Turbine Gas detector detects dust instead of gases most of the time

Fire & Gas System
1

Hello guys

In our Siemens turbine, and as an instrument technician I’m facing a problem with infrared gas detectors installed in each turbine,

The thing is these GD10 Infrared detector keep showing LEL gas detection each time, and after every intervention I found that it caused by DUST and outer environment particularly sandstorms,

Thus we as technicians perform weekly cleaning to eliminate these alarms!!
So it appeared that these detectors, detects sand insrtead of gases :thinking::thinking:
So is there a solution for example to avoid this phenomenon? Or to lower the rate of intervention on these instruments ?

2

Hello! It sounds like a challenging problem you’re dealing with. Dust and sand can indeed interfere with the performance of gas detectors, especially in a harsh environment such as a sandstorm-prone area.

Turbine Gas detectors

Here are a few suggestions to mitigate the issue:

  1. Use Air Shields or Dust Covers: You could consider installing air shields or dust covers if they’re not already in use. These would help to physically block dust and sand from entering the sensor area.
  2. Implement a Purge/Air Cleaning System: Some gas detectors can be fitted with an air purge system, which uses a clean source of air to blow away any dust or debris that might interfere with the sensor. You could look into whether such a system would be compatible with your GD10 detectors.
  3. Switch to a Different Type of Detector: It might be that an infrared detector is not the best choice for your particular environment. Other types of gas detectors, such as electrochemical or catalytic bead sensors, might be less susceptible to interference from dust and sand.
  4. Regular Calibration: While this won’t directly reduce the dust interference, it will ensure that the detectors are working at their optimal performance and can help identify if the sensors are becoming desensitized due to excessive dust exposure.
  5. Use Filters: Some detectors come with the ability to install filters that can help reduce the ingress of dust and sand. These will require periodic replacement but can significantly reduce the false alarms caused by dust.
  6. Consult Manufacturer or a Professional Service: If you continue having problems, it might be worth contacting the manufacturer or a professional service to see if they have specific advice or solutions for your situation.