The first laser open circuit H2S gas detector with full SIL2 third-party certification

Teledyne Gas and FlameDetection has announced the launch of its ground-breaking GD1 laser gas detector with full third party approval from SIL2. This new development positions the GD1 SIL2 as the first open circuit gas detector on the market designed specifically for hydrogen sulfide (H2S) safety-related applications. The global importance of safety integrity levels (SIL) in the oil, gas, petrochemical and other process industries has increased significantly over the past decade. Therefore, it is essential for equipment such as gas detectors to prove their suitability and capability according to the latest SIL2 third-party certification.

Launched by Teledyne GFD in 2011, the GD1 has already made a significant impact in the market, with more than 1,600 units deployed by oil and gas exploration and production companies worldwide, including in the Middle East. With the new SIL2 certification, GD1 is now available for systems with SIL2 requirements. Unlike typical SIL1 ATEX certified gas detection equipment/systems, which require regular maintenance and functional approval according to IEC 60079-29-3, the GD1 offers built-in automatic self-testing of hardware components, which reduces sensor maintenance intervals and minimizes downtime.

The GD1 complies with the latest standards of IEC 60079-0:2017 (IECEx), ensuring compliance with international safety regulations. What sets Teledyne GFD's GD1 apart is its innovative and customised tunable laser diode, which eliminates the effects of environmental factors such as sunlight, rain or fog. This feature enables the GD1 to operate with up to 98% shading, significantly improving overall field safety. Unlike a conventional straight beam, the light from the GD1 detector travels in the form of a cone, spreading after transmission and reaching a receiver mounted 75 meters away and nearly a meter in diameter. This capability enables the GD1 to penetrate harsh environments that other competing solutions might find extremely challenging.

The GD1 features a fast and fail-safe laser that enables real-time dual automatic calibration and automatic verification testing without human intervention and reduces maintenance costs. In addition, due to its ultra-stable opto-mechanical structure, it also has the advantages of low power consumption (15W), extremely long service life, and a high sampling/detection rate of 8,000 times per second. These features enable the GD1 to replace multiple standard detectors, providing the same level of risk coverage and significant cost savings.

Teledyne's GD1 for gas and flame detection offers a new and improved solution for SIL2 applications. Its unique characteristics and functionality make it an attractive choice for industries that require best-in-class gas detection performance.

Source: Laser Network