Emerson’s Jesse Sumstad presented A New Way to Measure Toxic Gases with Wireless and IIoT at the 4C Health, Safety & Environmental conference. Here is his presentation abstract:

The new way to monitor for toxic gases, the challenges behind traditional monitoring methods, and the benefits of using wireless technologies. Understand the high level of wireless gas monitoring solution and see the value to your plant and your workers.

Jesse opened with accidents that have happened with toxic hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon monoxide and oxygen depletion. Toxic gas can often be extremely challenging to monitor. Monitoring these does not generate a return but are safety devices for plant and personnel.

Wireless gas detectors enable installations in areas that are inaccessible or difficult to install locations. Integrates with existing WirelessHART networks.

Jesse shared some applications for H2S gas monitors at remote wellhead monitoring, tank batteries, flare stacks, enclosures/confined spaces, and on drilling rigs. In terminals and tank farms H2S sensors can monitor tank gauging operations, tank hatches, sampling points, vapor spaces, pumps and piping, sumps and personnel pathways.

In refinery and petrochemical plants, common areas for monitoring H2S include the crude de-salter and associated wastewater streams, crude storage tanks, pipelines, reactors, valves and HVAC systems.

The pulp and paper industry has H2S in the process around kraft mills during the delignify process and entrained in steam lines. In water and wastewater industries H2S can be found in raw sewage, holding tanks, mechanical dewatering units, sludge drying best, force mains and lift stations.

He described the Rosemount 928 wireless gas monitor that measures H2S, carbon monoxide and oxygen levels. The technology is based on electrochemical cell sensors where the target gas is oxidized or reduced at the sensing electrode. A micro-amp signal is amplified triggering an alarm.

The Rosemount 628 Universal Gas Sensor cell in the 928 wireless gas monitor contains the sensor cell which is an electrochemical cell. This means it’s made up of sensing, reference and counter electrodes separated by a layer of electrolyte. When the gas that we are monitoring for enters the cell, it gets oxidized at the sensing electrode. A micro amp signal is sent to the transmitter which triggers the alarm.

This 628-sensor module is hot swappable in the field and be installed or removed with a one hand with no tools. The wireless communications protocol is based on WirelessHART.

Some applications Jesse shared included oil & gas well pads that discovered they had high levels of H2S. Other examples where in water & wastewater facilities and chemical plants monitoring for H2S and carbon monoxide.

Jesse closed by showing the comprehensive portfolio of flame and gas detection technologies which provide protection from continuously evolving hazards. Visit the Point-Gas Detection Technology page for more on the products and solutions to help drive safer operations.