Forging Safety: Full-Process Gas Monitoring in Precious & Rare Metals

Precious metals (gold, silver, platinum, palladium) and rare metals (tungsten, molybdenum, antimony, rare earths) are the "vitamins" of modern industry, with soaring demand in semiconductors, aerospace, and new energy sectors. However, their extraction, refining, and chemical processing involve highly toxic, strongly corrosive, and flammable/explosive gases.

These gases are a lethal threat to workers and can irreversibly damage expensive metal products and precision smelting equipment. Nexisense leverages years of experience with major companies like Jiangxi Copper and Luoyang Molybdenum to deliver a closed-loop gas safety monitoring solution from the "mine face" to the finished product warehouse.

The Threefold Risk in Precious & Rare Metals Industry

1. Highly toxic and corrosive gases: Invisible killers

• Personnel hazards: HF penetrates deeply; very low concentrations can cause severe respiratory burns. Cl2 and Br2 are highly asphyxiating.

• Asset corrosion: These acidic gases easily form strong acid mist with moisture, corroding precious metal surfaces and reducing product purity and gloss, causing huge economic losses.

2. Combustible gas risks

• During metal powder drying, hydrogen reduction, or solvent extraction, H2 or combustible solvent vapors can accumulate in closed workshops. A small spark can trigger catastrophic explosions if concentrations reach the explosive limit.

3. Oxygen deficiency & toxic co-occurrence

• In mining or underground storage areas, SO2, CO, and fluctuating O2 levels directly affect worker occupational health.

Nexisense Product Matrix: Solutions for Extreme Metallurgical Environments

Industrial Anti-Corrosion Sentinel: SGA-500 Online Gas Detector

• Explosion-proof: Die-cast aluminum housing meets national explosion-proof standards, suitable for hazardous areas 1 & 2.

• Corrosion resistance: Probes can be customized with special polymers or 316L stainless steel coating for HF, Cl2, etc., extending service life in acidic mist.

• Imported sensor core: Detects ppm or even ppb levels of toxic gas with ultra-fast response.

Mobile Defense: SGA-600 Portable Gas Detector

• Multiple sampling modes: Diffusion, pump, and probe options allow remote sampling before entering electrolytic cells or deep storage.

• Durable: IP66 waterproof and dustproof, suitable for mining fieldwork and smelting workshops.

  
  

Intelligent Control Center: SGA-800 Alarm Controller & SGA-900 Preprocessing System

• Preprocessing: SGA-900 cools, filters, and dries high-temperature, high-humidity, high-dust sample gas, improving accuracy and sensor lifespan.

• One-click alarm linkage: Signals sent to SGA-800 trigger sprinklers, ventilation, and emergency shut-off valves automatically when limits are exceeded.

Digital Transformation: From Monitoring to Smart Management

• Asset protection: When HF or acid mist concentrations rise, filtration systems activate to protect precious metals.

• Occupational health tracking: Automatically records employee exposure duration, generating digital health files.

• Safety alert hierarchy: Tiered alarms for micro-leak warning, forced ventilation, and full evacuation.

Why Top Precious Metal Companies Choose Nexisense

• Industry expertise: Successfully applied in major companies like Qinhuangdao Aluminum, Shaanxi Zinc, Jiangxi Copper.

• One-stop service: From SGA-100 detection modules to preprocessing systems, full-stack solutions.

• Anti-interference: Sensors selectively detect toxic gases in complex metallurgical environments without false or missed alarms.

  
  

FAQ

Q1: Why is HF gas detection the most challenging in the precious metals industry?
A1: HF is highly reactive and adsorptive. Standard sensors corrode easily. Nexisense uses special anti-corrosion coatings and polished stainless steel paths to minimize HF adsorption and ensure real-time accurate monitoring.

Q2: Is a gas detector necessary in finished product warehouses?
A2: Absolutely. Cl2, SO2, or acid mist can cause spots or discoloration on gold/silver, reducing value. High-sensitivity SGA-500 detectors protect valuable assets.

Q3: How do Nexisense devices integrate with existing smart mine systems?
A3: Standard RS485 (Modbus RTU) interfaces enable seamless integration with PLC, DCS, or SCADA systems. Wireless options (LoRa/4G) are available for remote sites.

Q4: Why choose SGA-900 preprocessing for metallurgical environments?
A4: High temperatures and heavy dust in smelting can clog or damage sensors. SGA-900 provides temperature- and humidity-controlled environments, reducing maintenance costs.

Q5: How to choose measurement range for gases both combustible and toxic?
A5: Follow "toxicity first" principle. Nexisense dual-range displays capture harmful micro-leaks while maintaining explosion-proof monitoring.

Q6: Where is probe sampling with SGA-600 mainly used?
A6: For detecting gaps, flanges, deep mine cracks, or narrow extraction tanks without approaching leak points.

Q7: Advantages of SGA-700 module for OEMs?
A7: Embedded with calibration data and standard signal output; plug-and-play replacement like a USB drive, simplifying maintenance.

Q8: How to choose protection level for acid-leaching processes in zinc/copper plants?
A8: IP66 or higher with Nexisense corrosion-proof gas hoods prevents acid splashing on sensor probes.

Conclusion

The precious and rare metals industry is foundational to the economy, with production safety and asset protection equally critical. Nexisense provides industrial-grade precision to overcome monitoring challenges posed by toxic corrosive gases. From lab analysis to extreme smelting conditions, our one-stop gas detection solutions safeguard green and safe development in the non-ferrous metals sector.

Looking for domestic alternatives or upgrades for HF or Cl2 monitoring? Contact Nexisense technical consultants for complete support from site layout to compliance reports, building a digital and highly reliable safe mine.