April 17, 2014 — Gassonic announces Observer-i Ultrasonic Gas Leak Detector, designed with Artificial Neural Network (ANN) intelligence and real-time broadband acoustic sound processing technology. With the incorporation of ANN technology, the breakthrough Gassonic Observer-i Detector makes it possible to fully analyze the sound spectrum down to 12 kHz. The ANN algorithm has been “trained” to automatically distinguish between unwanted acoustic background noise and dangerous gas leaks. This advanced design provides a broader leak detection range, which also increases sensitivity to smaller gas leaks without interference from unwanted background noise.
ANN technology also enables the leading-edge Gassonic Observer-i Detector to be installed without time consuming "training" sequences, and provides detection distance (up to 28 meters). In addition, ANN technology ensures that the Gassonic Observer-i Detector has the same gas leak detection coverage in high and low noise areas. Furthermore, because it is self-adaptive, the detector requires no alarm set points to be configured, nor do alarm set points need to be adjusted if background ultrasound changes over time. Ultrasonic gas leak detectors (UGLDs) are used in pressurized gas applications to complement conventional gas detection methods. In outdoor or ventilated locations, conventional detectors can miss gas leaks due to wind conditions, gas dilution or leak directionality.
To compensate for such situations, ultrasonic gas leak detectors recognize gas leaks by responding to the airborne ultrasound instead of relying on physical contact between the gas and the sensor element. This capability significantly improves total speed of response to dangerous gas leaks. The Gassonic Observer-i Detector features the Senssonic self-test function. This self-test checks the device’s electrical integrity and microphone every 15 minutes and ensures the Gassonic Observer-i Detector is operational at all times. Both the microphone and the microphone windscreen are constantly monitored to ensure that the detector always has optimal sensitivity and detection coverage.
Designed to support large plant distributed control systems, the Gassonic Observer-i Detector features HART and Modbus communication compatibility, along with 4-20 mA output, providing complete status and control capability in the control room. It features ATEX, IECEx, FM, and CSA approvals and is SIL 3 suitable.
