Key Facts:

• Adds detection of ammonia and sulphur dioxide to 10 other flammable or toxic gases
• Hot-swappable sensors eliminate the need for hot work permits
• Fast installation and commissioning minimises time spent in hazardous areas
• Allows the head to be installed with dummy sensors prior to commissioning
• Enhances site safety with Crowcon’s unique Positive Safety feature

The next-generation XgardIQ gas detector can now be fitted with sensors for the detection of ammonia or sulphur dioxide, in addition to the existing range of sensors which covers 10 different toxic or hazardous gases.

“The ability to detect ammonia or sulphur dioxide will allow industries such as fertilizer and petrochemical production, to use the intelligent XgardIQ to increase on-site safety for employees as well as reducing operating costs for employers,” explains Andy Avenell, Senior Business Development Manager at Crowcon.

In addition to the flexibility to detect a wide range of gases, the XgardIQ also offers special features to reduce installation and operating costs. For projects in which gas detectors are installed months ahead of commissioning, the XgardIQ transmitter can be fitted with a dummy sensor which is replaced with a fresh pre-calibrated sensor immediately prior to the commissioning date. This allows the user to benefit from the full operational lifetime of sensors.

The XgardIQ transmitter further minimises commissioning and maintenance time by automatically configuring to the correct type of gas, scale and alarm levels. Sensors can also be removed temporarily for calibration in a safe area, rather than requiring the engineer to carry compressed gas cylinders for on-site testing. These features all help to eliminate the need for hot-work permits and minimise the time that employees need to spend in hazardous areas.

XgardIQ also integrates Crowcon’s unique Positive Safety feature which confirms that the detector is operating safely and enables the unit to automatically alert operators to any irregular events. To minimise the amount of time and gas required for interim safety checks, the ‘Speedy Bump’ and ‘Smart Bump’ options enable users to perform a quick and simple bump test, rather than a full calibration, to verify that the sensors are fully operational. With a comprehensive set of output interfaces the XgardIQ transmitter can integrate seamlessly with virtually any control system such as PLCs, DCSs and SCADA, whilst HART communication enables XgardIQ to be logged and monitored automatically on asset-management systems.

According to Avenell, “The positive feedback we received on the XgardIQ system from customers in the oil and gas industry was critical in our decision to extend the range of gas sensors to enable other industries to benefit from XgardIQ’s innovative safety features.”

The range of gases which the XgardIQ system can now detect is: ammonia, carbon monoxide, ethanol, hydrogen, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen sulphide, LPG, methane, oxygen, pentane, propane and sulphur dioxide.

More sensors will be introduced during 2016.