Explosion meters, flammable gas detectors, LEL measurement

Explosion meters, flammable gas detectors, LEL measurement

Explosion meters, flammable gas detectors, LEL measurement

Explosimeters are flammable gas detectors used for the detection of explosive gas leaks such as natural gas, LPG (butane, propane), pentane, hydrogen, hydrocarbons, alcohols, solvents, ammonia, etc. They detect flammable gases and measure their quantity in the atmosphere according to the Lower Explosion Limit (LEL). There are two sensor technologies for the detection of explosive gases: catalytic sensors (the most commonly used) and infrared sensors in case of severe environmental conditions.

Our explosive gas detectors (fixed and portable)

MX4-EXPLO flammable gas detector explosimeter

The ATEX MX4-EXPLO explosimeter is a portable flammable gas detector with catalytic filament. Robust and lightweight thanks to its polycarbonate housing, it detects all explosive gases in the atmosphere according to the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) such as natural gas, butane, propane, hydrogen, hydrocarbons, solvents or alcohols.

  • Detection of ATEX flammable gases from 0 to 100% LEL (Lower Explosive Limit)
  • Very robust, shockproof, water and dust resistant device (IP66 and IP67)
  • 95 dB audible, visual and vibrating alarms for 2 thresholds, the VLE and the VME
  • Optional clip-on pump for remote gas sampling
  • Safety approvals: ATEX, IECEx, CSA

Xam-EXPLO explosive gas detector (explosimeter)

The ATEX Xam-EXPLO explosimeter is a portable explosive gas detector with a catalytic filament sensor. Robust and lightweight, it detects all explosive gases in the atmosphere such as natural gas, butane, propane, hydrogen, hydrocarbons, solvents or alcohols and indicates in real time the lower explosive limit in %LIE .

  • Detection of ATEX explosive gases from 0 to 100% LEL (Lower Explosive Limit)
  • Very robust, shockproof, water and dust resistant device (IP66 and IP67)
  • 95 dB audible, visual and vibrating alarms for 2 thresholds, the VLE and the VME
  • Optional clip-on pump for remote gas sampling
  • Safety approvals: ATEX, IECEx, CSA

MX4-EXPLO flammable gas detector explosimeter

The Ventis MX4 portable 4-gas detector, highly prized by confined space workers (see CATEC training), detects explosive gases (0-100% LEL), oxygen deficiency (O2), CO and H2S. It is a versatile, high-performance device with an excellent quality/price ratio and a 4-year guarantee for a high level of safety with very low operating costs.

  • ATEX 4 gas detector: Explosive gases (0-100% LEL), O2, CO, H2S, can also receive NO2 or SO2 cells
  • Very robust, shockproof, water and dust resistant device (IP66 and IP67) and guaranteed for 4 years
  • 95 dB audible, visual and vibrating alarms for 2 thresholds, the VLE and the VME
  • Small and compact: first multigas detector the size of a single gas
  • VSP clip-on pump (option) for sampling gases remotely up to 30 m

Xam-EXPLO explosive gas detector (explosimeter)

The ATEX Xam-EXPLO explosimeter is a portable explosive gas detector with a catalytic filament sensor. Robust and lightweight, it detects all explosive gases in the atmosphere such as natural gas, butane, propane, hydrogen, hydrocarbons, solvents or alcohols and indicates in real time the lower explosive limit in %LIE .

  • ATEX portable 4-gas detector for the detection of explosive gases (0-100% LEL), O2, CO, H2S, can also accommodate NO2 or SO2 cells
  • Large LCD display: easy navigation, easy reading of gas concentrations
  • Ergonomic, robust, waterproof and dustproof design (IP67)
  • Long-life T4 NiMH battery (charge time less than 4 hours)*
  • Optional clip-on pump for remote gas sampling up to 30 m

Gas Leak Detector - GT Series Catharometer

The GT Series Flammable Gas Leak Detector is a portable katharometer with 3 measuring ranges ppm, % LEL (Lower Explosive Limit) or %/vol (volumetric mode) with automatic scale change. In explosive gas leak detection mode (in ppm), it has a powerful and highly visible audible indicator like Geiger counters.

  • ATEX catharometer with sampling pump for the detection of explosive or flammable gas leaks
  • 3 measurement scales: ppm, % LEL or % volume with automatic scale change
  • Very robust device made of high-strength ABS polycarbonate with a rating of
  • IP54 protection
  • Safety approvals: ATEX, IECEx, CSA and UL

SensePoint fixed gas detector

The Honeywell SensePoint fixed gas detector is a cost-effective and high-performance gas transmitter for fixed gas detection installations. It is suitable for operation in potentially explosive atmospheres (ATEX zones) and detects explosive gases (hydrocarbons, solvents, alcohols), toxic gases (Cl2, CO, H2S, NH3, NO2, SO2) and oxygen deficiency (N2, O2).

  • ATEX II 2 GD (gas and dust) certified and compliant with CE standards on electromagnetic compatibility
  • Honeywell Surecell High Performance Electrochemical Cells
  • Four-way junction box making installation quick and easy
  • IP65 protection rating against water and dust infiltration
  • Economical and efficient solution with an excellent quality/price ratio

OLCT100 Fixed Gas Detector

SIL2 certified, the OLCT100 fixed gas detector is available in ATEX version for explosive gases or intrinsically safe (IS) for toxic gases. With nearly 150 gases listed, this 4-20 mA linear output gas detector is suitable for the detection of explosive gases (hydrocarbons, solvents, alcohols), toxic gases, asphyxiants and refrigerant leaks (freons, HFOs, CFCs, HFCs).

  • Fixed gas detector for explosive gases, hydrocarbons, solvents, toxic gases, freons, VOCs, CO2
  • ATEX & SIL 2 certification for catalytic and infrared versions
  • Epoxy painted aluminum housing (316L stainless steel optional)
  • Wheatstone bridge or linear 4-20 mA outputs
  • Power supply varying from 15.5 to 32 VDC depending on use

ATEX gas detector with SensePoint XCD display

The SensePoint XCD is an ATEX gas detector with display and alarm relay for the detection of explosive gases (hydrocarbons, solvents, alcohols), toxic gases (CO, H2S, NO2) or asphyxiating gases (lack of oxygen or CO2). A three-color backlit LCD screen clearly and immediately indicates the status of the device (gas alarms, faults, etc.), even when it is far away.

  • ALL-IN-ONE fixed gas detector for monitoring explosive, toxic or asphyxiating gases
  • LCD display, alarm relay, fault relay, 4-20 mA and RS485 Modbus outputs
  • 15.5 to 32 VDC power supply, 4-20 mA linear output and relay output
  • ATEX Ex II 2 GD Ex d IIC T6 (gas and dust) certifications
  • LM25 aluminum alloy or 316 stainless steel housing, epoxy paint

KwikSense ATEX Digital Gas Transmitter

The KwikSense is an ATEX digital gas transmitter dedicated to the detection of flammable, toxic and VOC gases . It has a display, 4-20 mA outputs and relays for the detection of Br2, C2H2, C2H3Cl, C2H6O, C3H8, C4H10O, C6H6, CH3OH, CH3SH, CH4, CH2O, Cl2, CO, CO2, COCl2, CS2, ETO, LPG, H2, H2O2, H2S, HCl, HC, HCN, HF, NH3, NO2, O2, O3, PCl3, PH3, POCl3, SO2 & VOC gases.

  • ATEX digital gas transmitter for the detection of explosive, toxic, asphyxiating gases and VOCs
  • Digital display and tri-color LEDs to indicate the status of the detector
  • Durable, explosion-proof housing with cast aluminum alloy
  • 4-20 mA outputs, MODBUS and 1 or 3 relays depending on the model
  • Excellent value for money with many accessories available.

GD10P infrared gas detector

Available for hydrocarbon and carbon dioxide (CO2) detection, the GD10P infrared gas detector is the benchmark for gas detection on offshore drilling platforms. The detector’s optomechanical design is so stable that it provides extremely fast response times and exceptional service life.

  • Fixed gas detector infrared technology: hydrocarbon vapors and CO2
  • Very fast response time and exceptional lifespan (> 15 years)
  • Continuous self-test function: reports optical defects or malfunctions to the control system
  • No saturation effect: the detector is capable of measuring gas concentrations up to 100% vol.
  • Factory calibrated, no on-site recalibration

SearchPoint Optima Plus explosive gas detector

The SearchPoint Optima Plus explosive gas detector has been specially designed for the detection of hydrocarbons in potentially explosive atmospheres (ATEX). With a very fast response time and a very wide range of gases available, it is particularly suitable on offshore platforms, oil and gas terminals, refineries, etc.

  • IR infrared technology with a dual source of 4 beams
  • More than 100 calibration curves available (hydrocarbons, solvents, alcohols)
  • Very short response time (T50 < 3 seconds - T90 < 4 seconds)
  • Worldwide certifications and approvals ATEX, IECEx, UL and CSA
  • Very high reliability with an MTBF greater than 28 years

Searchline Excel linear gas detection barrier

The Searchline Excel detector is a linear gas detection barrier consisting of an infrared emitter and a receiver that can be located up to 200 meters away. It is particularly suitable for the detection of methane, pentane, ethane, butane, propane, ethanol, ethylene, methanol, propylene in petrochemicals and large-scale storage areas.

  • Extremely precise detection of hydrocarbons over distances of up to 200 meters
  • Very fast response time with a T90 of less than 3 seconds.
  • 4-20 mA linear output and multi-point Modbus RS485.
  • Simple installation and commissioning, a single system replaces several point devices
  • Safety approvals: ATEX, IECEx, UL, CSA, FM and GOST

Explosimeters or flammable gas detectors (fixed or portable) are divided into two main categories depending on the cell technology used.

Catalytic cell explosive gas detectors

Catalytic diffusion cells are the most widely used devices for 4-gas detectors and the detection of combustible vapors. The measurement principle is a correlation between the presence of flammable gases and the rise in the filament temperature. This temperature rise is then translated into a quantifiable quantity: the LEL (lower explosive limit). Although this measurement technology offers excellent value for money, it does have some drawbacks:

- Can only operate with a minimum oxygen content greater than 10% (totally ineffective in an inert environment).

- Does not discriminate between the explosive gas(es) present (same principle as the weighing scale: it gives the weight but does not say who is on the scale).

- Premature wear in the event of frequent or permanent detection of explosive gases (even in the event of low LEL values).

- High sensitivity to poisons such as silicone, lead or sulfur compounds.

Infrared cell flammable gas detectors

Infrared absorption cells are mainly used for the detection of certain explosive gases (when the IR curve is available). This is a more expensive technology than catalytic diffusion technology but has many real technical advantages:

- Very long life.

- They are not subject to the permanent presence of flammable gases, nor even to saturation of the cell (measurement greater than 100% of the LEL).

- Immunity to poisons such as silicates or H2S. Can operate in inert atmospheres (without oxygen).

- The measurement is almost infallible since in the event of a breakdown the detector systematically goes into alarm.

On the other hand, IR sensors do not work with monochromatic cells like hydrogen.

ATEX explosimeter

ATEX (for ATmosphère EXplosive) certification indicates the ability of equipment to integrate into a high-risk explosive zone without causing an explosion (flame, spark, etc.).

An ATEX explosimeter (or an ATEX explosive gas detector) approved for use in explosive atmospheres guarantees maximum safety for all teams working in risk areas.

It is a personal protective equipment used in portable version in many sectors of activity such as oil and gas industries, heavy chemicals, metallurgy, water treatment and sanitation. We also find this PPE to secure an entry operation in confined spaces (as part of the CATEC system) and public works. It is also an integral part of firefighter equipment.

At the same time, it is also deployed in a fixed version connected to a gas detection center or a safety automation system. The flammable gas transmitter makes it possible to secure entire installations subject to this type of risk.

LEL of the most common flammable gases

Lower explosive limit expressed as a percentage of the total volume (%/vol.).

Acetone: 2.5% - Acetylene: 2.5% - Ammonia: 15.0% - Benzene: 1.2% - Butane: 1.9% - Ethanol 3.3% - Hydrogen: 4.0% - Carbon monoxide: 12.5% - Methane CH4: 5.0% - Methanol: 6.0% - Pentane: 1.4% - Propane: 2.1% - Styrene: 0.9% - Toluene: 1.1% - Xylene: 1.1%

For benzene, styrene, toluene and xylene see also the volatile organic compounds detection page.