FAQ

The DDS Fugitive Emission Vapor System (FEVDS) detects a fugitive emission of pre defined “known” gasses. It identifies the gas by identifying the source of the emission.

Technical

1. What is the fastest optical detection time for sensing a gas leak? a. 1.5 sec if the system is in position and has “learned” the background
2. What is the largest span or geographical range a camera can detect a gas? a. Depends on the size of the plume, resolution of the camera and lens configuration. However, a 1 meter square plume can be detected at up to 250 meters.
3. Do any of the optical cameras and/or components require routine calibrations a. No, however a routine check of the settings is advisable once per quarter. This can be accomplished by a single technician remotely.
4. Can any visual obstruction (rain, personnel, light intensity, environment conditions, etc.) impare the system and “blind” the cameras from sensing a gas? a. The system is optical and visual obstructions will effect the performance. It cannot see through barriers. However, it operates in the IR spectrum limiting these impairments
5. What, if any, back-up capability does the system have to maintain operation if the main power supply is interrupted for some reason? a. Any standard battery back up will suffice
6. What is the lowest threshold of the gas concentration that the system can detect and report? a. Depends on the gas but testing is not complete. The threshold varies depending on the gas and the local wind conditions. It can range from a few grams per hour to 100 grams per hour.
7. Is all, or portions of the system rated for Class I – Div II installation as is required for the Refinery and Chemical Processing markets? a. System components can be supplied as Class 1 Division 1, Class 1 Division II, (Zone 1 or Zone 2) IP66 or IP 68 as required by the customer.
8. Can the software be integrated into enterprise systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.)? a. yes with additional programming
9. Can multiple gases be detected simultaneously? If YES, is there a limitation on the number of gases detected at one time? a. The system will detect any fugitive emission that occurs in the spectral frequency range of the hardware. It will not under this set up identify the specific gas detected. Filters can be applied so that specific gasses are not detected. It is assumed in the set up and operation that the operator will know which gas is present in the structure that is leaking.
10. How do you test different gases for performance within the system? a. By simulating a leak with the actual gas
11. Do all of the system components have to be hardwired for power and to each other in order to feed data into the operating software? a. The system requires that a video stream from the camera be delivered to the software installed on a PC or equivalent. The video stream may be delivered by hardwire (coax, ethernet) or microwave.
    b. The remotely located sensors require power.
    c. Sensor (camera) ptz control must also be connected between the PC and the sensor.
12. What is the expected lifespan of the cameras and any other related ancillary components? a. Five Years at which time one or more internal boards may need to be replaced but not the entire system
13. Does the system, particularly, the cameras, contain any components that need to be replaced with any frequency? a. No
14. Does the software system have the capability to be tied into other central facility control (monitoring) stations where plant operations are typically monitored? Can it send alert or warning signals to the local police station, fire dept. and/or hazmat services? a. The software is designed to be tied to plant security and monitoring stations
    b. Remote parallel monitoring is also available
    c. The software can currently send SMS text messages and/or email messages to predefined addresses. Other notifications can be made available
15. In general, are there any known (established) limitations in the system to detecting gas or smoke? a. The frequency absorption of the gas must be within the spectral range of the camera
    b. The gas emission must be of sufficient volume that it can be “seen” by the camera
16. Are there any weather restrictions for installing the system outdoors? Can the system tolerate being installed and functioning within a corrosive environment? a. No known weather restrictions
    b. It can be installed in a corrosive environment with the appropriate enclosure