Sensor contaminants and interference, 3 sensor contaminants and interference – Detcon TP-524D User Manual

Page 9

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Model TP-524D

TP-524D Instruction Manual

Rev. 0.5

Page 5 of 36

areas. For gases lighter than air, sensor placement should be 4-8 feet above grade in open areas or in pitched
areas of enclosed spaces.

Note: H

2

S is heavier than air.

Leak Sources

The most probable leak sources within an industrial process include flanges, valves, and tubing connections of
the sealed type where seals may either fail or wear.

Other leak sources are best determined by facility

engineers with experience in similar processes.

Ventilation

Normal ventilation or prevailing wind conditions can dictate efficient location of gas sensors in a manner
where the migration of gas clouds is quickly detected.

Personnel Exposure

The undetected migration of gas clouds should not be allowed to approach concentrated personnel areas such
as control rooms, maintenance or warehouse buildings.

A more general and applicable thought toward

selecting sensor location is combining leak source and perimeter protection in the best possible configuration.

Maintenance Access

Consideration should be given to providing easy access for maintenance personnel. Consideration should also
be given to the consequences of close proximity to contaminants that may foul the sensor prematurely.

NOTE: In all installations the gas sensor should point straight down (refer to Figure 8).
Improper sensor orientation may result in false readings and permanent sensor damage.

Additional Placement Considerations

The sensor should not be positioned where it may be sprayed or coated with surface contaminating substances.
Painting sensor assemblies is prohibited.

Although the sensor is designed to be RFI resistant, it should not be mounted in close proximity to high-
powered radio transmitters or similar RFI generating equipment.

When possible mount in an area void of high wind, accumulating dust, rain, or splashing from hose spray,
direct steam releases, and continuous vibration. If the sensor cannot be mounted away from these conditions
then make sure the Detcon Harsh Location Dust Guard accessory is used.

Do not mount in locations where temperatures will exceed the operating temperature limits of the sensor.
Where direct sunlight leads to exceeding the high temperature-operating limit, use a sunshade to help reduce
temperature.

2.3 Sensor Contaminants and Interference

Solid State H

2

S sensors may be adversely affected by exposure to certain airborne substances.

Loss of

sensitivity or corrosion may be gradual if such materials are present in sufficient concentrations.

The more common materials that potentially cause problems with the sensors are as follows:

Silicone vapors such as those found in greases and lubricants

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