World’s smallest 4 & 5 gas detectors

RKI Instruments recently announced the release of the GX-3R and the GX-3R Pro—the world’s smallest 4 and 5 gas monitors. They are about half the weight and size of the average 4 or 5 gas detector. They are so small they can fit in the palm of your hand, and clip comfortably in the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) recommended “breathing zone.”

OSHA defines the breathing zone as a 10-inch radius of the worker's nose and mouth, and requires that worker exposure monitoring air samples be collected there. Traditionally this meant only a single gas monitor was small enough to be practical to wear when working in confined spaces.

Worker safety can be monitored from outside of the breathing zone as well. The GX-3R Pro keeps workers connected to home base via the RK Link app. Available on iOS and Android, the user can simply pair the GX-3R Pro to their smartphone via Bluetooth and configure it to automatically send an SMS message or an e-mail to their desired contacts. Messages containing alarm status and GPS location will be delivered immediately whenever a worker goes into alarm. The app also enables the user to view device readings, configure alarms, set bump test intervals and more.

At the heart of every gas detector is the sensor. Both the GX-3R and the GX-3R Pro utilize a new generation of micro sensors. The LEL sensor has two active filaments to increase resistance to silicone poisoning. If one of the filaments is damaged, the other takes over. The O2 sensor has an exceptional 3- to 5-year life span, and H2S and CO are monitored by one combination micro-sensor. An optional H2 compensated CO sensor is available as well.

In addition to the four confined space gasses, the GX-3R Pro’s 5th channel for toxic and infrared sensors can monitor CO2 (in ppm or % volume) or SO2, with options for HCN, NO2, NH3 or CL2 planned for 2020.

The GX-3R Pro comes with an array of other features including a non-compliance indicator (also included on the GX-3R), man-down alarm, panic alarm, an optional attachable pump for sampling, stealth mode, lunch break mode and many more.

RKI backs up their quality with a 3-year warranty on both the instrument and the sensors for the GX-3R and the GX-3R Pro. They believe gas monitors should be in service for years and not decommissioned after 24 months. If cost of ownership is important to you, then the GX-3R and GX-3R Pro are excellent solutions.