Honeywell Searchpoint Optima Plus

Honeywell Searchpoint Optima Plus is an infrared point hydrocarbon gas detector designed to protect personnel, assets and production in areas where flammable gas release could lead to explosion. Its primary function is to deliver very fast, dependable detection of flammable hydrocarbon leaks, helping operators act before a minor release escalates into a critical incident. A wide measuring range and high accuracy across numerous hydrocarbon gases and vapours support confident coverage in complex process applications.

The detector is specifically optimised for flammable hydrocarbons rather than general toxic gases. It operates effectively in inert or oxygen-deficient atmospheres where catalytic sensors may fail and is immune to catalytic poisons and inhibitors. This makes it particularly suitable for storage, processing and transfer operations in oil and gas, petrochemical and energy sectors where oxygen levels and catalyst poisons can vary.

Speed of response is central to the performance of Searchpoint Optima Plus. Its very rapid reaction to methane and other flammable hydrocarbons enables early warning of even fast-developing leaks, supporting timely intervention, safer shutdown strategies and reduced risk of unplanned outages.

At the same time, intelligent false alarm rejection algorithms are designed to distinguish genuine gas events from environmental or process-related disturbances. By greatly reducing nuisance alarms and spurious trips, the detector helps maintain safety integrity without compromising plant availability or process continuity.

A fail-safe philosophy underpins the detector architecture. Advanced internal fault diagnostics continuously monitor detector health, with self-checks running throughout operation to minimise the risk of undetected failures. Clear status signalling, including dedicated fault and inhibit current outputs, allows control systems to recognise abnormal conditions quickly and respond in line with site safety procedures.

Integral event logging captures alarm and fault history for later review. This supports incident analysis, verification of system behaviour and regulatory compliance, while providing maintenance teams with detailed information to streamline troubleshooting across large or complex installations.

Compared with traditional electro-catalytic (pellistor) detectors, Searchpoint Optima Plus significantly reduces routine maintenance demands. Point-infrared sensing technology is inherently resistant to long-term component drift, cutting the need for frequent recalibration and helping to maintain accuracy over an extended operating life.

Self-compensating optics and Dynamic Heating Control keep the optical path stable and free from condensation under changing environmental conditions. A contaminated optics warning provides early indication that cleaning is required, enabling planned maintenance before performance is affected. With no moving parts in the sensor and strong resistance to harsh conditions, the detector offers a robust, low-touch solution that helps lower total cost of ownership over many years of service.

Searchpoint Optima Plus is suited to a wide range of applications, including offshore platforms, FPSO vessels, tankers, marine installations, onshore terminals, refineries, LNG and LPG facilities, compressor and metering stations, gas turbine power plants and solvent-based manufacturing operations. Its 316 stainless steel housing provides corrosion resistance, while high ingress protection ratings support reliable operation in dusty, wet and washdown environments.

The detector is designed to function across a broad temperature range and in high humidity, enabling installation in exposed locations without compromising performance. This environmental resilience allows safety coverage to be extended to areas where detectors are most effective, including open decks, process structures and ducted or enclosed spaces when used with suitable accessories.

Searchpoint Optima Plus integrates readily into new or existing safety systems through a standard 4–20 mA output that automatically senses sink or source configuration. Optional HART communication overlays configuration and diagnostic data on the same loop, facilitating remote setup, verification and ongoing status monitoring from control rooms or maintenance workstations.

Where required, Modbus RS485 communication can be provided via compatible Honeywell controllers, enabling multi-drop networking and centralised data access across larger sites. Handheld interrogators and local display options allow on-site configuration and status viewing, while a remote functional gas test facility enables proof testing without direct physical access to the detector. This supports safer maintenance practices, particularly in locations at height or in restricted areas.

The detector supports a wide range of hydrocarbon gases and vapours, with numerous calibration options available to align with specific process requirements. Multiple pre-configured model codes and calibration variants accommodate different gases, mounting methods and regional approvals, allowing engineering teams to standardise on a single detector platform across diverse applications and sites.

A comprehensive accessory portfolio, including dust barriers, weather housings, deluge and heat shades, flow housings, duct mount kits, junction boxes and remote sampling systems, enables installation in open areas, ducts and sampling lines using consistent hardware. This flexibility reduces project complexity, minimises spare parts inventories and supports common installation and maintenance practices across the plant.

Honeywell has over four decades of experience in point-infrared gas detection, with more than 100,000 Searchpoint Optima Plus detectors installed worldwide. The device is certified to a broad range of hazardous area standards and is approved for use in Zone 1 and similarly classified high-risk locations, giving design engineers and operators confidence in compliance with local and international regulations.

Extensive supporting documentation, including datasheets, manuals, safety manuals, certificates and calibration lists, together with Honeywell service and maintenance offerings, provides a complete, field-proven solution for long-term hydrocarbon gas monitoring in critical industrial and energy applications.