Spectrex™ SafEye Quasar 900 Combustible Gas Detector

The Spectrex SafEye Quasar 900 is an open path combustible gas detection system designed for continuous monitoring of hydrocarbon gases across a defined line of sight. Using a Xenon Flash infrared transmitter and infrared receiver, the Quasar 900 analyzes the atmosphere between the two units to detect combustible gas hazards before they escalate.

Built for harsh industrial environments, the SafEye Quasar 900 can monitor path lengths up to 660 ft. / 200 m, depending on the selected model. It is engineered to maintain reliable performance in conditions where dust, fog, rain, snow, vibration, condensation, icing, or signal reduction may affect conventional detection methods. Automatic gain control supports accurate detection with up to 95 percent signal obscuration, while heated optics help reduce condensation and ice buildup on the optical window.

The Quasar 900 detects C1-C8 flammable gases and includes standard gas calibration options for methane, propane, and ethylene. With a response time of under two seconds, high false alarm immunity, HART® and RS-485 Modbus® communication options, and rugged stainless steel 316L construction, it is well suited for open-area combustible gas monitoring in refineries, chemical facilities, fuel storage areas, compressor stations, LNG/LPG systems, offshore platforms, and other hazardous industrial sites.

Available in BC, AB, and SK through Westech Industrial, the Spectrex SafEye Quasar 900 can be supported by Westech’s technical team for product selection, service support, troubleshooting, and broader fire and gas detection requirements. Westech can also assist with custom fabrication needs, including detector mounting considerations, system integration support, fabricated assemblies, and fire and gas solutions designed for demanding Canadian industrial environments.

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Description

Open Path Combustible Gas Detection

The SafEye Quasar 900 monitors combustible hydrocarbon gases across the open path between its transmitter and receiver. As a result, it helps protect large hazardous areas where point detection alone may not provide preferred coverage. This SafEye combustible gas detector supports continuous line-of-sight monitoring for industrial sites with broader detection requirements.

Fast Response in Under Two Seconds

The detector provides accurate and reliable high-speed response in less than two seconds. Therefore, operators can identify combustible gas hazards quickly and support faster alarm or control system action.

Detection of C1-C8 Flammable Gases

The Quasar 900 supports simultaneous detection of C1-C8 flammable gases. It is designed for hydrocarbon gases such as methane, ethylene, propane, ethane, butane, and others. This capability makes it suitable for many combustible gas detection applications.

Reliable Operation in Harsh Conditions

Industrial sites often face dust, fog, rain, snow, vibration, and other difficult operating conditions. However, the SafEye Quasar 900 is designed to maintain reliable performance when signal strength drops. Its automatic gain control supports accurate detection with up to 95 percent signal obscuration.

Heated Optics for Condensation and Ice Protection

The transmitter and receiver include heated optics for challenging outdoor conditions. These heated windows help reduce condensation, snow, and ice buildup on the optical surfaces. Consequently, the system can maintain stronger performance in harsh weather.

High False Alarm Immunity

The SafEye Quasar 900 helps reduce nuisance alarms in real-world industrial environments. It is not influenced by solar radiation, hydrocarbon flames, external infrared or ultraviolet radiation sources, rain, or water spray. This false alarm immunity helps improve confidence in the gas detection system.

Field Configurable Communication Options

HART® and RS-485 Modbus® communication support field configuration, diagnostics, and maintenance review. In addition, these communication options help integrate the detector with host systems, controllers, and asset management tools.

Event Recording for Maintenance Review

An RTC event recorder stores the last 375 events. This record helps maintenance teams review system activity, support troubleshooting, and document detector status over time.

Rugged Stainless Steel Construction

The receiver, transmitter, and tilt mount use stainless steel 316L construction with electrochemical and passivated coating. This rugged design supports durability in hazardous areas, process facilities, and exposed outdoor installations.

Flexible Installation Ranges

Four transmitter models support detection distances from 23 ft. / 7 m up to 660 ft. / 200 m. Additionally, range adapter accessories are available for shorter-range installations. This flexibility helps match the detector to the required path length.

Hazardous Area and Functional Safety Approvals

The SafEye Quasar 900 includes hazardous area approvals for demanding industrial environments. It also includes SIL-2 approval per IEC 61508. Therefore, it supports safety-focused combustible gas detection applications across high-risk facilities.

Applications

The Spectrex SafEye Quasar 900 is designed for facilities that need combustible hydrocarbon gas detection across open areas, equipment zones, process spaces, storage locations, and hazardous operating environments.

Common applications include:

  • Petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and chemical storage and production areas
  • Flammable chemical storage sites
  • Hazardous waste disposal areas
  • Refineries
  • Oil platforms
  • Pipelines
  • Refueling stations
  • Fuel storage facilities
  • Hazardous loading docks
  • Transportation depots
  • Shipping warehouses
  • Engine rooms
  • Compressor and pumping stations
  • Test cells
  • LNG and LPG systems
  • Offshore FPSO facilities
  • Fixed oil rigs

Documents

Spectrex_Safeye quasar 900_Manual_Dec 13, 2019_Westech.pdf

Spectrex_Safeye quasar 900_Spec sheet_AUG2024_Westech.pdf

Manufacturer Info

Spectrex is a leader in Flame and Open Path Gas Detectors field. We are fully committed to enhance the safety of your employees, capital investments and to the environment.

https://www.spectrex.net

SPECS

Product:
Spectrex SafEye Quasar 900 Open Path Combustible Gas Detector.
Detection Type:
Open path infrared combustible gas detection.
Primary Use:
Continuous line-of-sight monitoring for combustible hydrocarbon gases.
System Components:
Xenon Flash infrared transmitter and infrared receiver.
Detection Principle:
Spectral fingerprint analysis using Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy and dual-spectral range monitoring.
Detected Gases:
Simultaneous detection of C1-C8 flammable gases.
Common Hydrocarbon Gas Detection:
Methane, ethylene, propane, ethane, butane, and other hydrocarbon gases.
Standard Gas Calibration Options:
Methane, propane, and ethylene.
Maximum Detection Range:
Up to 660 ft. / 200 m, depending on model.
Quasar 901 Installation Distance:
23 to 66 ft. / 7 to 20 m.
Quasar 902 Installation Distance:
50 to 132 ft. / 15 to 40 m.
Quasar 903 Installation Distance:
115 to 330 ft. / 35 to 100 m.
Quasar 904 Installation Distance:
265 to 660 ft. / 80 to 200 m.
Short-Range Adapter Option 888635-1:
3.3 to 8.2 ft. / 1 to 2.5 m.
Short-Range Adapter Option 888635-2:
7.5 to 16.4 ft. / 2.3 to 5 m.
Short-Range Adapter Option 888635-3:
14.7 to 23 ft. / 4.5 to 7 m.
Response Time:
Less than 2 seconds.
Spectral Response:
2.0 to 3.0 micron.
Methane Sensitivity Range:
Full scale 5 LEL.m, warning 1 LEL.m, alarm 3 LEL.m.
Propane Sensitivity Range:
Full scale 5 LEL.m, warning 1 LEL.m, alarm 3 LEL.m.
Ethylene Sensitivity Range:
Full scale 8 LEL.m, warning 1.6 LEL.m, alarm 4.8 LEL.m.
Minimum Detectable Level:
0.15 LEL.m.
Field of View:
Line of sight.
Alignment Tolerance:
±0.5°.
Drift:
±7.5 percent of the reading or ±4 percent of full scale, whichever is greater.
Temperature Range:
–67 to +149 °F / –55 to +65 °C.
False Alarm Immunity:
Not influenced by solar radiation, hydrocarbon flames, external IR or UV radiation sources, rain conditions, or water spray.
Operating Modes:
Normal mode, Maintenance call mode, Fault mode, and Zero calibration mode.
Standard 0–20 mA Output:
4 mA at zero reading and 20 mA at full-scale reading.
Warning and Alarm Levels:
For the standard 0–20 mA output, warning and alarm levels are selected at the controller.
Maintenance Call Mode:
3 mA output.
Fault Mode:
Misalignment fault: 2.5 mA output; Fault 1: 2 mA output; Fault 2: 1 mA output; 0–20 mA loop fault: 0 mA output.
Zero Calibration Mode:
1 mA output.
Communication:
RS-485 Modbus-compatible interface and HART® protocol.
HART® Functions:
Receiver setup, receiver troubleshooting, receiver health, and receiver status.
RS-485 Modbus® Capability:
Supports data communication from a network of up to 247 detectors to a host computer or universal controller.
Operating Voltage:
24 VDC (18 to 32 VDC)
Receiver Power Consumption:
85 mA without heated optics; 220 mA with heated optics.
Transmitter Power Consumption:
60 mA without heated optics; 240 mA with heated optics.
Electrical Input Protection:
Protected against voltage-reversed polarity, voltage transients, surges, and spikes according to EN50270.
Current Output:
0–20 mA current output.
Current Output Configuration:
Isolated Sink option, configurable as Transmitter.
Maximum Load Resistance:
600 Ω.
Visual Indicators:
Three-colour LED indicators for operating and status indication; Green: power on; Amber: fault; Red: alarm.
Enclosure Material:
Stainless steel 316L with electrochemical and passivated coating.
Electrical Connection:
2 x M25 x 1.5 mm ISO or 2 x ¾-in.–14 NPT conduits, specified at time of order.
Receiver Dimensions:
10.5 x 5.1 x 5.1 in. / 267 x 130 x 130 mm.
Transmitter Dimensions:
10.5 x 5.1 x 5.1 in. / 267 x 130 x 130 mm.
Tilt Mount Dimensions:
4.7 x 4.7 x 5.5 in. / 120 x 120 x 40 mm.
Receiver Weight:
11 lb. / 5 kg.
Transmitter Weight:
11 lb. / 5 kg.
Tilt Mount Weight:
4.2 lb. / 1.9 kg.
Water and Dust Tight Rating:
IP66 and IP68.
IP68 Rating:
2-meter depth for 45 minutes.
NEMA Rating:
NEMA 250 Type 6P.
Hazardous Area/ Ex Approvals:
ATEX, IECEx, FM/FMC, TR CU (EAC), and INMETRO.
Functional Approvals:
EN60079-29-4, DNV CG-0339, EN 50270, IEC 60079-29-4, FM 6325.
Functional Safety:
SIL-2 approved per IEC 61508.
Warranty:
Three years.
Available Distribution:
BC, AB, SK.

PRODUCT FAQ's

What does the Spectrex SafEye Quasar 900 detect?
The Spectrex SafEye Quasar 900 detects combustible hydrocarbon gases using open path infrared technology. It supports simultaneous detection of C1-C8 flammable gases and is designed for hydrocarbon gases such as methane, propane, ethylene, ethane, butane, and others.
How does the SafEye Quasar 900 work?
The Quasar 900 uses a Xenon Flash infrared transmitter and infrared receiver installed across a defined line of sight. When hydrocarbon gas enters the optical path, the receiver detects changes in radiation absorption at specific wavelengths and translates the signal into a gas concentration output.
What is the maximum detection distance for the SafEye Quasar 900?
The SafEye Quasar 900 can monitor open path distances up to 660 ft. / 200 m, depending on the selected model. Standard model ranges include 23 to 66 ft. (7 to 20 m), 50 to 132 ft. (15 to 40 m), 115 to 330 ft. (35 to 100 m), and 265 to 660 ft. (80 to 200 m). Shorter-range adapter options are also available for select configurations.
Is the SafEye Quasar 900 suitable for harsh outdoor environments?
Yes. The Quasar 900 is designed for harsh environments where dust, fog, rain, snow, vibration, condensation, icing, or reduced signal strength may affect gas detection. It can maintain operation with up to 95 percent signal obscuration and includes heated optics to help reduce condensation and ice buildup.
How fast does the SafEye Quasar 900 respond to combustible gas?
The SafEye Quasar 900 has a response time of less than two seconds, supporting fast detection of combustible hydrocarbon gas hazards across the monitored path.
What outputs and communication options are available?
The Quasar 900 includes a 0–20 mA current output, RS-485 Modbus® communication, and HART® communication. These options support gas concentration output, diagnostics, configuration, maintenance, and integration with control systems.
Does the SafEye Quasar 900 require frequent maintenance?
The Quasar 900 is factory-calibrated and designed for low maintenance. Periodic maintenance generally includes keeping the transmitter and receiver windows clean, performing signal verification every 6 to 12 months, completing functional checks every 6 months, and performing zero calibration after cleaning, realignment, or any change in transmitter or receiver position.
Can the SafEye Quasar 900 be repaired in the field?
The transmitter and receiver are not field-repairable because the internal sensors and circuits require precise alignment and calibration. Westech Industrial can support customers with product selection, troubleshooting, maintenance planning, replacement guidance, and service support related to the overall gas detection system.
Can Westech Industrial support SafEye Quasar 900 installation and service needs?
Yes. Westech Industrial can support customers with product selection, application review, service support, troubleshooting, and maintenance planning for fire and gas detection projects. Westech can also help customers evaluate suitable detector placement, communication requirements, and integration considerations for Canadian industrial sites.
Can Westech Industrial help with custom fabrication for gas detection systems?
Yes. Westech Industrial can assist with custom fabrication requirements related to fire and gas detection projects, including mounting considerations, detector integration, fabricated assemblies, control panel support, and broader system layouts for demanding industrial environments.
Is the SafEye Quasar 900 approved for hazardous areas?
Yes. The SafEye Quasar 900 includes hazardous area approvals such as ATEX, IECEx, FM/FMC, TR CU (EAC), and INMETRO (UL). It is also SIL-2 approved per IEC 61508 for functional safety applications.
Where is the Spectrex SafEye Quasar 900 available?
The Spectrex SafEye Quasar 900 is available in BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan through Westech Industrial.