Gas Monitors for the Oil and Gas Industry

The Oil and Gas Industry uses a variety of gas detection technologies. These include Catalytic sensors, Pellistors, and Electrochemical sensors. IoT-based gas detection systems are another option. They are an ideal solution for ensuring the safety of workers. Ultimately, gas monitoring is important for the health and safety of employees in the oil and gas industry.

Electrochemical sensors

Electrochemical sensors are used to detect various parameters, including chemical, biological, and health parameters. They are also used to monitor the health of machines and technologies. Thanks to advances in microelectronics and microengineering, these sensors are becoming smaller and more sensitive. In addition, their production costs are reduced.

One of the challenges of using electrochemical sensors is their extreme exposure to gas concentrations. These high gas concentrations can negatively impact the performance of the sensors. Because of this, it is essential to use high-quality catalyst materials. Otherwise, the sensors can become damaged.

Catalytic sensors

Catalytic sensors are very sensitive, but they do have limitations. They are susceptible to damage from extreme mechanical shocks and can accumulate carbon deposits, which can prevent them from sensing gases in their environment. This is why manufacturers of these devices add internal filters to keep them from being contaminated by these substances. Larger molecules also take longer to diffuse into the catalytic bead, and as a result take longer to oxidize. However, for most applications, a filtered catalytic sensor is appropriate.

The industry is experiencing rapid growth, particularly in the downstream sector, which includes refining petroleum crude oil, processing natural gas, and distributing petroleum products. The region with the largest demand for these sensors is Asia-Pacific, where investment in the oil and gas industry is increasing.

Pellistors

Pellistors are devices that use a high surface area of catalyst to convert fuel to energy. The catalyst is protected from poisons by its porous construction. The catalyst on the outer surface of the bead has a higher surface area than the catalyst inside the bead. In addition, porous pellistors are more resistant to poisons than non-porous pellistors.

The downside of pellistors is that their performance is compromised if they are exposed to low-level contaminants. The contaminant compounds can affect the sensor’s catalytic bead and inhibit its response. This results in temporary loss of sensitivity.

IoT-based gas detection systems

The oil and gas industry utilizes various flammable gases that may cause fires and explosions. IoT-based gas detection systems can help prevent these incidents by monitoring the concentration of gasses in the atmosphere. These sensors alert authorities in time to take preventive measures. These systems can save lives and reduce unnecessary business costs.

Many companies are now developing IoT-based gas detection systems for this industry. They can help improve process control, enhance security and make business decisions based on big data. These companies also offer customized solutions and can source the necessary hardware and software to meet your specific needs.

Maintenance of gas monitors

Gas monitors are used in gas compressor stations and other facilities that transport natural gas. Gas compressors need to be continuously pressurised to ensure a constant flow of natural gas. Compressor stations need to be spaced at 40 to 100 miles apart to avoid the loss of natural gas during transportation. These facilities also need a continuous gas, flame, and particle monitoring system. The presence of gas monitors in these facilities helps to prevent fugitive emissions, which can damage the whole facility.

Gas monitors should be checked daily for proper calibration. Failure to perform this task can lead to inaccuracy and create an oxygen-deficient atmosphere. Exposure to toxic gases can result in serious injuries or even death. Flammable gas explosions can also cause property damage and worker injuries. The most effective way to ensure the accuracy of DRPGMs is to regularly test them against a known concentration of gas. Bump testing requires exposing the monitor to a certified challenge gas. Although the test gas does not directly affect the accuracy of the reading, it does ensure that the instrument’s sensors are functioning accurately.

H2S smart sensor

A new high-temperature hydrogen sulphide (H2S) smart sensor has been developed by Crowcon to detect H2S at high temperatures. The sensor pairs with the company’s XgardIQ transmitter to help oil and gas companies detect H2S at a wellhead or in the pipeline. H2S is a highly toxic gas and is particularly difficult to detect, as conventional sensors do not survive in such hot environments.

The nanoparticle-based H2S smart sensor has the same sensitivity and noise as commercial source meters but costs a fraction of the price. Its raw sensor conductance is sent directly to a computer in parts per million. It is possible to calibrate the sensor and store data for later analysis.https://www.youtube.com/embed/UY0nHnzNxao