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GIR901 Infrared Combustible Gas NOVA-Sensor® Detector

Product Literature

  • The Model GIR901 has been replaced by Model GIR904.

Features and Benefits

  • Unitized optical gas detector based on infrared operating principle
  • Immune to poisoning
  • Factory calibrated. No field calibration required
  • No moving parts, no maintenance
  • No Oxygen required to detect hydrocarbons
  • Calibration can be verified without declassifying the area
  • Reading immune to wind velocity
  • Suitable for on-shore or off-shore use
  • Designed to UL, CSA and CENELEC standards
  • Analog and discrete relay outputs
  • Digital display of gas concentration and sensor operating status
  • Maintains calibration even after exposure to high gas concentrations
  • Continuous background of hydrocarbon gas does not shorten life

 

Product Summary

GIR901 Infrared Combustible Gas NOVA-Sensor® uses the newer IR technology to sense gas. IR sensors are very stable and do not require recalibration on a regular basis. The NOVA-Sensor continuously displays the gas concentration in large, easy to read characters. A standard 4-20 milliamp circuit transmits the gas reading to other control equipment. Three sets of voltage free contacts provided for control or shutdown of equipment.  Available in standard, weatherproof, and dust-proof models.  Typical gases:  propane, butane, ethane, pentane, hexane, octane, heptane, ethanol, ethylene oxide, acetone, toluene, and cyclohexane. Made in the U.S.A.

Certifications

THE SENSOR

The GIR901 Infrared Gas NOVA-Sensor is a completely self-contained device that measures and displays the concentration of hydrocarbon gas accumulated in a protected area, performs local control functions, and optionally transmits this information to a central point.

Operating Principle & Characteristics

Principle: The GIR901 Infrared Gas NOVA-Sensor uses the proven non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) principle to detect and monitor the presence of gas. Using an infrared source lamp and an optical sensor with a narrowband filter, an analysis of the optical absorption through the gas allows the concentration of the target gas to be determined. The strong fundamental absorption band centered at 3.32 micrometers is used for the detection of hydrocarbons. This allows short optical path lengths to be used while maintaining good resolution. A second infrared sensor operating at a wavelength not affected by the target gas is used to eliminate effects resulting from ambient and physical variations. These include temperature changes, source and filter degradation and particle scattering.

Characteristics: The GIR901 is designed to operate over the 0-100% LEL range and is particularly suitable for the reliable monitoring of general hydrocarbon levels in industrial safety applications.

Each GIR901 includes a high-reliability microprocessor based transmitter/controller in the associated explosion proof junction box. A digital readout is provided to continuously display operating status, fault diagnosis and the actual concentration of gas present in percentage of the lower explosive limit (%LEL). The transmitter converts this reading to a standard 0-20 mA signal which may be connected to a suitable NOVA-5000 Gas Detection Module, or to any other device with a standard 0-20 mA input. Relays are provided for low alarm, high alarm and Fault. The low and high alarms activate at user selectable trip points. The Fault relay operates upon loss of power or internal failure of the unit. The relays are suitable for controlling local HVAC or other equipment shutdown.

The “One-Man” automatic performance verification sequence is initiated by depressing the pushbutton switch located on the side of the enclosure. During the verification process, the 0-20 mA and relay outputs are suppressed, and the detector automatically returns to normal operation when this process is complete.

The set points for the low and high alarms can be displayed by briefly touching the test button. The set points can be easily modified in the field, using the switches provided under the front cover.

During installation, the technician may optionally activate the built-in comprehensive test (CompTest™). During the CompTest, the GIR901’s analog and relay outputs are activated, thus providing a complete operational check for the overall system.

The GIR901 is suitable for the most demanding applications. A large body mass insures excellent vibrational characteristics when used off-shore. Corrosion resistant materials permit use in harsh environments.

Architect's and Engineer's Specifications

Combustible gas sensing capability shall be provided by poison immune infrared gas detectors, contained in explosion-proof housings. The detector shall include control electronics which converts the measured gas concentration in percent LEL to the industry standard 0-20 mA signal, plus alarm and fault relay outputs. A continuously reading digital display shall be provided on the detector, capable of displaying detector status and the current LEL reading. A switch for verifying detector performance shall be provided. The verification shall be completely automatic, with data stored in nonvolatile RAM in the detector, and shall not require any operator adjustment. Relay and analog outputs shall be inhibited during verification; however, it shall be possible to enable all outputs during verification when desired. The detector shall be suitable for on-shore or off-shore use, and the manufacturer’s data shall so state. Safety Systems Technology Model GIR901 Infrared Combustible Gas NOVA-Sensor, or approved equivalent, shall be supplied.

Technical Specifications and Ordering Information

Technical Specifications

Power Input: 24 VDC, nominal 180 mA, 240 mA in alarm Will operate within specifications at any supply voltage between 16 and 32 VDC.
Range: 0-100% LEL Hydrocarbon
Warm-up Time: 6 minutes operational, 20 minutes to specification
Operating Temperature: -4oF to +122oF, -20oC to +50oC
Relative Humidity: 0 to 95% non-condensing
Ingress Protection: IP40, IP52 (with dust cover), IP66 (with spray shield)
Signal Output: 0.16 mA per % LEL
Resolution: 2% LEL
Repeatability: Zero: ±0.1% of full scale Signal: ±0.05% of full scale
Maintenance Interval: 6 months for verification of performance only
Relay Outputs: Low Alarm (latching or non-latching) High Alarm (latching) Malfunction (non-latching)
Contact Rating: 6 amps @ 28 VDC or 300 VAC Resistive 1/8 HP @ 120/240 VAC
Analog Output: Standard 0-20 mA, self-powered source
Size: 6.7 inches (170mm) x 9.5 inches (241mm) x 4.5 inches deep (114.3mm) Includes electronics housing and sensor housing. Conduit connections are 3/4 inch NPT thread
Weight: 6 pounds
Approval Code: Class I Division 1 Groups B,C,&D

Ordering Information

PART NO. DESCRIPTION
Replace x in part number to specify desired gas: 2=Methane, 3=Propane, 5=Butane, 7=Ethane, 8=Pentane.
901-x Model GIR901 Infrared Combustible Gas NOVA-Sensor with 0-20 mA and relay outputs. Copper free aluminum housing with epoxy finish.
901-x-SS Model GIR901 Infrared Combustible Gas NOVA-Sensor with 4-20 mA and relay outputs. Stainless Steel housing.