According to ASHRAE Standard R15, what can an Oxygen Deprivation Sensor be used as?

An Oxygen Deprivation Sensor, as defined by ASHRAE Standard R15, is used primarily in applications to detect low levels of oxygen in the air, which can indicate a risk for asphyxiation or other safety hazards. As a refrigeration leak detector, the sensor plays a crucial role in identifying leaks of refrigerants that can displace oxygen in an enclosed environment, creating unsafe conditions for occupants.

When a refrigeration leak occurs, the natural concentration of oxygen can be reduced, and the sensor will activate to alert building management or safety personnel to the potentially hazardous situation. The effective use of oxygen deprivation sensors in this capacity is critical for ensuring the safety of building occupants by preventing conditions that may lead to oxygen deficiency.

Other options like an automatic purger, a breathing apparatus, or mechanical ventilation pertain to different functionalities and systems. An automatic purger is more about the active removal of contaminants, a breathing apparatus is used to supply breathable air to individuals, and mechanical ventilation focuses on controlling the air change rate within a space. None of these serve the detection purpose that an Oxygen Deprivation Sensor is designed for in the context of refrigeration systems.