RMLD-is Remoate Methane Leak Detector
OVERVIEW
The HEATH Remote Methane Leak Detector (RMLD) is a highly advanced
technology, capable of detecting methane leaks from a remote
distance.
The RMLD is the first of a new generation of leak survey
instruments that will greatly improve the productivity and safety
of leak survey.
With the RMLD it is now possible to survey areas that are hard to
reach or not easily accessible. The RMLD does not have to be within
the gas plume because it uses laser technology known as Tunable
Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy.
As the laser passes through a gas plume, the methane absorbs a
portion of the light, which the RMLD then detects. This technology
makes it possible to detect leaks along the sight line without
always having to walk the full length of the service line.
SPECIFICATION
Detection Method | Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) |
| Measurement Range | 0 to 99,999 ppm-m |
| Sensitivity | 5 ppm-m at distance from 0 to 50 ft (15 m)
10 ppm-m or better from 50 to 100 ft (15 to 30 m) |
| Detection Distance | 100 ft (30 m) nominal. Actual distance may vary due to background
type and conditions |
| Beam Size | Conical in shape with a 22” width at 100 ft. (56 cm at 30 m) |
| Detection Alarms Modes | Digital Methane Detection (DMD):
Audible tone relative to concentration when detection threshold
exceeded.
Adjustable Alarm Detection Threshold from 0 to 255 ppm-m Pure Tone:Continuous audio tone relative to concentration |
| System Fault Warning | Audible tone and indication on the display |
| Self Test & Calibration | Built-in Self-Test and Calibration function verifies operation and
adjusts laser wavelength for maximum sensitivity. Test gas cell integrated with carrying case. |
| Compliance | EMC (EN61000-6-2, EN6100-6-4) Pending |
Laser Eye Safety (CDRH, ANSI and IEC) | IR Detector Laser: Class I
Green Spotter Laser: Class IIIa Do not stare into beam or view directly with optical instruments. |
| Display | Large easy to read backlit LCD (.75” Numeric) |
| Operating Temperature | 0° to 122° F (-17° to 50° C) |
| Humidity | 5 to 95 % RH, non-condensing |
| Enclosure | IP54 (Water splash and Dust resistant) |
| Instrument Weight | 9 lbs (Transceiver 3 lbs, Controller 6 lbs) (4 kg; 1.3 kg, 2.7 kg) |
| Carry Case | 14lbs;34”x91⁄2”x14” (6.4kg;86cmx24cmx36cm) |
| Power Supply | Internal rechargeable Li-ion battery
External Backup Battery pack with 5 C cells (Optional) |
| Battery Operating Life | 8 hours at 32° F without backlight on (Internal battery) |
| Battery Charger | External, in-line, 110 – 240 VAC, 50 / 60 hertz universal type with
charge indicator (8 hours maximum to full charge) |
| Shoulder Strap | Single over the shoulder padded strap Ergonomic dual strap and belt system (Optional) |
FEATURES & BENEFITS
The portable, reliable Remote Methane Leak Detector (RMLD-IS®)
changed the way methane surveys are conducted. Instead of having to
walk the entire length of the service line to check for methane
leaks the RMLD-IS quickly and efficiently detects leaks utilizing
TDLAS technology for detection up to one hundred feet away. Safely
survey difficult to reach areas, such as busy roadways, yards with
large dogs, locked gates, compressor stations, offshore platforms
and other hard to access places.
When the laser passes through a gas plume, the methane absorbs a
portion of the light, which the RMLD-IS then detects. The reflected
light is collected and converted to an electrical signal that
carries the information needed to deduce the relative methane
concentration. This signal is processed so that methane
concentrations can be reported in parts per million meter or ppm-m.
The laser has a nominal distance of up to 100 feet and is selective
to methane only. It will not false alarm on other hydrocarbons.
This makes it possible to detect methane leaks along the sight line
without always having to walk the full length of the service line.
The RMLD-IS consists of two interactive components; a transceiver
subsystem and a signal processing/user interface controller. The
transceiver has two lasers; an infrared laser beam that is
non-visible and is continuously on while the unit is turned on. The
green spotter laser is similar to those used for presentation
pointers and is turned on by the operator depressing the trigger
button.
With its intrinsically safe rating the RMLD-IS opens a new realm of
survey applications such as Offshore Platforms, Plant and
Industrial, Inspections, Compressor Stations, Production
Facilities, LNG Ship Inspections, First Responders for Leak
Investigation, First Responders to Odor Complaints and Gas
Processing Plant Inspections.
APPLICATION
This fast-acting technology is ideal for difficult-to-protect
applications such as:
- production areas
- tank farms and product storage
- loading and unloading facilities
- hazard waste treatment and storage
- processes with high temperatures, pressure and flammable fuels
- pump rows
- manifolds
- hot oil systems
- rail car loading racks
- hydrocarbon filling and storage areas
- chemical storage tanks
- aircraft hangars
