The new AutroSafe maritime gas panel solution introduces a number of new features that support more flexible installation, improved maintenance and troubleshooting, in addition to more reliable, accurate and userfriendly data from Autronica and third-party sensors.
Designed to meet all current regulations for gas detection systems, AutroSafe is claimed to be a vital safety tool that alerts tanker crews to the accidental escape of hazardous gases from cargo tanks.
It is based on the sophisticated gas detection technology and principles developed by industry forerunners Omicron and Autronica Fire and Security since December 2008, under Autronica Fire and Security, Division Tønsberg.
“The AutroSafe Maritime Gas Panel Solution utilises Omicron expertise and the proven technology platform from Autronica’s flagship fire & gas detection solution, AutroSafe 4,” explained Robert Grande, director of product marketing, Autronica Fire and Security. “AutroSafe 4 fire detection is installed on a wide variety of vessels from mega-cruise ships to box ships and tankers. It features unique networking and redundancy capabilities, which have been leveraged to position the AutroSafe Maritime Gas Panel Solution as the most advanced gas detection system available today.”
The system features AutroNet, an Ethernetbased panel network that connects all panels and sensors through a dual-path, high-speed (100 Mbps) redundant system, delivering solid, reliable performance in line with current regulations. AutroNet safeguards communication between panels even if a line fault (break, switch port fault, etc) is present and any alarms are transmitted safely to all panels because all network traffic is duplicated along two independent network paths.
AutroSafe uses a communication loop called AutroFieldBus (AFB) to communicate with the gas detection loops, called PowerLoops. AFB length can be up to 1,000 m and even longer if signal boosters, or fiber cable interfaces are used. With up to 64 panels in a single system, 31 PowerLoops per AFB and 15 addressable gas detectors per PowerLoop, this approach supports flexible installation for vessels of all sizes and designs. The PowerLoop is a twowire ring capable of delivering 30 VDC/100 W and is galvanic isolated from the rest of the system for full electrical protection.
The system also supports a wide range of third-party gas detection devices, allowing for installation flexibility and accurate data from preferred sensor manufacturers. Because each sensor and network node is addressable, the correct information is always routed to where it is needed, indicating which detection unit has given an alarm. Built-in fault monitoring ensures that if a detection unit fails, it is automatically identified so may be replaced quickly and easily.