Underground parking lots and gas detection: why it is important
Underground parking lots present several significant safety challenges. One of the most critical aspects is air quality and, in particular, the detection of hazardous gases. The absence of natural ventilation and the high concentration of vehicles make these environments susceptible to the accumulation of harmful gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and methane (CH4).
Underground parking lots: which gases are detected and why
In underground parking lots, there are several hazards related to the presence of gases:
- Carbon monoxide: CO is a colorless, odorless gas that comes from vehicle emissions. It is highly toxic, as it impedes oxygen transport in the blood, causing headaches, dizziness, confusion, and potentially death at high levels.
- Nitrogen dioxide: Also derived from emissions from internal combustion engines, NO2 can irritate the respiratory tract, cause inflammation, and worsen pre-existing conditions such as asthma. At high concentrations, it can lead to acute respiratory problems.
- Methane: CH4 is a flammable gas that can accumulate in enclosed areas, creating an explosion hazard. Although it is not directly toxic at low concentrations, its flammability makes it dangerous in underground environments.
- Carbon dioxide: While it is a natural gas and less toxic than CO, high concentrations of CO2 can cause respiratory problems and reduce air quality, leading to symptoms such as headaches and fatigue.
Technologies for gas detection in underground park
Several sensors can be used for gas detection inside underground parking lots:
- Electrochemical sensors: These sensors are ideal for detecting toxic gases such as carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). They work through chemical reactions that produce an electric current proportional to the concentration of the target gas, offering high sensitivity and accuracy.
- Infrared (IR) sensors: Used to detect gases such as methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), these sensors measure the absorption of infrared light by the gas. They are known for their long-term stability and accuracy, especially in environments with high gas concentrations.
- Catalytic sensors: These sensors are commonly used to detect flammable gases such as methane (CH4). They work based on the combustion of gas on the surface of a catalyst, producing a temperature change that is measured to determine the gas concentration.
Our products for gas detection in underground parking lots
For gas detection inside underground parking lots, our PK system is ideal:
SMART P 1
Designed and built to meet the new European Standard EN50545-1 for gas detection in underground garages, the SMART P-1 detector provides an RS485 serial output and is an integral part of a gas detection system with Multiscan++PARK central unit to which it is to be connected.
SMART P 2
Designed and built to meet the new European Standard EN50545-1 for gas detection in underground garages, the Smart P-2 detector provides an RS485 serial output and is an integral part of a gas detection system with Multiscan++PARK central unit to which it is to be connected. The Smart P-2 allows simultaneous detection of CO and NO2 or Gasoline Vapors.
MULTISCAN ++PK
The MULTISCAN++ PARK is an innovative control panel used for monitoring and controlling up to 256 gas detectors. The architecture of this control panel is designed to meet the specifications of the new European standard EN50545-1 on gas detection in underground garages.
European Standard EN50545-1
EN 50545-1 is devoted to systems that enable the detection of toxic and combustible gases in garages and underground parking lots. It describes the requirements for gas detectors and control units, the performance they must guarantee, and how to perform tests for evaluation.
