
Product Overview
The Honeywell 2104B2071 Short Range Transmitter is an ATEX-certified industrial gas detection transmitter used in Honeywell Searchline Excel open-path infrared gas detection systems. It is designed to transmit and receive infrared beams for detecting flammable gas presence over short distances, making it suitable for hazardous area monitoring.
This device is part of a safety-critical gas detection system, commonly used in oil, gas, petrochemical, and offshore environments where explosive atmospheres may exist.
Technical Specifications
| Item |
Details |
| Manufacturer |
Honeywell Analytics |
| Model |
2104B2071 |
| Product Type |
Short Range Infrared Gas Detector Transmitter |
| System |
Searchline Excel Open-Path Gas Detection |
| Certification |
ATEX (Ex d IIC T5) |
| Dimensions |
430 × 310 × 130 mm |
| Weight |
7 kg |
| Enclosure Material |
316 stainless steel |
| Detection Type |
Open-path infrared gas detection |
| Range |
Short range (approx. 5–40 m) |
| Output Signals |
4–20 mA + RS485 Modbus |
| Power Supply |
18–32 V DC |
| Operating Temperature |
-40 °C to +65 °C |
| Environmental Rating |
High humidity and industrial outdoor use |
Function Description
The 2104B2071 is used to detect flammable hydrocarbon gases in open air paths.
Its main functions include:
- Transmitting and receiving infrared beams across a monitored path
- Detecting gas concentration by measuring beam attenuation
- Providing early warning of gas leaks in hazardous areas
- Sending real-time 4–20 mA and digital RS485 signals to control systems
- Supporting ATEX-certified operation in explosive atmospheres
It does not directly control processes; it provides gas concentration measurement data for safety systems.
Working Principle
The module operates using open-path infrared absorption detection:
- The transmitter emits an infrared beam toward a matched receiver
- Under normal conditions, the beam passes with minimal attenuation
- If flammable gas is present, it absorbs part of the infrared energy
- The receiver detects reduced signal intensity
- The system calculates gas concentration along the optical path
- Output signals are sent to safety systems for alarm or shutdown
This allows continuous monitoring of large hazardous areas without point sampling.
System Role
Within Honeywell gas detection architectures, the 2104B2071 performs:
- Open-path gas concentration monitoring
- Early leak detection in hazardous zones
- Integration with fire & gas safety systems (F&G)
- Alarm triggering for emergency shutdown systems (ESD)
- Real-time environmental safety monitoring
It is part of the front-end detection layer of industrial safety systems.
Industrial Applications
The Honeywell 2104B2071 is used in:
- Oil and gas production platforms
- Offshore drilling rigs
- Petrochemical processing plants
- Refineries
- LNG facilities
- Storage tank farms
- Pipeline compressor stations
- Hazardous area classified zones (ATEX environments)
Installation and Integration
- Installed in hazardous area-certified enclosures or mounting brackets
- Requires line-of-sight alignment with receiver unit
- Integrated into fire & gas (F&G) control systems
- Connected via 4–20 mA or RS485 Modbus to control systems
- Commissioned by certified safety instrument engineers
- Requires periodic alignment and calibration checks
Compatible System Components
- Honeywell Searchline Excel receivers
- Fire & Gas (F&G) control panels
- Honeywell safety PLC / FSC systems
- Alarm and shutdown systems (ESD)
- Junction boxes and ATEX-rated conduit systems
- Engineering configuration tools and diagnostic software
Recommended Alternative Models
| Model |
Type |
Key Feature |
Application |
| 2104B2071 |
Short range transmitter |
Open-path IR gas detection |
Local area monitoring |
| 2104B2081 |
Medium range transmitter |
Extended detection distance |
Large-area coverage |
| 2104B3001 series |
Short range UL version |
North American certification |
ANSI/UL installations |
| IR gas detectors (point type) |
Fixed gas sensors |
Local detection |
Compact hazard zones |
| Laser-based gas detectors |
Advanced optical systems |
High sensitivity detection |
Offshore and refinery systems |
Key Advantages
- ATEX-certified for hazardous environments
- Rapid response to gas leaks
- Suitable for wide-area monitoring
- Low maintenance compared to point sensors
- High reliability in harsh industrial conditions
- Integrates with standard industrial control systems
- Strong resistance to weather and environmental conditions
Technical FAQs
Q1: What is the main function of the 2104B2071?
It detects flammable gas clouds using open-path infrared absorption.
Q2: Is it suitable for explosive environments?
Yes. It is ATEX-certified for use in hazardous areas.
Q3: What gases can it detect?
It detects common hydrocarbons such as methane, propane, butane, and similar gases.
Q4: Where is it typically installed?
It is installed in oil & gas facilities, refineries, offshore platforms, and chemical plants.
Conclusion
The Honeywell 2104B2071 Short Range Transmitter is a high-performance ATEX-certified open-path gas detection device used in industrial safety systems. It provides fast and reliable detection of flammable gas leaks across short distances, supporting emergency response and plant safety operations.
It is widely used in high-risk industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, and offshore environments where continuous gas monitoring is essential for preventing hazardous incidents.