In laboratory environments, gas detection plays a critical role in protecting both people and facilities.
Some gases, such as ammonia (NH₃), sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), are toxic. Others, including hydrogen (H₂) and butane (C₄H₁₀), are flammable. Inert gases such as argon (Ar) can also reduce oxygen levels without any noticeable warning signs.
In many laboratories, gas detectors are already installed at strategic locations, including storage areas, fume hoods, ventilated cabinets and technical rooms. The challenge is no longer simply measuring gas concentrations, but giving operators clear visibility into the status of every detector so they can quickly identify alarms and respond effectively.
To address these requirements, a SMART architecture was implemented, combining DALEMANS gas detection systems with the V.Touch human-machine interface (HMI).
DALEMANS detectors are installed as close as possible to the areas requiring protection. Their positioning depends on several factors, including the type of gas being monitored, potential leak sources, ventilation patterns and the layout of the facility.
The DALEMANS control panel acts as the core of the gas detection system. It processes measurements from the detectors, manages alarm thresholds and controls the safety actions defined during the system design.
When alarm thresholds are reached, the control panel can activate one or more connected safety devices through its 6 to 18 programmable alarm relays, Modbus TCP interface or optional analogue outputs for direct ventilation control.
The V.Touch solution serves a different purpose. Connected to the control panel, it brings together all available information into a single interface, making it easier for operators, maintenance teams and HSE managers to monitor the installation.
Screens can be configured to match the laboratory layout. A global overview provides visibility across the entire installation, while dedicated views allow users to focus on a specific area, room or individual detector.
In laboratories with multiple detection points, this level of detail enables users to immediately identify which detector triggered an alarm or fault, rather than receiving only a general system notification.
Consider a situation where hydrogen concentration unexpectedly increases in a technical room.
The detector immediately transmits the measurement to the control panel. The panel processes the alarm according to the configured thresholds and automatically initiates the predefined safety actions. This may include starting the ventilation system, activating audible or visual alarms, or transmitting information to a third-party system.
At the same time, the V.Touch displays the affected room, the detected gas, the alarm level and the concentration trend. Operators have immediate access to the information they need to assess the situation and verify the status of the installation.
Once the event has ended, the alarm, its acknowledgement and all associated information remain available in the event history. Users can review the detector involved, recorded gas concentrations and the complete sequence of events.
Maintenance is another key benefit of this SMART architecture.
Without detailed diagnostic information, technicians may know that a fault exists but have little indication of its nature before reaching the detector. As a result, the initial visit is often spent identifying the issue.
By combining detector data with the HMI, maintenance teams can prepare their work in advance.
When a detector reports a fault or degraded operating condition, technicians can locate the affected device within the interface, review recent events and check the available calibration information. This allows them to identify the detector requiring attention and gain an initial understanding of the work likely to be needed before arriving on site.
The system distinguishes between:
Selecting the right detector depends on the target gas, measurement range and operating conditions. Detector placement must also take into account ventilation, room volume, potential leak sources and the behaviour of the gas in air.
Applicable standards also vary depending on the risk being monitored:
However, these standards do not apply uniformly to every laboratory. Their relevance must always be assessed according to the gases in use, the quantities involved and the processes carried out.
By combining DALEMANS gas detectors and control panels with the V.Touch interface, laboratories gain much more than gas detection alone. Detector data is centralized, logged and made readily available to the teams responsible for operating and maintaining the facility.
This SMART architecture creates continuity between gas detection, system monitoring and maintenance. Operators can monitor alarms in real time, maintenance teams can prepare interventions using diagnostic data, and HSE managers have the information they need to oversee the installation effectively.