Introducing the GasFinder3-VB

Understanding the Fundamentals

What you need to know

At a glance, here is what you need to know about the GasFinder3-VB (Vehicle Based) which makes Line-of-Sight Gas Detection Measurements.

 

GasMap Software

Visualize Your Measurement Campaign

The Windows based GasMap Software provides you with the following advantages:

• Role of the GasFinder3-VB: The GasFinder3-VB (Vehicle Based) make gas concentration measurements by counting the number of target gas molecules that pass through the laser beam (i.e. Active Measurement Path). The data produced from the GasFinder3-VB (Vehicle Based) is simply a 1-D Data Plot that charts concentration over time. This alone does not provide all the information that is required.
• Role of the GasMap Software: The windows based GasMap Software melds the gas concentration data along with the lat./long. data from the GPS Dongle. With these two pieces of information, GasMap can provide you with 2-D Data Plots that show the path of travel along with color coded concentration profiles. GasMap provides the data in a .KMZ format.
• Visualized Reports: The .KMZ output of GasMap can easily be overlaid onto Google Maps to create a visualized report of path of travel, gas concentrations, and now you have the context of (non-) anthropogenic sources based upon geography.

 

Looking for documents?

Look no further.

The documents below are to help you through to first interaction through to final commissioning.

• How it Works

  How it Works

  Visual Representation

  

• GasFinder3-VB Components

  GasFinder3-VB Assembly

  Configuration Options available

  

  The GasFinder3-VB Assembly has the following configurable options:

  • Target Gas Selection: Select both the Target Gas and Range appropriate for the application.
  • Power Supply Options: Select between 12-24 VDC or 120-220 VAC Power Supplies.
  • Measurement Cell Options:
    • Headache Rack Mount: The adjustable nature of the Headache Rack Mount makes it ideal for 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 1 ton trucks of various makes and models.
    • Generic Mount: A simple detachable bar mount is ideal for ATV or Side-by-Sides.
    • No Mounting Structure: If you have your own mounting structure in mind, we can provide you with just the Measurement Cell.

   

  Headache Rack Mount

  See below for more information on the Headache Rack Mount.

  

   

  Generic Mount

  See below for more information on the Generic Mounting Structure.

  

• Vehicle Based Measurement Cell

  Measurement Cell

  Used with the GasFinder3-VB (Vehicle Based)

  

  The Aerial Based Measurement Cell is comprised of the following components:

  • Forms the Active Measurement Path: Within the Vehicle Based Measurement Cell, the laser beam is contained and this is where the Active Measurement Path is formed. It is within the Vehicle Based Measurement Cell that the Target Gas Molecules are counted and the sample for the Path Integrated/Average Concentration is derived.
  • Protection of Optical Components: The sturdy and rugged cage of the Vehicle Based Measurement Cell helps to provide mechanical protection to the optical components from items like tree branches and shrubs.
  • Multi-Pass Configuration:  To provide the lowest detect threshold possible, we’ve increased the Active Measurement Path. Within the ~1m long Vehicle Based Measurement Cell, we’ve folded the Laser Beam over three (3) times to create a 3 m long Active Measurement Path.
  • Superior Tolerance to Vibration: With a Transceiver Configuration, the vibration from the moving vehicle will help to integrate the laser beam and even further quiet the analysis.
• Methane Detection Thresholds

  Mobile Monitoring

  With the GasFinder3-VB/AB

  Path Average Concentrations: Parts Per Million

  

  To help provide more clarity to the table above, the following terms have been further defined:

  Minimal Detectable Limit (MDL): This is the smallest concentration value that is reliably and repeatedly detected when exposed to a known gas concentration. In a comparable example, think of the Minimal Detectable Limit (MDL) in similar terms to a Signal-to-Noise Ratio where the MDL is the smallest signal that can be detected through the noise floor.

  Non-Detectable Range: Any ppm-m concentration below the Minimal Detectable Limit (MDL), regardless the value of the R2 Confidence Factor, should be strictly treated as noise.

  Zero Gas Noise: Typically, Zero Gas Noise will produce gas concentrations that are below our Minimal Detectable Limit (MDL) with low and high R2 Confidence Factors  and can be generated from spectroscopic, mechanical, or atmospheric sources. However, Zero Gas Noise can produce gas concentrations that also exceed our Minimal Detectable Limit (MDL) with “good” R2 Confidence Factors to two (2) times our published Minimal Detectable Limit (2x MDL).

  Non-Actionable Range: While measurements within the Non-Actionable Range (i.e. below 2x MDL) can be both above our Minimal Detectable Limit (MDL) and have “good” R2 Confidence Factor values, it is difficult to determine if the gas concentrations measurements are from Target Gas within the Active Measurement Path or just Zero Gas Noise. It recommended that Actionable Concentrations (i.e. Alarm Thresholds) not be set within the Non-Actionable Range and/or below 2x MDL.

  Actionable Range: This is where the results are repeatable, accurate, and linear. It is within the Actionable Range where end-users can confidently set Alarm Thresholds that are “As Low As Reasonably Practical” (ALARP) while taking into consideration the need to avoid false alarms.

  Lowest Actionable Concentration (LAC): As the name states, this is the Lowest Concentration that should be considered for use in setting an Alarm Threshold (i.e. 2x MDL). False Alarms between 2x MDL and 5x MDL while rare could be still be possible.

  Lowest Recommended Alarm Threshold (LRAT):To provide an additional margin of safety, Alarm Thresholds that are greater than five (5) times the Minimal Detectable Limit (5x MDL) will provide acceptable protection from less-common and/or circumstantial spurious/nuisance/false alarms. Concentrations above 5x MDL are to be considered valid.

  Sensitivity: We define Sensitivity as the smallest incremental change in concentration that is reliably and repeatability detected above the Minimal Detectable Limit (MDL). In a comparable example, think of our Sensitivity as Shot-to-Shot Noise. As a general rule-rule-of-thumb for all gases, the Sensitivity (i.e. Shot-to-Shot Noise) is a quarter of the Minimal Detectable Limit (e.g. 0.25 x MDL).

  Highest Actionable Concentration (HAC): This is the end of the Actionable Range and Alarm Thresholds should not exceed this Full Scale value.

  Non-Linear Range: Concentration measurements will continue to display beyond the Non-Linear Range. The measurements will be repeatable, but they will no longer be accurate. Typically, concentration measurements beyond the Non-Linear Range will display lower than actual.

• Power + Communication

  Power + Communication

  Overview of Inputs and Outputs

  

  Here is a more detailed overview of the Power + Communication Options available with the GasFinder3-VB (Vehicle Based) :

  • Logfile Retrieval: Each and every reading produces its own serial string and these are stored as daily Logfiles. These are accessible via a USB Thumb Drive.
  • Power Button: Simply power up and down the GasFinder3-VB via the push button.
  • Communication to GasMap Software: Supplied with the GasFinder3-VB is the GasView Software that combines the Gas Concentration Data with the Lat./Long. information provide by the GPS Dongle. To connect the GasFinder3-VB to a Windows based Laptop or Tablet, this is done either by DB9 Connector or Micro-USB.
  • Power Connector: The GasFinder3-VB is powered by 12-24 VDC @ 20 Watts. Different Power Supplies are available to meet your needs.
• HMI Touchscreen

  HMI Touchscreen

  Use and Function

  

  The HMI Touchscreen provides you with the following advantages:

  • Provides Valuable Local Indication: It can be invaluable for field operations to have local indication to gain a better understanding of their process. If this equipment is being used as a Leak Detection device, then this could provide early warning of a small leak or provide rapid indication of a large discrete leak. As well, if this is being used for In-Situ or Extractive Analytical Measurements, then this can ensure the process is within the control envelope. Their are broad types of display options: Graphical and Numerical.
  • Enables Intuitive Local Interface: It is not practical to bring a laptop into a process area and it is not always easy to install software on a corporate computer without permission or a work order from your IT Department. Technicians no longer need to pack a laptop or find away to balance it in the field as the every command or configuration option is available via the HMI Touchscreen.
  • Use in Hot and Cold Applications: The Display and Touchscreen functions work throughout the ambient temperature range of -55 to 65°C (-67 to 149°F).
  • Access Stored Logfiles: Select the dates of the Logfiles you wish to download.

   

  Local Indication Display Options

  The Field Mounted GasFinder3-VB (Vehicle Based) provides you with the following advantages:

  • Graphical Display: This display option is typically used if trending the concentration variables is of use to operations.
  • Numerical Display (Single Channel): This high contrast display is often the display of choice for leak detection applications as it shows the status of the Hi and Hi-Hi Alarm Relays.

  

  

• Internal Reference Cell

  Set, Forget, & Detect

  Overview of the Internal Reference Cell

  

  The Internal Reference Cell(s) within the GasFinder3-VB (Vehicle Based) provides you with the following advantages:

  • Fail Safe Design: Boreal Laser has focused exclusively on Laser Based Gas Analysis since 1990 and has built an analyzer with +30 years of expertise to provide a Fail Safe instrument that employs detailed diagnostics to help increase the confidence of both technicians and operations. If the GasFinder3-VB (Vehicle Based) is running without fault or status inhibition codes, then the system can be trusted to work as there are no undisclosed failure modes.
  • Essentially Zero Measurement Drift: The Internal Reference Cell ensures that the GasFinder3-VB (Vehicle Based) is still emitting Laser Light at the appropriate wavelength/frequency required to detect that particular target gas. By remaining “Line Locked” or “Line Centered”, we can essentially eliminate Measurement Drift and the requirement for routine intervention and calibration.
  • No Field Calibration: In addition to the GasFinder3-VB (Vehicle Based) interrogating its Internal Reference Cell every minute, the system also compares itself against the permanently stored calibration waveform each and every sample to ensure that the most accurate measurement possible is being made.
  • No Field Intervention: There is no end-user intervention required as all the checks and adjustments from the Internal Reference Cell are done autonomously and automatically. Beyond Optical Alignment of the Measurement Heads, there are no field adjustments to be made with the GasFinder3-VB (Vehicle Based).
• Enhanced Data Storage & Access

  Enhanced Diagnostics

  Easily Access your Collected Data

  

  The Field Mounted GasFinder3-VB (Vehicle Based) provides you with the following advantages:

  • Store and Access 20 Years’ of Data: The End-User has full access to all generated data from the GasFinder3-VB (Vehicle Based).
  • Visualize Data with the Excel Marco: Easy visualize both sample and diagnostic data. Contact your representative for more information.
  • USB Accessible Data Storage: The GasFinder3-VB (Vehicle Based) has the ability to store all of its generated data over its entire lifespan. This is easily accessible via a FAT32 USB Thumb Drive or Memory Stick. The GasFinder3-VB (Vehicle Based) automatically bins the Logfiles into timestamped 24 hour periods. The Logfiles are in CSV Format and can easily be visualized with our Excel Macro.
  • Micro-USB Connection: Serial connection to use GasView Software is included.
• Ambient Temperature Compensation

  Premier Performance

  Overview of the Temperature Control

  

  The Field Mounted GasFinder3-VB (Vehicle Based) provides you with the following advantages:

  • Ready for Hot and Cold Applications: The GasFinder3-VB (Vehicle Based) can be installed throughout the world and handle almost any ambient temperature with an operating temperature range of -55 to 65ºC (-67 to 149°F). The Active Measurement Path (i.e. Laser Beam) can handle wider temperature ranges than the GasFinder3-OP (Portable Open Path).
  • ±2% of Reading Accuracy: Boreal Laser offers best-in-class performance with ±2% of Reading Accuracy.
  • No Diurnal or Seasonal Drift: Laser Based Gas Analysis is sensitive to temperature changes but thanks to the Patented Dual Zone Temperature Control, the GasFinder3-VB can be Field Mounted in a variety of ambient temperature conditions without the need for intervention or degradation of accuracy. There are built-in pressure and temperature sensors within the GasFinder3-VB (Vehicle Based) than can aid in compensating for changing temperatures over diurnal (day/night) and seasonal periods.
  • Optional P+T Analog Inputs: The End-User can input Pressure + Temperature (P+T)  analog variables from external measurement instrumentation to enable Dynamic P+T Compensation. Talk to your representative about this feature.
• Accessories

  Protective Filter Cover

  Used with the Vehicle Based Measurement Cell

  

  The Protective Cover is comprised of the following components:

  • Protective Filtered Cover: This helps to keep the optical components within the Measurement Cell clean and functional for as long as possible.
  • Washable Filter Material: The removable and washable filter material means you can easily remove the dirt, dust, and debris that collects over time.
  • High Strength Velcro Used:  Easy to remove, clean, and replace.
  • Heavy Duty Tie-Wraps Included: To ensure that the Protective Filter Cover remains in place, long and heavy duty tie-wraps are included to secure it in place.

   

  Alignment Kit

  Used with the Vehicle Based Measurement Cell

  

  The Alignment Kit is comprised of the following components:

  • Optical Multi-Meter: Provides the ability to measure the laser power being emitted from the GasFinder and also emit a red visible laser for alignment purposes.
  • Remote Light Meter: This provides an indication of received laser intensity for alignment purposes.
  • Fiber Cleaning Tape:  Used to ensure that the FC/APC Fiber Connectors are clean before being coupled and installed.
  • Other Useful Components: Includes IR Card (visualize the IR Laser Dot), Small Retro-Arrays, & Extra Bulkhead Connectors.