In 2025, facilities across oil & gas, petrochemical, and power generation are under pressure to improve industrial gas detection systems. With stricter safety standards and rising costs for unplanned outages, safety managers need solutions that offer fast detection, low maintenance, and proven reliability.
The Searchpoint Optima Plus Gas Detector delivers all three. This infrared gas detector is now the gold standard for hydrocarbon leak detection in hazardous areas, helping operators avoid costly shutdowns while protecting workers and assets.
Why Speed Is Critical in Industrial Gas Detection
In facilities where a single hydrocarbon leak can escalate into a fire or explosion, every second matters. Older catalytic bead sensors often take 5–12 seconds to respond and are prone to sensor poisoning.
The Searchpoint Optima Plus uses infrared gas detection to achieve:
- T50 response in under 3 seconds for methane
- T90 in under 4 seconds for most hydrocarbons
This ultra-fast response helps trigger alarms, automatic shutdowns, and evacuation protocols before incidents become catastrophic.
Did You Know?
A recent offshore industry study revealed that every minute of unplanned downtime can cost between $20,000 and $1 million, depending on the facility. Faster industrial gas detection directly protects both people and profits.
Built for Hazardous and Harsh Environments
The Optima Plus is field-proven for industries facing the toughest operational conditions, including:
- Offshore gas monitoring for rigs and LNG terminals
- Petrochemical plant safety in refineries and chemical facilities
- Power generation sites and fuel storage depots
- Printing and solvent-handling operations
Unlike catalytic detectors, its infrared sensing is:
- Immune to silicon, sulphur, and chlorinated compound poisoning
- Operational in oxygen-deficient or inert environments
- Certified for ATEX, IECEx, UL, and CSA hazardous areas
This resilience makes it ideal for meeting 2025’s hazardous area safety requirements.
Cutting Maintenance Costs with Advanced Gas Detection Technology
Maintenance is one of the biggest drivers of total cost of ownership for gas detectors. The Optima Plus minimizes this burden through several design advantages.
Features That Reduce Maintenance and Downtime
|
Feature |
Benefit for Operators |
|
Infrared technology |
No consumable parts; longer lifespan vs. catalytic sensors |
|
Extended calibration intervals |
Only every 12–24 months (vs. 3–6 months for traditional detectors) |
|
HART® communication & built-in diagnostics |
Enables remote monitoring and predictive maintenance |
|
Remote gassing test facility |
Proof testing without removal, reducing labor |
|
False-alarm rejection |
Cuts unnecessary maintenance callouts and operational disruptions |
These capabilities allow operators to implement predictive maintenance, reducing unscheduled service calls and improving uptime.
The Downtime Factor: Why Predictive Maintenance Matters
In a 2024 survey, 40% of operational losses in oil & gas were attributed to unplanned outages, many of which were linked to equipment failure or delayed gas detection. By using the Optima Plus’ diagnostic features and HART® communication, facilities can:
- Monitor detector health in real time
- Schedule maintenance proactively
- Avoid unnecessary shutdowns and production losses
This proactive approach aligns with Industry 4.0 safety trends and the shift toward smart, connected industrial gas detection systems.
Infrared vs. Catalytic Gas Detectors in 2025
While catalytic detectors are still in use, infrared gas detection has become the preferred technology for operators targeting maximum uptime.
|
Criteria |
Infrared (Optima Plus) |
Catalytic Bead Detectors |
|
Response Time |
<3 seconds (T50 methane) |
5–12 seconds typical |
|
Sensor Poisoning |
Immune to silicons and sulphur |
Highly susceptible |
|
Calibration Frequency |
Every 12–24 months |
3–6 months typical |
|
Atmosphere Requirements |
Works in inert/oxygen-deficient atmospheres |
Requires oxygen for combustion |
|
Lifetime Cost |
Lower (fewer replacements, less labor) |
Higher due to drift and poisoning |
For companies modernizing in 2025, this technology shift translates into lower operating costs and greater safety assurance.
Global Safety Compliance
The Searchpoint Optima Plus meets or exceeds all major international certifications, including:
- ATEX, IECEx, UL, CSA hazardous area approvals
- SIL 2 suitability for safety integrity
- Seamless integration with DCS and safety systems via analog, Modbus, and HART®
With regulatory audits becoming stricter in 2025, this ensures that companies remain compliant without costly equipment overhauls.
Real-World Performance: Case Studies
Case 1: Offshore LNG Platform
An operator replaced 200 catalytic detectors with Optima Plus units. Results:
- 70% fewer calibration visits
- $500,000 saved annually in labor
- Improved alarm response speed by 60%
Case 2: Petrochemical Refinery
After upgrading, the plant reduced false alarms by 10 per month, saving over $250,000 per year in lost production and maintenance costs.
Why Safety Managers Choose the Optima Plus in 2025
With its field-proven reliability, infrared technology, and predictive maintenance features, the Optima Plus isn’t just a gas detector—it’s a smart safety investment.
Key benefits for 2025:
- Reduced downtime through fast, accurate detection
- Lower lifetime cost via fewer calibrations and service calls
- Compliance-ready for evolving global safety standards
- Seamless integration with connected safety systems
For any facility looking to modernize its industrial gas detection strategy, this detector is a must-have.
Ready to Upgrade Your Gas Detection System?
Explore full specifications, certifications, and ordering details for the Searchpoint Optima Plus Gas Detector today and see how it can help your facility achieve:
- Faster leak detection
- Fewer shutdowns
- Lower maintenance costs
- Future-proof safety compliance
Final Thoughts
In today’s competitive environment, industrial gas detection is more than compliance—it’s a core part of operational efficiency and profitability. By adopting the infrared, field-proven technology of the Searchpoint Optima Plus Gas Detector, companies can stay ahead in 2025 and beyond.