RAE Systems wins deal for toxic gas detection

RAE Systems Inc. received a five-year, $5 million contract from the Environmental Protection Agency for its rapid deployment kits for assessing and managing toxic gas, the company said today.

RAE Systems of Sunnyvale, Calif., makes multisensor chemical and radiation detection monitors and networks for homeland security and industrial applications. Its kits, called AreaRAEs, will be used to help EPA respond quickly to accidents and terrorist events throughout the country at locations with toxic gas-detection technologies.

The monitors will enable agency personnel to detect and identify hazardous gases and volatile chemicals from a remote location. EPA is already using them to monitor incidents and prevent injuries, RAE Systems said.

The rapid deployment kits consist of four wireless, five-gas, AreaRAE monitors with in-case charging and a host controller for remote monitoring from a command center that can be located up to two miles away, the company said.

The units can detect gaseous, volatile organic compounds, lower explosive limits, oxygen levels, hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide or up to nine other specific toxic threats, including ammonia and chlorine. The units also have datalogging capabilities for event documentation and are available with a global positioning satellite option that can track and display readings from up to 32 remotely located detectors on a GPS map.

RAE Systems employed 370 workers as of the end of last February and had 2003 revenue of $31.3 million. Its products are used by the Homeland Security, Justice and State departments, all branches of the U.S. military and several city and state agencies.