Honeywell Searchline Excel Specifications

Searchline Excel

The Searchline Excel is
the World’s best selling
infrared open path
gas detector

Searchline Excel

Applications include

• Offshore platforms & vessels (FPSO’s)

• Downstream chemical processing plants

• Gas transport and pipelines

• Large storage areas & buildings

• Perimeter detection

Features and Benefits

• Double band pass filters that fully
compensate for all types of fog,
rain and/mist interference

• 100% Solar Immune

• Correct operation under partial
obscuration conditions

• High vibration resilience

• Radially symmetrical and bonded
window heating delivers good low
temperature performance

• Coaxial optics delivers best in class

performance and resilience to partial
obscuration

• Fully temperature compensated

solid state detectors

• Low power consumption in all conditions

• Simple ‘lock on’ alignment tool

• No extra ‘software alignment’ required

• Higher power and more robust design

telescope

• Optional Modbus RS485 multi drop output

• FM hazardous area and performance

approved

The Searchline Excel is the World’s
best selling infrared open path gas
detector with over 25,000 units installed
in challenging applications throughout
industry. From the Arctic Circle to
middle eastern deserts, customers have
repeatedly selected the Searchline Excel
as their preferred choice.

Product Evolution

Honeywell Analytics pioneered the original
design of open path infrared flammable gas
detectors with the introduction of the original
Searchline back in 1987. Since then we
have continued to work in conjunction with
major international oil and gas companies to
fully understand the demanding application
requirements of these systems.

In 1998 we introduced Searchline Excel which
has become the industry standard for open path
gas detection by meeting and exceeding all
customer driven demands.

With continuous improvement and the highest
quality manufacturing and control processes,
Honeywell Analytics Searchline Excel Open
Path flammable gas detector provides best in
class gas detection. Excel is often the chosen
primary flammable gas detector in conjunction
with Searchpoint Optima Plus as complimenting
flammable point detection.

Why open path gas detection?

Open path detectors complement the use of individual
point detectors and offer many significant benefits
including:

• Reliable flammable gas detection, proven in use

• Wider area coverage - most likely to pick up any leak

• Very high speed of response

• Failsafe - no unrevealed failure modes

- no possibility of blocked gas path to detector

• Detector location not as critical

• Indicates size of hazard

• Simple set up and commission

• Replaces multiple point devices

Gas leak missed by point detectors but picked up by Open Path Detector

Pipeline

Point Detectors

Open Path Detector

Searchline Excel

SR SR RSR

The Difference

The patented optical design used in
Searchline Excel has proven itself as the
only solution available that fully addresses
all the challenges of open path flammable
gas detection. Unlike some competitive
devices, it does not try to hide fundamental
design inadequacy with the use of software

Different fog types scatter/absorb differently

Fog type 1

Upscale gas/
false alarm

The solution... double band pass filter

masks that can compromise the unit’s ability
to detect gas. Searchline Excel employs a
patented double band pass filter that fully
compensates for all types of fog
and / or rain, thereby allowing it to continue
to operate accurately and reliably in all
climatic conditions.

Fog type 2

Downscale
gas/fault

R - reference wavelength
S - sample wavelength

Fog type 1

The differential scatter and absorption has
a linear effect with respect to the reference
wavelengths. The output from the reference

Radially symmetrical heating elements
bonded to transmitter and receiver windows.

The unique coaxial design of the optics
also means that Searchline Excel is also
the only open path gas detector that can
operate correctly under partial obscuration
conditions without the possibility of
generating a false alarm.

Non-coaxial instruments potentially suffer
from differential attenuation that can lead to
false alarms.

Fog type 2

R - reference wavelengths
S - sample wavelength

detector is the average between the
reference bands and will be exactly the
same as the sample wavelength.

Searchline Excel was the first
open path gas detector in
the world to have achieved
performance approval by FM.

Products or services that meet FM Approvals’
rigorous testing standards may bear the
FM APPROVED mark, a visual symbol of excellence
that is widely recognised and respected. This “Mark
of Excellence” tells customers that a company’s
product conforms to the highest standards and will
continue to meet those standards.

Additional FM tests

With its patented double band pass filter and unique
coaxial optical design, Searchline Excel was the
first open path gas detector that fully addresses the
issues of performance under partial obscuration and
fog/mist conditions. As these elements were not
covered in the FM standard, our optical engineers
worked alongside FM to develop and approve
Searchline Excel to a new set of simulated fog/mist
and partial obscuration tests.

Searchline Excel

Sample and reference
detector alignment

• Reduced sensitivity to alignment

• Guaranteed performance

• Reduced sensitivity to partial obscuration

Intuitive hand-held software

• Simple confirmation of alignment

• Visual indication of target and
current signal levels

• Compatible with existing systems

The fundamental design of Searchline
Excel has remained the same since its
original launch and it continues to lead
the field. Other manufacturers have
tried unsuccessfully to develop
comparable instruments but none have
the experience or technology that is
utilised in Searchline Excel.

Having introduced open path flammable gas
detection built upon the excellence of the
Searchpoint Optima Plus optimal point gas
detectors, Honeywell Analytics has continued
to develop the Searchline Excel system.
This open path flammable gas detector has
become the standard within the oil and gas and
petrochemical industries, meeting the exacting
demands of our customers.

The addition of the XNX Universal Transmitter
provides local display and enhanced interfacing
options such as relays and modern digital
communications including HART
Foundation Fieldbus™.

®

, Modbus and

Accurate alignment tools

• Simple to use, accurate alignment tools

• High-power telescope

• Easier to align with greater
zoom and magnification

• Robust shock resistant design

True Alignment System

A good installation is key to obtaining the best
performance from an open path gas detection
system. Optimum alignment of the transmitter
and receiver will ensure the best performance
of the system in the harshest climatic
conditions.

A visual check of the path using a telescope
is required to ensure that there are no physical
obstructions in the beam. With the True
Alignment System used on Searchline Excel this
alignment is so accurate that the requirement
for further adjustment using a software based
alignment tool is eliminated.

Unique, proven telescope
mounting mechanism

• Simple engagement and locking mechanism

• 3 point mounting datum ensures true alignment

• Sight can be angled to most convenient position

• So accurate that further ‘software guided’
adjustments not required

Solar Immune

Searchline Excel is totally immune
to interference from sunlight or any
other sources of radiation such as flare
stacks, arc welding or lightning.

This is achieved by using a xenon flash lamp
that is actually brighter than the sun at the
infrared detection wavelengths and solid state
detectors with a wide dynamic range.

The lamp is also modulated to have a unique
pulse duration and shape. The receiver then
uses high speed digital signal processing to
validate that all the signals received have this
unique signature and rejects any extraneous
signals.

Accessories

1. Deluge shield / sunshade

2. True alignment system

3. Gassing cell

4. Hand-held interrogator

5. Optical gas test filters

6. SHC protection device

1

3

2

6

4

5

Modbus Digital Output

Modbus digital output - know before you go!

Searchline Excel is also available as a kit
with the XNX Universal Transmitter, featuring
both a local HART® port and HART® over
4 to 20mA as standard. These solutions
allow configuration of the Searchline Excel
through the XNX user interface or using a
compatible HART® hand-held interrogator 1
device. Alternatively, an intrusive connection

Installation options

Options

XNX Universal Transmitter

DX100 (M)

UL/CSA/FM approved

1

Hazardous Area Safe Area

to the Searchline Excel using an SHC-1 hand­held interrogator together with an SHC-1
protection device module can be made in
applications that allow such operations.

The multi drop Modbus capability can enable
significant savings in installation and cabling
costs. A single comms cable can be run
between up to 32 detectors instead of the

2 3

Hazardous Area Safe Area

4-20mA

Controller

4-20mA

4-20mA

Modbus

usual ‘single run’ required for each detector.
Additionally, the 2 way digital communication
protocol allows configuration, warning and fault
diagnosis information to be communicated back
to the control room. This reduces servicing
and maintenance costs as the operator can
diagnose the state of any individual unit before
deciding to send anyone into the field.

Hazardous Area Safe Area

Power

Controller

SCADA

Modbus

DCS/PLC

OTB122 Junction box

Searchline Excel/Junction box/

Controller
4-20mA output to Controller
Local intrusive interrogation

via SHC and Hand-held

Interrogator
Lowest cost

Searchline Excel/XNX Universal

Transmitter or DX100(M) Controller

Redundant 4-20mA signals

to Controller or HART® (XNX)

Optional remote status via Modbus

to SCADA

Local non intrusive interrogation

(DX100 (M) or local non-intrusive
interrogation with HART® (XNX)

Searchline Excel/DX100M or XNX

Universal Transmitter (Modbus)/

DCS or PLC
Multi drop Modbus output
Remote status to DCS/PLC
Local non intrusive interrogation
Cabling cost savings

Technical Summary
Searchline Excel

Specication

Available Gases

Range

Recommended Alarm Settings

Path Lengths

Speed of Response

Output Signal

Digital Output

Operating Temperature

Operating Humidity

Operating Pressure

Warm-up Time

Power Supply

Power Consumption

Enclosure Material

Weight (inc. mounting bracket)

Vibration

Misalignment Tolerance

EMC Standards

Performance Approval

Safety Approval ATEX

IP Rating

Methane, Ethane, Propane, Butane, Pentane, Ethylene, Propylene, Butadiene

0 to 5 LEL.m

(Low) 1.0 LEL.m; (high) 3.0 LEL.m

Short Range 5m to 40m (15ft to 130ft.), Medium Range 40m to 120m (130ft to 390ft.) and Long Range 120m to 200m (390ft to 650ft.)

T90 less than 3 seconds. (under normal operating conditions)

4-20mA (maximum loop resistance 600 ohms; source & sink available) and RS485
21mA Over range
4-20mA Normal operation (0 to 5 LEL.m)

(1)

Dirty optics

3mA

(1)

Beam blocked

2.5mA

(1)

0mA Fault

2mA

Modbus RS485 multi drop. Using DX100 (M) or XNX Universal Transmitter with Modbus option

-40°C to +65°C (-40°F to 150°F)

0 to 99% RH (non-condensing)

91.5 to 105.5 KPa (915 to 1055 mbar) (non-compensated)

Less than 5 minutes (operational), or less than 1 hour (fully stabilised)

18V to 32VDC

Short Range Tx: 3.5W / 5.0W *maximum. Medium and Long Range Tx: 10W / 13W* maximum. Rx: 8W maximum.

316 stainless steel

Short Range TX: 3.5kg Medium and Long Range TX: 7kg RX: 3.5kg

2 to 60Hz, max ptp amplitude 1mm.

Short Range ±0.5º (±~35cm at 40m). Medium Range ±0.5º (±~104cm at 120m). Long Range ±0.5º (±~170cm at 200m)

EN50270

FM performance approved

Transmitter:

II 2 G Ex d op is IIC T5 (Tamb -40°C to +65°C) Gb
II 2 G Ex d op is IIC T6 (Tamb -40°C to +40°C) Gb

Receiver:
II 2 G Ex d IIC T5 (Tamb -40°C to +65°C) Gb
II 2 G Ex d IIC T6 (Tamb -40°C to +40°C) Gb

IECEx
Transmitter:
Ex d op is IIC T5 (Tamb =-40°C to +65°C) Gb
Ex d op is IIC T6 (Tamb =-40°C to +40°C) Gb

Receiver:
Ex d IIC T5 (Tamb -40°C to +65°C) Gb
Ex d IIC T6 (Tamb -40°C to +40°C) Gb

UL: Class 1 Groups B, C, D and Class 1 Zone 1 AEx d IIB + Hydrogen (Amb -40°C to +65°C)
CSA: Class 1 Div 1 groups B, C, D, T5 and Exd IIC T5 (Amb -40°C to +65°C)
FM: Class 1 Div 1 groups B, C, D & T5 (T
Other: GOST

Independently assessed to IEC61508

IP66 and IP67

(1)

User programmable.

* Turboheating activated (standard feature; user selectable). This is recommended for the most severe weather conditions.

-40 to +65°C)

amb

Tx / Rx = 185mmTx / Rx = 80mm Tx = 137mm

Short Range 5m to 40m (15ft to 130ft)

Rx = 80mm

Medium Range 40m to 120m (130ft to 390ft) and Long Range 120m to 200m (390ft to 650ft)

Tx = 235mm Rx = 185mm

Honeywell Analytics Gas Detection

Honeywell Analytics is able to provide gas detection solutions to meet the requirements of all
applications and industries. Contact us in the following ways:

Headquarters

Europe, Middle East, Africa

Life Safety Distribution AG
Javastrasse 2
8604 Hegnau
Switzerland
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

[e-mail]

Customer Service:

Tel: [phone]
Tel: [phone] (Alternative number)
Fax: [phone]
Middle East Tel: [phone] (Fixed Gas Detection)
Middle East Tel: [phone] (Portable Gas Detection)

(Freephone number)

Technical Support Centres

Honeywell Analytics Ltd.
4 Stinsford Road

Nufeld Industrial Estate

Poole, Dorset, BH17 0RZ
United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Honeywell Analytics
ZAC Athélia 4 - 375 avenue du Mistral
Bât B, Espace Mistral
13600 La Ciotat
France
Tel: [phone]
Fax : [phone]

Americas

Honeywell Analytics Distribution Inc.
405 Barclay Blvd.
Lincolnshire, IL 60069
USA
Tel: [phone]
Toll free: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

[e-mail]

Honeywell Analytics
Elsenheimerstrasse 43
80687 München
Germany
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Asia Pacic

Honeywell Analytics

Asia Pacic

#701 Kolon Science Valley (1)
43 Digital-Ro 34-Gil, Guro-Gu
Seoul 152-729
Korea
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
India Tel: [phone]

[e-mail]

Honeywell Analytics
P.O. Box-45595
6th Street
Musaffah Industrial Area
Abu Dhabi
UAE
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

EMEA: [e-mail]
US: [e-mail]
AP: [e-mail]

www.honeywellanalytics.com
www.raesystems.com

Honeywell Analytics

Experts in Gas Detection

Please Note:

While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy in this publication, no responsibility can be accepted for errors or
omissions. Data may change, as well as legislation, and you are strongly advised to obtain copies of the most recently
issued regulations, standards, and guidelines. This publication is not intended to form the basis of a contract.

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© 2015 Honeywell Analytics