New Ultrasonic Gas Detection System Ensures Earlier Protection from Combustible Gas

Combining its highly reliable Gassonic detectors with its modular sixchannel MC600 Controller, General Monitors (USA) now offers a fully integrated ultrasonic gas leak detection system that is suitable for a
wide range of process safety monitoring applications in oil and gas production, petrochemical, refining, storage facilities, gas pipeline metering and compressor stations, and distribution facilities.

It is well-known that natural gas and other combustible gases are challenging to detect in open, well ventilated areas, especially outdoors. Lighter gases like hydrogen can furthermore easily ignite on
contact with open flames, electrical sparks, or by static discharge enhancing the challenge even further.

Ultrasonic gas leak detectors offer a responsive, reliable new method for detecting gas that reduces the risk of fires and explosions.

Ultrasonic gas leak detectors respond to the ultrasonic noise generated by escaping gas at pressures of minimum 145 psi for maximum coverage of 5-20 m in radius. A distinct advantage of ultrasonic technology is that it detects gas leaks regardless of ventilation rates, gas dilution, or the direction of the leak – and without the gas having to make physical contact with a sensor element. This makes ultrasonic gas leak detection the ideal choice for detection of pressurised gas leaks and for filling in gaps in the effectiveness of traditional gas detection systems.

Gassonic Ultrasonic Gas Leak Detectors use a robust and accurate stainless steel microphone that measures the sound pressure level (SPL) in the ultrasonic range. In addition, they feature the Senssonic™ integrated acoustic self-test, which periodically verifies the operation of the acoustic sensor to eliminate unrevealed failures. The detectors hold relevant C-UL and ATEX certifications. The Gassonic Observer is certified for SIL 2 and 3 systems, while the Gassonic Surveyor is suitable for SIL 1 and 2.

With the addition of a General Monitors MC600 Multi-Channel Controller, process and plant engineers now have a flexible ultrasonic gas leak detection system. The MC600 is able to connect with up to six Gassonic detectors and displays the SPL as well as alarm, warning, and time delay settings for each device. As with other General Monitors sensors, the controller permits users to configure relays for the ultrasonic gas leak detectors and select zones and voting schemes. The MC600 is designed with a rugged, corrosion and weather-resistant, Type 4X housing suitable for Class I,
Division 2 areas.