Open Path Laser Spectroscopy Gas Detection

MSA has been a leader in hazardous gas detection instruments and equipment for many years. Their addition of the Senscient ELDS™ open path gas detector to their already extensive array of gas detection instruments reinforces the MSA leadership position in the field.

The Senscient ELDS™ system consists of an infrared laser transmitter unit and a receiver. The distance between the two components can be up to 200 meters. The function of the system is to provide detection of a targeted hazardous or flammable gas.

The basic operating principle centers around the selective absorption of specific wavelengths of light by the target gas. The transmitter infrared output is selected to match signature absorption patterns of the gas to be detected, with the receiver unit and its signal processing electronics tuned for the same signature. The output signal from the detector indicates the amount in target gas present in the beam path, which is proportional to the degree of absorption at the signature wavelength .

The Senscient ELDS™ incorporates advancements and technology that make its operation more resistant to the adverse effects of the operating environment and other less than ideal installation conditions than previous generations of open path gas detectors.

The included video provides more insight into the operation of the Senscient ELDS™ system. Share your hazardous and flammable gas detection challenges with process instrumentation specialists, leveraging your own knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop an effective solution.

Carbon Dioxide Monitoring in Breweries

Hazardous Gas Detection in Brewing

The brewing industry worldwide produces close to $300 billion in revenue, comprising multinational companies as well as many micro- breweries. Brewing processes generate carbon dioxide and can create environments that may be hazardous to operators working throughout these facilities.

Application

Carbon dioxide is present in fermentation and carbonation processes as well as within other brewing facility processing and bottling areas. Carbon dioxide is considered to be a heavier-than-air gas, with current TWA of only 5,000 ppm. Current IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health) is 40,000 ppm, or 4% by volume.

Solution

Infrared gas monitors from MSA permanent instruments recently enabled a global brewer to achieve the best solution for their application. MSA provided a sample draw system using a standard MSA Ultima® XIR Infrared Sensor with range of 0-5% by volume. System design had to meet this facility's instrumentation standard as well as provide necessary outputs and contacts to properly integrate with each facility’s existing communications network. Audible and visual alarms are part of the NEMA 4X system required to function within these very wet areas; a special end-of-line lter was also developed. These systems must operate 24/7 with very low maintenance requirements, resulting in overall low cost of ownership.

Implementation

MSA, working with the brewer, jointly developed the product and program that was introduced to all key instrumentation and electrical technicians as they upgraded each facility. MSA provided not only site start-up, but also site-specific operator training to transition to this new design as transparently as possible. With a nationwide network of eld service personnel, MSA supports these systems in a timely manner, at reasonably low customer cost.

For more information about hazardous gas detection, contact:

Instrument Specialties Inc.
3885 St. Johns Parkway
Sanford, FL 32771
phone 407.324.7800
fax 407.324.1104

www.isisales.com