Monday 20 November 2023

Introduction to Compressed Breathing Air

 

Introduction to Compressed Breathing Air



Introduction to Compressed Breathing Air

Introduction to Compressed Breathing Air

Compressed air has many applications, including its use in Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). This document provides some practical information about the tests needed to guarantee SCBA Breathing Air Quality as described in the following:

 Air Composition
Common Air Contamination Sources
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Contamination
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Contamination
Oxygen (O2) Level Control
Total Hydrocarbon Content (THC as methane)
Oil (Consensable Mist/Vapor) and Particulate Matter
Water Vapor (H2O), Content, and Dew Point
Odor Evaluation

Air Composition

Clean, natural air is an odorless, colorless gas mixture.  Excluding water vapor (H2O) levels, which vary greatly, three major elements make up about 99.97% of dry air: nitrogen (N2) at 78.09%, oxygen (O2) at 20.95% and argon (Ar) at 0.93%.  An important minor component of natural air is carbon dioxide (CO2) at 0.03% (300 ppm).  Trace gases in clean, natural air include: methane (CH4) at 0.0002% (2 ppm) and less than 0.0001% (1 ppm) of hydrogen (H2), nitrous oxide (N2O), ozone (O3) and some noble gases.  Synthetic air is also used in SCBA applications. This type of air is produced by blending N2 and O2 gas in the proper proportions.

The importance of clean breathing air to sustaining life and maintaining good health is well known.  The dangers associated with breathing contaminated air are also well known and especially critical when using SCBA tanks in emergency situations.  To ensure SCBA air quality, NFPA 1404 (Sec. 7-1.1) requires a minimum CGA G-7.1 Grade D air quality, at least a 3-month air sampling schedule and a test record maintenance program. Many fire and rescue department programs have opted to use CGA G-7.1 Grade E (the minimum SCUBA grade for diving to 130 ft.) as their minimum SCBA air standard.

  Common Air Contamination Sources


Industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, combustion heating activities and local environmental conditions can seriously degrade the quality of intake air used during compression. Compressor equipment, malfunctions and poor maintenance or operational practices can also introduce contaminants into SCBA air tanks.

 Carbon Monoxide (CO) Contamination

CO (a colorless, odorless gas) ranks as the most dangerous compressed air contaminant. Headaches, dizziness, unconsciousness and death can result from exposure to elevated CO levels. High-pressure compressors are often equipped with a catalyst which converts CO into much less toxic CO2. Both CGA G-7.1 Grades D and E (the most widely recognized SCBA air quality grades) list a 10 ppm maximum CO content. If a good air supply and a properly functioning, efficient compressor are in use, CO levels will be less than 1 ppm. Detectable CO levels above 1 - 2.5 ppm are abnormal and require further investigation.

 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Contamination

Normal CO2 levels in outdoor air (i.e. 200 - 400 ppm) or indoor air (i.e. 500 - 2,500 ppm) are not considered hazardous. However, compressed air with CO2 levels that are within the "indoor air range" can create problems in SCBA applications. Some compressors are equipped with filters to reduce CO2 levels. CGA G-7.1 lists a 1,000 ppm maximum for Grade D and a 500 ppm maximum for Grade E air. High CO2 levels in SCBA tanks can produce many of the same symptoms as CO poisoning (see above). In addition, high CO2 levels increase breathing rates, which shorten SCBA usage time. One of the most common causes of SCBA air quality failures is excessive CO2 content.

 Oxygen (O2) Level Control

The O2 level in compressed air derived from natural or synthetic air should fall within a narrow % range. CGA G-7.1 lists an allowable 19.5 - 23.5% range for Grade D and a tighter 20 - 22% range for Grade E air. Most compressed natural air samples will have test values of 21% ± 0.5. Synthetic air samples tend to have a slightly wider, but acceptable, O2 range.

 Total Hydrocarbon Content (TH as methane)


Several thousand types of organic gases and vapors are potentially present in air. Volatile organic contaminants can be man-made (e.g. gasoline vapor, exhaust fumes, cleaning solvents, lube oil vapor) or the result of biogenic activities (e.g. marsh gas, mold, mildew). Many organic vapors are hazardous and/or have irritating odors. A common feature of these volatile organic materials is that they contain 1 or more hydrogen (H) + carbon (C) atom. Since it is impractical to measure each type of organic contaminant present, they are measured as a group and described as a "Total Hydrocarbon Content" (TH).

The instrument used to measure TH responds to the total amount of H+C containing molecules present. Since methane gas standards are used to calibrate this instrument, TH results are reported in "ppm v/v as methane" units. CGA G-7.1 does not list a TH limit for Grade D air, but sets a 25 ppm TH maximum for Grade E air. Clean, natural air has a TH value of about 2 ppm due to the normal presence of methane at 2 ppm. Compressed synthetic air can have TH values of less than 1 ppm. TH Values for compressed air that are greater than about 5 ppm are abnormal and require further investigation. High-pressure compressors are usually equipped with odor filters (e.g. activated charcoal filters) that remove many organic vapors. A high TH value could indicate, for example, charcoal filter saturation and the presence of lube oil degradation mist/vapors.

 Oil (Condensable Mist/Vapor) and Particulate Matter

Air compressors, including non-lubricated models, utilize some type of lubricating fluid. Many compressors contain either mineral or synthetic lubricants (e.g. oil). Even with particle, oil and odor filters, it is still possible for oil (e.g. aerosol mist or vapor) or fine particulates (e.g. dust, dirt, powders, wear particles, pollen, spores) to contaminate SCBA air if a mechanical malfunction occurs or there has been poor maintenance. The proper sampling of compressed air for oil mist/vapor and particulates is difficult because these contaminants are not evenly distributed in the air stream and can condense on tank walls or within regulators. Re-introduction of oil mist/vapor and particulates into the air stream can occur under the right conditions.

Sampling procedures involve connecting a filter assembly to the compressor outlet, SCBA tank or a filled sample cylinder and passing a known amount of air through the pre-weighed filter. The total weight of oil plus particulates trapped is measured in a laboratory. Both CGA G-7.1 Grades D and E list a 5 mg/m3 (0.005 mg/L = 5 ppm w/v) maximum for oil mist/vapor at Normal Temperature and Pressure (NTP = 20° [68°F] and 1 atm [14.7 psia = 101 kPa abs = 760 mm Hg]). Detectable oil levels above 0.1 - 0.3 mg/m3 are abnormal and require further investigation.

 Water Vapor (H2O) Content and Dew Point

The dew point is the temperature at which H2O vapor will start to condense from air. This value depends upon the air's H2O vapor content and pressure. The H2O vapor content of intake air ranges from saturated to very dry. Saturation levels are in the low % range. For example, at 20°C (68°F) air can hold 2.3% H2O vapor (23,100 ppm v/v = 34 mg/L). At 40°C (104°F) this value is 6.8% (68,400 ppm v/v = 51 mg/L). The amount of H2O vapor that gets into SCBA air depends on the intake air level and filter efficiency. SCBA air is required to be dry enough to prevent malfunctions (e.g. air flow blockage) due to internal condensation or icing caused by expansion cooling past regulators. High H2O levels can also inhibit catalysts that convert CO into CO2. CGA G-7.1 does not list an H2O limit for Grade D or E air. However, SCBA air must either have a maximum H2O content of 63 ppm (0.05 mg/l), which corresponds to a -50°F dew point, or an H2O vapor maximum (ppm) resulting in a dew point that is 10°F lower than the coldest temperature expected for SCBA use. Therefore, H2O vapor limits for SCBA air are essentially dependent on the geographic region. CGA dew point limits are not pressure values but refer to "dew point over ice at 1 atm."

 Odor Evaluation


Clean air is odorless. Many air compressors have filters to remove odors. Both CGA G-7.1 Grades D and E require that "no pronounced odor" be present in compressed air. Since the sensory response of the human nose is highly variable and extremely sensitive to certain odors, evaluation of "odor" is highly subjective. If there is a slight odor, this may be abnormal.

Friday 27 October 2023

Soil Testing and Nutrient Analysis

 Soil Testing and Nutrient Analysis 



Soil testing and nutrient analysis are foundational steps in optimizing nutrient management for healthy, high-yield crops. Here's an overview of the importance and key aspects of this topic:

1. Significance of Soil Testing:

Identifying Nutrient Status: Soil testing provides valuable insights into the current nutrient status of your soil, including levels of essential macronutrients (NPK) and micronutrients.

Customized Fertilization: It allows for precise and customized fertilizer recommendations, ensuring that crops receive the nutrients they need and preventing overapplication and unnecessary costs.

2. Nutrient Analysis:

Macronutrients: Soil testing measures macronutrients like Nitrogen 👎, Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) to determine their availability to plants. This information guides the selection of appropriate fertilizers.

Micronutrients: It also analyzes micronutrients like iron, manganese, and zinc, which are essential in smaller quantities for plant health.

3. Steps in Soil Testing:

Sample Collection: Soil samples are collected from various points in the field to represent the entire area accurately. Sampling depth and method are important factors.

Laboratory Analysis: Soil samples are sent to a certified laboratory for analysis. The lab provides data on nutrient levels, pH, organic matter content, cation exchange capacity (CEC) salt concentrations among other parameters.

Interpretation: Soil test results are interpreted to determine nutrient deficiencies or imbalances. This information informs fertilizer recommendations.

4. Benefits of Soil Testing:

Fertilizer Use Efficiency: Soil testing facilitates a higher fertilizer use efficiency by tailoring fertilization to the specific needs of each field or crop, minimizing waste and environmental impact.

Cost Savings: By applying only the required nutrients, farmers can reduce fertilizer costs while maintaining or increasing yields.

5. pH and Soil Acidity:

Soil testing includes pH measurement, which determines soil acidity or alkalinity. Correcting pH is crucial since it affects nutrient availability. Lime may be recommended to raise pH in acidic soils, making nutrients more accessible to plants.

6. Timing and Frequency:

Regular soil testing is recommended, typically on an annual basis, to monitor nutrient changes over time. Timing should align with crop rotation and before each planting season.

By understanding the significance of soil testing and nutrient analysis, farmers can make informed decisions about nutrient management. Regular soil testing, correct interpretation of results, and customized fertilization based on these findings are crucial for maintaining soil health and achieving optimal crop yields while conserving resources and protecting the environment.

Impact of Soil Microbiome on Nutrient Cycling

Impact of Soil Microbiome on Nutrient Cycling
Soil microbiomes are essential for nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. They play pivotal roles in nutrient transformations and cycling:
1. Decomposition: Bacteria and fungi decompose organic matter, breaking it down into simpler compounds. This decomposition releases essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, making them available for plant uptake.
2. Nitrogen Fixation: Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonium (NH4+), a plant-available form of nitrogen. This process enriches the soil with nitrogen, a critical nutrient for plant growth.
3. Mineralization: Microbes mineralize organic nutrients, converting them into inorganic forms that plants can absorb. This includes the conversion of organic phosphorus into soluble phosphate.
Indeed, microorganisms dwelling within the soil play an often-overlooked yet vital role in agriculture. They operate diligently in the background, tirelessly enriching soil fertility, and fortifying the overall resilience of farming ecosystems. Acknowledging and fostering this concealed force within our soils stands as a fundamental requirement for ensuring the sustainability and productivity of agriculture over the long term.
#savesoil #soilhealth #soilscience


ENVIRONMENT EXCURSION TOUR VIZAG-DELHI-HARIDWAR-RISHIKESH-MUSSOORIE-DEHRDUN-NOIDA-NEWDELHI-VIZAG -KAKINADA

 















































Saturday 14 October 2023

WWF-India organises awareness activities during Wildlife Week 2nd-8th October under Mission LiFE

 

WWF-India organises awareness activities during Wildlife Week 2nd-8th October under Mission LiFE

Posted On: 13 OCT 2023 1:45PM by PIB Delhi

WWF-India, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, (MoEF&CC) organises various awareness activities on the occasion of Wildlife Week 2nd-8th October under Mission LiFE.  The aim was to emphasise the importance of wildlife conservation and climate change in maintaining nature’s equilibrium among students of multiple schools of DelhiThe theme for this year wildlife week celebrations is "Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation".

The mandate of Programme Centre at WWF-India, MoEF&CC is “Wildlife Conservation (including species and habitat) using geospatial techniques”. Programme Centre (PC) EIACP (Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme), Resource Partner (RP) at WWF-India was set up for collection, collation, storage, retrieval and dissemination of information in order to support and promote research, development and innovation among decision-makers, researchers, academicians, policy planners, research scientists & and other stakeholders.

 

 

During the week, students of various schools of Delhi were briefed about the Wildlife Week, its importance and about the theme i.e., "Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation". WWF-India team also conveyed the message of Mission LiFE through a 12-minute documentary video, students and teachers also took the Pledge. The event was very impactful as after that the school children showed much interest to know more about wildlife conservation, and about combating climate change by adopting lifestyle changes in an eco-friendly manner. The target audience of approximately 864 participated in these awareness activities.

 

 

 

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Notification issued for Green Credit Program (GCP) and Ecomark scheme Under LiFE Initiative to Promote Sustainable Lifestyle and Environmental Conservation

 

Notification issued for Green Credit Program (GCP) and Ecomark scheme Under LiFE Initiative to Promote Sustainable Lifestyle and Environmental Conservation

Posted On: 13 OCT 2023 6:52PM by PIB Delhi

To take ahead the 'LiFE' - 'Lifestyle for Environment' movement announced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in 2021, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has introduced two pioneering initiatives that indicate the country's pro-active approach to climate change, sustainability and promotion eco-conscious practices. These initiatives, the Green Credit Program (GCP) and the Ecomark Scheme, seek to encourage environmentally friendly practices rooted in tradition and conservation; reflecting the ideas of LiFE  concept.
Green Credit Program (GCP): Incentivizing Environmental Actions
Green Credit Program (GCP )notified on 13th October, 2023 is an innovative market-based mechanism designed to incentivize voluntary environmental actions across diverse sectors, by various stakeholders like individuals, communities, private sector industries, and companies. The GCP's governance framework is supported by an inter-ministerial Steering Committee and The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) serves as the GCP Administrator, responsible for program implementation, management, monitoring, and operation.
In its initial phase, the GCP focuses on two key activities: water conservation and afforestation. Draft methodologies for awarding Green Credits have been developed and will be notified for stakeholder consultation. These methodologies set benchmarks for each activity/process, to ensure environmental impact and fungibility across sectors. A user-friendly digital platform will streamline the processes for registration of projects, its verification, and issuance of Green Credits. The Green Credit Registry and trading platform, being developed by ICFRE along with experts, would facilitate the registration and thereafter, the buying and selling of Green Credits.
To obtain Green Credits, individuals and entities must register their activities through the central government's dedicated app/website www.moefcc-gcp.in. The Administrator will verify the activity through a designated agency, with self-verification for small projects. Once verification is complete, the Administrator will grant a Green Credit certificate which will be tradable on the green credit platform.
Ecomark Scheme: Promoting Eco-Friendly Products
The philosophy behind LiFE, (Lifestyle for Environment)is nudging individual choices and behavior towards sustainability.  In line with this approach, the MoEF&CC has recast its Ecomark notification so that consumers are able to make choices among products and thereby opt for those products that are eco-friendly in their design, process etc.
The Ecomark Scheme, notified on 13th October 2023, replaces the previous Notification. It provides accreditation and labelling for household and consumer products that meet specific environmental criteria while maintaining quality standards as per Indian norms. Products accredited under the Ecomark Scheme will adhere to specific environmental criteria, ensuring minimal environmental impact. It will build consumer awareness of environmental issues and encourage eco-conscious choices. It will also motivate manufacturers to shift towards environmentally friendly production. The scheme seeks to ensure accurate labelling and prevent misleading information about products.
The Central Pollution Control Board administers the Ecomark Scheme in partnership with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which is the national body for standards and certification.
Both initiatives mark significant steps in promoting sustainable living, environmental conservation, and, through individual and collective choice, embody eco-friendly practices in India. They align with global sustainability goals and reflect the government's commitment to conservation and protection of the environment.
Click here to see gazette notification 

Click here to see gazette notification