The Benefits of ‘Hot Swappable’ Sensors

What are ‘Hot Swappable’ Sensors?

Hot swappable sensors allow for the replacement or addition of components to a device without the need for stopping, shutting down or rebooting the production process, thus allowing for high productivity and efficiency.

Other benefits of ‘Hot swappable’ sensors

Another benefit is that it eliminates the need for hot work permits. Hot work is regularly undertaken during construction and maintenance projects and is a high-risk activity that requires careful and active risk management. These environments pose a significant risk of fire as well as safety. Hot swappable sensors are designed to avoid these potential problems entirely.

Why are they important?

Some gas detection products are designed to go into zoned areas where there can be flammable (explosive) gas present. Therefore, in environments such as a refinery, if you were to disconnect normal electronics, it usually would cause a small spark, and this is a risk as it could potentially lead to a fire or explosion. However, if the electronics have been designed so there is not a spark and have been approved as “not capable of causing an spark” by the certifying authority, these products can be disconnected and reconnected even in an explosive atmosphere without fear of sparking, ensuring that those working in these environments are kept safe.

It is possible to calibrate hot swappable sensors outside a zoned area and thus allow a rapid swapping exercise instead of a far longer calibration process. Thus, the operator need spend only a fraction of the time in the zoned area substantially avoiding personal risk.

Products with ‘Hot Swappable’ Sensors

XgardIQ is a fixed detector and transmitter compatible with Crowcon’s full range of sensor technologies. Available fitted with a variety of sensors for fixed flammable, toxic, oxygen or H₂S gas detection. Providing analogue 4-20mA and RS-485 Modbus signals as standard, XgardIQ is optionally available with Alarm and Fault relays and HART communications. The 316 stainless steel is available with three M20 or 1/2“NPT cable entries. (SIL-2) Safety integrity level 2 certified fixed detector.

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