Oracle: Standoff Detection of Hazardous Gases

Oracle Gas Detector • October 2013 • Page 1

Oracle: Standoff Detection of Hazardous Gases


Chemical Sensing Options

Two broad approaches to chemical detection are offered by Research International:

− Point sensing: Measurement at the detector location

− Standoff detection: Measurement at one or more locations that are distant from the detector

Each has advantages and disadvantages:

− Point: Very sensitive within a small radius around the sensor intake. Good for ducts and pinch-point monitoring.

− Standoff: Can detect and identify gases passing through a sight line extending up to 50m from the detector. Best for large open spaces.

This document discusses the Oracle™, RI’s standoff technology.

ASAP V with embedded Oracle receiver


Oracle™ Long Baseline Gas Identifier

Gases that pass between the Oracle’s remote infrared source and local receiver are identified by their unique infrared absorption signature.


Oracle’s Chemical Sensing Benefits

Open path, non-contact continuous chemical identification and concentration estimates up to 50 meters away.

Over 40 chemicals can be detected and individually identified.

Fast: identification within 1 second possible.

Low maintenance continuous monitoring

IR Source Multi-channel receiver with optional IR camera


Typical Application: Oracle™ in Subways

Public areas, assembly lines, entry ways and facility perimeters are challenging to monitor efficiently and cost effectively with point sensors

Oracle is the ideal tool for monitoring such extended areas.

In a subway the source and receiver may be positioned parallel to the tracks along the train platform, or overhead at an entrance or exit pinch point.


Current Hazardous Gas Library

Toxic Industrial Chemicals Chemical Warfare Agents Industrial Materials

• Ammonia • Chloroethane • Diborane • Ethylene Oxide • Formaldehyde • Hydrogen Bromide • Hydrogen Chloride • Hydrogen Cyanide • Hydrogen Sulfide • Phosgene • Vinyl Chloride • Propylene • Carbonyl Sulfide • Acrylonitrile • And many more

• AC (Hydrogen Cyanide) • CG (Phosgene) • GA (Tabun) • GB (Sarin) • GD (Soman) • GF (Cyclo-Sarin) • L (Lewisite) • SA (Arsine) • VX

• Aqueous ammonia cleaner • IsoClean • Stainless steel cleaner • Propane • Butane • Natural gas • Carbon Dioxide

• DMMP • DIMP • Methyl Salicylate • FM-200 (Heptaflouropropane) • Sulfur Hexaflouride • Various alcohols and solvents • Diesel and Gasoline exhaust

Chemical detection and identification well below IDLH Wide dynamic range of concentrations New compounds can be added contingent on the spectral signature not overlapping an

existing library gas


Path Average Concentrations

Oracle™ calculates the total amount of target gas within the beam’s path.

The average concentration over the path can be calculated knowing the total amount and the path length.


Representative Sensitivities (Over 50 meter path)

Chemical IDLH Detect Identify Detect Identify

Ammonia 300 1.6 2.0 0.6 0.6

Ethylene Oxide 800 1.0 4.0 0.4 1.0

Hydrogen Chloride

50 9.2 9.6 8.8 9.0

Hydrogen Cyanide

50 8.6 10 4.6 5.6

Phosgene 2 0.34 0.50 0.24 0.4

Vinyl Chloride 450 2.0 24 <2.0 16.0

1 Second 30 Seconds All units in ppm

The basic reporting time is one second, but additional monitoring time improves the limit of detection.


Summary of Oracle™ Advantages

Sensitive detection over a long monitoring path.

Identification and concentration information for specific gases provided, not just gas classes

Little maintenance required- good for long term monitoring

No consumables. New chemicals can be added

to database via software. Good geometric fit for subways,

train and bus stations, manufacturing lines

Rear view of receiver enabled for video and wireless


Oracle™ Standoff Detection Module General Specifications

Feature Value Sensing method Infrared absorption, 3-5 micron and 8-12 micron

regions

Response time 1 second

Identification time 1-30 seconds

Duty cycle Continuous

Maintenance Infrequent cleaning of optical windows

Periodic recalibration Not required

System components Two: IR light source and IR spectrometer modules

IR sources: 15m; 50m distant 18cmx18cmx27cm/2.9 kg; 35cmx35cmx27cm/4.5 kg

Spectrometer module 17cm x 19cm x 57cm/ 8.2 kg

Operating temperature range 0ºC to 60ºC ( Type -I) and -30ºC to 60ºC (Type -E)

Operating humidity 0 to 95% RH

Power

40-60W @ 240 VAC, 50-60 Hz (Detector) 25-50W @ 240 VAC, 50-60 Hz (Source)

Communication, control

RJ-45 Ethernet or wireless


Representative Installations

There are Oracle systems situated over a wide range of locations around the world. Examples include: - Los Angeles Metro

- New York City Federal Building

- Major U.S. metropolitan subway

- Private United Nations organization building

- Israeli Ministry of Defense

- London underground

- Beijing China subway


Research International, Inc. 17161 Beaton Road SE

Monroe, WA 98272-1034 Phone: 360-805-4930 • Toll Free: 800-927-7831

www.resrchintl.com • [email protected]

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Oracle: Standoff Detection of Hazardous Gases