Safety


Point gas detectors report a gas concentration value to control the safety system, which is equal to the gas concentration at the physical location of the gas detector.


As described before, this concentration will be dependent on the distance and dilution factor between the gas leak and the detector. In most cases, this is unpredictable. How fast a gas cloud can accumulate into a dangerous ppm or LEL level depends on environmental conditions such as wind velocity and the gas leak rate.


In an outdoor windy environment, the leak rate (measured as kilograms per second [kg/sec]) will determine if a potential gas leak can accumulate and ultimately be picked up by conventional gas detectors (Fig 3). The UGLD relies on the acoustic sound level generated by the pressurized gas directly proportional with the leak rate at a fi xed distance.


By detecting the leak rate from the gas leak, the UGLD will therefore not need to wait for gas to accumulate. It will detect and produce an alarm instantly when the leak hits a pre-defi ned leak rate. From oil/gas industry studies*, the following gas leak rate classifi cation has been developed based on how much damage a gas leak will cause if ignited:


• Minor gas leak: 0 – 0.1 kg/sec • Signifi cant gas leak: 0.1 – 1 kg/sec • Major gas leak: < 1 kg/sec


The acoustic frequency range of a UGLD is typically from 20 kHz to 75 kHz. This range indicates the sound frequency range at which the detectors are “listening” for the acoustic sound. The detection range for UGLD is also directly proportional with the leak rate. Some manufacturers claim very impressive detection ranges (40 meters in radius) without mentioning at what leak rate this detection range is valid.


MSA’s UGLDs are designed with highly sensitive and intelligent microphones that are trained with artifi cial neural network (ANN) intelligence to detect gas leaks at 0.1 kg/sec . They reliably distinguish between actual gas leaks and other sources of background noise interference to prevent false alarms.


Laser-Based Gas Detection Technology (ELDS)


The gas sensing technology behind the Senscient Enhanced Laser Diode Spectroscopy Gas Detectors (ELDS) is an open-path non- contacting method to detect specifi c toxic or fl ammable gases. In


the event of a gas leak, the sensor’s laser optical technology recognizes and analyzes a gas’s specifi c harmonic fi ngerprint.


During operation some of the detector’s laser light is refl ected continuously through a sample of the target gas in a hermetically- sealed reference cell. This design ensures the laser remains locked on the selected target gas’s unique wavelength. The detector’s harmonic fi ngerprint technology (Fig 4) helps ensure precise gas recognition, eliminating the potential for false alarms, even during adverse environmental conditions.


False alarms caused by interference gases, which are experienced with other detection technologies, are no longer a problem. Unlike electrochemical cells, Senscient ELDS sensors are also immune to sensor poisoning and interferent gases, due to their gas specifi c harmonic fi ngerprint detection method.


Fig 3. Gas Event Tree Table


Senscient ELDS detectors are designed with Class 1 eye safe lasers that penetrate thick fog, heavy rain and snow beyond the capability of traditional open path infrared (OPIR) detectors. With their automated SimuGas™ safety integrity self-check, there is no need for the typical OPIR sensor gas checks and recalibrations requiring fi eld technician time to address.


Senscient ELDS detectors are also virtually maintenance-free in terms of their construction. They have no consumable parts or gas cells to replace. Their harmonic fi ngerprint detection method eliminates calibration drift, which eliminates technician manual checks and adjustments, offering signifi cantly lower lifecycle costs.


Conclusions


The future of gas detection is a layered strategy that takes advantages of multiple sensing technologies: catalytic bead, electrochemical cell, point infrared, ultrasonic and laser optical detection. Point fi xed gas


detectors are the fi rst line of defense placed near potential leak sources such as pipes, valves, pumps, compressors, tanks and other equipment. By choosing the right combination of traditional point detection, along with the new UGLD and ELDS detector technologies, a much higher level of safety can be obtained to protect people, equipment and facilities.


Notes: * Health & Safety Executive Report Offshore Hydrocarbon Releases Statistics and Analysis 2002


43


Fig 4. ELDS Gas Detector


Author Contact Details Martin T. Olesen, International Business Development Manager– FGFD, MSA • Lyngby Hovedgade 10, DK - 2800 Lyngby, Denmark • Tel: +45 88 934560 • Email: martin.olesen@msasafety.com • Web: MSAsafety.com/detection


New capabilities to WirelessHART gas detector


United Electric Controls has expanded the capabilities of its Vanguard WirelessHART gas detector. Highlights include an expanded temperature operating range, enhanced stability across temperature ranges, improved handling of WirelessHART commands, and capability for interchangeable sensors.


“As our customers begin to see return on investments in WirelessHART gas detection, they are looking to apply it in more diverse settings and applications. This latest Vanguard version meets customer demands for operation in more extreme climates and improved connectivity, while also providing a foundation on which they can add new capabilities in the future,” said Andrew Liptak, United Electric Controls Product Manager for Gas Detection.


The Vanguard Gas Detector interfaces with existing networks to provide


continuous detection of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and methane (CH4) gases, which are among the most widely produced and most dangerous industrial gases. Among the highlights of the latest upgrade are expanded temperature range, improved zero stability over those ranges, and capability for interchangeable sensors.


detectors have an extremely broad operating temperature range. With new ambient operating temperatures from -40°C to 65°C, Vanguard sensors now have one of the highest operating ranges in the industry, making them suitable for extreme temperature ranges in areas such as India and Alaska.


The Vanguards now offer enhanced zero stability. Minimal zero shift with changing ambient temperature reduces the chance of false alarms and provides faster connection to the gateway.Updated WirelessHART commands allow quicker connectivity to networks and commissioning of a gas detection system.


Operators also benefi t from the versatility of updated FlexSense fi rmware. New sensor interchangeable fi rmware will accept new sensors to measure additional gases without changing the base unit.


Additional upgrades include improvements in span repeatability over temperature, sensor stabilisation time, and installation. United Electric Controls’ Vanguard Gas Detector Version 1.1 is available for immediate shipping.


For More Info, email: email:


For More Info, email: 47485pr@reply-direct.com


Fido can sniff out trace explosives detection in less than 10 seconds The Fido®


X2 from FLIR Systems


is a handheld explosives trace detector featuring fi eld-proven TrueTrace®


20 Analytical Instrumentation


Falex Learning Laboratory Jet fuel manufacturers, designers, engineers and scientists will soon be able to benefi t from the Falex learning center, scheduled to open in Spring of 2019. The learning space will be an educational and innovation hub, with seminars and educational sessions designed to address research and development topics. To receive information on the opening of the learning center, visit Falex.com.


technology enabling


it to detect a broad range of homemade, commercial, and military explosives with best-in- class sensitivity.


Weighing less than 700 grams the Fido X2 is a truly portable device designed for use at security checkpoints during long periods of high alert. The Fido X2 provides the perfect tool for screening


FALEX 430 ETR The Falex 430 ETR is the fi rst quantitative and completely objective instrument for the analysis of D3241 Thermal Oxidation Stability of Aviation Turbine Fuels heater tube deposit thickness.


Only the Falex 400 offers unparalleled consistency and conformity to the standards set by the industry. The 430 ellipsometer was developed to be the easiest, most accurate instrument for jet fuel testing, and is accepted as the referee method by ASTM when a test result is in dispute. The Falex 430 determines deposit thickness of a 2.5 mm2


spot and the complete


deposit volume for the ultimate in heater tube deposition measurement as designated in ASTM D3241 Annex 3. As the ASTM D1655-14c Specifi cation for Aviation Turbine Fuels states in Table 1, Note M, “in cases of disputes, the referee shall be considered the Annex 3 ETR (ellipsometer/ ETR).” Results are available in as little as 18 minutes.


vehicles and personal belongings for explosives residue that might indicate contact with explosives. With full analysis provided in ten seconds or less, security personnel can quickly and accurately screen for threats to mass transit, sporting arenas, and critical infrastructure with confi dence.


The Falex 430 is the only instrument with automatic initialization and automatic tube-centering with easy front-loading. The unit features a safe, completely enclosed laser light source and an optical detection system within a durable, simplifi ed mechanical structure with an automatic shutter for safety and instrument durability. With the 430 there is no need for new or non-deposited tubes to normalize results because the instrument references the tube being tested for deposits.


A large color, touch screen display simplifi es reporting and produces a three-dimensional representation of the deposit which shows the exact spot where the average deposit thickness was determined. A non-windows system is used for security.


Using the Fido X2 is highly intuitive. On-screen prompts and simple go/no-go alarms guide users through operation and aid in sampling and decision-making. The Fido X2 features on-device video training that provides real-time help and reduces the cost and logistical burden of recurrent training.


The 430 is compact and durable. It can even be recalibrated in the fi eld using NIST-certifi ed reference tubes yet the unit offers complete control over other testing functions beyond the default Annex 3 heater tube. Custom analyses are available by changing the refl ectivity of the tube or density of the deposit.


For more information on any of these products, or to order, contact Falex at falex.com or call 630.556.3669.


The Falex Corporation is a pioneer and a recognised global leader in the research, design and manufacture of tribology and test instruments for evaluating the physical properties of fuels, lubricants and materials for ASTM, IP and DefStan compliance. Well known as the original developer of the 4-Ball Tester and their signature Pin and Vee Block, Falex has been providing their customers confi dence in the quality of their test results since 1927. Professionals in aerospace, military, manufacturing and other industries trust Falex test equipment to ensure the highest standards in safety and effi ciency for their products.


In addition to sales and service of their test equipment, Falex has a laboratory which offers third party independent testing services for an extensive range of petroleum thermal oxidation and tribological tests.


Falex is committed to the science of tribology and will be opening a Learning Center in Spring of 2019. The events, seminars, etc. held there will help manufacturers, engineers and scientists augment their knowledge about the tribology, testing and industry standard compliance.


Falex products are sold and serviced worldwide. The company is headquartered outside of Chicago with a European offi ce in Belgium. OCTOBER / NOVEMBER • WWW.PETRO-ONLINE.COM


Operating without the need for hazardous chemicals or a radioactive ionisation source the Fido X2 is truly operator friendly. Reusable sampling swabs ensure cost-effective operation.


For More Info, email: email:


46076pr@reply-direct.com


We are proud to offer heater tubes that are ASTM D3241 and DefStan 9191 approved. They yield equivalent results to OEM tubes as explained in D3241 Table 2, Note c as “determined as equivalent to the equipment used to develop the test method.” The Heater Tubes are also acknowledged in IP 323 Table A.1 as acceptable heater tube kits used in ASTM Research Report D02-1714.


Falex heater tubes are sold in packages of 12, with each unit etched with a unique serial number. They are industry favorites with more than 100,000 sold to date.


90 Years of World Class Petroleum and Tribology Instrumentation


This year marks 90 years in business for the Falex Corporation and ninety years of customers putting their confi dence in the quality of the company’s research, design and development of petroleum and tribology test equipment. Falex equipment is trusted worldwide by manufacturers and standards organisations alike for the evaluation of the physical properties of fuels, lubricants and materials.


Once a sole pioneer in tribology, today Falex offers more than 40 approved and/or specifi ed testers in well over 150 ASTM and other global methods. Falex offers a suite of products to certify jet fuel and has been helping the jet fuel industry keep aircraft safely fl ying for more than a decade.


FALEX 400 Thermal Oxidation Stability Tester Since its introduction in 2009, The Falex 400 Thermal Oxidation Stability Tester and Falex Heater Tube Test Specimens has been the most durable and trusted Jet Fuel Oxidation Tester on the market. The robust, reliable 400 meets the most rigorous standards set by ASTM D3241 and is approved by DefStan 9191 for jet fuel testing. It can even run tests for both diesel and jet fuel in one single instrument.


The Falex 400 offers a convenient, small footprint —16 x 20 in.—and has a fuel and solvent-resistant, industrial color touchscreen with a dedicated microprocessor for added security and reliability. The unit offers improved sample handling with an enhanced open beaker support for reliable use with non-dedicated vessels. For zero fl ow pulsation during testing as required by D3241, the 400 comes with a standard HPLC double piston pump. The 400 also uses resettable, rather than replaceable fuses for more convenient testing, and an enhanced electronic cooling system to meet the extreme demands of the test environment.


With a proven design and substantial, installed base, the 400 is built for long intervals of use and years of service. The unit’s automatic humidity sensor and automatic aeration guarantees method compliance. User safety from harmful spills and fumes is provided by absorbent carbon fi lters and a pivoting safety cover to control vapors as well as a built-in, easily stored integral fi lter funnel holder to reduce spills and drips.


Falex Heater Tubes (consumable for Falex 400)


OCTOBER / NOVEMBER • WWW.PETRO-ONLINE.COM For More Info, email:


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52