10 minimum specifications your next Open Path Gas Detection system will meet

1. Three (3) orders of magnitude (1000 X) better sensitivity for hydrocarbon gases. Traditional NDIR OPGD (open path gas detection) limits of detection are 0.5 LEL meter. That's 25,000 ppm.meter for the first notification of the presence of a methane gas leak. The explosion level of methane is 50,000 ppm. The new generation of laser-based OPGD systems detect a Minimum Reliably Detectable Quantity of about 2 ppm path average concentration! With early warning of increasing gas concentrations, you gain more time to initiate remedial action for avoiding - or virtually eliminating - the possibility that combustible gas leak levels ever reach explosive thresholds. It is now possible to monitor and track atmospheric levels of gas and watch the progress of a gas leak as it occurs. Awareness of target gas concentrations at low levels can add literally hours of time to either determine the source of the leak, or shut down a hot spot where a gas cloud is forming to prevent an accident.

2. Single digit ppm.meter detection of toxic gases. New OPGD systems are designed for the sensitive and selective detection of either, or both flammable and toxic gases with a no false alarm guarantee. False alarms have been the traditional bane of OPGD systems, costing companies countless hours of man power and downtime.

3. Integration of a target gas' harmonic fingerprint to make gas detection species-specific on a molecular level. This ensures absolute selectivity while eliminating false alarms of any kind. New, sophisticated microprocessors and algorithms perform signal integration that use the harmonics of the target gas absorption signal for detection. Such systems enable unique and interference-free identification of the target gas - and ONLY the target gas - effectively eliminating false alarms by design.

4. Simultaneous detection of two gases in a single detector with corresponding dual isolated output signals for applications such as sour gas (Methane + H2S). Cost savings for a multi-gas detection system to reduce Capital Expenditures as much as 60% over single gas detection solutions.

5. Elimination of test filters, gassing cells, handling of hazardous calibration gases in the field, maintenance time. Another benefit of the patented molecular species-specific harmonic fingerprinting technique, together with an internal target gas reference cell enables remote, electronic, and automatic gas detector functionality confirmation. This completely eliminates the traditional requirement to replace electrochemical cells for toxic gas sensors and test filters or gassing cells for hydrocarbon gases, along with all associated labor and personnel risks. No more gas calibrations or functional checks of any kind in the field by technicians with hazardous gas cylinders and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

6. Substantially better obscuration and misalignment tolerance, easier setup. The new laser-based OPGD systems remain in full operation even when environmental factors cause in excess of 95% obscuration of the beam. This results in uninterrupted operation and much improved availability of the systems in fog, rain, snow, dust, and blowing sand. Traditional NDIR systems will often drop into beam block mode, or create false alarms when obscurations or misalignments cause a 60% reduction in signal intensity.

7. Analog outputs with optional MODBUS and HART communications. Versatile communications and reporting functionality.

8. Integral stainless steel bracket and junction box. Integration of detection and electrical power components into a single rugged, compact housing eliminate separate mounting plates or separate aluminum junction boxes. This simplifies installation requirements and eliminates the exposure of components and wiring connections to corrosion in the field.

9. Certification for Hazardous Area Class 1, Division 1, and Zone 1 by FM Global, BASEEFA/ATEX and CSA, in addition to performance standard compliance data from FM Global and ATEX. International compliance to the most current, premier industry and safety standards, along with the confidence that the OPGD equipment operates to published specifications.

10. Innovation with provenance. Laser-based OPGD technology supported by proven research and technology. Research, design and manufacturing teams led by industry-leading gas detection pioneers that bring decades of experience designing and producing market-leading open path gas detection products.