Observer-i Ultrasonic Gas Leak Detector

Technical Description – Gassonic Observer

Ultrasonic Gas Leak Detector 

The OBSERVER-i is the world’s first ultrasonic gas leak detector equipped with Artificial Neural Network (ANN) real-time broadband acoustic sound processing technology. This technology is based on extensive studies and real recording of gas leak sounds and industrial background noise from a wide array of industry sources over the years. The ANN algorithm has been “trained” with these recordings to automatically distinguish between unwanted acoustic background noise and dangerous gas leaks. Interactive Online Simulator

The SENSSONIC self-test technology provides a full acoustic integrity test of the GASSONIC OBSERVER-i Ultrasonic Gas Leak Detector every 15 minutes using a high-quality sound transducer transmitting an air-borne ultrasonic signal to the detector’s microphone system. This ensures that the microphone and the electronics are tested continuously within well-defined tolerances, and that the operator is warned if the detector should fail this regular test.

The SENSSONIC technology provides reliable and failsafe operation for the GASSONIC Ultrasonic Gas Leak Detectors, protecting your assets and ensuring human safety in your industrial facility. The SENSSONIC technology is the only technology on the market to self-test both the microphone system and the protective windscreen protecting the microphone. This ensures that dirt or other contaminants on the detector wind screen, that could decrease leak detection performance, will be detected.

Artificial Neural Network (ANN) 

• True ANN, not “single fingerprint” learning 
• ANN is similar to face recognition, but with noise sources 
• Programmed to ignore background noise and only respond to leaks 
• No complicated setup and special software
• No need for background noise mapping before installation
• No need for re-training when plant conditions change

A Closer Look

• ANN compares sensor output (gas leaks plus background noise) with four specific frequencies
• ANN automatically adjust setpoint for alarm outputs
• Output from Observer i is selectable from SPL, alert/alarm thresholds & SPL + alert/alarm thresholds
• Self-check is a designed feature to attain SIL3
• Calibration is not necessary for operation (field calibration and bump testing are available)
• Replacement sensor & self-test actuator is field replaceable