I often hear/read about the following query from users and designers who have to incorporate gas detectors in their Safety Instrumented Systems, "which gas detector should I use in my SIS?". There are of course gas detectors that are rated for use in meeting SIL requirements, but the main objective of using a gas detector tends to be forgotten while splitting hairs about SIL 1 and SIL 2, PFD, demand, proof testing and other aspects about Safety Instrumented Systems-which is the actual detection of a gas by the gas detector. First the user or system designer must ensure that the selected gas detector can
- Measure the target gas correctly
- Respond to it in a predictable way
- Is physically mounted in the plant in such a way that it WILL detect any and all gas leakages within its area
- Is calibrated to the gas sought to be detected