General Monitors Observer i Ultrasonic Gas Leak Detector
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General Monitors Observer i Ultrasonic Gas Leak Detector
The Observer-i from General Monitors is the first ultrasonic gas leak detector that uses real-time broadband acoustic sound processing technology based on Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The development of this technology was based on extensive studies and recordings of gas leak sounds and industrial background noise from various industry sources. The ANN algorithm has been “trained” using these recordings to automatically differentiate between unwanted acoustic background noise and dangerous gas leaks.
ANN technology allows a thorough sound spectrum analysis of as low as 12 kHz without common high-pass filters. This results in a broader range for detecting leaks and a higher sensitivity to minor gas leaks, all while avoiding interference from unwanted background noise.
Thanks to ANN technology, the Observer-i can be easily installed without any time-consuming “training” sequences. It provides an industry-leading detection distance and effectively suppresses false alarms. Moreover, the ANN technology ensures that the Observer-i has consistent gas leak detection coverage even in high and low-noise areas. The device does not require any alarm set points or trigger levels to be configured, and the alarm parameters do not need to be adjusted if background ultrasound varies over time.
The Observer-i is backwards compatible with earlier versions of the Gassonic Observer using the Classic Mode setting wherein ANN is disabled, and the legacy electrical interface is used.
The Observer-i comes with the Senssonic self-test function, a patented feature. This function performs a thorough self-test every 15 minutes and ensures the device’s electrical components and microphone work correctly. It continuously monitors the microphone and windscreen to ensure the detector maintains the optimal sensitivity and detection coverage level. This ensures that the Observer-i is operating optimally.
Applications
- Floating Production Storage and Offloading Vessels (FPSOs)
- Gas Compressor and Metering Stations
- Gas Storage Facilities
- Hydrogen Storage Facilities
- LNG / GTL Trains
- LNG Re-gasification Plants
- Offshore and Onshore Oil and Gas Installations
- Petrochemical Processing Plants
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Detector Type | Ultrasonic (Acoustic) Gas Leak Detector |
| Background Noise Rejection Method | Artificial Neural Network (ANN) |
| Gas Leak Recognition Method | Artificial Neural Network (ANN) |
| Minimum Acoustic Detection Frequency (ANN Mode) | 12 kHz |
| Minimum Detection Limit | 40 dB (u) |
| Accuracy | ±3 dB |
| Self-Test | Performed every 15 minutes |
| Minimum Pressure Requirement | 2 Bar (29 psi) |
| Detector Coverage (Reference Methane) |
Enhanced Mode (ANN) @ 0.1 kg/sec FQHI Setting (59 dB ANN Sensitivity): 17 m (56 ft) – Default, Ultra-high to Medium Background Noise FQLO Setting (54 dB ANN Sensitivity): 28 m (92 ft) – Medium to Low Background Noise Classic Mode @ 0.1 kg/sec Ultra-high Noise: 7 m (23 ft) with 84 dB Threshold High Noise: 12 m (39 ft) with 74 dB Threshold Medium Noise: 18 m (59 ft) with 64 dB Threshold Low Noise: 24 m (79 ft) with 54 dB Threshold |
| Response Time | < 1 Second (Speed of Sound) |
| Approvals Classification |
ATEX / IECEx II 2 G D Ex db ia IIB+H₂ T6 Gb Ex tb IIIC T85°C Db CSA Ex d ia IIB+H₂ Gb T6 Ex tb IIIC T85°C Db FM / CSA Class I, Div. 1 & 2, Groups B, C, D Class II, Div. 1 & 2, Groups E, F, G Class III, T5 (Ta = -40°C to +60°C) |
| Approvals |
ATEX, CE, UKEx, CSA, FM, IECEx, Inmetro, SANS HART 6.0 Registered FM Certified to IEC 61508 (SIL 3) |
| Accessories | 1701 Test and Calibration Unit |
| Device Drivers | DDL and DTM Available |
| Warranty | 2 Years |
| Input Power |
15–36 VDC, 250 mA Max 24 VDC, 170 mA Nominal |
| Relay Ratings (Optional) | 8 A @ 250 VAC |
| Current Output (Sink or Source) |
0 mA: Start-up / No Power 1 mA: Pulsed Acoustic Error 3 mA: Unit Inhibit Classic Mode 4–12 mA = 40–120 dB(u) ANN Mode 4–12 mA = 40–120 dB(u) 16 mA = Warning 20 mA = Alarm |
| EMC / RFI |
EMC Directive 2014/30/EU EN 61000-6-2 EN 61000-6-4 |
| Serial Digital Communication | HART, Modbus |
| Cable Requirements |
Maximum Cable Length Between Observer-i and Power Source @ 24 VDC (20 Ω) 2.08 mm² (14 AWG): 1,809 m (5,928 ft) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to +60°C (-40°F to +140°F) |
| Operating Humidity Range | 10–95% RH, Non-Condensing |
| Housing Material | Stainless Steel AISI 316L |
| Dimensions |
203 × 203 × 201 mm (7.99 × 7.99 × 7.91 in) |
| Weight | 7.5 kg (16.6 lbs) |
| Conduit Entries |
M20 × 1.5 Additional ¾" NPT Adapter Available |
| Mounting Holes | 2 × Mounting Screws – M8 × 19 Max |
| Ingress Protection | IP66 / Type 4X |
| Standard Configuration | OBSERVER i-1-1-1-1-1-1 |
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