Crowcon IRmax Fixed Gas Detector

Overview

Crowcon IRmax Fixed Gas Detector | Infrared Hydrocarbon Gas Detector for Hazardous Industrial Applications

The Crowcon IRmax Fixed Gas Detector is a high-performance infrared (IR) point gas detector designed for continuous monitoring of flammable hydrocarbon gases in hazardous industrial environments. Developed by Crowcon Detection Instruments Ltd., the IRmax combines advanced infrared sensing technology with low power consumption, patented optical protection, and exceptional long-term reliability, making it an ideal solution for offshore platforms, oil & gas facilities, petrochemical plants, LNG terminals, marine vessels, power plants, chemical processing facilities, and industrial manufacturing sites.

Unlike catalytic bead gas detectors that can suffer from catalyst poisoning or require frequent maintenance, the Crowcon IRmax uses non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) technology to detect hydrocarbon gases accurately without consuming oxygen or relying on catalytic reactions. This results in improved sensor stability, longer operational life, reduced maintenance, and greater resistance to contaminants such as silicones, sulphur compounds, and lead vapours.

The Crowcon IRmax is specifically engineered for monitoring methane (CH₄), propane, butane, LPG, LNG vapours, and other hydrocarbon gases in hazardous areas. Its fast response time and highly accurate gas measurement allow operators to identify gas leaks quickly, helping prevent fires, explosions, and equipment damage while protecting personnel and maintaining regulatory compliance.

One of the IRmax's most innovative features is its patented STAY-CLIR® optical technology, which helps prevent condensation from forming on the infrared optics. In harsh environments where temperature fluctuations and humidity can affect detector performance, STAY-CLIR® significantly improves measurement reliability and reduces maintenance requirements by maintaining clear optical paths. This technology makes the IRmax particularly suitable for offshore installations, marine environments, and outdoor industrial facilities.

The detector is housed in a compact and robust 316 stainless steel enclosure with IP66/IP67 environmental protection, providing excellent resistance against corrosion, vibration, dust, moisture, and harsh weather conditions. Its compact size simplifies installation in confined spaces while maintaining reliable performance in demanding applications.

For system integration, the Crowcon IRmax supports 4–20 mA analog output as standard, with optional HART® communication and RS-485 Modbus RTU, allowing seamless integration with PLC systems, Distributed Control Systems (DCS), SCADA platforms, Fire & Gas Systems, and Emergency Shutdown (ESD) systems. Optional remote display and calibration accessories further simplify commissioning and routine maintenance without requiring direct access to the detector.

Certified for ATEX, IECEx, and other international hazardous area standards, the Crowcon IRmax is widely trusted by engineers and safety professionals around the world. Its combination of infrared technology, patented optical protection, low power consumption, and rugged industrial design makes it one of the most dependable fixed gas detectors for hydrocarbon gas monitoring in hazardous environments.

Key Features of Crowcon IRmax Fixed Gas Detector

The Crowcon IRmax delivers advanced infrared gas detection with outstanding reliability and low maintenance.

Advanced Infrared (NDIR) Technology

The IRmax uses Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) sensing technology for highly accurate detection of combustible hydrocarbon gases.

Benefits

• High measurement accuracy

• Fast response time

• Stable long-term performance

• No catalyst poisoning

• Reduced maintenance requirements

• Long sensor life

Patented STAY-CLIR® Optical Technology

Crowcon's exclusive STAY-CLIR® technology minimizes condensation on the detector optics, ensuring reliable performance in humid and rapidly changing environmental conditions.

Advantages

• Reduces condensation build-up

• Improves detector reliability

• Minimizes false alarms

• Lowers maintenance requirements

• Ideal for offshore and marine applications

Wide Hydrocarbon Gas Detection

The Crowcon IRmax is designed for monitoring a variety of combustible hydrocarbon gases.

Typical detectable gases include:

• Methane (CH₄)

• Propane

• Butane

• LPG

• LNG Vapours

• Natural Gas

• Hydrocarbon Vapours

This makes the detector suitable for numerous industrial gas monitoring applications.

Ultra-Low Power Consumption

The IRmax is designed for energy-efficient operation, consuming approximately 1 W of power during normal operation.

Benefits

• Reduced operating costs

• Suitable for remote installations

• Lower heat generation

• Increased system efficiency

Rugged Stainless Steel Construction

The detector features a corrosion-resistant 316 stainless steel housing designed for harsh industrial environments.

Construction features include:

• Marine-grade stainless steel

• IP66/IP67 environmental protection

• Corrosion resistance

• Weatherproof design

• Long operational life

Flexible System Integration

The Crowcon IRmax integrates easily with modern industrial control systems.

Supported interfaces include:

• 4–20 mA Analog Output

• Optional HART® Communication

• Optional RS-485 Modbus RTU

Compatible with:

• PLC Systems

• DCS Platforms

• SCADA Systems

• Fire & Gas Systems

• Emergency Shutdown Systems (ESD)

Remote Display & Calibration

Optional accessories enable remote display and non-intrusive calibration, improving safety and simplifying maintenance.

Advantages

• Easier commissioning

• Faster maintenance

• Improved operator safety

• Reduced downtime

Hazardous Area Certified

The IRmax is certified for installation in hazardous industrial environments.

Typical approvals include:

• ATEX

• IECEx

• CE

These certifications ensure safe operation in explosive atmospheres.

Benefits of Crowcon IRmax Fixed Gas Detector

The Crowcon IRmax provides several operational advantages for industrial gas detection.

Key Benefits

• Infrared gas detection technology

• No catalyst poisoning

• Patented STAY-CLIR® optics

• Low power consumption

• Fast gas leak detection

• Long sensor life

• Reduced maintenance costs

• Excellent corrosion resistance

• Compact and lightweight design

• Easy integration with industrial systems

• Reliable operation in harsh environments

• Trusted Crowcon engineering

Why Choose Crowcon IRmax?

The Crowcon IRmax is an excellent choice for facilities requiring reliable hydrocarbon gas monitoring with minimal maintenance. Its infrared sensing technology eliminates many of the limitations associated with catalytic detectors, while STAY-CLIR® optics provide dependable performance even in humid offshore and marine environments.

With its compact stainless steel construction, hazardous area certifications, advanced communication options, and energy-efficient design, the IRmax offers a cost-effective solution for long-term combustible gas monitoring across oil & gas, petrochemical, marine, LNG, and industrial facilities.

Working Principle

The Crowcon IRmax operates using Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) technology. Infrared light is passed through the monitored air sample, and hydrocarbon gas molecules absorb specific wavelengths of the infrared energy. The detector measures this absorption and calculates the gas concentration.

Unlike catalytic sensors, infrared technology does not require oxygen for detection and is unaffected by catalyst poisons, resulting in improved stability and lower maintenance. The measured gas concentration is continuously transmitted via 4–20 mA, with optional HART® and Modbus RTU communications for integration into industrial safety systems.

Typical Applications

The Crowcon IRmax is widely used in:

Offshore Oil & Gas

• Offshore Platforms

• FPSOs

• Drilling Rigs

• Compressor Stations

• Production Modules

Marine & Shipping

• LNG Carriers

• Oil Tankers

• Engine Rooms

• Pump Rooms

• Cargo Handling Areas

Petrochemical Industry

• Oil Refineries

• Chemical Plants

• Tank Farms

• Hydrocarbon Processing Units

LNG & LPG Facilities

• LNG Terminals

• LPG Storage Facilities

• Gas Processing Plants

• Loading Stations

Industrial Applications

• Power Generation Plants

• Chemical Manufacturing

• Pharmaceutical Facilities

• Manufacturing Plants

• Utility Stations

• Industrial Warehouses

Infrared (NDIR) Detection Technology

The Crowcon IRmax uses Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) sensing technology to detect combustible hydrocarbon gases with exceptional accuracy and long-term stability.

Unlike catalytic bead detectors, infrared sensors do not rely on combustion or oxygen to detect gas. Instead, hydrocarbon gas molecules absorb specific wavelengths of infrared light, allowing the detector to accurately calculate gas concentration.

Advantages of NDIR Technology

• High measurement accuracy

• Fast response time

• Immune to catalyst poisoning

• Long sensor life

• Low maintenance requirements

• Stable long-term performance

• Reliable operation in oxygen-deficient environments

Patented STAY-CLIR® Optical Technology

One of the key innovations of the Crowcon IRmax is its patented STAY-CLIR® optical system.

This technology helps prevent condensation from forming on the detector optics, ensuring reliable gas detection in environments with high humidity, rain, fog, or rapid temperature changes.

Benefits of STAY-CLIR®

• Minimizes condensation on optical surfaces

• Improves long-term measurement accuracy

• Reduces maintenance frequency

• Prevents false alarms caused by moisture

• Ideal for offshore and marine installations

• Enhances detector reliability in harsh environments

Gas Types Detected

The Crowcon IRmax is designed for combustible hydrocarbon gas monitoring.

Typical detectable gases include:

Hydrocarbon Gases

• Methane (CH₄)

• Propane

• Butane

• LPG

• LNG Vapours

• Natural Gas

• Ethane

• Pentane

• Hexane

• Hydrocarbon Vapours

Note: Available gases and calibration options depend on the selected detector model and application requirements.

Measuring Ranges

Typical measuring ranges include:

Combustible Gas

• 0–100% LEL

Depending on the application, alternative calibration ranges may be available.

Communication & Outputs

The Crowcon IRmax integrates seamlessly with industrial automation and safety systems.

Standard Output

• 4–20 mA Analog Output

Optional Digital Communication

• Modbus RTU (RS485)

• HART®

Compatible Systems

The detector integrates with:

• PLC Systems

• Distributed Control Systems (DCS)

• SCADA Systems

• Fire & Gas Systems

• Emergency Shutdown Systems (ESD)

• Gas Monitoring Controllers

Remote Display & Calibration

The Crowcon IRmax supports optional remote display and calibration accessories that simplify maintenance while improving operator safety.

Features

• Remote Gas Reading

• Non-Intrusive Calibration

• Configuration Access

• Maintenance Diagnostics

• Reduced Hazardous Area Exposure

• Faster Commissioning

These features minimize maintenance time and reduce operational downtime.

Installation Features

The Crowcon IRmax has been designed for simple installation in hazardous industrial environments.

Installation options include:

• Wall Mount Installation

• Pipe Mount Installation

• Indoor Installation

• Outdoor Installation

• Hazardous Area Installation

• Compact Detector Design

• Lightweight Construction

• Easy Electrical Connections

Industries Served

The Crowcon IRmax is trusted across a wide range of industries.

Marine Industry

• Engine Rooms

• Pump Rooms

• Cargo Areas

• Oil Tankers

• LNG Carriers

Offshore Oil & Gas

• Offshore Platforms

• FPSOs

• Drilling Rigs

• Production Modules

• Compressor Stations

Petrochemical Industry

• Oil Refineries

• Chemical Plants

• Hydrocarbon Processing Facilities

• Tank Farms

LNG & LPG Facilities

• LNG Storage Tanks

• LPG Storage Areas

• LNG Import Terminals

• Gas Processing Plants

Industrial Applications

• Power Generation Plants

• Chemical Manufacturing

• Pharmaceutical Facilities

• Manufacturing Plants

• Utility Facilities

• Industrial Warehouses

Certifications & Compliance

The Crowcon IRmax complies with internationally recognized hazardous area and industrial safety standards.

Typical certifications include:

• ATEX

• IECEx

• CE

These certifications allow safe installation in hazardous industrial environments where flammable gas monitoring is critical.