Arrangement with a portable and a stationary gas detection device

Abstract

The arrangement and method according to the invention are capable of monitoring a spatial area for a target gas. A user (B) wears a portable gas detection device (1) on their protective equipment. A stationary device (2.1, 2.2) is positioned at an installation location. Both devices (1, 2.1, 2.2) each comprise a sensor unit and have a detection range. The sensor unit measures the target gas concentration in the detection range. The target gas concentration measured by the stationary device (2.1, 2.2) is transmitted to the portable device (1). An evaluation unit of the portable device (1) automatically decides whether the target gas concentration in one of the two detection ranges lies outside a predetermined concentration range. If this is the case, an output unit (5) of the portable device (1) issues an alarm in a form perceivable by a human.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement comprising at least one portable gas detection device and at least one stationary gas detection device. The arrangement is capable of monitoring a spatial area for a gas and warning a user of the portable gas detection device if the concentration of this gas lies outside a predetermined range, in particular if it is too high or too low. This gas is referred to below as the "target gas." Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for monitoring the spatial area using such an arrangement.

[0002] A portable gas detection device has become known that a user can attach to their personal protective equipment. The portable gas detection device measures the concentration of the target gas and warns the user if the target gas is present in their environment at a concentration that is harmful to humans.

[0003] The invention is based on the object of providing an arrangement with a portable gas detection device, wherein the arrangement is capable of warning a user of the portable gas detection device of an impermissible concentration of a target gas in a spatial area to be monitored more reliably than known arrangements. Furthermore, the invention is based on the object of providing a method for monitoring a spatial area for a target gas, wherein the method is intended to be more reliable than known methods of this type.

[0004] The object is achieved by an arrangement having the features of claim 1 and by a method having the features of claim 8. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims. Advantageous embodiments of the arrangement according to the invention are, where appropriate, also advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention, and vice versa.

[0005] The arrangement according to the invention comprises a first portable gas detection device and a first stationary gas detection device. The method according to the invention is carried out using such an arrangement.

[0006] The term "device" is used below for short. Unless otherwise specified, this refers to a gas detection device.

[0007] A user can carry the first portable device with them when they are in a spatial area. Preferably, the first portable device can be attached to the user's personal protective equipment. The first stationary device can be positioned at a location.

[0008] In addition, the term "target gas" is used below. The target gas can be a gas harmful to humans or a gas mixture containing at least one such harmful gas, in particular a flammable and / or toxic gas, such as methane or carbon monoxide. The target gas can also be oxygen or another gas necessary for humans, or even an anesthetic.

[0009] A first concentration range is specified. If the concentration of the target gas around a person lies outside the first concentration range, the person may be endangered by this target gas concentration. The first concentration range therefore defines the permissible target gas concentration. A concentration outside the first concentration range is also referred to as an impermissible concentration. The first concentration range preferably defines an upper limit (particularly for a harmful gas or an anesthetic) or a lower limit (particularly for oxygen) for the concentration.

[0010] The first portable device comprises a sensor unit and has a detection range. The sensor unit is capable of measuring the concentration of a target gas in the detection range of the first portable device. The detection range is an area around the device, and a result from the sensor unit for the target gas concentration in the detection range is available within a predetermined time period. Typically, the detection range moves with the user as the user moves through the spatial area with the first portable device. The detection range of the first portable device is preferably configured as follows: As long as the target gas concentration in the detection range of the first portable device is within the first concentration range, the user of the first portable device is not currently at risk from the concentration of the target gas.

[0011] Note: In the following, the term "a sensor unit capable of measuring the concentration of a target gas" is used. This means the following: The sensor unit is capable of measuring at least one detection variable, whereby the measured detection variable or the combination of measured detection variables correlates with the desired target gas concentration. The detection variable is, for example, an electrical voltage, current, or charge. The device to which the sensor unit belongs automatically derives the desired target gas concentration from the measured detection variable value or the combination of measured detection variable values.

[0012] It is possible that the sensor unit is capable of measuring the respective concentration of several target gases occurring simultaneously, or even the sum of the target gas concentrations. For short, the term "target gas concentration" is used below, and this also refers to the respective concentration of several target gases as well as the sum of the target gas concentrations.

[0013] The first stationary device also includes a sensor unit and also has a detection zone. This sensor unit is capable of measuring the concentration of a target gas in the detection zone of the first stationary device. The detection zone of the first stationary device can be located around the first stationary device or at a free end of a fluid guide unit through which a gas sample is drawn into the interior of the first stationary device. For example, this free end is located inside a container, while the first stationary device is located outside the container.

[0014] The detection zones of the two devices can have the same dimensions or differ in at least one dimension. The detection zone can be outdoors or in a container, depending on the location of the user of the first portable device or the location of the first stationary device.

[0015] Both devices each comprise a communication unit. At least temporarily, a data connection is established or can be established between the first portable device and the first stationary device with the aid of the two communication units. Via this data connection, at least one message can be transmitted from the first stationary device to the first portable device, optionally also a message in the opposite direction. Preferably, the message is transmitted via radio waves, i.e. wirelessly, from one communication unit to the other communication unit. The method according to the invention comprises the steps of at least temporarily establishing this data connection and transmitting the message from the first stationary device to the first portable device.A message can be transmitted from the first stationary device to the first portable device via this data connection. This message includes information about a target gas concentration measured by the first stationary device in its detection range. Optionally, the message also includes information about the geoposition of the first stationary device.

[0016] The first portable device further comprises a signal processing evaluation unit. The evaluation unit of the first portable device can automatically make the following two decisions: - Is the target gas concentration measured by the first portable device in its detection range outside a specified first concentration range? - Is the target gas concentration measured by the first stationary device within its detection range and transmitted to the first portable device outside the first concentration range?

[0017] The evaluation unit of the first portable device is therefore able to compare the target gas concentration measured by the first portable device and additionally the target gas concentration measured by the first stationary device with the same predetermined first concentration range.

[0018] The first portable device is capable of generating an alarm in response to at least one of the following two events occurring: - The target gas concentration measured by the first portable device in its detection range is outside the first concentration range. - The target gas concentration measured by the first stationary device in its detection range lies outside the first concentration range.

[0019] The first portable device comprises an output unit. By means of this output unit, the first portable device is capable of outputting the alarm in at least one form perceivable by a human, in particular visually, acoustically, and / or haptically (through vibrations). The output of an alarm is understood to mean a message that the target gas is present at an impermissible concentration, i.e., at a concentration outside the first concentration range. The first portable device is configured to cause the output unit to output the alarm if the alarm has been generated in response to the events just described. A user of the first portable device is capable of perceiving this alarm.

[0020] The first portable device is capable of alerting its user when the target gas occurs within the detection range of the first portable device at a concentration outside the first concentration range. Because the first portable device has its own output unit, it is possible, but thanks to the invention, not necessary, for an alarm to be transmitted to an external receiver, and for the external receiver to trigger the alarm. The first concentration range can be configured such that a user is not currently at risk if the target gas concentration lies within the first concentration range throughout the entire detection range of the first device. Thanks to the first portable device, the user is therefore warned of an inadmissible target gas concentration within the detection range of the first portable device.Preferably, the response time of the first portable device is sufficiently short so that a user is warned quickly enough of an inadmissible target gas concentration in the event of an increase in the target gas concentration.

[0021] However, it is possible that an inadmissible concentration of the target gas may occur, but that this inadmissible target gas concentration is at least temporarily outside the detection range of the first portable device and therefore cannot be detected by the first portable device. This can also endanger the user. It is possible that a harmful target gas escapes and that part of the escaped target gas reaches the user due to a natural or artificially generated air flow and / or due to excess pressure. It is also possible that the user moves with the first portable device and then reaches the escaped harmful target gas, for example, in an enclosed space. The same applies to an excessively low oxygen concentration. The first portable device will detect the inadmissible target gas concentration.However, it should be noted that the first portable device inevitably has a certain response time. The response time is the time elapsed between the following two events: - The target gas reaches the detection range of the first portable device. - The first portable device sounds an alarm.

[0022] The response time may depend on the measurement principle used. Furthermore, it is often desirable to warn the user about the target gas as early as possible, for example, so that the user can complete a task they have started without having to interrupt it abruptly. This applies accordingly if the target gas is important to a person, such as oxygen, and there is a risk of the target gas concentration in the user's environment becoming too low.

[0023] According to the invention, in addition to the first portable device, the arrangement comprises a first stationary device, optionally several stationary devices. The user or another person can position the or each stationary device at a respective installation location. The installation locations are preferably determined and used as follows: If a harmful target gas can escape at a location in the spatial area to be monitored, or if a target gas necessary for humans must be present, this location lies within the detection range of the or at least one stationary device of the arrangement. Conversely, each detection range of a stationary device preferably includes a location at which a target gas can escape.A location where a harmful target gas can escape is, for example, a valve, a junction or branching point of pipelines, a tank or other container containing a fluid hazardous to humans, or even a medical device from which an anesthetic can leak. A location where sufficient oxygen or another necessary target gas must be present is, for example, an enclosed container or other enclosed space.

[0024] The method according to the invention is carried out using such an arrangement and comprises the corresponding steps.

[0025] According to the invention, the first portable device and the first stationary device are capable of detecting the same target gas. Thanks to the invention, the first portable device warns its user if the target gas has occurred in at least one detection zone at an impermissible concentration, i.e., at a concentration outside the first concentration range. In particular, the first portable device warns its user if an impermissible target gas concentration has occurred in the detection zone of the first stationary device.

[0026] This feature also enables verification and plausibility testing. It is possible that a user brings the first portable device close to the first stationary device. It is also possible that the following situation could occur: One device issues an alarm, but the other does not, even though there is no fluid-impermeable wall or other shielding between the two devices. This situation is an indication that one device is defective and is either mistakenly failing to issue an alarm, issuing a false alarm, or a data connection between the two devices cannot be established or is interrupted.

[0027] According to the invention, the evaluation unit of the first portable device automatically decides whether the target gas concentration in the detection range of the first stationary device lies outside the predefined first concentration range. Although possible, thanks to this feature, it is not necessary for the first stationary device to also be equipped as follows: The first stationary device also comprises an evaluation unit, whereby the evaluation unit of the first stationary device decides the following: Is the target gas concentration in the detection range of the first stationary device within a predefined concentration range? The first stationary device does not necessarily need to comprise such an evaluation unit. Therefore, it is also not necessary to transmit a computer-evaluable definition of a concentration range to the first stationary device or to specify it to the first stationary device in any other way.This makes it easier in many cases to use an arrangement according to the invention with multiple devices, each measuring the respective concentration of the same target gas in a separate detection range, while still ensuring that each measured target gas concentration is compared with a predetermined concentration range, in particular with the same concentration range. This, in turn, makes it easier to adapt the arrangement to changing specifications regarding a permissible target gas concentration and / or to different users.

[0028] In one embodiment, the arrangement comprises a further device in addition to the first stationary device. The further device can be a stationary device that can be positioned at a location or a portable device that a user can carry with them. If the further device is a stationary device, it does not necessarily include its own evaluation unit and its own output unit.

[0029] Just like the first stationary device, the additional device also comprises a sensor unit and a communication unit and has a detection zone. Just like the first portable device and the first stationary device, the additional device is also capable of measuring the concentration of the target gas within the detection zone of the additional device. The first portable device, the first stationary device, and the additional device thus measure the respective concentration of the same target gas within their respective detection zones.

[0030] The arrangement is capable of transmitting a message containing the target gas concentration measured by the additional device to the first portable device. The evaluation unit of the first portable device is capable of automatically deciding whether the target gas concentration in the detection range of the additional device lies outside the first concentration range. Overall, the evaluation unit is capable of comparing the three concentrations measured by the three devices in the three respective detection ranges, which relate to the same target gas, with the same first concentration range.

[0031] The first portable device is capable of generating the alarm by means of its output unit and outputting it in at least one form perceivable by a human if at least one of the following three events has occurred: - The target gas concentration measured by the first portable device in its detection range is outside the first concentration range. - The target gas concentration measured by the first stationary device in its detection range is outside the first concentration range. - The target gas concentration measured by the other device in its detection range is outside the first concentration range.

[0032] Thanks to this design, three different locations can be monitored for the same target gas using three different devices. The user of the first portable device is currently located at one location. The first stationary device is located at another (second) location, and the second device is located at the third location. It is possible for the arrangement to include another device, thus comprising a first portable device, a first stationary device, and two further devices. The first portable device generates and issues an alarm if the target gas concentration in at least one of these four detection ranges lies outside the first concentration range.

[0033] In one embodiment, the arrangement comprises a second portable device in addition to the first portable device. Just like the first portable device, the second portable device also comprises a sensor unit, a signal-processing evaluation unit, an output unit, and a communication unit, and has a detection zone. The second portable device can also be carried by a user, in particular, attached to the user's personal protective equipment. The sensor unit of the second portable device is capable of measuring the concentration of the target gas in the detection zone of the second portable device.

[0034] A data connection is established or can be established, at least temporarily, between the first stationary device on the one hand and the first and second portable devices on the other. The arrangement can achieve the following: A message containing the target gas concentration measured by the first stationary device in its detection range is transmitted via the respective data connection to both the first portable device and the second portable device. Optionally, the message includes information about the geoposition of the first stationary device.

[0035] The evaluation unit of the second portable device can automatically make the following two decisions: - Is the target gas concentration measured by the second portable device in its detection range outside a specified second concentration range? - Is the target gas concentration measured by the first stationary device in its detection range outside the second concentration range?

[0036] The second concentration range can be the same or different from the first.

[0037] The second portable device is capable of issuing an alarm in at least one form perceivable by a human, by means of its output unit, if at least one of the following two events has occurred: - The target gas concentration in the detection range of the second portable device is outside the second concentration range. - The target gas concentration in the detection range of the first stationary device is outside the second concentration range.

[0038] This design allows two portable devices to essentially share the first stationary device. Both a user of the first portable device and a user of the second portable device are alerted if an inadmissible target gas concentration has occurred within the detection range of the first stationary device. Again, both alarms refer to the same target gas. It is not necessary to use two different stationary devices for each user, as these stationary devices measure the target gas concentration at virtually the same location.

[0039] According to the invention, the first portable device generates and issues an alarm if the target gas concentration measured by the first portable device and / or the target gas concentration measured by the first stationary device lies outside the same predefined first concentration range. According to the embodiment just described, the second portable device generates and issues an alarm if the target gas concentration measured by the second portable device and / or the target gas concentration measured by the first stationary device lies outside a predefined second concentration range. These two concentration ranges can be the same or different. Two different concentration ranges are useful, for example, in the following situations: - The target gas is harmful to humans. The user of the first portable device wears protective equipment that protects the user from this harmful target gas up to a certain target gas concentration, while the user of the second portable device does not wear such protective equipment. - One user's respiratory system is impaired, while another's is not. For example, one user suffers from asthma. - The target gas is oxygen or another target gas necessary for humans. The user of the first portable device carries a source of breathable air, such as a cylinder of breathable air, and can therefore be in an environment with a low oxygen concentration. The user of the second portable device does not carry such a source and therefore requires breathable air in their environment.

[0040] According to the invention, the first portable device generates and issues an alarm when at least one of the following events has occurred: - The target gas concentration in the detection range of the first portable device is outside the first concentration range. - The target gas concentration in the detection range of the first stationary device is outside the first concentration range.

[0041] Thanks to the invention, the first stationary device does not necessarily need to include its own evaluation unit and its own output unit.

[0042] In one embodiment, however, the first stationary device also comprises an output unit, wherein the output unit of the first stationary device is capable of issuing an alarm in at least one form perceivable by a human, in particular acoustically. According to this embodiment, the event that the evaluation unit of the first portable device detects an inadmissible target gas concentration and therefore generates an alarm results in the following: - The first portable device generates the alarm. - A message with the generated alarm is transmitted from the first portable device to the first stationary device. - The output unit of the first stationary device issues the alarm.

[0043] The first portable device may issue the alarm in a different form than the first stationary device, for example haptically (portable device) or acoustically (stationary device).

[0044] Thanks to this design, people who are in the vicinity of the installation location of the first stationary device are alerted. This is possible, but thanks to this design, it is not necessary for the first stationary device to include its own evaluation unit, nor for the output unit of the first portable device to be capable of alerting other people in addition to the user of the first portable device.

[0045] In one embodiment, the first portable device comprises an input unit. A user can use this input unit. The input unit is capable of capturing a user specification, which specifies the first concentration range. In particular, the user can use the input unit to specify an upper and / or lower limit of the concentration range or change a limit predefined and stored on the device. The first portable device uses this specification to generate and issue the alarm. This embodiment allows the user of the first portable device to determine when the first portable device generates an alarm. In particular, the user can specify the concentration range depending on the following possible criteria: - The target gas is harmful to humans. Is the user wearing protective equipment that provides some degree of protection from the harmful target gas? - The target gas is harmful to humans. Is the user outdoors continuously or at least temporarily in an enclosed area? High target gas concentrations typically persist longer in an enclosed area than outdoors. - Is the user's respiratory system affected? - The target gas is oxygen. Is the user wearing a source of oxygen or breathable air?

[0046] Thanks to the configuration just described, the same first portable device can be used for different applications. This configuration thus increases the flexibility with which the first portable device can be used.

[0047] An embodiment described below allows the user of the first portable device to decide whether they wish to be warned of an inadmissible target gas concentration at a specific location or whether they currently do not wish to be warned. For example, an alarm is often unnecessary and would only be distracting if the user works at least temporarily in an enclosed space and the location of the first stationary device is outside this space. Therefore, the target gas cannot currently reach this space from the detection range of the first stationary device.

[0048] According to this embodiment, the first portable device can be operated either in a networked mode or in a local mode, optionally also in a sleep mode. Preferably, the user can use an actuating unit, such as a switch, to determine whether the first portable device should currently be operated in networked or local mode.

[0049] In networked mode, the first portable device can generate and issue an alarm if the target gas is present in its own detection range or in the detection range of the first stationary device at a concentration outside the first concentration range. In local mode, the first portable device can generate and issue an alarm if the target gas is present in its own detection range at a concentration outside the first concentration range. In local mode, however, the first portable device does not issue an alarm, regardless of the target gas concentration in the detection range of the first stationary device.

[0050] This embodiment can be combined with the embodiment described above, in which the arrangement comprises a further device, in particular a further stationary device. According to this combination, the first portable device in networked mode is capable of generating and issuing an alarm if the target gas has occurred in its own detection range or in the detection range of the first stationary device or the detection range of the further device at a concentration outside the first concentration range. In local mode, the first portable device is capable of generating and issuing an alarm if the target gas has occurred in its own detection range or in the detection range of the first stationary device at a concentration outside the first concentration range. In contrast, the first portable device in local mode does not issue an alarm regardless of the target gas concentration in the detection range of the further device.

[0051] An exemplary application of the configuration just described is the following: The first stationary device is set up in the enclosed space just described, and the second device is a stationary device and is positioned outside this space. The user works part of the time in the enclosed space and part of the time outside the space and near the location of the second stationary device. The user uses the first portable device in local mode when working in the space and in networked mode when working outside the space. In this application, the second stationary device can be set up in advance.

[0052] Preferably, both the or each portable device and the or each stationary device each comprise their own power supply unit. This eliminates the need to connect this device to a stationary power supply network, which is often not even possible. However, in particular, the or a stationary device can be connected to a stationary power supply network, at least temporarily.

[0053] The invention is described below using an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment with a user carrying a portable device and three stationary devices; Fig. 2 a second embodiment with two users, each carrying a portable device, and a stationary device; Fig. 3 a third embodiment with a user carrying a portable device, a stationary device in an enclosed space and a stationary device outside the enclosed space.

[0054] In the exemplary embodiment, the arrangement according to the invention is used in a spatial area in which harmful gases that are dangerous to humans can occur. These harmful gases are, for example, flammable and / or toxic. It is generally known which harmful gases can occur in the spatial area. The spatial area is monitored for these harmful gases. In the following, the term "the harmful gas" is used for short, and this can also refer to various harmful gases. The harmful gas functions as the target gas in the exemplary embodiment.

[0055] The concentration range of the harmful gas is defined by an upper concentration limit. The harmful gas must not be present at a concentration above this concentration limit. The concentration range is thus specified such that a person is endangered, or at least potentially endangered, if the target gas concentration is above this concentration limit, but is not endangered at a concentration below the concentration limit. The concentration limit can vary from target gas to target gas.

[0056] Anyone working in this area must be warned of the presence of the harmful gas. Therefore, everyone in the area wears personal protective equipment and a gas detection device attached to their personal protective equipment. This person is referred to below as "the user" of the gas detection device. A gas detection device is referred to below as "a device" for short.

[0057] Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 show a user B wearing a device 1 on his protective equipment. Fig. Figure 2 shows two users B.1, B.2 working in the same spatial area and each wearing a device 1.1, 1.2 attached to their protective equipment. A device 1, 1.1, 1.2 that a user B, B.1, B.2 wears on their protective equipment or can carry with them in another way is hereinafter referred to as a "portable device." The portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 is part of the inventive arrangement of the exemplary embodiment.

[0058] Each portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 comprises in the embodiment - a measuring chamber, - a sensor unit, - a signal processing control unit with an evaluation unit, - an output unit 5, 5.1, 5.2, - a communication unit 3, 3.1, 3.2 and - its own power supply unit.

[0059] The measuring chamber is at least temporarily fluidly connected to the spatial area to be monitored and is capable of receiving a gas sample from the spatial area. The sensor unit is capable of measuring, in a gas sample located in the measuring chamber, the respective concentration (the respective proportion, the respective content) of the or each harmful gas that occurs or can occur in the spatial area, optionally the summed concentrations of all harmful gases. For each possible harmful gas, the sensor unit generates, in one implementation, a signal containing information about the measured concentration of this harmful gas; in another implementation, a signal containing the sum of the harmful gas concentrations.

[0060] In one embodiment, the sensor unit measures a detection variable that correlates with the desired pollutant gas concentration, for example, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, an electrical charge, or an electrical resistance. The sensor unit applies a functional relationship, which is specified in a computer-analyzable form, to the measured value of the detection variable. The functional relationship describes the pollutant gas concentration as a function of the detection variable. The application provides a value for the pollutant gas concentration. Preferably, the sensor unit performs the measurement repeatedly, for example, at a fixed sampling rate. The measurements provide at least one pollutant gas signal.

[0061] The evaluation unit evaluates the or each harmful gas signal and, through this evaluation, is capable of detecting the or each harmful gas. "Detecting a harmful gas" means detecting the event that the concentration of this harmful gas lies outside a specified concentration range. Preferably, the sensor unit is capable of measuring the respective concentration of each harmful gas in the gas sample.

[0062] A designation of the concentration range for the harmful gas is specified and stored in a computer-analyzable form, for example, in a data memory of the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 or in a program, with the evaluation unit executing the program. In particular, an upper concentration limit is stored.

[0063] In one embodiment, the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 comprises an input unit 6, 6.1, 6.2. Using this input unit 6, 6.1, 6.2, a user B, B.1, B.2 can change a concentration range specified by the device, for example, by selecting from several possible predefined concentration ranges. For example, the user B, B.1, B.2 can increase the upper limit if the user B, B.1, B.2 is wearing suitable protective equipment that protects them to a certain extent against a harmful gas, and decrease it again when they are no longer wearing the protective equipment. The recorded specification of the user B, B.1, B.2 is preferably stored in a data memory of the device 1, 1.1, 1.2.

[0064] Different measurement principles for how a sensor unit measures the concentration of a harmful gas in a gas sample have become known. The sensor unit may, for example, comprise a photoelectric or photoacoustic detector, a photoionization detector (PID), a catalytic sensor, or an electrochemical sensor. It is possible for the sensor unit to comprise multiple sensors for different target gases, with these sensors operating according to different measurement principles. It is also possible for the user to carry multiple portable devices for different harmful gases. For short, this will be referred to as "the user's portable device."

[0065] The control unit of the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 is capable of generating an alarm if the evaluation unit has detected that the concentration of at least one harmful gas is above the upper concentration limit specified for this harmful gas.

[0066] The control unit is capable of controlling the respective output unit 5, 5.1, 5.2 of a portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2. The controlled output unit 5, 5.1, 5.2 is capable of outputting the generated alarm in at least one form perceivable by a human, in particular visually, acoustically, and / or haptically (through vibrations). Particularly preferably, the output unit 5, 5.1, 5.2 causes the device 1, 1.1, 1.2 to vibrate. A user B, B.1, B.2 often perceives vibrations even when loud noises occur in their surroundings and they are not looking at the output unit 5, 5.1, 5.2, and / or it is relatively dark, smoky, or foggy. Optionally, the output unit 5, 5.1, 5.2 outputs the measured concentration of each possible pollutant gas, even if the concentration of a pollutant gas is below the upper concentration limit.

[0067] The portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2's own power supply unit supplies its electrical loads with electrical energy. Thanks to its own power supply unit, it is not necessary to connect the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 to a stationary power supply network, at least not permanently. This would generally not be possible in use anyway.

[0068] A portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2, which the user B, B.1, B.2 wears on their personal protective equipment, is capable of analyzing a gas sample from the immediate vicinity of the user B, B.1, B.2 for potential harmful gases, preferentially measuring the respective concentration of each potential harmful gas. The area around the user B, B.1, B.2 from which the analyzed gas sample originates is referred to as the "detection area" of the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2. The portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 can therefore warn the user B, B.1, B.2 of a harmful gas with a sufficiently short response time if this harmful gas occurs in the respective detection area around the user B, B.1, B.2. As long as the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 has not detected any harmful gas with an inadmissible concentration in its detection range, there is currently no danger for the user B, B.1, B.2.

[0069] However, it is possible that a harmful gas escapes at a location outside the detection range of the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2. The portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 cannot therefore warn the user B, B.1, B.2 of this harmful gas at all or not quickly enough. However, the escaping harmful gas can be transported into the detection range around the user B, B.1, B.2 by a natural or artificially generated airflow or by diffusion. It is also possible that the user B, B.1, B.2 quickly moves into an area where a harmful gas has occurred, in particular into a container or enclosed space. While portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 is capable of detecting this harmful gas, it can only do so once the harmful gas has entered the detection range of portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2, i.e., around user B, B.1, B.2. Furthermore, sometimes a certain amount of time passes between the event that occurs near portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2, and the event that the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 detects this harmful gas and generates and issues an alarm, a time period inevitably occurs, also referred to as the device's response time. This time period is determined in particular by the time it takes for the gas sample to reach the measuring chamber and / or the response time of the sensor unit.

[0070] The aim is for user B, B.1, B.2 to be warned earlier, i.e., when the leaked harmful gas is still outside the detection range of their own portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2. For this purpose, the arrangement comprises at least one device, preferably several devices, each of which can be installed at a different location within the spatial area to be monitored.

[0071] To distinguish it from the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 just described, such a device is referred to as a "stationary device". The term "stationary" means that the device is stationary during use and does not move with the user B, B.1, B.2. As a rule, a stationary device can also be carried by the user B, B.1, B.2 or by another person, but does not necessarily have to be attached to their personal protective equipment. Preferably, a user B, B.1, B.2 can set up each stationary device in one location, carry out work in the spatial area to be monitored, and once the work is finished, remove the device and, for example, set it up somewhere else. The location where a stationary device is currently located is referred to as "the installation location".

[0072] In Fig. 1 shows three stationary devices 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 as examples, in Fig. 2 a stationary device 2, in Fig. 3 two stationary devices 2.1, 2.2. In the example of Fig. 3, the stationary device 2.2 is located at a location in an enclosed space R, the stationary device 2.1 is located at a location outside the enclosed space R.

[0073] Each stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 includes - a measuring chamber which is at least temporarily in fluid communication with the spatial area to be monitored, - a sensor unit, - a communication unit 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and - preferably a separate power supply unit.

[0074] A stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 does not necessarily include its own evaluation unit to determine whether a measured corrosive gas concentration lies outside a specified concentration range. Furthermore, a stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 does not necessarily include its own output unit to indicate a measured corrosive gas concentration and / or an alarm. However, a stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 typically includes at least one indicator light, optionally multiple indicator lights, to indicate fault-free operation and / or a fault.

[0075] It is possible for a stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 to be connected to a stationary power supply network. In one implementation, a stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 can be connected to the stationary power supply network and also includes its own power supply unit. If the stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 is connected to a stationary power supply network, the electrical loads of the stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 are supplied from the stationary power supply network; otherwise, they are supplied from their own power supply unit.

[0076] The measuring chamber of the or each stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 is also capable of receiving a gas sample. The sensor unit of the or each stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 is capable of measuring the concentration con2, con2.1, con2.2, con2.3 of at least one harmful gas that occurs or can occur in the spatial area in a gas sample in the measuring chamber. In one embodiment, the sensor unit is capable of measuring the respective concentration of each possible harmful gas in the spatial area. In another embodiment, the arrangement comprises at least two different stationary devices 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 for at least two different harmful gases. It is possible that the stationary devices 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 of the arrangement together are capable of detecting each possible harmful gas. It is also possible that the stationary devices 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 together are only able to detect some of the possible harmful gases, namely the most dangerous harmful gases.

[0077] Just like the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2, the or each stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 also has a detection zone around the stationary device or around the free end of a fluid guide unit, whereby the fluid guide unit leads into the measuring chamber. The installation location of a stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 is selected in one application such that at least one component from which a harmful gas can emerge is located within the detection zone of the stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, for example a valve, a pipeline, a branch, or a junction of several pipelines. In another application, the installation location is in or on an escape route, for example near an escape door or an escape chamber. These two applications can be combined.

[0078] The sensor unit is capable of analyzing a gas sample from this detection area around the stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3. For each pollutant gas whose concentration the sensor unit is capable of measuring, the sensor unit generates a pollutant gas signal that includes a concentration across the measured pollutant gas concentration con2, con2.1, con2.2, con2.3.

[0079] It is possible for at least one stationary device (2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3) to additionally include an evaluation unit. The optional evaluation unit of the stationary device (2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3) is also capable of detecting the event that the measured concentration (con2, con2.1, con2.2, con2.3) of a pollutant gas is above the upper concentration limit for this pollutant gas. For this purpose, the evaluation unit evaluates the respective pollutant gas signal.

[0080] A data connection is established permanently or at least temporarily via radio waves between a stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and a portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2, preferably using a common and / or standardized transmission protocol. This data connection uses the communication units 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 of the stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and the communication units 3, 3.1, 3.2 of the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2.

[0081] In one implementation, this data connection is permanently established—of course, only if the distance between the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 and the stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 is not too great and the transmission of radio waves is not prevented by shielding. In another embodiment, a portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 polls the or each stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, preferably at a fixed polling frequency, and the data connection is temporarily established and then interrupted again.

[0082] A message is transmitted from the stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 via the data connection to the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2. This message contains the respective pollutant gas signal for the or each pollutant gas that the sensor unit of the stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 is capable of measuring. This pollutant gas signal includes information about the measured pollutant gas concentration con2, con2.1, con2.2, con2.3. The evaluation unit of the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 receives the pollutant gas signal and checks whether the measured and transmitted concentration con2, con2.1, con2.2, con2.3 of this pollutant gas is above the upper concentration limit. This implementation does not necessarily require the stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 to have its own evaluation unit. Optionally, the message also includes a timestamp and / or an identifier of the respective geoposition of the stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3.

[0083] In this implementation, the evaluation unit of the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 processes at least two different pollutant gas signals for at least one possible pollutant gas, namely - a harmful gas signal from the sensor unit of the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 itself and - a transmitted harmful gas signal from the sensor unit of the or at least one stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3.

[0084] The evaluation unit of the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 generates an alarm if at least one corrosive gas signal indicates a concentration above the upper concentration limit for this corrosive gas. The output unit 5, 5.1, 5.2 of the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 issues an alarm in response to this detection. Preferably, the evaluation unit 5, 5.1, 5.2 also outputs information indicating whether this impermissible (too high) corrosive gas concentration con2, con2.1, con2.2, con2.3 occurs within the detection range of the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 or within the detection range of the stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2.

[0085] In an alternative implementation, the stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 also includes its own evaluation unit capable of comparing a target gas concentration with an upper limit. The stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 is therefore capable of detecting a harmful gas itself. If the stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 detects a harmful gas, the evaluation unit generates an alarm. The stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 transmits a message containing this alarm to the or at least one portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2, and the output unit of the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 issues this alarm as described above. The alternative implementation does not necessarily require that the pollutant gas signal with the pollutant gas concentration con2, con2.1, con2.2, con2.3 be transmitted to the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2. Furthermore, the alternative implementation does not require a permanent data connection between the stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 is established. Rather, it is sufficient if this data connection is established or will be established when the stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 has detected an inadmissible (too high) pollutant gas concentration.

[0086] In a further implementation, the or at least one stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 includes an output unit capable of issuing an alarm, but no evaluation unit. The stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 transmits the measured contaminant gas concentration con2, con2.1, con2.2, con2.3 to the or at least one portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2. The evaluation unit of this portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 decides whether the contaminant gas concentration is permissible or impermissible. If the contaminant gas concentration is impermissible, the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 generates an alarm. This alarm is then transmitted to the stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and the output unit of the stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 outputs the received alarm. This configuration reduces the risk that a user B, B.1, B.2 fails to perceive an alarm, but does not require a concentration barrier in the stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 is saved and kept up to date.

[0087] At least two of these implementations can be combined. On the one hand, at least one harmful gas signal is continuously transmitted to the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2, and on the other hand, an alarm is triggered when the stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 detects a harmful gas. This design creates deliberate redundancy.

[0088] In a preferred embodiment, the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 sends a request message at regular intervals. Each stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 that has received this request message sends a response message. This response message preferably includes a unique identifier and / or information about the geoposition (location) of the stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, as well as a timestamp. The portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 outputs the information about which stationary devices have responded. The portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 generates an error message and outputs it if a stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 has not responded to a request message within a predetermined period of time.

[0089] Optionally, the evaluation unit of portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 determines how far a stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 that has sent a response message is from portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2. It is possible for the evaluation unit to also determine the direction to the stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3. The output unit 5, 5.1, 5.2 then additionally outputs the determined distance and, optionally, the direction in a human-perceivable format.

[0090] So far, a configuration has been described in which a stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 is permanently or at least temporarily in a data connection with a portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 and is capable of transmitting a harmful gas signal and / or an alarm to the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 via this data connection. A deviation is described below.

[0091] Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 show a first embodiment in which two stationary devices 2.1, 2.2 are installed at two different locations. In this embodiment, the two locations are selected such that a valve is located on a pipeline in each of the two detection areas. A data connection is established permanently or at least temporarily between the two stationary devices 2.1, 2.2 and the portable device 1. Each stationary device 2.1, 2.2 is capable of transmitting a contaminant gas signal and / or an alarm to the same portable device 1 via this data connection. The two contaminant gas signals and the alarm can refer to the same contaminant gas or to two different contaminant gases. In the example of Fig. 3, the location of the stationary device 2.2 is in an enclosed room R, the location of the stationary device 2.1 is outside this room R. Currently, user B is in room R with the portable device 1.

[0092] Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment in which two users B.1, B.2 work at two different locations and each carry a portable device 1.1, 1.2. A data connection is established between the same stationary device 2 and each of the two portable devices 1.1, 1.2, either permanently or at least temporarily. The stationary device 2 is capable of transmitting the same harmful gas signal to both portable devices 1.1, 1.2 and, optionally, additionally, the same alarm and / or its own geoposition and / or its own identifier. Thus, the two users B.1, B.2 are simultaneously informed that a harmful gas has been detected within the detection range of the stationary device 2.

[0093] In the embodiments just described, the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2, which a user B, B.1, B.2 wears on their personal protective equipment, always informs the user B, B.1, B.2 of a result obtained by the or a stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, provided a data connection is established between the stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2 and the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2. At a minimum, however, the portable device informs the user B, B.1, B.2 of each alarm generated and transmitted by the or a stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2.

[0094] In an alternative embodiment, a user B, B.1, B.2 can temporarily prevent a stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 from informing them about an alarm or about a harmful gas concentration con2, con2.1, con2.2, con2.3. For example, the user B, B.1, B.2 is located in an enclosed space R, and the detection range of their portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 covers a sufficiently large part of the enclosed space R. In this alternative embodiment, the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 preferably comprises a switch. Using this switch, the user B, B.1, B.2 can determine whether they wish to be informed by a stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 about a harmful gas concentration and / or about an alarm, or whether this information should be suppressed. The user B, B.1, B.2 can thus determine whether the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 should be operated in a networked or in a local mode.

[0095] If the user B, B.1, B.2 has selected the networked mode, his portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 informs him not only about an excessively high concentration of harmful gases in the detection range of the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2, but also about an excessively high concentration of harmful gases con2, con2.1, con2.2, con2.3 in the detection range of the or at least one stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3. In local mode, his portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 informs him about an excessively high concentration of harmful gases in the detection range of the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2, but not about an excessively high concentration of harmful gases con2, con2.1, con2.2, con2.3 in the detection range of the or at least one stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3.

[0096] A further development of this alternative embodiment is described below. The user B, B.1, B.2 assigns at least one stationary device to his portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2. For example, user B assigns Fig. User B assigns the two stationary devices 2.1, 2.2 to his portable device 1. An identifier for each assigned stationary device 2.1, 2.2 is stored in a data memory of the portable device 1. User B can choose between the following two alternatives: - Each stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 can transmit a harmful gas signal and / or an alarm to the portable device 1, including a stationary device 2 that is not assigned to the portable device 1 of user B. - Only one stationary device 2.1, 2.2 associated with the portable device 1 can transmit a harmful gas signal and / or an alarm to the portable device 1, but not another stationary device 2.3.

[0097] Fig.Figure 3 shows a third embodiment. If user B has selected the networked mode, their portable device 1 also issues an alarm if an excessively high contaminant gas concentration con2.1, con2.2 occurs in the detection range of a stationary device 2.1, 2.2. The two contaminant gas concentrations measured by the two stationary devices 2.1, 2.2 are transmitted to the portable device 1. In local mode, user B's portable device 1 issues an alarm if an excessively high contaminant gas concentration con2.2 occurs in the detection range of the portable device 1 or in the detection range of the stationary device 2.2 in room R, but not if the excessively high contaminant gas concentration occurs in the detection range of the stationary device 2.1 outside room R.

[0098] In one implementation, portable device 1 automatically determines that stationary device 2.2 is located in the same room R as portable device 1, while stationary device 2.1 is located outside of this room R. For example, portable device 1 evaluates the respective signal strength from the two stationary devices 2.1, 2.2 to make this decision. Optionally, portable device 1 also evaluates the transmitted respective geoposition of each stationary device 2.1, 2.2. List of reference symbols 1, 1.1, 1.2 portable device, is worn by user B, B.1, B.2, includes the communication unit 3, 3.1, 3.2 and the output unit 5, 5.1, 5.2 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 stationary device, measures the pollutant gas concentration con2, con2.1, con2.2, con2.3, includes the communication unit 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 3, 3.1, 3.2 Communication unit of the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 Communication unit of the stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 5, 5.1, 5.2 Output unit of the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2, issues an alarm visually, acoustically and / or haptically 6, 6.1, 6.2 Input unit of the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2, allows a user B, B.1, B.2 to specify a concentration range for the evaluation unit of the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 B, B.1, B.2 User, wears the portable device 1, 1.1, 1.2 on his personal protective equipment con2, con2.1, con2.2, con2.3 Contaminant gas concentration measured by stationary device 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 R enclosed space in which the stationary device 2.2 is installed in which the user B is located

Claims

[1] Arrangement comprising a first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) and a first stationary gas detection device (2, 2.1), wherein the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) - comprises a sensor unit, an output unit (5, 5.1), a signal processing evaluation unit and a communication unit (3, 3.1), - has a detection range and - is designed to be carried by a user (B, B.1), in particular to be attached to personal protective equipment of the user (B, B.1), wherein the first stationary gas detection device (2, 2.1) - comprises a sensor unit and a communication unit (4, 4.1), - has a detection range and - is designed to be positioned at an installation location, wherein the sensor unit of the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) is designed to measure the concentration of a target gas in the detection range of the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1), wherein the sensor unit of the first stationary gas detection device (2, 2.1) is designed to measure the concentration of the target gas in the detection range of the first stationary gas detection device (2, 2.1), wherein, using the two communication units (3, 3.1, 4, 4.1), a data connection is or can be established at least temporarily between the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) and the first stationary gas detection device (2, 2.1), wherein the arrangement is designed to transmit the concentration of the target gas measured by the first stationary gas detection device (2, 2.1) in its detection range to the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) via this data connection, wherein the evaluation unit of the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) is designed to automatically decide - whether the measured target gas concentration of the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) in its detection range lies outside a predetermined first concentration range and - whether the measured target gas concentration by the first stationary gas detection device (2, 2.1) lies outside the first concentration range in its detection range, and wherein the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) is designed to - both in response to the fact that the target gas concentration measured by the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) in its detection range is outside the first concentration range, - as well as in response to the fact that the target gas concentration measured by the first stationary gas detection device (2, 2.1) in its detection range lies outside the first concentration range, to generate an alarm and to output the alarm by means of its output unit (5, 5.1) in at least one form perceivable by a human. [2] Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by , that the arrangement comprises at least one further gas detection device (2.2, 2.3) wherein the further gas detection device (2.2, 2.3) - comprises a sensor unit and a communication unit (4.2, 4.3) and - has a detection area, wherein the sensor unit of the further gas detection device (2.2, 2.3) is designed to measure the concentration of the target gas in the detection area of ​​the further gas detection device (2.2, 2.3), wherein, using the two communication units (3, 3.1, 4.2, 4.3), a data connection is or can be established at least temporarily between the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) and the further gas detection device (2.2, 2.3), wherein the arrangement is designed to transmit the concentration of the target gas measured by the further gas detection device (2.2, 2.3) in its detection range to the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) via this data connection, wherein the evaluation unit of the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) is additionally designed to automatically decide whether the target gas concentration measured by the further gas detection device (2.2, 2.3) in its detection range lies outside the first concentration range, and wherein the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) is designed to generate and output the alarm when - the target gas concentration measured by the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) in its detection range or - target gas concentration measured by the first stationary gas detection device (2, 2.1) in its detection range or - the target gas concentration measured by the further gas detection device (2.2, 2.3) in its detection range lies outside the first concentration range. [3] Arrangement according to claim 2, characterized by , that the or another gas detection device (2.2, 2.3) - is a stationary gas detection device and is designed to be positioned at an installation site, or - is a mobile gas detection device and is designed to be carried by a user. [4] Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the arrangement comprises a second portable gas detection device (1.2), wherein the second portable gas detection device (1.2) - comprises a sensor unit, an output unit (5.2), a signal processing evaluation unit and a communication unit (3.2), - has a detection range and - is designed to be carried by a user (B.2), wherein the sensor unit of the second portable gas detection device (1.2) is designed to measure the concentration of the target gas in the detection range of the second portable gas detection device (1.2), wherein, using the two communication units (3.2, 4, 4.1), a data connection is or can be established at least temporarily between the second portable gas detection device (1.2) and the first stationary gas detection device (2, 2.1), wherein the arrangement is designed to transmit the concentration of the target gas measured by the first stationary gas detection device (2, 2.1) in its detection range to the second portable gas detection device (1.2) via this data connection, wherein the evaluation unit of the second portable gas detection device (1.2) is designed to automatically decide - whether the target gas concentration measured by the second portable gas detection device (1.2) in its detection range lies outside a predetermined second concentration range and - whether the target gas concentration measured by the first stationary gas detection device (2, 2.1) in its detection range lies outside the second concentration range, wherein the second concentration range coincides with the first concentration range or is different from the first concentration range, and wherein the second portable gas detection device (1.2) is designed to, by means of its output unit (5.2), - both in response to the fact that the target gas concentration measured by the second portable gas detection device (1.2) in its detection range is outside the second concentration range, - as well as in response to the fact that the target gas concentration measured by the first stationary gas detection device (2, 2.1, 2.2) in its detection range lies outside the second concentration range, to generate an alarm and to output it with its output unit (5.2) in at least one form perceivable by a human. [5] Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) comprises an input unit (6, 6.1), wherein the input unit (6, 6.1) is designed to detect a user specification, where the default specifies the first concentration range, and wherein the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) is designed to trigger the alarm - both in response to the fact that the target gas concentration measured by the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) in its detection range lies outside the detected first concentration range, - as well as in response to the fact that the target gas concentration measured by the first stationary gas detection device (2, 2.1) in its detection range lies outside the detected first concentration range. [6] Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) optionally - in a networked mode or - can be operated in a local mode, wherein the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) is designed to generate and output the alarm by means of its output unit (5, 5.1) when operating in networked mode, if the target gas concentration measured by the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) in its detection range or the target gas concentration measured by the first stationary gas detection device (2, 2.1) in its detection range lies outside the first concentration range, and wherein the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) is designed to generate and output the alarm when operating in local mode by means of its output unit (5, 5.1), if the target gas concentration measured by the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) in its detection range lies outside the first concentration range, but not to generate and issue an alarm depending on the target gas concentration measured by the first stationary gas detection device (2, 2.1) in its detection range. [7] Arrangement according to claim 6, characterized by , that the arrangement comprises a further stationary gas detection device (2.2), wherein the further stationary gas detection device (2.2) is positioned at an installation location in an enclosed space (R), wherein the first stationary gas detection device (2, 2.1) is positioned at a location outside the enclosed space (R), wherein the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) is designed to generate and output the alarm by means of its output unit (5, 5.1) when operating in networked mode, if the target gas concentration measured by the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) in its detection range or the target gas concentration measured by the first stationary gas detection device (2, 2.1) in its detection range or the target gas concentration measured by the further stationary gas detection device (2.2) in its detection range lies outside the first concentration range, and wherein the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) is designed to generate and output the alarm when operating in local mode by means of its output unit (5, 5.1), if the target gas concentration measured by the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) in its detection range or the target gas concentration measured by the further stationary gas detection device (2.2) in its detection range lies outside the first concentration range, but not to generate and issue an alarm depending on the target gas concentration measured by the first stationary gas detection device (2, 2.1) in its detection range. [8] Method for monitoring a spatial area for a target gas, wherein the method is carried out using an arrangement, wherein the arrangement comprises a first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) and a first stationary gas detection device (2, 2.1), wherein the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) - comprises a sensor unit, an output unit (5, 5.1), a signal-processing evaluation unit and a communication unit (3, 3.1) and - has a detection area, wherein the first stationary gas detection device (2, 2.1) - comprises a sensor unit and a communication unit (4, 4.1, 4.2) and - has a detection area, wherein the method is carried out while - the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) is carried by a user (B, B.1), in particular is attached to personal protective equipment of the user (B, B.1), and - the first stationary gas detection device (2, 2.1) is positioned at an installation location, and the method comprising the steps of the sensor unit of the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) measures the concentration of the target gas in the detection range of the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1), the sensor unit of the first stationary gas detection device (2, 2.1) measures the concentration of the target gas in the detection range of the first stationary gas detection device (2, 2.1), using the two communication units (3, 3.1, 4, 4.1), a data connection is established at least temporarily between the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) and the first stationary gas detection device (2, 2.1), the concentration of the target gas measured by the first stationary gas detection device (2, 2.1) in its detection range is transmitted to the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) via this data connection, the evaluation unit of the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) automatically decides, - whether the target gas concentration measured by the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) in its detection range lies outside a predetermined first concentration range, and - whether the target gas concentration measured and transmitted in its detection range by the first stationary gas detection device (2, 2.1) lies outside the first concentration range, and the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) - both in response to the fact that the target gas concentration measured by the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) in its detection range is outside the first concentration range, - as well as in response to the fact that the target gas concentration measured and transmitted by the first stationary gas detection device (2, 2.1) in its detection range lies outside the first concentration range, generates an alarm and outputs the alarm by means of its output unit (5, 5.1) in at least one form perceivable by a human. [9] Method according to claim 8, characterized by , that the arrangement comprises at least one further gas detection device (2.2, 2.3) wherein the further gas detection device (2.2, 2.3) - comprises a sensor unit and a communication unit (4.2, 4.3) and - has a detection area, the method comprising the further steps of the sensor unit of the further gas detection device (2.2, 2.3) measures the concentration of the target gas in the detection range of the further gas detection device (2.2, 2.3), using the two communication units (3, 3.1, 4.2, 4.3), a data connection is established at least temporarily between the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) and the further gas detection device (2.2, 2.3), the concentration of the target gas measured by the further gas detection device (2.2, 2.3) in its detection range is transmitted to the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) via this data connection, the evaluation unit of the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) automatically decides whether the target gas concentration measured by the further gas detection device (2.2, 2.3) in its detection range lies outside the first concentration range, and wherein the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) generates and outputs the alarm by means of its output unit (5, 5.1) when the - target gas concentration measured by the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) in its detection range or - target gas concentration measured by the first stationary gas detection device (2, 2.1) in its detection range or - the target gas concentration measured by the further gas detection device (2.2, 2.3) in its detection range lies outside the first concentration range. [10] Method according to claim 8 or claim 9, characterized by , that the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) - temporarily in a networked mode and - is temporarily operated in a local mode, wherein the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) then generates the alarm when operating in networked mode and outputs it by means of its output unit (5, 5.1), if the target gas concentration measured by the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) in its detection range or the target gas concentration measured by the first stationary gas detection device (2, 2.1) in its detection range lies outside the first concentration range, and wherein the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) generates the alarm when operating in local mode and outputs it by means of its output unit (5, 5.1), if the target gas concentration measured by the first portable gas detection device (1, 1.1) in its detection range lies outside the first concentration range, but does not generate and issue an alarm depending on the target gas concentration measured by the first stationary gas detection device (2, 2.1) in its detection range.

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