New Technology for Toxic and Flammable Gas Detection

Development of gas fields with high levels of H2S has been on a dramatic increase in the last several years.  Until now, industry norms for H2S detection have been limited to single-point detectors placed strategically throughout facilities.   Senscient has commercialized technology that introduces an advancement in H2S detection by using tuned lasers for monitoring fugitive H2S across an open path.  This “open path” detection compliments single-point detection to significantly improve the early warning of fugitive H2S, resulting in improved safety and decreased risk. This technology is ideally utilized to create a detection barrier around the perimeter of a plant, process unit, or storage area.

An open-path H2S detector has been developed using Enhanced Laser Diode Spectroscopy (ELDS).  ELDS is an advanced, highly robust form of Tuneable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) that was specifically developed for use in the most demanding safety applications.  ELDS H2S detectors are capable of detecting even small fugitive leaks of H2S with absolute dependability and zero false alarms. This technology is the quickest, most sensitive and most reliable means of detecting H2S leaks or releases that has ever been available.

ELDS open-path H2S detectors utilize laser diodes that operate at wavelengths specially selected for the target gas, to generate a beam that is sent from a transmitter along a path to a receiver. Any target gas present in the beam causes a change in the received signal (called a harmonic fingerprint) which is specific to the target gas and proportional to the quantity of gas in the beam path.

The bottom line is that open-path laser technology provides an additional layer of protection and vastly improved early warning for an industry that is seeking better ways to manage the high levels of risk associated with highly toxic H2S gas.  211 systems have been delivered to China for Phase 1 of the Chuandongbei field development, a joint venture between Chevron and CNPC.