He attributes this to both to Alphasorb’s existing air control technology and the extensive research done on control technology by Freudenberg.

introduced the ChemWatch device to the gas-control and -safety industries last year. Using copper and silver sensors, the device can measure and monitor the corrosive levels of air in rooms.

“The instrumentation we provide is specifically designed to detect the presence and severity of corrosive gases in the environment. Some of the most dangerous gases that our equipment can sense are hydrogen sulphide, sulphur dioxide, chlorine, oxides of nitrogen, volatile organic compounds, ammonia, hydrocarbons, thiols and formaldehyde . . .” Naidoo explains.

He adds that ChemWatch, besides other gas-monitoring products from Freudenberg and Alphasorb, measures the air quality of a room to ISA 71.04-1985 classification G1 to GX.

The device also offers real-time monitoring through a 4 mA to 20 mA output that is connected to the distribution control system of the facility to which air has been supplied, enabling the ChemWatch to send alarm signals to control rooms immediately.

Naidoo explains that most corrosive gases are not present in computer maintenance server rooms, or warehouse filtration and temperature control environments, but corrosive gases can be by- products produced by industry processes involving equipment used in warehouses or computer maintenance systems overheating.

“The gases are inadvertently introduced into rack rooms, control rooms and motor control centres while these areas are kept under positive pressure, or when air flow is maintained into a room. Scrubbing the air with air filters first using the ChemControl gas-phase filtration device, housed in air-handling units, allows for the control programs being employed in air control systems of companies to neutralise the gases before they enter critical areas.”

He points out that Freudenberg boasts numerous successful installations across the petrochemicals, pulp and paper, food and beverage, iron, steel, mining and pharmaceuticals industries.

Naidoo says the sensing technology and the related air filtration technology of ChemControl are essential preventive measures to ensure smooth manufacturing processes.

He concludes that the acquisition of Alphasorb has positively changed the way that Freudenberg operates in the air filtration industry.