Which Applications Require Flame Detection?

Whether it’s an offshore platform, oil refinery, or gas pipeline, flame detectors are self-contained, stand-alone units that are designed to easily connect to alarm systems and automatic fire extinguishing systems.

For many facilities, keeping a watchful eye on every piece of equipment or confined space can be difficult. With the Sharpeye flame detector, safety managers can trust in the long term reliability and overall versatility of the detection for full control. Take a look at some of the most common uses for these detectors in today’s oil and gas industry.

1. Offshore Oil and Gas Platforms
2. Hydrogen Detection
3. Perimeter Protection
4. Ventilation Systems
5. Floating Roof Tanks

1) Offshore Oil and Gas Platforms

Considered vital installations for any company, oil and gas platforms require advanced monitoring equipment due to the nature of their changing environment. One of the most useful applications of these detectors is to monitor the flammable concentrations of gas entering HVAC ductwork, allowing safety personnel to take preventive measures before a hazardous incident were to occur.

2) Hydrogen Detection

Fires caused by extreme levels of hydrogen gas is one of the most dangerous situations in an oil and gas facility. Flames from hydrogen fires are virtually invisible and difficult to contain, posing unique challenges to emergency personnel during an accident. With a flame detector with IR sensors, you can efficiently reduce the chances of fire by monitoring the concentration levels of hydrogen gas in a particular area.

Pro Tip: Install a gas detection system with multiple sensors so that you can monitor the levels of different harmful gases in your area. 

3) Perimeter Protection

At many plants and refineries, there is a need to ensure the perimeter of the facility is constantly monitored for signs of vapor clouds that may threaten other areas of the plant or nearby populated areas. To ensure 24/7 monitoring, flame detectors can be installed to provide fence-line perimeter protection that can detect harmful gases from a long distance. With a reliable way to protect your facility asa whole, you can ensure the safety of your team and reduce the chances of uncontained wildfires.

4) Ventilation Systems

While there are many areas within an oil and gas facility that pose a hazard to fire or explosion, it is often the ventilation systems of a facility that lead to hazardous situations. To guard against this, sharp flame detectors can be mounted in the ventilation ducts around your area. By taking samples of the air already being disseminated throughout the facility, you can be one step ahead of the possibility of fire.

In addition to standard ventilation systems, flames can also be present in air intake turbines, a certain threat for oil and gas applications. If flammable gas clouds are not detected early enough, they can get sucked into an air turbine and lead to uncontrolled explosions that can quickly spread to many parts of a refinery.

5) Floating Roof Tanks

Due to the use of floating roof tanks to store crude oil and petroleum-based fuel products, it’s possible vapors may escape the tanks and result in a catastrophic explosion. This is often due to faulty seals often found in these roof tanks, which is why gas detection is crucial. To prevent roof tank explosions, Sharpeye flame detectors can be installed on these tanks to alert workers to broken seals and pre-flammable conditions.

Keep a SharpEye On Your Safety

Engineered with sensors to detect hydrocarbon-based- fuel and gas fires, our line of sharpeye flame detectors provides the durability needed for continual safety. By taking advantage of these detectors, you’re guaranteed a minimum of 150,000 hours of reliability and an automatic and manual built-in-test to ensure the best operation possible. If you work in the oil and gas industry, don’t hesitate to equip yourself with the highest quality fire protection.

Not sure which flame detector is right for you? Get in touch with our team for more information about our selection of sharpeye flame detectors.

Lessening False Alarms

When detectors are installed, they need to be able to provide data that is always accurate and reliable. However, at times when the work environment may become harsh due to temperature extremes or other factors, the result can be occasional false alarms. However, with today’s state-of-the-art technology such as wireless networking being implemented in most newer detectors, false alarms rarely happen. Because of this, companies can avoid production disruptions and costly downtime.

Quick Detection Times

When flames are detected, workers and others in the area need to have enough time to safely evacuate the area. Therefore, the detectors being used need to allow for quick detection of flames, no matter the work environment. In addition to this, the detectors should also be able to scan a large area very quickly, since workers may be spread out and require extra time to reach safe areas.

Self-Diagnosing

As the technology with these detectors has gotten more and more advanced in recent years, virtually all models are now capable of performing self-diagnostics if problems arise. Because of this, most detectors need little manual calibration, instead performing a regular series of self-checks so that the detector’s optical path always stays clear. By being able to constantly monitor itself 24/7, a detector not only can be relied upon to provide accurate results, but also greatly reduce its risk of malfunctioning.

The Field of View

For a detector to be as effective as possible, not only does it need the technology to self-correct any problems, but also always have a field of view that is as wide as possible. With most modern Ir-S Infrared flame detectors, the field of view can extend up to 120 degrees, allowing them to offer maximum levels of safety. By doing so, many companies find they actually need fewer detectors than first thought, enabling them to save money while still keeping their employees safe.

Making the Decision

When choosing detectors that will alert employees to the threat of fire or explosion, it’s important to make sure they possess as much state-of-the-art technology as possible. Whether it’s having self-diagnostic capabilities, large fields of view, or the ability to produce few if any false alarms, choosing the right detectors can make all the difference. If you have questions about which detectors will work best for your company, speak with an Applications Engineer at Global Detection Systems. By doing so, you can speak with an experienced and knowledgeable industry professional.

Flame-Sensing Technology

One of the most important applications of a Triple IR flame detector is its flame-sensing technology. With its ability to monitor remote areas on a 24/7 basis, it’s able to be used to detect many different types of industrial fuels. Some of the most common fuels monitored by these detectors include:

–Diesel

–Gasoline

–Hydrogen

–Sulfur

–Jet Fuel

In addition to monitoring these gases and fuels for flames, the detectors also have the ability to distinguish actual flames and radiation emitted from sunlight, arc welding, lightning, or other sources. Thanks to this technology, the number of false alarms have greatly decreased, reducing productivity losses and costs.

Harsh Work Environments

Along with being able to detect flames from various sources, these detectors are also equipped to perform accurately and reliably in the harshest of work environments. For example, in such settings as engine test facilities and engine rooms, extremely high temperatures and levels of humidity can sometimes play havoc with obtaining accurate results. However, when it comes to flame detectors Sharpeye detectors have performed very well in situations such as these, prompting companies in many industries to install them at their facilities. In other situations, oil refineries may install these detectors near generators and storage tanks, allowing for 24/7 monitoring in remote areas that may be subject to shocks, vibrations, or high levels of dust or smoke.

Data Analysis

In situations where flames are detected, it’s vital that the detectors installed on the premises be able to provide instant data analysis to management personnel as well as emergency personnel who may be located in a nearby monitoring center. To ensure the best decisions are made, these detectors send data in real-time, enabling personnel who are on or off-site to make quick decisions that can help save lives. Along with this, detectors and other equipment may be able to be remotely calibrated, helping them to provide reliable data under the worst of circumstances. And then once the situation is deemed safe, management can analyze the results and look for important ways to make changes that will result in improved safety levels.

No matter what application is needed by your business, GDS has the flame sensing equipment that can make your work environment as safe as possible. By being able to protect the lives of employees as well as the large investment in equipment, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you have detectors considered to be the best in the industry. To speak with a knowledgeable and experienced applications engineer, contact GDS and learn which type of detector will work best for your company.

Self-Contained Devices

A flame detector that is unique in that it is a stand-alone device, Sharpeye flame detection consists of self-contained stand-alone devices that can be directly connected to fire extinguishing and sprinkler systems, allowing the detectors to control how and when they operate. Because of this, they can be used very effectively on offshore platforms and pipelines, where they can be installed at key points to ensure the area remains as safe as possible.

False Alarm Immunity

Due to these detectors using infrared and ultraviolet technology, they have a high immunity to false alarms. Able to detect very specific types of flames, these detectors are well-known for their reliability in detecting spectral signatures. Thus, they are a good choice for locations that have a large presence of multiple accelerants.

Low Power Consumption

Since a Sharpeye flame detector rarely provides a false alarm, it also uses far less power than many other flame detectors. Thus, it is a very popular flame detector that’s used in storage areas, public buildings, and many oil and gas facilities. With a detection range of 140 feet, it is considered an excellent choice for use in both large and small indoor areas.

IR3 Technology

By having the latest capabilities when it comes to IR3 technology, a Sharpeye Ir3 flame detector can adapt to a number of different environments. For example, the 2020 CCTIx incorporates IR3 technology into its functioning, enabling it to use a color video camera to verify a fire while at a remote location.

UV/IR Technology

For Sharpeye detectors that use a combination of ultraviolet and infrared technology, a big advantage is their low cost and compact size. Along with this, these detectors can detect a variety of fires from hydrocarbon fuel and gas, hydrogen, hydroxyl, and metals. And as these detectors are known for, they give very few false alarms, due mainly to the logic circuit found in no other detector.

Multiple Detection

Because all industrial sites have different floor plans and layouts, Sharpeye detectors have technology enabling them to adapt well to virtually any environment. One of its best features is the ability to detect flames from multiple gases simultaneously, making it a very effective and cost-efficient detection system. With its high resistance to false alarms, ability to discern between various types of flames, and versatility within the oil and gas industry, Sharpeye detectors can operate virtually anywhere.

Monitoring the Facility

In areas where industrial boilers and multi-burner utilities are located, having constant monitoring is crucial to ensure worker safety. For this reason, a flame detector can spell the difference between life and death in many cases. If a facility is located in a remote location, having the advantage of 24/7 monitoring can help to alert management as well as safety personnel in the event combustible gases lead to a fire.

Data Networks and Transmission

When a situation arises in an oil and gas facility, data from the site needs to be received by management personnel as soon as possible. To make this happen, more and more companies now rely on detectors that transmit data in real-time, allowing individuals to have instant access to facts and figures on their smartphones, tablets, or laptop computers. Along with being able to decide if workers need to be evacuated, having this data will also allow management to calibrate detectors to ensure additional data is as accurate as possible. By knowing all detectors are properly calibrated, safety personnel will be able to analyze data from the accident and gain a better understanding of what happened and how to prevent it from happening in the future.

Confined Spaces

In most oil and gas plants and refineries, boilers and burners are usually located in areas where there are numerous confined spaces. In these situations, workers need to be extremely careful to not put themselves in dangerous situations. But by using such equipment as an IR flame detector, it’s possible to use the detectors to check for extremely small levels of combustible gases that can result in a fire. Along with combustible gases, a UV flame detector can also monitor levels of hydrocarbons to ensure workers do not become trapped in areas and will be unable to evacuate before tragedy strikes.

Early Detection

Whereas many flame detection systems alert workers only when they are in a hazardous situation, others that use advanced detection analysis can alert personnel to dangerous situations prior to anyone entering the area. Because of this feature, numerous companies now employ these systems near their boilers and multi-burner utilities in an effort to keep workers and equipment safe. As technology in this field has advanced in recent years, many companies now also employ portable handheld monitors to help employees who go to numerous places in a facility each day. With these monitors, employees can not only feel much safer on the job, but also relay information to remote locations regarding their status.

Fixed or Portable?

When it comes to flammable gas detection, one of the first decisions to make is whether you need fixed monitors, portable monitors, or both. In most companies, a combination of both monitors is used to provide 24/7 protection. Fixed monitors, which are installed in a certain area and can offer continual analysis of air levels, provide 24/7 monitoring and are considered vital to overall safety. A portable flammable gas detector, often used in confined spaces, lets workers test areas before entering, giving them an early warning as to when dangerous conditions may be present. Small in size, these monitors are easy to transport and can be used in a variety of situations.

Open Path or Point?

Along with deciding between fixed or portable monitors, it’s also important to distinguish between open path or point detectors. Measuring the concentration of the gas at the sampling point of the instrument, they can use various levels of measurement such as volume ratio, lower explosion limits (LEL), or PPM for lower-level concentrations. Although used in many situations to detect toxic gases, they are primarily made for flameable gas detection.

Sensor Type

Because there are many types of sensors that are used in these gas monitors, it’s important to choose the right one for your facility. To guarantee the best results, make sure the gas monitor used can detect the correct type of gas, has an adequate range of concentration for the gas it will be monitoring, and can compensate for other gases that may be present which could alter the readings or damage the sensor.

LEL and UEL

For any fire or explosion to occur, combustible gases must combine fuel, oxygen, and an ignition source. Depending upon the specific fuel and oxygen mixture, the risks in a facility can vary. Therefore, gas monitors measure the percentage of these ignition sources using the criteria of LEL and UEL, which stand for Lower Explosive Limit and Upper Explosive Limit. Since each gas has its own LEL and UEL values, it’s important to have a monitor that is properly calibrated to measure these levels for the gases that may be present. By understanding LEL and UEL levels as well as the other criteria involved in these situations, choosing the correct monitor can be a much simpler decision.

Harsh Environments
One of the most important features for any flame detector is its ability to stand up to the heat of the environment in which it is placed. Sharpeye flame detectors have been designed and tested in harsh real-world environments, and have performed well. Being self-contained, they are able to connect to alarm systems or automatic fire extinguishing equipment. A vital part of any alarm station, the flame detectors have proven time and time again they can withstand work environments that have a higher risk of fire.

Numerous Features
Sharpeye flame detectors have been designed to live up to their name by detecting fires from longer distances than other detectors. With its ability to detect a gasoline pan fire that is 215 feet away in less than five seconds, the Sharpeye has gained a reputation for quickness and reliability. In addition to this, it is also unlikely to produce a false alarm due to its heated window that reduces the chance of condensation or icing. This allows it to stand up to harsh weather such as snow or ice, making it a practical choice for many different types of companies and locations.

Digital Communication
When a fire strikes, time is of the essence. Having detectors in place can certainly allow a fire to get detected before it gets out of hand, but it’s also important for the detector to be able to send as much information as possible about the fire to other locations where help can be summoned. With various digital communications features, the Sharpeye can send information about the type of fire as well as its size and scope to those who will be calling for help. Made to operate on lower power than similar detectors, the Sharpeye is compact, lightweight and adaptable to a number of different work environments.

Having a reputation for high reliability, the Sharpeye flame detector is guaranteed to work for a minimum of 150,000 hours and has both an automatic and built-in test to allow technicians to verify it is in proper working order. While no facility wants a fire, if and when one strikes, having systems that detect it quickly and reliably can save both time and lives.

Oilfield Worker Suspected To Have Died From Exposure To Hydrogen Sulphide

In February this year, Gregory Claxton’s body was found at a well site in Texas, who is suspected to have died from exposure to hydrogen sulphide gas. It raises safety concerns for workers and underscores the need for investing in the best gas detection equipment and monitoring systems to identify the presence of toxic gases like hydrogen sulphide.

Barbara Green said in a recent news article:

“Hughes said toxicology reports indicate Claxton died from the toxic effects of H2S, which emergency workers at the scene suspected as a possible cause.

H2S is a colorless, flammable gas with the characteristic foul odor of rotten eggs. It is poisonous, corrosive and explosive. According to OSHA, H2S gas is most commonly obtained by its separation from sour gas. It also can exist as a liquid compressed gas.”

Nanodevice Invented To Detect Hydrogen Sulphide Gas

A nanodevice has been invented in Iran to detect hydrogen sulphide gas levels that can come in handy for companies operating in the oil and gas industry. The best part about the sensor is that it is light-weight, portable and very sensitive to the presence of hydrogen sulphide gas in the atmosphere.

The new nanodevice is likely to benefit companies who work in oil drilling, coal mines, oil refineries and wells containing organic materials.

As said in a recent news article:

“The sensor can be directly used in oil and gas industry taking into consideration the importance of hydrogen sulfide and its irreversible damages. It can also be used in aerospace and firefighting industries.

The sensor is made of carbon nanotubes covered with copper nanoparticles on a flexible bed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The sensor can detect hydrogen sulfide at concentration about 5ppm. It has a respond time of 10 seconds at this concentration while the return time has been obtained to be 15 seconds.”

The use of the nanodevice can help in early detection of dangerous levels of hydrogen sulphide gas in the atmosphere. This can prevent workers from falling sick or dying due to a concentrated level of hydrogen sulphide gas at the workplace.

Low Tech Solutions Can Work for Low Threat Situations

A flame detector can be as simple as a video camera with someone in a control room monitoring the video feed. It could even simply be a watchman. Companies with inventories of slightly combustible raw materials or finished products might find a watchman or a video camera adequate for their needs. It can be low cost if the watchman or monitor can be doing other tasks besides watching for fire.

Optical Sensors Are Constantly Vigilant and Quick to Respond

Companies that have a greater fire danger, like manufacturers with flammable liquids or solids, require constant monitoring and the potential for fast response. Optical sensors almost instantaneously detect ultraviolet, visible and infrared emissions that occur during the combustion. Depending on the type, an optical detector can “see” an emission from incipient flames as far away as 200 feet, but each type of sensor has its limitations. UV detectors can have their effectiveness diminished by thick smoke or other airborne particles which attenuate the sources’s UV light. Other UV light sources like welding arcs can trigger a false alarm. UV detectors are good for hydrocarbon fires, like petroleum fires, or other hydrogen-based material fires.

Infrared Flame Detectors Can be Low Cost and Accurate

IR detectors recognize infrared radiation given off by flame. Since radiant heat sources like heaters or light bulbs, also emit infrared radiation, IR detectors incorporate technology to eliminate false alarms from non-fire sources. Depending on their complexity IR detectors can be used indoors or outdoors, at different distances and for chemicals besides hydrocarbons. Other features increase their sensitivity, speed and range.

Let Your Need Determine the Choice of IR Detector

Single IR detectors are low in cost and provide moderate speed and sensitivity to hydrocarbon fires. They are best used indoors. Combination UV/IR detectors eliminate false alarms due to other infrared sources but are affected by thick smoke like single UV detectors. They can be used either indoors or outdoors and detect fires from metals, ammonia and hydrogen-based sources besides hydrocarbons. The triple IR flame detector, or IR3, incorporates even more technology to screen out false alarms and thus can also be used indoors or outdoors. Since it does not use the UV spectrum it is not susceptible to reduced sensitivity caused by smoke or vapors. It detects a variety of fires in hydrogen-based fuels.
The multi-IR detectors use technology similar to that used in the IR3, but multi-IR detectors are designed for high sensitivity to hydrocarbon and hydrogen fires.

How it Works

An electrochemical gas sensor detects gas by oxidizing the gas at an electrode and then measuring the current. The gas is first diffused into the sensor through a porous membrane; when it reaches the electrode, it is oxidized to create an electric current. The external circuit measures, amplifies, and analyzes the current to measure the resulting amount of gas. If it is above the set desired amount, the sensor goes off to signal a gas leak.

How This Benefits You

Electrochemical gas sensors are one of the most popular types of leak detection used for toxic gases. While they should not be used to detect combustible gases, toxic gases like carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide can be measured extremely accurately with this type of sensor. There are several reasons they tend to be the most-trusted sensors, including their ability to target specific gases, low power requirements, and resistance to poisonous gases.

Being able to target one type of gas is a huge benefit to many factories. Because most factories specialize in one type of gas, they can put the entire focus on the particular leak of that gas in the parts-per-million range. This provides an extremely accurate reading and high sensitivity to even the smallest leak. Higher-quality electrochemical gas sensors yield the most accurate results and therefore have a higher degree of selectivity.

The entire sensor has very low requirements for energy usage, so the company doesn’t have to worry about the added expense of monthly power bills. Of course, there will be an increase in power usage, but electrochemical gas sensors use very little power as compared to many other types of detection systems. They are also much less expensive to purchase as a unit.

Because the sensor is in constant exposure to potentially poisonous gases, it is a comfort to know that the unit will not be affected by it. What use does a unit have that cannot withstand exposure to the very gas it is meant to detect? Electrochemical gas sensors will live on to detect another day; replacement for this type of sensor is therefore required much less often.

The overall benefits of an electrochemical gas sensor are numerous. These few are the reasons the unit is so popular among factories, but there are additional advantages to be discovered as well. Safety should always be a top concern; installing an electrochemical gas sensor is imperative to a safe workplace.