Early detection of combustible gas leaks using open path infrared (IR) gas detectors

Edward Naranjo; Shankar Baliga

doi:10.1117/12.919201

9 May 2012 Early detection of combustible gas leaks using open path infrared (IR) gas detectors

Edward Naranjo, Shankar Baliga

Proceedings Volume 8366, Advanced Environmental, Chemical, and Biological Sensing Technologies IX; 83660V (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.919201
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2012, Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Abstract

Open path IR gas detectors are a mainstay in the oil and gas industry. They are used in a variety of instances to identify gas accumulations or monitor gas cloud migrations. In offshore installations, open path optical gas detectors are used to monitor drilling and production operations, crude oil separation, compression, and exhaust and ventilation systems. Because they can monitor a perimeter or fence line, they are ideally suited for detecting gas in open facilities, where point gas detectors would be difficult or expensive to deploy. Despite their widespread use, open path optical gas detectors are rarely employed to detect low level concentrations of combustible gases. Standard models are typically set to alarm at 50% LEL-m (50% LEL extended over one meter), providing sufficiently early warning when gas accumulations occur. Nevertheless, in cases in which a combustible gas is diluted quickly, such as ventilation exhaust ducting, it may be necessary to set the detector to alarm at the lowest predictable level. Further, interest in low level infrared gas detection has been growing as gases such as CH₄ and CO₂ are greenhouse gases. The present paper describes a mid-wave infrared (MWIR) open path system designed to detect combustible and carbon dioxide gas leaks in the parts-per-million-meter (ppm-m or mg/cm²). The detector has been installed in offshore platforms and large onshore facilities to detect a variety of flammable gases and vapors. Advantages and limitations of the system are presented. False alarm immunity and resilience to atmospheric interferences are also discussed.

Citation Download Citation

Edward Naranjo and Shankar Baliga "Early detection of combustible gas leaks using open path infrared (IR) gas detectors", Proc. SPIE 8366, Advanced Environmental, Chemical, and Biological Sensing Technologies IX, 83660V (9 May 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.919201

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