
Product Overview
The Honeywell 2104B2081 Medium-Range Transmitter is an ATEX-certified open-path infrared (IR) gas detection transmitter used in Honeywell Searchline Excel gas detection systems. It is designed for continuous monitoring of flammable gas clouds over medium distances, typically in large industrial and hazardous areas.
This device forms the transmitting half of an open-path gas detection pair, working together with a receiver unit to detect hydrocarbon gas presence.
Technical Specifications
| Item |
Details |
| Manufacturer |
Honeywell Analytics |
| Model |
2104B2081 |
| Product Type |
Medium-Range Open-Path IR Gas Transmitter |
| System |
Searchline Excel |
| Certification |
ATEX / IECEx (hazardous area certified) |
| Dimensions |
211 × 353 × 433 mm |
| Weight |
~7 kg |
| Detection Range |
Medium (approx. 40–120 m) |
| Measurement Output |
4–20 mA + RS485 Modbus |
| Power Supply |
18–32 V DC |
| Detection Principle |
Infrared absorption (open-path) |
| Enclosure |
316 stainless steel, corrosion resistant |
| Operating Environment |
-40 °C to +65 °C (industrial outdoor use) |
Function Description
The 2104B2081 is used to transmit an infrared beam across a monitored area to detect flammable gases.
Its main functions include:
- Emitting a stable infrared beam toward a receiver
- Detecting gas cloud presence by beam attenuation
- Measuring hydrocarbon gas concentration over a long path
- Sending analog (4–20 mA) and digital (RS485) signals
- Providing early warning of gas leaks in hazardous zones
It does not act on process control directly—it provides gas detection data for safety systems.
Working Principle
The module uses open-path infrared absorption spectroscopy:
- The transmitter emits a calibrated IR beam toward a receiver
- Under normal conditions, the beam reaches the receiver with minimal loss
- If flammable gas is present in the path, it absorbs specific IR wavelengths
- The receiver detects reduced beam intensity
- The system calculates gas concentration along the entire path
- Output signals are sent to fire & gas control systems
This allows detection of gas clouds over large outdoor or industrial areas, not just point leaks.
System Role
Within Honeywell fire & gas systems, the 2104B2081 performs:
- Medium-range open-path gas monitoring
- Early leak detection in hazardous environments
- Integration with ESD (Emergency Shutdown) systems
- Alarm triggering for safety responses
- Continuous environmental gas surveillance
It is part of the primary detection layer in fire & gas safety architecture.
Industrial Applications
The Honeywell 2104B2081 is commonly used in:
- Oil and gas refineries
- Offshore platforms
- LNG facilities
- Petrochemical plants
- Storage tank farms
- Pipeline corridors
- Chemical processing plants
- ATEX-classified hazardous zones
Installation and Integration
- Mounted in line-of-sight pairs (transmitter + receiver)
- Installed on stable industrial structures or towers
- Requires precise optical alignment
- Connected to control systems via 4–20 mA or RS485
- Integrated into fire & gas (F&G) safety systems
- Commissioned by certified safety instrument engineers
Compatible System Components
- Honeywell Searchline Excel receiver units
- Fire & Gas control panels (F&G systems)
- Safety instrumented systems (SIS / FSC / PLC safety systems)
- Junction boxes and ATEX conduit systems
- Alarm and shutdown systems (ESD)
- Engineering configuration and diagnostic tools
Recommended Alternative Models
| Model |
Type |
Key Feature |
Application |
| 2104B2081 |
Medium-range transmitter |
Open-path IR gas detection |
Large-area monitoring |
| 2104B2071 |
Short-range transmitter |
Compact detection range |
Small hazardous zones |
| 2104B3001 series |
Regional variants |
Certification differences |
Compliance-specific installations |
| Point IR gas detectors |
Single-point sensing |
Local leak detection |
Confined areas |
| Laser gas detectors |
High-precision optical systems |
Long-range detection |
Advanced industrial monitoring |
Key Advantages
- ATEX-certified for hazardous environments
- Covers large detection paths (40–120 m range)
- Fast detection of flammable gas clouds
- High reliability in harsh weather conditions
- Minimal maintenance compared to point detectors
- Strong integration with safety shutdown systems
- Suitable for continuous 24/7 industrial monitoring
Technical FAQs
Q1: What is the main function of the 2104B2081?
It detects flammable gas clouds using infrared absorption over a medium-range open path.
Q2: Does it measure gas at a single point?
No. It measures gas across a line-of-sight path between transmitter and receiver.
Q3: What gases can it detect?
Primarily hydrocarbon gases such as methane, propane, and similar flammables.
Q4: Where is it used?
It is used in oil & gas, petrochemical, offshore, and other hazardous industrial environments.
Conclusion
The Honeywell 2104B2081 Medium-Range Transmitter is a high-integrity ATEX-certified open-path infrared gas detection device used in industrial fire and gas safety systems. It provides reliable, long-distance monitoring of flammable gas clouds, making it essential for protecting large hazardous areas.
It is widely deployed in oil and gas, petrochemical, and offshore industries where early gas leak detection is critical to preventing major safety incidents.