Seismic Acceleration Sensor
DEC.SAS™
Industrial plants (chemical, pharma, packaging), by their very nature, house complex processes and potentially hazardous materials. Ensuring operational safety, even in the face of natural disasters, is a priority. One critical safety measure gaining increased adoption is the installation of Seismic Acceleration Sensors (SASs) to initiate controlled shutdowns in the event of significant seismic activity.
Seismic Acceleration Sensors (also known as Seismic Acceleration Detectors, SAD) are sophisticated instruments designed to continuously monitor ground motion and detect strong seismic events acting as a critical early warning system, enabling a proactive and controlled response.
In regions prone to seismic activity, the integration of a DEC.SAS™ • Seismic Acceleration Sensor into the safety architecture of chemical plants is no longer a luxury but a fundamental necessity. By providing an immediate and reliable trigger for controlled shutdowns, DEC.SAS™ significantly enhance plant safety, protect personnel, minimize environmental impact, and contribute to the overall resilience of critical industrial infrastructure.
DEC.SAS™ • how it works
DEC.SAS™ typically employ highly sensitive accelerometers that measure ground acceleration in three dimensions (vertical, horizontal x, and horizontal y). These devices are calibrated to trigger an alarm and output signal when detected acceleration surpasses a pre-defined threshold, often expressed in terms of G-force or Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI). This threshold is carefully determined based on the plant's structural integrity, the nature of the processes, and local seismic hazard assessments.
DEC.SAS™ • integration
The true value of a DEC.SAS™ lies in its integration with the plant's Control System through Emergency Shutdown (ESD) system. Upon detection of a seismic event exceeding the set threshold, the DEC.SAS™ immediately transmits a signal to the control system. This signal initiates a pre-programmed, automated sequence of actions designed to bring the plant to a safe, controlled shutdown state.
DEC.SAS™ • installation
Proper installation of SADs is crucial, involving careful selection of location to ensure accurate ground motion detection, away from localized vibrations. Regular calibration and maintenance are also essential to ensure the reliability and functionality of the system.
Contact DEC!
For more information on DEC's VOC sustainable emission control solutions, interfaced with DEC.SAS™ • Seismic Acceleration Sensor, please contact DEC.
