Designed specifically to detect methane at distances of up to 100 meters in seconds, Crowcon Detection Instruments has launched its new LaserMethane® mini Gen2 (LMm) portable methane detector. The ATEX approved, second generation LMm is changing the way methane leaks are detected, making a time consuming and potentially hazardous procedure quick and easy.
To provide a reading on an area’s methane concentration, the LMm’s laser beam is pointed towards a suspected leak or survey line, such as a gas pipe or ceiling, where it detects the difference between the light emitted and the light received to obtain the methane measurement. Its innovative laser diode is tuned specifically to the characteristics of methane, displaying the concentration level on the ppm.m* readout.
On start-up the instrument performs a self check and verifies the operation and calibration of the laser diode by referencing an inbuilt methane cell. This ensures consistent high performance, accuracy and reliability. ATEX approval allows the LMm to be used in Zone 1 hazardous areas for on-plant use, in M2 mining applications, as well as detecting escaped gas in hard to reach or inaccessible areas such as roof spaces, pipelines crossing rivers or roads, fenced enclosures and landfill sites. This means there is no longer a need for personnel to put themselves at risk by entering suspected escape areas.
The handheld LMm weighs just over one pound including the battery, and measures just 2.8 x 7 x 1.6 inches. Features include a full color numeric or graphical display, audio and visual alarms, six hours minimum battery life per charge (four hour recharge), IP54 ingress protection, automatic ranging and a wide operating temperature range of -17°C to +50°C (1°F to 122°F).