1.
Flammable Gas Detectors (IR Type)
Detector Typical Spacing /
Coverage Range Application & Notes
Type Grid
5–7 m radius (10–
IR Point Installed every 10– Detects local hydrocarbon leaks in
14 m diameter
Detector 15 m congested or semi-enclosed areas.
area)
5 m (min) up to 30–40 m typical Detects gas across an open path
Open-Path
120 m (max) path beam length in between transmitter and receiver;
IR Detector
length process areas used for open or perimeter coverage.
Additional Guidance:
• Maintain line-of-sight for open-path IR detectors.
• Avoid alignment through hot gas exhausts or direct sunlight glare.
• Use point IR near leak sources and open-path for area/perimeter coverage.
• For open, well-ventilated areas: spacing ≈ 10 m.
• For enclosed or complex geometry: spacing ≈ 5 m.
2. Toxic Gas Detectors (IR / Electrochemical Type)
Typical Coverage Spacing Between
Gas Type Notes
Radius Detectors
Use near breathing zone or air
H₂S, CO, SO₂, NH₃ 5–8 m radius 8–10 m
intakes.
High Toxicity (Cl₂, Closer spacing due to low TLV
3–5 m radius 5–7 m
HF, HCN) and high toxicity.
Additional Guidance:
• H₂S (heavier than air): install at low levels (0.3–1 m above grade).
• NH₃ (lighter): install above equipment (~2–3 m).
• For indoor areas: spacing ≤ 5 m recommended due to limited dispersion.
3. Flame Detectors (UV, IR, IR3, UV/IR)
Range Field of Effective
Detector Type Notes
(Distance) View (FOV) Coverage Area
UV/IR Flame 90° (H) × Common for hydrocarbon
25–30 m ~1,000–1,500 m²
Detector 90° (V) fires.
90° (H) × Higher range, better false
Triple IR (IR3) 45–60 m ~3,000 m²
90° (V) alarm immunity.
Limited by sunlight and hot-
UV Only 15–20 m 90° × 90° ~500 m²
body interference.
Additional Guidance:
• Mount typically 1.5–2 m above grade.
• Angle 30–45° downward toward hazard area.
• Overlap FOVs for redundancy (e.g., 2 detectors viewing same area from different
angles).
• Avoid direct exposure to sunlight, welding arcs, or hot surfaces.
4. Comparison Table — Summary
Typical
Detector Type Technology Usage
Coverage (m)
Localized leaks near flanges,
Flammable Gas (Point IR) Infrared 5–7 m radius
compressors
Flammable Gas (Open- Infrared Open areas, perimeters, tank
5–120 m path
Path IR) Beam farms
Toxic Gas H₂S, CO, SO₂ zones near
Various 5–8 m radius
(Electrochemical/IR) breathing height
Typical
Detector Type Technology Usage
Coverage (m)
Process area fires, enclosed
Flame (UV/IR) Optical 25–30 m range
zones
Open outdoor hydrocarbon
Flame (IR3) Optical 45–60 m range
fires
5. Typical Layout Example (IR Point + Open Path + Flame)
Area Detector Type Typical Layout / Distance
Compressor / Pump Skid 4× Point IR (each corner, 5–7 m Ensure full 90% area
(10×10 m) spacing), 2× Flame IR3 coverage.
1× Open-Path IR (40 m beam), 1× Detects longitudinal
Pipe Rack (40 m)
Flame Detector hydrocarbon gas.
3× Open-Path IR beams (around
Tank Farm (30 m dia) Coverage of dike area.
tank), 2× Flame IR3
1× Toxic (H₂S or CO), 1×
Control Room Inlet Mounted near ventilatio
Flammable Point IR