The first ever SIL2 approved laser-based gas detector

Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection has recently released its GD1 laser-based gas detector with full SIL2 approval. This marks the first time that an open-path gas detector for hydrogen sulphide (H2S) safety-related applications has received this level of approval.

SIL (Safety Integrity Level) certification has become increasingly important in the oil, gas, petrochemical, and other process industries over the past decade. The GD1 from Teledyne GFD has already proven itself in the market, with over 800 units deployed at oil and gas exploration and production companies around the world since its release in 2011. Now, with its new SIL2 approval, the GD1 is suitable for use in systems with the highest safety requirements.

One of the standout features of the GD1 is its unique, tunable laser diode, which eliminates the impact of environmental factors such as sun, rain, and fog. In fact, the GD1 can operate with up to 98% obscuration, improving overall site safety. This is made possible by the detector's ability to transmit light in a cone rather than a straight beam, which expands upon transmission and is nearly a meter in diameter when it reaches the receiver. This allows the GD1 to effectively penetrate harsh environments that other solutions may struggle with.

In addition to its reliable laser technology, the GD1 also offers low power consumption, a long lifespan, and a high sampling/detection rate of 8,000 times per second thanks to its ultra-stable optomechanical design and construction. It also performs real-time automatic calibration and automatic proof testing, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing maintenance costs. And, because it scans single absorption lines where there is no interference from other gases, there is no potential for cross interference.

Overall, the GD1 offers a range of added-value characteristics that make it an attractive and economic choice for SIL2 applications. In many cases, it can even replace multiple standard detectors to cover the same risk, resulting in real cost savings within two years.