Infra red Gas Sensing Technology ‘Gascard NG’ by Edinburgh Instruments

Edinburgh Instruments (UK) has a well deserved reputation in the arena of infra-red gas sensing technology, with a track record spanning over 20 years. The company is continuing to build on this reputation with the introduction of its next generation OEM sensor, named the Gascard NG. Utilising established and proven technology from the existing Gascard range of instruments, the Gascard NG not only addresses existing customer requirement, being backward-compatible with the current Gascard model, but it also provides for future extendibility and functionality through improved communications and configuration options.

The main highlights of the Gascard NG are :
1. Backward-compatibility with the current generation of Gascard detectors;
2. Automatic temperature and pressure correction via on-board sensors;
3. On-board RS232 communication;
4. TCP/IP communications protocol option
5. Field replaceable IR source
6. Windows-compatible data logging software
7. Enhanced configuration options for future extendibility to incorporate additional gas detection technologies.

Initially released in CO2 ppm & low per cent volume configurations, the range has now been extended to include all the different measurement ranges for CO2 as well as the other target gases covered by the current Gascard model. Such as CO and CH4.

Liquid Level Transmitter Support Foundation Fieldbus

MTS ( Germany ) has developed a new output for its line of magnetostrictive Level Plus liquid sensors. Foundation Fieldbus will be the third protocol offered by the MG digital level transmitter, which also includes current production of Modbus and the ASCII based proprietary DDA protocols. The model MG satisfies the demand for a digital communication interface in the liquid-level marketplace for vessels from 508 mm to 22,000 mm. It offers maintenance free liquid level measurement for automatic tank gauging without any recalibration. Featuring 3-in-1 measurement of the product level, interface level, and the average temperature of the liquid from up to 12 temperature points it utilizes a single process opening, eliminating the need for separate level and temperature transmitters.

Designed for inventory control, the model MG offers a resolution of 0,025 mm at maximum length and can also provide volume measurement from a 100-point strap table that the user loads into the transmitter. The new Foundation Fieldbus protocol will make the Model MG transmitter compatible with an even wider variety of control system, expanding the company’s offerings to additional customers with pharmaceutical, chemical, biotech and food applications. Now they can combine the superior control capabilitiesof the protocol with the transmitter superior repeatability and reliability for an extremely efficient process.

source : Environmental technology newspaper

Alphasense : Releases A-Series Photo Ionisation Detector (PID) Sensor

With a PID (Photo Ionisation Detector) the sample gas is exposed to deep ultraviolet light from a lamp. The emitted light ionizes targeted gases in the sample so they can be detected by the gas detector and reported as a concentration (ppb or ppm).
The Alphasense (UK) PID can be installed in portable and stationary gas monitors that accept either Alphasense Ltd CH-A3 or other manufactures compatible pellistor cells.
Thus providing complete PID capability in a package that has the same dimensional and electrical profile as Pellistors ( providing the electronics input circuit is designed to take the sensor’s output range). This opens up an incredible variety of environmental and safety applications in industrial, commercial and residential markets.
The Alphasense PID sensor is offered in two models. They are virtually insentive to humidity changes, providing unparalleled performance in a variety of application such as, PID – A1 has a linear dynamic range of 50-ppb to 6000-ppm (Isobutylene), PID-AH has a linear dynamic range of 5-ppb to 100-ppm (Isobutylene), The sensor include a detector with 10.6eV Lamp, Lamp driver, Amplifier Circuitry and removable and replaceable Electrode Stack & Particulate Filter.
Arthur W. Burnley, Sales and Marketing Director stated :”Alphasense commitment is always to provide the best product it can in the market for its customers. We constantly improve, develop and introduce new products and the recently released PID range is an excellent example of this. Our policy is to introduce ebest by design sensors, not eme too product. These PID sensors have already been fully tested and adopted by a number of OEM and are beginning to replace our competitor products. A major benefit is the much lower cost for replacement lamps and the ability to replace the electrode stack at a nominal cost. Alphasense maintains its commitment to customers by continuing to supply the highest quality sensors with on-time delivery every time allied to exemplary support.”

Source : Environmental Technology newspaper

The DGTec-ex New Gas Detector for Zone 0

The DGTec-ex from Detector Oy (Finland) is a new generation of digital gas detector for explosive atmospheres (zone 0, 1 and 2). The detector is fitted with an electro-chemical sensor. It is designed to monitor the presence of either oxygen, hydrogen or toxic gases in the process of food, drug and petrochemical industry – all parameters defined according to the customer’s specification!
Other environments with Ex-classifications in which this reliable measuring technology can be used are in i.e. hospital, laboratories, compressor rooms and water treatment plants. Due to the fact that the sensor element is target specific it will only react with the measured gas. This reduces radically the risk of false alarm. The biggest advantage with the digital measuring technology is achieved when the detector are connected to the innovative SCAN-series gas controllers.
Wireless monitoring and reporting
Wireless setting of the parameters as well as calibration of the new digital gas detector is done by using the IR Communicator (IRC). The data is stored in the IRC. If needed a report with data of i.e. the last calibration and settings of the equipment with serial numbers can be printed out for authority use.
Before the delivery the detector DGtec-ex is calibrated at the factory for the right measuring range according to the monitoring needs of the customer. Since the detector is ATEX-certified only personnel authorized by Detector Oy is entitled to calibrate and to service the detector.

Gas Detection Digital TA-2016MB-WM Wall Mount Controller

New and award Winning Gas Detection Digital Modbus RTU Wall Mount Controller, TA-2016MB-WM designed and manufactured by Mil-Ram Technology (USA) features a 16 channel system utilizing RS-485 Modbus RTU Multi-drop smarter Transmitter (Sensor) Network. Four relays (SPST), 10 Amp. are common to all channels. Select latching or non-latching function. Low, Mid, High, Fault relays. LED alarm indicators. Local buzzer.

Option : remote Relay Modules, Modbus enabled, can be installed at any point on RS-485 network. Up to 16 modules per network and up to 16 different zones. Conveniently install relays at point of use, which eliminates long wiring runs between relays and field installed alarms. Remote Analog Output Module provides discrete analog 4-20mA output (16 bit resolution) per channel. Remote Digital Output Module provides RS-485 ModBus RTU interface to Centralized System (e.g. PLC). Analog Input Module to connect standard 4 -20 mA Transmitters where traditional analog installation is preferred. Backlit 16 characters x 2 lines LCD display. Auto-scrolls to provide channel data and fault conditionals. Indicates alarm status. Simple non-intrusive setup using magnet. Auto – Configuration wizard provides rapid channel setup without special knowledge. Nema 4x weatherproof polycarbonate enclosure. Continuous Diagnostics Explosion – proof enclosure, 8-channel wall mount controller, external alarm stations and wireless are all options that are available.

Use with any Mil-Ram Model TA-2100MB smarter Gas Detection Transmitter, Toxic/LEL/VPC/Oxygen, which detect hundreds of different gases and vapors.

source : Environmental technology newspaper

New Open Path Gas Detectors Eliminate False Alarm

Senscients (USA) new ELDS Series Open Path Gas Detectors (OPGD’s) feature truly false-alarm free flammable and toxic gas detection. ELDS gas detectors, scheduled to begin shipping in the first quarter of 2009, solve a problem common in the oil and gas industry: unreliable readings causing false alarms that cost millions of dollars in lost revenue annually. Safety systems triggered by the detection of potentially hazardous gases typically shut down processes and facilities to prevent catastrophe. But when a false alarm triggers the system, productivity is lost while the alarm origin is investigated, false alarm status is verified, and processes are slowly brought back on line.

Using Enhanced Laser Diode Spectroscopy (ELDS), Senscient ELDS detectors automatically ignore interference from any non-target gases and vapors such as organic surfactants, alcohols, diesel fumes and oil mist or atmospheric elements such as rain, fog, and snow that can cause spurious alarms for traditional NDIR or LDS-based open path gas detection systems. This makes Senscient ELDS detectors especially appealing in safety applications where greater 90% uptime performance is required in environmentally challenging installations.

Senscient ELDS OPGD detectors, using Harmonic Fingerprint technology and other advanced features, will initially be available for the detection of either Methane-only gas, or Simultaneous Methane and Hydrogen Sulfide gases in the same system with absolute selectivity. Instrument capabilities and configurations for additional critical hydrocarbon and toxic gases will be introduced later in 2009.

Senscient ELDS Series 1000 and 2000 detectors in a separate transmitter and receiver configuration are capable of establishing coverage from 5 to 40 meters, and up to 200 meters, depending upon the target gas and the required Minimum Reliably Detectable Quantities for the target gas of choice. A target gas reading from anywhere along its beam triggers either an isolated single or dual analog or digital communications signal to a remote safety PLC.

“Our ultra-sensitive and false alarm-free ELDS technology provides the operator with the absolute certainty of a gas leak as well as the earliest warning response of any other methane or hydrogen sulfide detection technology on the market today, providing precious time for remedial action to shut down plant processes and evacuate personnel only when necessary,” according to Jean Berthold, Senscient CSMO and VP.

Senscient ELDS Series 1000 and 2000 gas detectors are designed to meet or exceed the most current toxic and flammable gas detection global safety standards for offshore oil drilling platforms, FPSOs, onshore petrochemical facilities and oil refineries

source : Environmental technology newspaper

The TX5926 and TX5927 In-Line Vortex Gas Flow Sensors Introduced

Trolex (UK) has introduced an in-line version of its vortex gas flow sensor/transmitter. Designed for in line flow monitoring of air, gases and vapours in pipelines, the TX5926 and TX5927 models are made to the usual Trolex exacting standards. The two models provide the option of either a 1” or 2” nominal bore and applications for these gas flow sensors range from ventilation system, cooling systems, and plant protection through to high accuracy transfer metering, environmental control and monitoring as well as for process extraction plants. They are built for use in power plants, process plants, pharmaceutical production, biogas plants, landfill sites as well as cement manufacture and the mining industry – anywhere where gas flow detection in pipes is required.

The new in-line vortex gas flow sensors are certified intrinsically safe, Group I and Group II for use in potentially explosive atmospheres to EURONORM standards. The vortex flow velocity sensing system provides high accuracy, flow measurement free from drift and mechanical deterioration. As the stream of gas passes through the sensing zone, vortices are generated by a transverse strut or ‘Bluff Body’ positioned in the flow path. The vortex frequency is proportional to the flow velocity and this frequency is detected by an ultrasound beam accurately located downstream of the strut. This information is processed by a specially designed software program to provide user configurable information display and a conditioned linear output signal.

Both the TX5926 and TX5927 have programmable information display for zero, span, signal offset, volumetric calculations, engineering units, turn down, damping, display suppression, fault mode, contrast and signal clamp. There are no moving parts on the product and the self-cleaning vortex sensing head gives ultra long-term stability. The units also offer configurable signal turndown and response linearity in true engineering units as well as a volumetric flow calculation facility.

source : Environmental technology newspaper

The New G400-MP2 Pump Gas Detector

New Pump communicates with gas detector. The new G-400-MP2 Pump from GfG (germany) communicates with the gas detectors G450/G460. This interaction allows fault indication via the detector display. Low battery, blocked sampling line or interrupted power fault modes are shown on the display and activate different visual and audible warnings.

Gas samples can be taken from distances of up to 100 m with considerable low – pressure performance – the safe solution for confined space measurement. The G400-MP2 is the only attachable pump available which may remain fixed to the detector. When the pump is turned on, the diffusion inlets are covered and the measurement results are not affected by air flows.

An additional filter system in the sampling line protects pump and sensors from dust and moisture. When the pump is turned off, the gas detector can be operated as usual. The diffusion inlets now allow all gases to enter the sensor chamber.

The G400-MP2 is operated on its own power supply, independently from the gas detector, i.e. the pump does not affect the operational time of the G450/G460. The pump power supply allows at least 10 hours of continuous operation.

In addition, the performance test approval of the G460 and G450 includes methane, propane, hexane and n-nonane, so the user is protected against the whole range combustible gases that may be encountered. This means better protection, and improved safety. Together with a huge range of sensors, accessories and options, the G460 and G450 provide a comprehensive solution for all gas detection applications.

source : Environmental technology newspaper