A fixed gas detector designed to provide reliable and fast gas detection in all plant environments using advanced optical absorption detection technology has recently been released by Emerson.

The Rosemount 625IR fixed gas detector is said to be simple to set up, install, and maintain, with factory calibration that persists throughout its lifecycle, as a result of its advanced drift monitoring technology and health monitoring diagnostics.

The solution aims to ensure fast and reliable detection of hydrocarbon gases without false alarms, for reliable operation in hazardous environments and all weather conditions.

The detector uses specialised, solid-state dual (infrared IR) sources and dual IR receivers, which combine to provide continual cross-checks and internal adjustments that maintain the factory calibration. Heaters on the optical surfaces and a range of optical protection accessories enable continual detection without unexpected downtime.

A range of accessories are available to facilitate function testing using either test gas or a gas-free test filter, which helps reduce maintenance time and cost.

Additional accessories are available to simplify installation in various applications, allowing the detector to be used in extractive gas detection applications. Duct-mounted versions are also available in two lengths, aimed at providing fast, accurate, and representative detection across ducts or voids.

The unit has a standard operating temperature range of -40 °C to 75 °C and its ingress protection levels are IP66/67 and National Electrical Manufacturers Association, or NEMA, 4X. It is rated for use in hazardous areas, specifically North American class 1, division 1, groups B, C and D, and INMETRO/ATEX/IECEx - Ex db ib IIC T5 Gb, and it is also certified for marine applications.

The detector is SIL2 rated in accordance with IEC61508, and SIL3 rated when used in a 1oo2 voting configuration, and has a five-year proof test interval, which helps to reduce the frequency of scheduled maintenance.