Det-Tronics FlexSight LS2000: Infrared Hydrocarbon Gas Detection

Table of Contents

Introduction

Det-tronics, a part of carrier, has been providing flame detection, gas detection, and hazard mitigation systems for high-risk processes and critical industrial operations worldwide since 1973. They have an impressive portfolio of products, including explosion proof detectors, gas point detectors, flame detectors, and hazard mitigation systems. Det-Tronics also has a long history of manufacturing products that protect workers in some of the most dangerous working environments in the world. With their latest gas detector, the FlexSight LS2000, Det-Tronics improves key performance metrics and brings cost-savings to consumers.

In essence, Det-Tronics has a more advanced solution at an even lower cost compared to previous generations of products. The LS2000 is a thoroughly tested and award-winning solution for gas detection. In addition to winning the Exida Safety award for functional safety, it has 3rd party testing certifications from FM and UL. What makes the LS2000 great is its functional safety and application of the IEC 61508 standard. Keep reading to learn more about open path gas detection from Det-Tronics.

What Is an Open Path Gas Detector?

An open path gas detector is designed to detect the presence of combustible gases in a relatively straight path and most commonly along fence lines. Therefore, they are vital for protecting the perimeter of your premises. Additionally, they may lead you to save costs, since these detectors have a long range and may cover a large fence line. For example, the FlexSight LS2000 line-of-sight (LOS) detector has an open sensing path 5 to 120 meters between transmitter and receiver.

Infrared Gas Detector Working Principle

The LS2000 is an infrared gas detector that measures the absorption of infrared light by specific gas molecules. To do this, the device has a transmitter module with a Xenon flash lamp, which produces a collimated infrared light source. This light source illuminates the path between the transmitter and receiver. As a side note, the transmitter uses a filter to block visible light emissions, so it is eye safe. When a hydrocarbon gas is present, it emits infrared radiation. Subsequently, the heat is detected from this deflected radiation, and the photosensitive material in the detector converts the incoming infrared radiation into an electrical signal. Different gases have different radiation absorption coefficients, which allows the detector to identify what gas is present. What this results in is extremely reliable and fast detection, with real-time measurements and automatic self-testing functionality.

LS2000 LOS Detector Overview

The Det-Tronics FlexSight LS2000 is an open path LOS hydrocarbon gas detector. It uses an infrared sensor, has a wide optical field of view of .8°, and is FM 6325 approved. The LS2000 is offered in three detector ranges to suit the needs of varying facilities. The short range version operates between 5 to 60 meters, the long range operates within 20-120 meters, and the extended range version operates at 100-200 meters. Additionally, the LS2000 features advanced features and capabilities to issue prior warning for dangers and hazards. To start, it has HART and RS-485 Modbus communication. Its diagnostic capabilities provide real-time events and status updates on the health of the sensor, which helps to prevent unexpected failures. As a final note, there is an optional relay board for system integrations. The versatility of this unit is one of the benefits when it comes to choosing an LS2000 detector.

The LS2000 units are pre-aligned at the factory during manufacturing and easy to install. This means that you don’t need to worry about complex adjustments to ensure that the optical path is correctly aligned. At the same time, the device has a versatile mounting bracket that can maneuver the device in many different orientations and positions. Device mounting for the LS200 is easy and can be done without specialized equipment. When it comes to construction, the LS2000 is certified explosion-proof, and with an IP66/67 stainless steel construction, it provides longevity in outdoor conditions. Consequently, the housing is suitable for many harsh conditions, including vibrations, snow, fog, intermittent obstructions and mounting instability.

Differences Between the Optical and Infrared Sensors

Det-Tronics’ previous generation of gas detectors was the OPECL Eclipse, which offered optical point detection. Years later, the FlexSight LS2000 improves upon the previous generation by shifting from optical to infrared detection. Thus, the new sensor improves reliability for hydrocarbon gas detection, especially in environments with high temperatures or contamination. Equally important, the new sensor requires less frequent calibration, has a 60% increase in optical field of view, and is less prone to wear over time compared to the older optical point detectors. Consequently, this results in less maintenance and better device longevity. Moreover, the LS2000 benefits from improvements in digital signal processing and consistent signal strength. This results in support for even more communication protocols, real-time data logging, and approved performance in 95% obscuration environments. For these reasons, the FlexSight is a welcome improvement over the older OPECL generation of devices.

Conclusion

The Det-Tronics FlexSight LS2000 represents a significant leap forward in gas detection technology, offering improved performance, reliability, and cost-efficiency compared to previous models like the OPECL Eclipse. With its advanced infrared detection, easy installation, and minimal maintenance requirements, the LS2000 is a game-changer for industrial safety applications. Certified for functional safety and supported by third-party testing, experience high performance even in the most challenging environments. If you are looking for an open path or point detector for your facility, look at our gas detectors category. Also, we offer engineering consulting services if you need more assistance with understanding the codes and achieving compliance with your local authorities.

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