Honeywell Searchline Excel Plus

Honeywell Searchline Excel Plus provides continuous open-path infrared monitoring for flammable hydrocarbon gases across short and medium detection paths. By monitoring along a line of sight rather than a single point, it helps detect gas clouds drifting between equipment, pipe racks and perimeter boundaries, complementing point and ultrasonic gas detectors. Patented high dynamic range transmission and reception, combined with dual references, complex filtering and advanced algorithms, underpin stable measurements in real-world process conditions.

The detector is specifically optimised for low-visibility and high-interference situations that can disrupt optical gas measurement. Near-band infrared sensing and sophisticated signal processing help distinguish genuine gas absorption from fog, rain, dust, mist and intense sunlight, maintaining detection integrity as weather and process conditions change. An extreme operating temperature range supports deployment from arctic locations to desert installations, while rugged 316L stainless-steel construction, high ingress protection and resistance to salt mist and sulfuric atmospheres enable long service life in coastal, offshore and heavy industrial environments.

Searchline Excel Plus is engineered for continuous duty in global oil and gas operations, both upstream and downstream, onshore and offshore. It is equally suited to energy, logistics, warehousing, chemical plants and refineries where continuous monitoring of combustible gas releases is critical. A universal hydrocarbon calibration concept covers typical natural gas mixtures and refinery gases, allowing a single open-path platform to address multiple safety cases and streamline standardisation across projects and sites.

Fast T90 response of less than three seconds enables rapid alarm generation so that mitigation actions can be initiated before a release escalates. High repeatability and low temperature drift support consistent readings and dependable alarm settings throughout the detector’s service life, helping safety teams maintain stable coverage as conditions fluctuate.

Searchline Excel Plus is designed to reduce routine maintenance and associated downtime. It does not require regular field calibration, which limits site interventions and supports lower life-cycle cost. An internal long-life battery underpins internal functions and memory, helping preserve configuration and event data during power interruptions.

Advanced diagnostics continuously assess key aspects of detector health. Window clarity monitoring and alignment accuracy checks help ensure the optical path remains clear and correctly targeted over time. Automatic optimal alignment test functions simplify commissioning and verify beam integrity as installations settle or structures move. Comprehensive event and maintenance logging, together with automatic reporting of alarms, faults and maintenance actions, supports safety audits, compliance documentation and predictive maintenance programmes.

Achieving and maintaining precise alignment is essential for open-path performance. Searchline Excel Plus addresses this with a dedicated alignment scope and the Honeywell Fixed Platform Universal Mount, enabling accurate, repeatable positioning of both transmitter and receiver. A universal mounting bracket and sunshade are supplied, while optional pole-mount and large-plate accessories provide additional flexibility for different structures and layouts, helping standardise hardware across diverse applications.

The two-compartment Ex de architecture separates the electro-optical module from the electrical termination area. This design enhances safety and serviceability in hazardous zones and helps shield sensitive optical components from disturbances caused by wiring work, contributing to long-term measurement stability.

A high-visibility multi-colour LED HALO ring provides instant local status indication, clearly differentiating normal operation, alarm, fault and Bluetooth pairing states. Visual indicators on both transmitter and receiver units assist technicians with local checks and troubleshooting, supporting faster resolution of issues in the field.

Bluetooth connectivity enables non-intrusive wireless configuration, diagnostics and maintenance from a safe distance, reducing the need to open enclosures in hazardous areas or adverse weather. Compatibility with intrinsically safe, rugged Honeywell smart devices and the Honeywell Fixed Platform App allows structured mobile workflows that can shorten service windows and support consistent maintenance practices.

Searchline Excel Plus integrates readily into modern control and safety systems. Multiple communication options, including 4–20 mA with HART, Modbus, relay outputs and Bluetooth, support flexible connection to DCS, PLC and SCADA architectures. Three configurable relays for alarm levels and fault status, with flexible contact and latching options, allow straightforward implementation of local safety logic and annunciation schemes.

The detector is certified to recognised performance and functional safety standards and holds extensive hazardous area approvals for use in classified zones and divisions. It is also compliant with relevant EMC, radio, electrical safety and environmental substance requirements. Used alongside Honeywell point and ultrasonic gas detectors in a layered detection strategy, Searchline Excel Plus helps create a high-integrity gas safety envelope that combines ultra-fast response, harsh-environment resilience and low ongoing maintenance.