Model IR5500
19
IR5500 detectors with a visible light filter should be installed as described in the
installation section. Without the flashing light as a guide for alignment, users may
need to use the Long Range Alignment Kit (part number 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 IR5500. 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.
Figure 7: IR5500 Source with Visible Light Filter
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 IR5500
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 Model IR5500 Open Path System performs
accurately and reliably for propane gas detection applications in extreme industrial
environments. However, under certain conditions, the Heavy Hydrocarbon IR5500
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
Model IR5500 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 such as Models IR400, S4000CH, or
S4100CH at potential sources of leaks of high concentration liquid propane