OPTIMI – A Novel 3D Computational Tool for Gas Detector Optimisation

Abstract

An efficient approach to optimise the number and location of gas detectors plays a role of paramount importance when gas leak identification at early stage is required. The novel approach relies on the set covering problem (SCP). The optimisation problem is combined to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and the discrete optimisation problem is solved using Balas algorithm. Every computational cell is regarded as a node of the graph where the links are the common boards shared by the neighbouring cells. The branch and bound routine searches for all solutions identifying the optimal configuration and number of detectors that guarantee full covering of the industrial area considered in the analysis. The graph is read into the code via its adjacency matrix. The characteristic length that determines the size of the computational cell is obtained from the set of CFD simulations considering atmospheric data and features of the geometry. The geometrical model is imported and combined with the results from the optimisation procedure which can be visualised in a 3D post processing stage. This important step of the analysis favours the sanity test normally conducted once the final gas detectors location is established. Any undesirable location (difficult access for maintenance for instance) can be identified prior to installing the detectors saving time, human and financial resources. Optimi is suitable for onshore and offshore facilities, gas storage, warehouses and gas suppliers.