This aerial photo taken 19 Nov 2010 shows smoke coming from the Pike River Coal Mine, where 29 coal miners have been declared dead after an explosion near Greymouth in New Zealand. Gas build up has since caused more explosions. AFP/Greymouth Star Source: AFP
A SOUTH Australian company says it has developed revolutionary technology to allow sustained toxic gas detection, possibly preventing deadly gas explosions.
Manufacturer EVRSafe says its system can be remotely monitored and can alert users to the build up of poisonous or toxic gases, potentially avoiding deadly disasters like the New Zealand mine explosions, the recent cruiseship fire that left holidaymakers stranded and the fatal resort explosion in Mexico.
"Compared to what's available on the market, our systems are more preventative than reactionary. It's not just an alarm that goes off when the levels are too high, it actually allows constant, up to the minute monitoring of the build-up remotely,'' EVRSafe president Shane Faulkhead said yesterday.
"It's a multi-step, multistage process. Once the small amounts of gas are detected, a number of event management systems can be rolled out to monitor the situation,'' Mr Faulkhead said.
"While there is constant monitoring at various work sites as part of the health and safety requirements, the system can be programmed to detect multiple gases safely and regularly.''
The first systems, or EVR ISS 1000 series uses patented technology to detect methane and other toxic gases inside expensive marine pleasurecrafts around the US and Europe.
Their success and a number of international awards for the system have led to requests from the commercial shipping sector, with EVRSafe now working with two major cruise lines in the US.
Yesterday, vice-president Nick Cox said the ISS 5000 series - expected to cost around the $1500 mark - is two-three months away.
"The product has a footprint to move over to any industry that has any air quality management, including mines, chemical plants, airports, etc,'' Mr Cox said.
EVRSafe is in the process of appointing an advisory board made up of some high-profile business identities to design its marketing and sales strategies across different industries.
The State Department of Trade and Economic Development is also championing EVRSafe's cause in an effort to unlock its potential.
It is also in talks with an Adelaide automotive components manufacturer SMR to contract manufacture its ISS 4000 series - for the commercial and residential buildings.
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