Ultima OPIR-5 Detector
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Such configuration can prove useful in installations where an intermittent light beam is
considered disruptive to surrounding operations. A visible light filter blocks light in the visible
portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, allowing the instrument to detect and measure
hydrocarbon gas concentrations without the attendant effects of flashing light.
OPIR-5 Detectors with a visible light filter should be installed as described in the installation
section. The AJ numbers range advised in Section 3.7.3 (9) apply. Without the flashing light
as a guide for alignment, users may need to use the Long Range Alignment Kit
(P/N 329082-1) to establish orientation and positioning of the receiver and source. The kit is
recommended for separations of 50 meters or more.
Visible light filters should not be removed from the OPIR-5 Detector. The filters are attached
at the factory with a protective seal that prevents ingress of water or dust into the Source. If
removed by accident, the Source should be returned to the factory for repair.
3.8 Operational Cautions
WARNING
: During operation, the line of sight between the Source and the Receiver should
be free from blockage caused by frequent human or animal crossings. The
Ultima OPIR-5 Detector
will not
respond to gas leaks upon complete IR beam
blockage.
Interruptions of the IR beam will delay the response time of this
unit, and thus lead to a potentially unsafe situation.
The Heavy Hydrocarbon version of the Ultima OPIR-5 Detector performs accurately and
reliably for propane gas detection applications in extreme industrial environments. However,
under certain conditions, the Heavy Hydrocarbon Ultima OPIR-5 Detector could give a beam
block indication rather than a gas reading or alarm.
3.8.1 Rapid and Massive Liquid Propane Releases
A sudden release of a large amount of liquid propane can form very cold gas clouds due to
cooling resulting from gas expansion and liquid propane evaporation. This is an intrinsic
problem for all open path optical detection technologies. Installing the Ultima OPIR-5 at a
distance of at least 10 meters from potential liquid propane leakage will reduce this problem.
3.8.2 Solutions to Guard against These Situations
Use complementary point detectors at potential sources of leaks of high
concentration liquid propane
Use the beam block signal as an alarm. To reduce the number of false alarms due to
an actual physical beam block, there are user selectable time delays. A signal will
then be given if a beam block exceeds the specified time delay.
The ppm•m range of the Ultima OPIR-5 Detector should be used as a warning that there is a
gas leak. This may allow action to take place before a leak reaches a hazardous level, while
the LEL•m range should be used for a gas leak alarm.
NOTE
: The Ultima OPIR-5 Detector will detect hydrocarbons other than methane and
propane. Consult the manufacturer for details regarding sensitivity to these other
hydrocarbons.
