The detection range of the Gassonic acoustic gas leak detectors depends on the level of ultrasonic background noise in the area. Experience has shown that the detection range can be divided into three main categories, very low-level, low-level and high-level background noise areas. The following general guidelines can be applied based on a gas leak rate of 0.1 kg/s. According to industry performance standards this is the maximum release of methane gas to be tolerated in an outdoor production area.
In high-noise areas (bordeaux area) the trigger level of the ultrasonic (acoustic) gas leak detector is typically set to 84dB. This corresponds to a detection radius of 5-8 metres from the detector. Examples of high-level areas are:
- Turbo compressor areas
- Complete open offshore weather deck
- Next to very noisy machinery
In low-noise areas (dark grey area) the trigger level of the ultrasonic (acoustic) gas leak detector is typically set to 74dB. This corresponds to a detection radius of 8-12 metres from the detector. Examples of low-level areas are:
- Areas with no machinery
- Areas with low frequency machine made noise
In very low-noise areas (light grey area) the trigger level of the ultrasonic (acoustic) gas leak detector is typically set to 64dB. This corresponds to a detection radius of 13-20 metres from the detector. Examples of typical areas are:
- Onshore wellhead areas in calm environment
- Salt dome gas storage facilities in calm environment
