Industrial operations in Africa could detect and monitor hydrocarbon gas concentrations more effectively by adopting the Ultima OPIR-5 Open Path IR gas Detector.

MSA Africa marketing manager for gas detection products, Robbie Taitz, points out that the Ultima OPIR-5 detector provides for the continuous monitoring of combustible hydrocarbon gas concentrations. “Infrared absorption detects hydrocarbon gases over an open path, and the single detection beam improves accuracy and reduces drift.”

Taitz explains that the system consists of an IR source and receiver, which monitors for methane with the option of monitoring for propane too. “The sensitivity of the MSA Ultima OPIR-5 detector can be checked by placing a test gas film in front of the receiver, while the dual detection range provides the sensitivity to pick up both small and large gas leaks,” he continues.

Another important aspect to note is that the MSA Ultima OPIR-5 detector is easily aligned using the digital display and adjustable mounting arms and does not require the use of any bulky set-up equipment, such as digital volt meters and handheld alignment aids.

Taitz adds that calibration of the Ultima OPIR-5 detector takes place at the MSA factory, thereby eliminating the needfor further calibration. “What’s more, the detector requires little maintenance apart from a periodic visual inspection, test gas film check, and cleaning of the windows to ensure dependable performance.”

The MSA Ultima OPIR-5 gas detector also boasts multiple communication outputs, including HART, ModBus and AMS Support, which provide complete status and control capability in the control room. These advanced features make the detector ideally suited to the following applications:

–          compressor stations

–          drilling and production platforms

–          fence line monitoring

–          fuel loading facilities

–          gas turbines

–          LNG and LPG processing and storage facilities

–          petrochemical tanks

–          tank farms

–          wastewater treatment.

“The Ultima OPIR-5 detector is suitable for use in harsh environments, and its automatic gain control compensates for dirty optics, rain and fog. It comes standard witha two-year warranty, and includes test gas films, a mounting arm, mounting base, scope and attenuation plate, which provide the user with a maximum return on investment, ”Taitz concludes.