Spectrex™ SafEye Quasar 960 – NH3

The Spectrex SafEye Quasar 960 NH3 is an open path UV ammonia gas detector designed for fast, reliable detection of toxic NH3 gas across a continuous line-of-sight path. Using a Xenon UV transmitter, the Quasar 960 provides long-range toxic gas monitoring from 17 to 200 ft. (5 to 60 m), with response times under 3 seconds and a sensitivity range of 0 to 500 ppm/m.

Designed for demanding industrial and hazardous environments, the SafEye Quasar 960 features heated optics to help reduce the effects of condensation and icing, high false alarm immunity, field configuration through HART or RS-485 Modbus, and multiple output options for compatibility with a wide range of control systems. The detector is not influenced by solar radiation, hydrocarbon flames, or other external infrared radiation sources, making it well suited for facilities where reliable ammonia detection is critical.

Available at Westech Industrial in BC, AB, and SK, the Spectrex SafEye Quasar 960 can be supported as part of a complete gas detection solution. Westech Industrial can assist with product selection, service support, and custom fabrication requirements for integrated safety systems, including applications where open path gas detection must be incorporated into broader facility monitoring or life safety strategies.

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Description

Open Path NH3 Gas Detection

The Spectrex SafEye Quasar 960 is designed for open path detection of ammonia gas. It continuously monitors the line of sight between the transmitter and receiver. As a result, this open path NH3 detector helps identify toxic gas across wider areas. It uses UV detection technology with a Xenon UV transmitter to detect NH3 gas along the monitored path.

Long-Range Toxic Gas Monitoring

The Quasar 960 provides ammonia detection across distances from 17 to 200 ft. (5 to 60 m). The selected model determines the correct installation distance. Therefore, facilities can choose a configuration that matches their site layout. This long-range coverage supports open areas, process zones, storage areas, and facility perimeters. It also helps improve coverage where point detectors may not provide the preferred monitoring approach.

Fast Response for Critical Safety Applications

The SafEye Quasar 960 delivers a response time of less than 3 seconds. This fast response supports prompt action when ammonia gas appears along the path. Additionally, the detector offers a sensitivity range of 0 to 500 ppm/m. It also supports a minimum detectable gas volume of 35 ppm/m. Together, these capabilities help facilities monitor toxic ammonia hazards with confidence.

High False Alarm Immunity

The Quasar 960 supports reliable operation in busy industrial environments. It is not influenced by solar radiation, hydrocarbon flames, or other external infrared radiation sources. As a result, it helps reduce nuisance alarms in challenging applications. This false alarm immunity is especially important where reliability affects safety decisions and plant operations.

Heated Optics for Harsh Conditions

Heated optics help eliminate condensation and icing on the detector window. This design improves performance in environments exposed to moisture, ice, snow, or changing outdoor conditions. Furthermore, clear optics help maintain visibility across the monitored open path. This supports more dependable operation during harsh weather or demanding site conditions.

Field-Configurable Communication Options

The SafEye Quasar 960 can be field configured using HART or RS-485 Modbus communication. HART communication supports maintenance and asset management through the analog current signal. Meanwhile, the RS-485 Modbus compatible interface supports integration into computer-controlled systems. These options help facilities connect the detector to existing control and monitoring platforms.

Flexible Output Signals

The detector offers multiple output options for compatibility with different control systems. These include 0 to 20 mA current output, HART, and RS-485 Modbus. The 0 to 20 mA output communicates gas readings and key operating states. These states include normal operation, maintenance call, misalignment, obscuration, beam block, zero calibration mode, and fault conditions.

Rugged Stainless Steel Construction

The detector and source housings use stainless steel 316L with an electropolished finish. This rugged construction supports use in demanding industrial environments. In addition, conformal-coated circuit boards help protect the electronics from mechanical vibration. This durable design helps the detector maintain reliable performance over time.

Water and Dust-Tight Design

The SafEye Quasar 960 carries IP66 and IP68 ratings per EN60529 and NEMA 250 6P. These ratings help protect the detector in wet, dusty, and outdoor locations. Therefore, the unit suits facilities that require dependable gas detection in exposed industrial areas.

Certified Reliability and Performance

The Quasar 960 is SIL2 rated per IEC 61508. It also has a Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) above 100,000 hours. Additionally, the detector is factory-calibrated and backed by a three-year warranty. These features help support long-term reliability and simplified maintenance planning.

Hazardous Area Approvals

The SafEye Quasar 960 includes hazardous area approvals for industrial gas detection applications. Available approvals include ATEX, IECEx, TR CU/EAC, INMETRO, and CSA C/US. Approval availability depends on the selected configuration. As a result, this open path NH3 detector can support a range of hazardous area requirements.

Applications

The Spectrex SafEye Quasar 960 NH3 is suitable for facilities requiring long-range ammonia gas detection and continuous open path monitoring, including:

  • Chemical processing plants
  • Gas filling and distribution terminals
  • Gas transport and pipeline facilities
  • Petrochemical plants
  • Offshore platforms and FPSOs
  • Agriculture facilities
  • Food and beverage processing
  • Waste management facilities
  • Water treatment plants
  • Pharmaceutical facilities
  • Large storage areas and industrial buildings

Documents

Spectrex Safeye-Quasar-960_Product DataSheet_May2026-Westech.pdf

SPECTREX_SafEye Quasar 950-960_Manual_AUG2024_Westech.pdf

Manufacturer Info

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

Website: https://www.spectrex.net/

SPECS

Product:
Spectrex SafEye Quasar 960 NH3 Open Path Toxic Gas Detector.
Detected Gas:
Ammonia (NH3).
Detection Technology:
Open path UV gas detection with Xenon UV transmitter.
Detection Range:
17 to 200 ft. (5 to 60 m), depending on model.
NH3 Model 961:
Receiver: QRU-X-21X; Transmitter: QTU-X-11X; Minimum installation distance: 17 ft. (5 m); Maximum installation distance: 52 ft. (16 m).
NH3 Model 962:
Receiver: QRU-X-21X; Transmitter: QTU-X-21X; Minimum installation distance: 46 ft. (14 m); Maximum installation distance: 132 ft. (40 m).
NH3 Model 963:
Receiver: QRU-X-21X; Transmitter: QTU-X-31X; Minimum installation distance: 115 ft. (35 m); Maximum installation distance: 200 ft. (60 m).
Response Time:
Less than 3 seconds.
Spectral Response:
200 to 300 nm.
Sensitivity Range:
0 to 500 ppm/m; Full Scale: 500 ppm/m; Warning: 100 ppm/m; Alarm: 300 ppm/m.
Field of View:
Line of sight.
Alignment Tolerance:
±1 degree.
Minimum Detectable Gas Volume:
35 ppm/m.
Temperature Range:
–67 to 149 °F (–55 to 65 °C).
Drift:
Up to 5% of full scale.
False Alarm Immunity:
Not influenced by solar radiation, hydrocarbon flames, or other external infrared radiation sources.
Humidity:
Up to 95% non-condensing; withstands up to 100% relative humidity for short periods.
Heated Optics:
Designed to eliminate condensation and icing on the window.
Operating Voltage:
24 Vdc nominal (18 to 32 Vdc).
Typical Power Consumption with Heated Optics:
Receiver: 135 mA; Transmitter: 150 mA.
Warm-Up Time:
60 seconds for the transmitter and receiver.
Electrical Connection:
Two ¾-in. – 14 National Pipe Thread (NPT) conduits or 2 x M25 x 1.5 mm ISO.
Electrical Input Protection:
According to MIL-STD-1275B.
Electromagnetic Compatibility:
EMI/RFI protected to EN50270.
0 to 20 mA Current Output:
Sink (source option) configuration: a maximum load of 500 ohms at 18 to 32 Vdc. Gas reading: 0 to 20 mA; Normal, zero reading: 4 mA; Maintenance call: 3 mA; Misalignment: 2.5 mA; Obscuration/beam block: 2 mA; Zero calibration mode: 1 mA; Fault: 0 mA.
RS-485 Interface:
Modbus compatible communication link for computer-controlled installations.
HART Protocol:
Optional HART communications on the 0 to 20 mA analog current for maintenance and asset management.
Visual Status Indicator:
Three-colour LED; green for power on, amber for fault, red for alarm.
Enclosure:
Stainless steel 316L with electropolished finish.
Circuit Board Protection:
Conformal coated and protected from mechanical vibration.
Tilt Mount Material:
Stainless steel 316L.
Detector / Source 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 158 mm).
Detector / Source Weight:
11 lb. (5 kg).
Tilt Mount Weight:
4.2 lb. (2 kg).
Water and Dust-Tight Rating:
IP66 and IP68 per EN60529, NEMA 250 6P.
Environmental Standard:
Designed to meet DNVGL-CG-0039, Class D.
Reliability:
SIL2 per IEC 61508 (TUV).
MTBF:
Above 100,000 hours.
Warranty:
Three years.
ATEX / IECEx Marking:
Ex II 2(2)G D; Ex db eb ib [ib Gb] IIB+H2 T4 Gb; Ex tb [ib Db] IIIC T135 °C Db.
ATEX / IECEx Ambient Temperature:
–55 °C to +65 °C.
Hazardous Area Suitability:
Zones 1 and 2 with IIB+H2 group vapours present; Zones 21 and 22 with IIIC combustible dust types.
TR CU / EAC Marking:
1Ex db eb ib [ib Gb] IIB + H2 T4 Gb X; Ex tb IIIC T135 °C Db X.
INMETRO (UL) Marking:
Ex db eb ib [ib Gb] IIB+H2 T4 Gb; Ex tb [ib Db] IIIC T135 °C Db; –55 °C ≤ Ta ≤ +65 °C.
CSA C/US Canada Marking:
Ex db eb ib [ib Gb] IIB+H2 T4 Gb; Ex tb [ib Db] IIIC T135°C Db; Ta = –55 °C to +65 °C.
CSA C/US USA Marking:
Class I Zone 1 AEx db eb ib [ib Gb] IIB+H2 T4 Gb; Zone 21 AEx tb [ib Db] IIIC T135°C Db; Ta = –55 °C to +65 °C.
Performance Approval:
ANSI/ISA-92.00.04-2014; UL 920004: 2014.
Available Through Westech Industrial:
BC, AB, and SK.

PRODUCT FAQ's

What gas does the Spectrex SafEye Quasar 960 detect?
The Spectrex SafEye Quasar 960 is designed for open path detection of ammonia gas, also known as NH3.
What is the detection range of the SafEye Quasar 960 NH3?
The Quasar 960 NH3 is available in model configurations that cover open path distances from 17 to 200 ft. (5 to 60 m). The correct model depends on the required installation distance between the transmitter and receiver.
How fast does the SafEye Quasar 960 respond?
The SafEye Quasar 960 has a response time of less than 3 seconds, making it suitable for applications where fast ammonia gas detection is required.
Is the Spectrex SafEye Quasar 960 suitable for harsh environments?
Yes. The Quasar 960 is designed for demanding industrial environments and includes heated optics to help reduce condensation and icing on the window. The detector/source housing is stainless steel 316L, and the unit is rated IP66 and IP68 per EN60529, NEMA 250 6P.
What output options are available?
The SafEye Quasar 960 supports a 0 to 20 mA current output, optional HART communication on the analog current signal, and RS-485 Modbus compatible communication for computer-controlled installations.
Can Westech Industrial support SafEye Quasar 960 installation and service requirements?
Yes. Westech Industrial can assist with product selection, service support, and application guidance for ammonia gas detection projects. Westech can also support custom fabrication requirements where the Quasar 960 needs to be integrated into a broader gas detection or life safety system.
Can the SafEye Quasar 960 be used as part of a custom gas detection system?
Yes. Westech Industrial can help customers incorporate the SafEye Quasar 960 into custom gas detection solutions, including integrated systems that may require custom fabrication, control panels, enclosures, or site-specific configuration support.
Where is the Spectrex SafEye Quasar 960 available through Westech Industrial?
The Spectrex SafEye Quasar 960 NH3 is available through Westech Industrial in British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.