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 benefit from the versatility of updated FlexSense firmware. New sensor interchangeable firmware 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.