1. Description:
The Honeywell 2108B2021N is a specialized Searchpoint Optima Plus Point Infrared (IR) Flammable Gas Detector, specifically optimized for sampling systems and calibrated for hydrocarbon detection (often with a specific 100% LEL Propane calibration curve as a default). It holds ATEX/IECEx certification. This is a highly advanced fixed point gas detector designed for continuous, non-contact monitoring of combustible hydrocarbon gases in potentially explosive atmospheres, particularly when direct ambient air monitoring isn’t feasible or desired. Its “X version” designation implies features making it suitable for applications where gas is drawn to the detector, such as in ducts or sample lines. It features a robust 316 stainless steel housing and provides a standard 4-20mA output (auto-sensing sink or source), allowing for direct and flexible integration with industrial control systems. The inclusion of a pre-fitted remote extended gassing cell, polyester mesh dust barrier, and nylon weather protection housing suggests its readiness for challenging, often outdoor or remote, installations where regular in-situ access for testing might be difficult.
2. Application Scenarios:
Consider a large industrial facility with numerous enclosed process areas, such as machinery enclosures, small unventilated rooms, or internal ducts within ventilation systems. Direct placement of a standard gas detector might be impractical due to space constraints, high temperatures, or maintenance access issues. In such cases, a Honeywell 2108B2021N Searchpoint Optima Plus (X version) would be ideal. Air samples from these enclosed areas or ducts would be continuously drawn to the detector via tubing. The Optima Plus (2108B2021N) is specifically designed and often calibrated for such “sampling system” applications, ensuring fast and accurate detection of hydrocarbon leaks in these remote locations. The pre-fitted remote gassing cell significantly simplifies functional gas testing, allowing for verification without needing to physically access the detector itself. This solution directly addresses the pain points of monitoring inaccessible or extremely harsh internal environments, providing critical safety oversight where conventional methods would fail, enhancing safety, and reducing maintenance burdens.
3. Parameter:
Main Parameters Value/Description Product Model: Honeywell 2108B2021N Manufacturer: Honeywell Analytics (part of Honeywell) Product Category: Fixed Point Infrared Flammable Gas Detector (Optimized for Sampling Systems) Product Line: Honeywell Searchpoint Optima Plus “X version” Sensor Type: Point Infrared (IR) absorption Gas Types Detected: Hydrocarbons (e.g., Methane, Propane, Butane, and many other solvents/hydrocarbon vapors). Often programmed with a specific 100% LEL Propane calibration curve. Measuring Range: 0-100% LEL (Lower Explosive Limit) Output Signal: 4-20mA analog output (auto-sensing sink or source); Optional HART® over 4-20mA (with ‘H’ variant, e.g., 2108B2021H); Optional Multidrop Modbus RS485 (via XNX or DX100(M) transmitter). Inhibit Signal: 1-3mA (Default 2mA) Warning Signal: 0-6mA (Default 3mA) Fault Signal: 0mA (HART® units adjustable to 1mA) Over Range Signal: 20-21.5mA (Default 21mA) Supply Voltage: 18-32V DC (24V DC nominal), < 4.5W max power consumption Response Time (T90): Less than 4 seconds (typically < 3 seconds for T50, Methane/Propane) Operating Temperature: -40°C to +65°C (-40°F to +150°F) Housing Material: Electro-polished 316 Stainless Steel Ingress Protection: IP66 / IP67 (dust tight and protected against powerful water jets/immersion up to 1m) Weight: Approximately 1.6 kg Thread Type: M25 thread spigot (for ATEX/IECEx versions) Approvals: ATEX, IECEx (confirmed for 2108B2021N), UL, FM/CSA, MED (Marine Equipment Directive), CCCF & CU-TR Ex. Safety Integrity Level (SIL): IEC61508 Safety Integrity Level 2 (independently assessed by TÜV) Key Features: Optimized for sampling systems, pre-fitted remote extended gassing cell, polyester mesh dust barrier, nylon weather protection housing, failsafe operation, fast response, reduced routine maintenance, immune to catalytic poisons, long operating life, works in inert atmospheres, self-compensating optics, dynamic heating control (for condensation), integral event logging, advanced diagnostics.
4. Technical Principles and Innovative Values:
The Honeywell 2108B2021N Searchpoint Optima Plus (X version) leverages sophisticated technical principles and offers significant innovative value, particularly through its optimization for sampling systems:
- Innovation Point 1: Optimized Optics and Algorithms for Sampled Gas Streams: While based on the standard Optima Plus’s dual-compensated infrared absorption principle, the “X version” (2108B2021N) features specific enhancements to its optical path and gas reading calculation algorithms. This optimization is crucial for accurately and rapidly detecting gases when they are drawn into the detector via a sampling system (e.g., through a flow housing or sample line). This allows the detector to achieve its fast response and maintain stability even with a potentially less direct sample delivery method compared to ambient open-air detection. The “X version” specifically handles the flow dynamics of a sampling application, ensuring representative and reliable readings.
- Innovation Point 2: Pre-fitted Remote Extended Gassing Cell for Simplified Functional Testing: A key innovative feature of the 2108B2021N is the pre-fitted remote extended gassing cell, along with the dust barrier and weather protection housing. This design allows personnel to perform functional gas tests (bump tests) by injecting calibration gas remotely into the gassing cell, validating the detector’s performance without needing to physically access or remove the detector from its installed location. This is invaluable in hard-to-reach areas, hazardous zones, or where minimizing personnel exposure is a priority, significantly reducing maintenance time, effort, and safety risks.
- Innovation Point 3: Inherent Immunity to Catalytic Poisons and Oxygen Deficiency for Continuous Reliability in Sampling: Like all Optima Plus detectors, the 2108B2021N operates on an infrared principle, making it immune to poisoning or inhibition by common industrial contaminants (e.g., silicones, sulfur compounds) that degrade catalytic bead sensors. Crucially for sampling applications, it also functions perfectly in oxygen-deficient or inert atmospheres (e.g., if a sample is drawn from a nitrogen-purged space). This inherent resilience ensures continuous, reliable gas detection in challenging environments where other technologies would fail, leading to reduced false alarms, longer sensor lifespan, and lower total cost of ownership.
5. Application Cases and Industry Value:
In a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, several small, confined processing rooms have limited ventilation and handle flammable solvents. Direct installation of gas detectors inside these rooms is difficult due to space, environmental conditions, and access for calibration. The plant implemented a system utilizing Honeywell 2108B2021N Searchpoint Optima Plus (X version) detectors. Air samples from each room are continuously drawn through tubing to centrally located 2108B2021N units in a less hazardous, more accessible area. The detectors’ optimization for sampling systems ensures accurate and rapid detection of solvent vapors. The pre-fitted remote gassing cells enable quick and safe functional testing of all detectors without requiring entry into the confined spaces or individual access to each detector. This solution directly addressed the pain points of monitoring confined, hard-to-access, and potentially hazardous internal environments, providing continuous safety oversight, simplifying maintenance procedures, and significantly enhancing overall site safety and compliance.
