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Multigas detector saves precious seconds

Safety on a mine is of the utmost importance, and the MSA Altair 4X multigas detector with XCell sensor technology is a reliable and compact gas detection unit that ensures the safety of the user. MSA Africa product manager for portable gas detection, Tshepo Lebona, notes that the Altair 4X mining instrument has a sensor response and clear time of less than 15 seconds.

“The compact MSA Altair 4X mining multigas detector can test for up to four gases, including CH⁴, O², CO/H²S or CO/NO² or H²S/SO². The large LCD display screen makes the measurement readings easy to see,” he says.

Lebona indicates that when a harmful gas is detected a loud horn is sounded, four LED lights on the corners of the instrument make the alarm visible from all directions and the instrument vibrates. “An additional MotionAlert feature is available, which makes use of an internal accelerometer in order to indicate ‘man down’ status and sounds an alarm.”

A rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery has a running time of more than 30 hours and can be charged in less than four hours. Lebona adds that the Altair 4X is hard wearing and can withstand a 6 m drop onto concrete. “The MSA Altair 4X multigas detector weighs only 235 g, and has a rugged rubberised armour housing which is dust resistant and water tight for up to 1 m of water for 60 minutes. It is available in a standard charcoal colour, or in a high-visibility glow-in-the-dark for added user safety.”

It features an increased methane sensor poison resistance, which decreases downtime as well as the frequency of sensor replacements, thereby ensuring that the instrument runs longer, which ultimately saves the user valuable time and money. There is also an end-of-sensor life warning which provides the user with advanced warning of a failing sensor.

“The digital sensors provide the user with radio frequency immunity, thereby eliminating false alarms from radios or interference with other RF run equipment or systems, such as collision avoidance systems. The Altair 4X mining multigas detector is the ideal instrument for any miner as it offers greater accuracy and repeatability within changing environmental conditions,” he concludes.

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