Cost Optimizations of Gas Detector Systems

An improved procedure for optimization of flammable gas detector systems in process plant modules is presented in the paper. The main features of the new procedure are that it uses a detailed explosion Quantitative Risk Analysis (QRA) model to obtain the risk reducing effects of applying more gas detectors; and it uses detailed transient Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to assess the most effective locations of the gas detectors. This results in a cost optimized solution which gives the minimum fire and explosion risk, at the lowest cost. A field example is included where it is indicated that with the optimal number of gas detectors, the total costs of fire and explosion accidents are reduced by 18% compared to having no gas detection system at all.