Eranntex MIC-500S-C3H8 Fixed Propane (C₃H₈) Gas Detector

Overview

The Eranntex MIC-500S-C3H₈ is a certified fixed-point propane (C₃H₈) gas detector engineered for continuous, real-time monitoring in industrial and hazardous environments. It operates on electrochemical sensing technology as standard—optimized for low-concentration detection (0–100 ppm range) with high selectivity and long-term baseline stability—while supporting configurable sensor modules including catalytic combustion (for LEL-range detection up to 100% LEL), non-dispersive infrared (NDIR), photoionization (PID), and thermal conductivity sensors, depending on application-specific requirements such as ambient temperature, humidity, cross-gas interference, or required measurement span (e.g., 0–5000 ppm or 0–100% vol). Designed for permanent installation in oil & gas facilities, chemical processing plants, LNG terminals, propane storage depots, and municipal utility infrastructure, the device complies with Class I, Division 1 hazardous area classification standards and delivers intrinsically safe operation under Exd IIC T6 Gb certification. Its robust aluminum alloy housing, IP65-rated ingress protection, and integrated electromagnetic immunity (EMI/EMC compliant per IEC 61000-4 series) ensure reliable performance in harsh outdoor and process-critical indoor settings.

Key Features

• Explosion-proof enclosure certified to Exd IIC T6 Gb (CNEx17.3959), suitable for Zone 1/21 hazardous locations
• Multi-sensor compatibility: factory-configured electrochemical sensor for C₃H₈; optional upgrade paths to catalytic bead (LEL), NDIR (for %vol range), or PID (for trace VOC co-detection)
• High-precision analog output: 4–20 mA (3- or 4-wire), ±3% F.S. accuracy, ≤2% linearity and repeatability, T90 response time ≤20 s
• Dual digital interfaces: RS485 Modbus RTU (standard) and optional TCP/IP or wireless telemetry (GPRS/WiFi/433 MHz) for SCADA, DCS, or cloud-based HMI integration
• On-device 1.7″ color LCD with real-time concentration, status icons, alarm history, and zero-tracking diagnostics; infrared remote control (15 m range) enables configuration without opening the enclosure
• Two programmable relay outputs (SPDT, dry contact), three-level alarm thresholds (pre-alarm, alarm, fault), and optional integrated visual/audible beacon
• Comprehensive environmental resilience: operating range −40 °C to +70 °C, 10–95% RH non-condensing, surge-protected power input (IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3), anti-static and reverse-polarity protection

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MIC-500S-C3H₈ is validated for propane detection across diverse operational contexts—including refinery flare stacks, propane vapor recovery units, cryogenic storage tanks, and commercial kitchen gas supply lines—where regulatory compliance with occupational exposure limits (OELs) and lower explosive limit (LEL) monitoring is mandatory. It meets Chinese national standards GB15322.1–2019 (Performance Requirements for Combustible Gas Detectors) and GB3836.1/2–2010 (Explosive Atmospheres – Equipment General and Flameproof Requirements). While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11 or ISO/IEC 17025 accredited per se (as it is a field-deployed safety instrument, not a calibration laboratory device), its metrological traceability is ensured through CPA (China Metrology Accreditation) Type Approval and factory calibration against NIST-traceable propane reference gases. For GLP/GMP-aligned installations, optional audit-ready data logging (via RS485 or wireless) supports electronic record retention compliant with Annex 11 principles.

Software & Data Management

The detector communicates natively via Modbus RTU over RS485, enabling seamless integration into existing BMS, DCS, or PLC systems. Eranntex provides free Windows-compatible upper-computer software (MIC-View) for real-time multi-channel monitoring, historical trend analysis, alarm event export (CSV/PDF), and automated report generation. When deployed with optional TCP/IP or GPRS modules, data can be routed to MQTT-enabled IoT platforms or custom dashboards using RESTful APIs. All firmware updates, parameter configuration, and zero/span calibration are performed remotely via encrypted serial commands or secure web interface (when paired with MIC2000 central controller). Audit trails—including timestamped calibration logs, alarm activation records, and sensor health diagnostics—are retained onboard for ≥30 days and exportable for internal QA review or third-party safety audits.

Applications

• Petrochemical refineries: continuous monitoring of propane slip in amine treaters, fractionation overheads, and vapor recovery systems
• Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) distribution terminals: leak detection at loading arms, vapor return lines, and storage sphere perimeters
• Industrial refrigeration plants: safety interlock for propane-based secondary coolant loops (R-290)
• Municipal natural gas blending stations: verification of propane admixture ratios prior to pipeline injection
• Pharmaceutical clean utilities: monitoring of propane-powered steam generators or sterilization autoclave fuel lines
• Environmental air quality networks: fixed-site ambient propane tracking near landfill gas collection points or biogas upgrading facilities

FAQ

What detection principle is used by default for propane in the MIC-500S-C3H₈?
The standard configuration employs an electrochemical sensor optimized for 0–100 ppm propane detection. Catalytic combustion (for 0–100% LEL) or NDIR (for 0–100% vol) modules are available upon request.
Can this detector be integrated into a Modbus-based SCADA system?
Yes—it features native RS485 Modbus RTU communication (slave ID configurable, baud rate 9600–115200 bps) and supports standard function codes (03h, 06h, 10h) for register read/write operations.
Is remote calibration supported without physical access to the unit?
Zero calibration can be initiated remotely via infrared remote control or Modbus command; span calibration requires exposure to certified test gas but may be scheduled automatically using optional gas cylinder manifolds.
Does the device support explosion-proof installation in Zone 0 areas?
No—its Exd IIC T6 Gb rating certifies use only in Zone 1 (gas) and Zone 21 (dust) environments. Zone 0 applications require intrinsically safe (Ex ia) architecture, which is not offered in this model.
What is the maximum recommended cable length for 4–20 mA signal transmission?
Up to 1000 meters using shielded twisted-pair cable with ≥1.5 mm² conductor cross-section; shield must be grounded at the controller end only to prevent ground loops.