything compact. When the battery reaches the end of its life, the device will need to be replaced.
Personal gas detectors are usually much cheaper than portable detectors, but their capabilities and screen displays may be more limited, and they don’t always allow for calibration or pump options.
They’re often used for detecting one particular gas – like our hydrogen sulphide and oxygen single gas detectors – but more advanced devices can detect four or even five.
PORTABLE DETECTORS
These larger and more complex devices can offer a more sophisticated solution in the number of gases they can trace and their data logging.
Although they’re not as durable or easy to carry as personal gas detectors, they do come equipped with a pump which enables you to test remotely.
They’re also easier to calibrate and you can re-charge or change their batteries without the need to replace the whole unit.
The more significant number of sensors on a portable detector means that they can provide a wide variety of feedback and store much more information.
For example, the Marine Tankscape software provides complete data logging of gas readings with tank identification and vessel location, making detection, analysis, and action planning easy.
It also lets you print tamper-proof calibration certificates on board, reducing costs and making the process far less complicated.
It’s crucial to calibrate your portable gas detector regularly to guarantee its accuracy and proper functioning. This is especially important in hazardous environments where gas leaks or dangerous atmospheres are a concern.
The calibration frequency depends on various factors, such as the type of gas detector, its usage, and the environment it operates in. Each mobile gas detector within our range comes with clear instructions explaining best practices.
Manufacturers and safety regulations recommend that gas detectors be calibrated at least every six months to ensure they function properly. This is especially crucial for detectors where hazardous gas levels tend to fluctuate or where the detector is subjected to physical or environmental stress that could influence its accuracy.
The exception to this rule is the Triple C portable gas detector. The Triple C gas detector stands out for its low maintenance requirements, as it does not need calibration. This feature makes it an exceptionally user-friendly and hassle-free option for ensuring safety without the regular calibration process required by other detectors in the portfolio. Nonetheless, it’s still recommended to perform regular bump testing to verify the detector’s functionality and responsiveness to gas presence. For other models within our portfolio, such as the Marine 4 and Marine 5, annual calibration is advised. This frequency increases every six months for detectors used on tankers or vessels with higher levels of stored gas, where the risk of gas exposure is greater. This calibration ensures that the detectors remain sensitive and responsive to the gases designed to detect and provide reliable protection for crew members.
The Martek Marine blog is full of the latest industry news, product information and helpful articles and guides for portable gas detection.
