Location To Maximise Reliability And Functionality; Beam Path - Honeywell SEARCHLINE EXCEL PLUS Technical Manual

16 Chapter 4 Siting Considerations
4.2.1 Location to Maximise Reliability and Functionality
Care in choosing the location of Searchline Excel detectors can contribute significantly to the overall reliability and
functionality.
When locating units, attempt to avoid areas where they may be adversely affected by the following:
Vibration - Angular vibration of the structure to which Searchline Excel units are attached should be kept to less than
+/- 0.5°. Where possible, avoid locations where high levels of vibration will be directly induced into the mounting structure.
If close proximity to significant sources of vibration is unavoidable, take steps to reduce coupling of this vibration and
maximise the rigidity of the mounting structure.
Intense Heat - Searchline Excel is certified and specified for operation in environments up to +75°C (+167°F). If sources
of intense heat (flare stacks, intense sunlight, etc.) are present, a sunshade or similar shield should be fitted to the unit to
protect it from excessive heating.
Sources of Heavy Contamination - Despite Searchline Excel's ability to penetrate thick fog and heavy rain and having
advanced alignment diagnostics, it is always best to avoid locations where high levels of contaminants will persistently be
blown onto the unit's windows. Potential sources of heavy contamination include generator/turbine exhausts, flare stacks,
drilling equipment, process vents/chimneys etc. If sources of heavy contamination cannot be avoided, consider fitting extra
shielding and/or providing good access for more frequent routine cleaning.
Snow and Ice in Ambient Temperatures below -20°C (-4°F) - The heated optics on Searchline Excel units will melt snow or
ice on the windows in ambient temperatures down to approximately -20°C (-4°F).
Below this temperature, snow or ice blown onto the window will not be melted until the ambient temperature rises.
If long-term, outdoor operation in very cold climates is intended, it is recommended that extra shielding/covers are
employed to prevent snow/ice from being blown onto the windows and building up.
Deluge and Flooding - Searchline Excel is rated IP66/67 and as such will not be damaged by occasional deluge or flooding.
However, during such instances the unit may lose its infrared signal and will enter the FAULT state. Also, when the deluge/
flooding subsides, there is the possibility that contaminants will be left on the windows. Therefore, it is recommended that
Searchline Excel units be located away from areas particularly prone to deluge or flooding.
Areas Prone to Subsidence and Settling - Where possible, it is recommended that Searchline Excel units are not mounted
on structures located where problems with subsidence, settling or thawing of permafrost are known to cause significant
movement. If such locations cannot be avoided, the foundations of the mounting structure should be engineered to
minimise any angular movements.
Areas Prone to Earthquakes - In locations prone to earthquakes, there is a chance that during or after an earthquake,
the units of an Searchline Excel gas detector will become misaligned with respect to each other. As Searchline Excel
incorporates advanced alignment diagnostics, the units that do not suffer from direct mechanical impact damage during
an earthquake should remain undamaged by such events. Anti-vibration mounts are unlikely to be of any benefit and are not
recommended. After an earthquake the advanced alignment diagnostics will quickly reveal if re-alignment is needed, but
inspection and testing of the units post-earthquake is still recommended.
Accidental Impact - Locations where there is a significant likelihood of equipment, personnel or moving objects
accidentally knocking Searchline Excel units out of alignment should where possible be avoided. If such locations cannot
be avoided, measures including improved mechanical protection and warning notices should be considered. Note that
the in-built advanced diagnostics will warn operators of non-optimal alignment however this has come to pass, provided
the units are still functioning after impact.
Intense Electromagnetic Fields - Searchline Excel complies with EN61000-6-3 and EN61000-6-2 (to industrial
levels) in addition to the stringent requirements laid out in DNVGL-CG-0339. As such, the system is well protected from
interference by electromagnetic fields. However, locations in close proximity to radio/radar transmitters, heavy electrical
plant and high voltage power cables may experience field strengths in excess of those specified in EN61000-6-3 and
EN61000-6-2. Where possible, such locations should be avoided or units should be installed as far as possible from
the source of the electromagnetic field. Measures including additional screening, filtering and transient suppression may
also be of benefit in such locations.
4.2.2 Beam Path
The transmitter and receiver units' windows should face each other, coaxially aligned, across the area to be protected and
within the specified path lengths:
Searchline Excel detector type
Searchline Excel Plus
Searchline Excel Edge
Path length between units
2 to 120 m
60 to 330 m (196 ft to 1082 ft)
Searchline Excel™ Plus / Searchline Excel™ Edge – Technical Manual
(6 ft to 393 ft)