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When performing a crack testing inspection or maintenance in spray dryers or other process vessels, workers are required to make confined space entries. These confined spaces can often be hazardous due to the presence of gases such as methane, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulphide.

Gas detection technology plays a huge role in ensuring that workers remain safe from such dangerous gases. On various occasions, this technology has helped Bioscan promptly detect potential gas hazards and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their technicians. This ensures delivery of effective and safe inspection services.

The hazards associated with confined spaces

Let’s examine some of the serious hazards that can pose a significant risk to worker safety:

• Fire risks: Fire risks include inflammable gases or liquids present in the confined space and are considered one of the most dangerous hazards.
• Noxious fumes: Build up of noxious fumes in confined spaces can lead to respiratory problems for the people entering the space and can even cause death.
• Reduced levels of oxygen: The confined space oxygen levels are also a great concern. Low levels of oxygen can cause dizziness, confusion, and may ultimately lead to loss of consciousness.

What are gas detection devices?

Gas detection devices are indispensable tools used to detect and monitor the presence of potentially dangerous gases in the environment. There are different types of gas detection devices, including fixed and portable devices, and both use different technologies to detect gases.

How do gas detection devices work?

Gas detection devices measure the concentration of gases in the air and trigger an alarm if the levels exceed thresholds.

Gas detection devices are essential for ensuring worker safety in industries where workers may need to enter confined spaces. By detecting the presence of hazardous gases, gas detection devices help prevent accidents and protect worker health.

The importance of gas detection testing

It is essential to perform periodic tests of the gas detection devices as well. This can ensure that gas detection devices are working properly and accurately detecting hazardous gases in the environment.

It also helps to identify any potential issues with the devices, such as faulty sensors or calibration drift. By conducting regular testing, workers can be confident that their gas detection devices are functioning correctly and providing accurate readings.

How does Bioscan use gas detection?

Bioscan technicians perform confined space entries for tank inspection on a weekly basis, making safety a top priority. Despite the frequency of these entries, Bioscan maintains strict safety standards.

Gas detection technology is a crucial component of Bioscan’s safety protocols, as it alerts technicians to the presence of hazardous gases before and during work. By maintaining high safety standards and utilising gas detection technology, Bioscan can effectively mitigate risks and maintain a safe working environment for their technicians.

Further Read: How to Safely Perform Inspection Work at Heights

Final thoughts

To summarise, by detecting potential gas hazards, Bioscan can take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their workers. It is essential for workers to use gas detection devices and conduct regular testing to ensure accurate readings and proper functioning of the devices.

Ultimately, gas detection technology provides a critical layer of protection for workers in hazardous environments, allowing them to carry out their work safely and effectively.

Spray drying is the most widely used manufacturing process for particle formation and drying within the food and pharmaceutical industries. The earliest application of spray drying was to develop skimmed milk powder in the early 20th century.

It is utilised to produce dry solids in powder, granulate and agglomerate form from liquids. Spray drying involves atomizing a liquid into a spray of droplets and exposing the droplets to hot air in a dry chamber. The drying process, which involves the evaporation of moisture and the formation of dry particles, is meticulously monitored under stringent temperature and airflow conditions. The powder is then continuously discharged from the spray dryer and packed.

Currently, the importance of spray drying is increasing at an unprecedented rate globally. North America and Europe are the most prominent users of spray drying; however, increasing research and development and the continuous introduction of government initiatives will probably make Brazil, China, India, and Russia dominant players in spray drying in food and pharma.

Spray Dryer Crack Testing Inspections

Spray dryer crack testing inspections encompass Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). It is essential to note that GMP, HACCP programs, and pathogen monitoring are vital for effective food safety programs. Timely inspection and examination of the spray drying chamber comply with the latest guidelines, legislation, and directives.

Defects and cracks can appear in spray drying chambers, owing to exposure from its working conditions, age, and temperature changes. Such defects and cracks can lead to the formation of microbial films wherein microbes thrive on organic remnants present in the cracks. As such, spray drying crack inspection, as the name suggests, pertains to the investigation of the efficacy, safety, and hygiene of spray dryers and spray drying chambers.

Therefore, the spray drying sector needs crack testing inspection services such as those offered at Bioscan.

1. Detecting visual and non-visual defects using an electronic testing technology

It is a comprehensive inspection service for the periodic examination of spray dryers. The method is efficient, environmentally friendly, and does not require the useage of dyes or chemicals. Moreover, the electronic testing technology minimises production downtime and ensures that audit requirements are aptly met. Thus, it becomes possible to carry out a full dryer inspection within 24 to 48 hours, improving the efficacy of the spray drying plant.

2. Safety and Risk Prevention

Another vital aspect of spray dryer crack testing is associated with the safety of the process. For instance, the personnel at Bioscan are trained and qualified, assuring that clients get the best-in-class professional services coupled with extensive knowledge and experience. The staff at Bioscan are specially trained to work at heights and within confined spaces and undergo refresher training in a timely fashion. Likewise, Bioscan is ISO 9001, and Safe Contractor certified, meaning that the organisation offers best-in-class support and security to its vast pool of clients.

Further Read: Bioscan’s Electronic Testing Technology For Spray Dryers Inspection

Wrapping It Up

In a nutshell, we can safely say that spray drying is an industry with global significance. In addition, we can only expect an increase in its influence. The rising prominence of spray drying technology ought to be backed by dependable spray drying crack testing mechanisms to ensure that the plant’s safety is prioritised. However, spray drying inspection companies must adhere to all applicable standards and customer-specific requirements to offer world-class services.

Bioscan is focused on making a veritable change within the spray drying sector by offering best in class testing services. With a portfolio of clients such as Abbott, Lactalis, DFA, Perrigo, Nestle, Mead Johnson, and many more, Bioscan has established themselves as a pioneering presence within the spray drying inspection industry.