New Transmitter Series Simplifies Lastingly Reliable Monitoring
Gas hazards may appear wherever oil is extracted or effluent processed, chemical products or steel produced or cars manufactured. The use of sensors to monitor combustible and toxic gases as well as measure oxygen content was introduced long ago. The large quantities required for this, combined with the simple sensor technology, are driving manufacturers to offer devices that are at the cutting edge of gas warning technology. The most recent example, the ULTIMA X series gas monitors, demonstrates that this is to the user’s advantage.
New, Uniform Product Platform
The wide distribution of gas warning systems leads to tasks that are highly varied both in their extent and in the components to be detected. For the first time, the state-of-the-art microprocessor technology in the ULTIMA X series gas monitors has made it possible to use uniform electronics for all applications. It makes no difference whether combustible gases are to be detected with catalytic sensors or infrared (IR) technology, or toxic gases with electrochemical sensors, or whether oxygen content is to be measured. This offers considerable advantages for supplying spare parts and reduces training expenses. Furthermore, operational safety is improved, since the largely identical operation for all gases and measurement principles lowers the risk of operating errors. The system is designed for worldwide use and meets applicable guidelines. For example, it has ATEX approval for Europe and UL approval for the US. The devices may be operated as stand-alone units or with a central gas-warning control system. The SUPREMA control system from MSA AUER is especially well suited to this purpose. This is due to its modular design, which gives flexibility.
Important Product Characteristics
Made for use in hazardous areas, the ULTIMA X is housed in a stainless steel explosion proof enclosure. It offers a large liquid crystal display (LCD) that, during normal operations, alternately shows the gas concentration and the gas being measured. The system constantly carries out self-tests. If irregularities are detected, the display changes to a scrolling message that describes the error type. Electrochemical sensors are utilised for toxic gases and oxygen; catalytic or IR sensors are used for combustible gases. Sensor modules are always precalibrated prior to delivery. With the exception of the IR sensors, they can be replaced in the field while under power, even in hazardous areas. This is accomplished by using dual electronics. The electronics integrated in the sensor module (smart sensors technology) produce and store all status data. The data are then processed for handling and further processing by a single circuit board in the transmitter enclosure (single boards construction). Three alarms and one error signal are generated. Four optional relay outputs can be configured for these. Another option consists of two large colour light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (‘quick check’) that ensure best visibility of the normal function, alarm or error status even at greater distance. The sensor enclosure has no movable parts such as a potentiometer, but, rather, an IR interface for a wireless operating module.
Simple Installation and Start of Operation
The advantages offered to the user by the new ULTIMA X series gas monitors also become clear during the installation and start of operation, as well as later during maintenance. The system allows for simple two- or three-core wiring. The sensor enclosure of the ULTIMA XE series gas monitors also enables variable cable entry, from the top, left or right as desired. The extremely robust main enclosure can be pre-installed and wired. To start operation, the main electronics is simply plugged in and the precalibrated sensor module is screwed in. This avoids damage in case of long-term construction measures and increases sensor life. The gas monitor and the sensor module can be mounted up to 30m apart (‘remote’ technology). The gas warning system is already factory-calibrated and is immediately operational. After the unit is switched on, it conducts a 30-second self-test and then automatically enters the pre-determined measurement function. Often, changes become known after the order has already taken place. The configuration can be suitably adjusted with the ULTIMA Controller when operation starts. For instance, this allows the setting of the freely programmable relay outputs to the desired alarm levels.
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