I Can't Smell, So How Can I Detect Gas ?

[SaucySailoress]

Hey all,

I just canned and banned a spammer who was selling gas detection systems for coal mines... and it got me thinking... does anyone know of any good gas detection systems for marine use?

Don't say "Use your nose", since I have anosmia, a disability resulting in inability to smell!

I have read about using Carbon Monoxide detectors for gasoline (petrol) leaks here: http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...bin-62018.html ; but am interested in how to detect a butane / propane leak.

I believe it's a dense gas which falls to the cabin floor, resulting in a lack of detection even amongst those who can smell, and the consequences can be dire... so there must be a gadget to detect it? Surely?

[Doodles]

Sure, several in the catalogs. Here's one ...Marine Propane System Products from Fireboy-Xintex

[minaret]

They are quite common, cheap and easy to come by. A cheap sniffer was the first thing I put on my new boat.

Propane Detector - Compare Prices, Reviews and Buy at Nextag - Price - Review

[SaucySailoress]

Brilliant, thanks. I like the look of the First Alert system - we have an Ace Hardware here, I'll pop down and see if they have in stock!

[Talbot]

Gas detection system is very important on any vessel fitted with LPG. However, the sniffer part needs to be as low as possible in order to detect as early as possible, but are apparently susceptible to damage from salt water so need to be sited so that they dont get splashed by the bilge water.

IMHO, a carbon monoxide detector is also worth considering.

[Doodles]

Originally Posted by SaucySailoress

Brilliant, thanks. I like the look of the First Alert system - we have an Ace Hardware here, I'll pop down and see if they have in stock!

Looks like AC power with a 9V battery backup. Sure you want that on a boat?

[minaret]

Smart move, we have had several fatalities around here in the last decade due to carbon monoxide. In one case a family of four had both parents killed when the exhaust pipe from the diesel heater they were running had the wind blowing just right into the open porthole to their aft cabin. A $20 detector can save your life. You never know when an exhaust leak might develop. And freak accidents do happen.

[imagine2frolic]

Ours can detect spices. Yesterday Mel removed the stove to clean under, and behind it. The soap set the detector off...........i2f

[MarkJ]

Matches

[capngeo]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

Matches

See SS, I won the bet, Mark was the first!

[zeehag]

roflmfao....
i had a sniffer in a lil boat i had once a long time ago--- was placed low and sniffed propane, monoxide and one other thing--- dont remember--- but i worked better than it did---make sure what ye get truly does work fo rye. goo dluck

[Tripod]

Propane Detector

This was the first item of new gear that I installed after buying our current boat. If gas is detected it shuts off the supply at the tank. No gas = no boom

[Bill Burgette]

I bought a Safe T Alert from Overtons a while back. It picks up any explosive vapors. It's a gauge and has a remote sending unit that you mount low in the bilge. Gas, diesel, propane, hydrogen just about anything. Easy to test with a Bic lighter. Just depress lighter (don't light) and hold about a foot away. It will alarm. Goes off long before explosive concentrations are met but has never false alarmed.

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by capngeo

See SS, I won the bet, Mark was the first!

Thank you. I always try to live up to expectations.

[tangle]

I had a LPG leak last week and while my wife has anosmia also and my sense of smell is minimal we had to call in a designated sniffer. I have a LPG and CO2 detectors and they tested ok but did not detect the LPG. I will try to move it but its right near the stove and should have worked and if my bad senses could detect it when it could not then I have little faith in them. FYI -propane is an odorless gas with the rotton egg smell added for safety. The best test is a viscous mild dish detergent mix around the fittings and look for bubbles...or buy a liquid designed for this at an RV store where you will also find detectors..( My former life was in the RV industry where propane horror stories abound but usually human error was the cause) - bottom line is play safe!!