null
RKI GX-3R Pro: Advanced Wireless 5-Gas Detection | PK Safety

RKI GX-3R Pro: Advanced Wireless 5-Gas Detection | PK Safety

Imagine an advanced gas monitoring system capable of detecting standard confined space gases (as well as toxic gases like hydrogen cyanide and nitrogen dioxide) comfortably fitting the palm of your hand. That’s the RKI GX-3R Pro — the world’s smallest advanced wireless 5-gas detector.

Comprehensive Features of the RKI GX-3R Pro

In addition to detecting the most common confined space gases —oxygen (O2), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and combustible gases’ lower explosive limits (LELs) — the RKI GX-3R Pro has a fifth slot for an infrared (IR) combustible gas or toxic sensor. This allows you to monitor toxins, including hydrogen cyanide (HCN), ammonia (NH3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), phosphine (PH3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon dioxide (CO2).

Despite weighing a mere 4.58 ounces (2.9” W x 2.6” H x 1.06” D), the GX-3R Pro packs most of the features you’ll ever need for the majority of industrial applications and a few more you didn’t think you needed. Here’s an overview of what you get with this wireless 5-gas monitor:

  • Advanced Sensor Technologies: The GX-3R utilizes an LEL sensor with improved silicone resistance, a CO/H2S combo sensor, an O2 lead-free electrochemical sensor, and the option to use a hydrogen-compensated CO sensor. Together, these sensors give the GX-3R Pro enhanced accuracy and an improved sensor life of 3 to 5 years.
  • Bluetooth Connectivity: The GX-3R’s Bluetooth capabilities allow you to mimic the display on your smartphone and send notifications to a predefined set of contacts for specific alarm events. This information will include your GPS location, alarm details, and other relevant instrument information. You can also change some parameters via the RK Link mobile app (available on iOS and Android).
  • Non-Compliance Indicators: The GX-3R flashes three LED lights if there’s a gas alarm event, it needs a calibration, or the instrument hasn’t been bump tested. The LED lights will flash once every 30 seconds until the non-compliance condition is resolved. This enhances worker safety by ensuring the instrument is always in optimal condition.

The GX-3R is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a continuous runtime of 25 hours on a full charge and is backed by a 3-year warranty. It has a protective boot for impact protection and an IP 66/68 rating for water and dust resistance. The first numeral refers to the protection against solid objects, rated on a scale from 0 (no protection) to 6 (no ingress of dust). Meanwhile, the second digit rates the enclosure’s protection against liquids using a scale from 0 (no protection) to 9 (high-pressure hot water from different angles (IEC, n.d.).

Comparative Analysis: GX-3R Pro vs. Honeywell BW Ultra and MSA Altair 5X

There are equally (if not more) advanced portable gas monitoring systems in the market. However, finding an instrument that can match the GX-3R Pro’s value for money isn't easy. Below, we look at other leading solutions you might consider and how they stack up against the GX-3R Pro.

  • Honeywell BW Ultra: This five-gas detector is designed specifically for sampling and monitoring confined spaces before and after entry. The BW Ultra’s 1-Series sensor boasts fast response, reliable performance, and long life, even in extreme environments. Meanwhile, its TouchConnect technology makes testing, calibration, and configuration quick and simple. It also has a sampling pump, unlike the GX-3R Pro, which requires a separate device (RKI RP-3R) for remote sampling. However, these features come at a price more than double the GX-3R Pro.
  • MSA Altair 5X Multigas Detector: For more demanding applications, the Altair 5X features arguably the most advanced sensor technology available in a six-gas portable instrument. In addition to monitoring the four most common atmospheric hazards (O2, CO, H2S, and LELs), the Altair 5X can accommodate XCell exotic sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), chlorine gas (CL2), and ammonia (NH3) sensors for expanded monitoring applications. The Altair 5X is a truly powerful instrument and, as such, comes at a much higher price point.

Below are other notable factors to consider:

Contact our worker safety specialists today to learn more about these instruments and for guidance on the optimal solution for your specific applications.

Enhanced User Safety with Wireless Functionality and Man Down Alarm

In addition to its three fully programmable alarm setpoints and audible, visual, and vibrating alarms, the GX-3R Pro enhances worker safety with its Man Down and Panic alarms. Here’s a closer look at these features:

  • Man Down Alarm: This alarm is triggered when the unit is immobile for a user-set amount of time. There are two Man Down warnings and a Man Down alarm, each with varying combinations of pulsing tones and flashing LEDs. To silence the alarm and reset the Man Down clock, move the instrument or press and release the Power Mode button.
  • Panic Alarm: If the user is in a dangerous situation or feels the need to alert others to any sort of problem, forcefully tapping the GX-3R Pro will initiate a Panic Alarm with high-low tone sounding and LEDs flashing twice per second. Once the issue is resolved, pressing and releasing the Power Mode or AIR button silences and resets the alarm.

In the GX-3R Pro’s factory settings, the Man Down warnings and alarm will be triggered after the unit is immobile for 60, 75, and 90 seconds. You can adjust these figures based on specific safety protocols or switch both emergency alarms off.

Detailed Review of Technical Specifications and Applications

Here’s a rundown of the RKI GX-3R Pro’s primary specs:

  • Display: Full dot LCD with auto backlight and auto-rotation features
  • Response Time: Within 30 seconds (T90). The T90 response time of a gas detector refers to the interval between the moment the detector is exposed to a toxic gas and the point at which it records 90% of the gas concentration
  • Data Logging: The GX-3R Pro records calibration and bump test history, alarm events, alarm trends, user ID, and station ID
  • Standard Accessories: Alligator clip (rotates 360 degrees), protective rubber boot, charger, calibration adapter
  • Approvals: ATEX, CSA, IECEx, MED

The GX-3R Pro is a cost-effective, compact, and user-friendly solution suitable for various applications, including personal monitoring, confined space monitoring, petrochemical refineries, utility manholes and tunnels, hazardous waste sites, construction, and fire services.

FAQs: Optimizing the Use of the GX-3R Pro in Hazardous Environments

  • Can the GX-3R Pro be used in explosive atmospheres?

Yes, the GX-3R Pro is designed to be intrinsically safe and can be used in environments where explosive gases are present. According to the International Electrotechnical Commission, “This Type of Protection is applicable to electrical equipment in which the electrical circuits themselves are incapable of causing ignition of a surrounding explosive atmosphere (IEC, n.d.).”

  • How often should the GX-3R Pro be calibrated?

We recommend calibrating the GX-3R every three months and performing a bump test before each use. You can perform a bump test in User Mode’s BUMP item or by applying gas in Measuring Mode. The instrument doesn’t need to be calibrated unless it doesn’t pass the User Mode bump test or doesn’t respond appropriately.

SHOP RKI'S GX-3R PRO

References:

Jul 29th 2024 PK Safety Team

Recent Posts