Texas gas detection partnership announced by Teledyne and Andon Specialties

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Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection has announced a Texas gas detection partnership with Andon Specialties to expand distribution and technical support for fixed gas detection solutions across the state’s oil and gas sector

Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection (Teledyne GFD) has announced a Texas gas detection partnership with Andon Specialties to expand access to its Teledyne Detcon fixed gas detection solutions across the state’s oil and gas sector.

Effective immediately, Andon Specialties will provide local sales and technical support for Teledyne Detcon’s fixed gas detection portfolio, helping operators protect personnel, assets and critical infrastructure in demanding industrial environments. The partnership combines Teledyne Detcon’s manufacturing and engineering expertise with Andon Specialties’ established customer relationships and technical support network throughout Texas.

Shannon Sanders, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Americas at Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection, said: “We are delighted to partner with Andon Specialties to strengthen our support for customers across the Texas market. By blending Teledyne Detcon’s proven fixed gas detection technologies with Andon’s extensive local knowledge and technical expertise, we are making it easier for operators to access dependable safety solutions backed by responsive service and application support.”

Teledyne Detcon has designed and manufactured industrial-grade gas detection systems for more than 40 years from its ISO 9001-certified manufacturing facility in Cypress, Texas. The site produces more than 15,000 gas detectors annually, supplying customers worldwide with US-manufactured gas detection solutions.

Together, Teledyne Detcon and Andon Specialties bring more than 70 years of combined experience serving the oil and gas industry. Through the partnership, the companies aim to help operators meet stringent safety requirements with local technical expertise and proven gas detection technologies.

Among the products available through the agreement is the GD10P infrared point gas detector, designed for combustible gas detection applications. The detector offers rapid response times, long-term stability and low maintenance requirements.

Kent Kesler, Vice President of Business Development at Andon Specialties, said: “We are pleased to partner with Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection to expand access to the Teledyne Detcon fixed gas detection portfolio across Texas. Together, we can provide customers with dependable safety solutions backed by responsive technical support and a shared commitment to protecting people, facilities, and operations.”

Discover the new Sensitron gas detection control panel

by Breaking NewsGas DetectionProductsSafety

Strong heritage, new design.

Sensitron is a global gas detection company whose product range includes fixed gas detection systems, detectors, and control panels for all applications.

Committed to innovation, Sensitron previews its new control panel for reliable gas detection systems with up to eight gas detectors, which will be commercially available within 2026.

Grounded in Sensitron’s heritage, it evolves from the best-selling PL4+, preserving the proven reliability that has always defined Sensitron systems. Built around the needs of those who work with it every day, the new control panel introduces a new user-oriented design approach, expressed through an essential form and a completely redesigned interface: more modern, readable, and intuitive, delivering a simpler operation and a tangible improvement in the on-site user experience.

“We chose design as a strategy to complement our technical expertise, adding an element of differentiation in a highly competitive market.” explains Marco Passadori, Managing Director of Sensitron. “The decision to introduce design stems from listening to those who use the product. From our ongoing dialogue with customers came the desire to create a control panel truly designed for its users.”

Beyond design, the new control panel introduces a completely redesigned interface. New elements — including graphics, pop-ups, directional arrows, on/off switches, drop-down menus and contextual buttons — help users understand how the control panel works more quickly, without the need for prior knowledge. Menus are organised according to a logical tree structure, enabling intuitive navigation and immediate access to functions exactly where users expect to find them.

It complies with ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU, as well as the main performance and functional safety standards, including EN IEC 60079-29-1 and EN 61508 / EN 50402 (SIL1).

With this new control panel, Sensitron introduces a new language into the world of gas detection, continuing to demonstrate its ability to innovate within a highly specialised and regulated market, without losing sight of its roots.

Robot dog Spot gets gas detection upgrade through Blackline Safety, MFE collaboration

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Blackline Safety Corp. has partnered with MFE Inspection Solutions to integrate Blackline’s cloud-connected portable detector with Boston Dynamics‘ Spot mobile industrial robot dog.

“Gas detection is critical for safety. And teams are no longer limited to collecting that data only when a person enters the area,” said Dylan Duke, CEO of MFE Inspection Solutions. “Robots like Spot are already being used to collect inspection data remotely in hazardous environments. This solution adds real-time gas detection to those workflows, giving operators insight into gas hazards before deciding how and when to send people in.”

Industrial gas monitoring has traditionally relied on personal monitors worn by workers. Connected gas detection gives teams access to gas data from multiple sources (personal gas monitors, area gas monitors, and remote systems like robots or drones) with live, detailed views of atmospheric conditions that help organisations make faster decisions.

“This is about connecting technologies customers are already using and making them more useful together,” said Christine Gillies, Chief Product and Marketing Officer, Blackline Safety. “MFE has built the digital plumbing to connect Spot with Blackline’s connected gas detection platform, adding another layer to worker protection while giving organisations critical exposure data as it happens, not after the fact like with traditional monitors, so they can make informed decisions in the moment.”

The solution lets operators view gas readings and alerts in Blackline Safety’s Blackline Live software, directly on the Spot tablet during operation, providing real-time awareness in the field.

It also triggers automated return-to-home actions when defined gas thresholds, such as rising LEL, are detected, helping teams move Spot out of hazardous conditions and protect site personnel.

Teams can use a range of hot-swappable, configurable, cartridge-based sensors on the robot dog that can be tailored to different environments and applications: 

“Spot’s thermal, acoustic, and visual inspection abilities provide AI-powered predictive insights into facility health,” said Merry Frayne, Senior Director of Product at Boston Dynamics. “Integrating the Blackline Safety portable device gives process manufacturers an even more complete picture of their site while keeping people out of harm’s way.”

Fixed gas and flame detection hub launched by MSA Safety

by Featured NewsGas DetectionIndustrialSafety

MSA Safety launches FGFD information page

MSA Safety (MSA) has launched a new Fixed Gas & Flame Detection (FGFD) Solutions webpage as a dedicated online resource for detection systems.

The page is intended to support safety management in oil & gas facilities, chemical plants and new energy sites, bringing together expert insights, technology overviews and service offerings in one place.

It is presented as a resource to help users improve reliability and make more informed decisions about gas and flame detection systems.

Detection systems and named experts

The page includes contributions from Darin Brame, Global Sales Director, Fixed Gas & Flame Detection, Scott Wilkie, Business Director EMEA & APAC, Fixed Gas & Flame Detection, Merin Joseph, Proposal Engineer – Projects, Fixed Gas & Flame Detection, Chandan Das, Business Development Manager, International, New Energies, Edwin Choo, Functional Safety Engineer, Fixed Gas & Flame Detection and George Zhang, Sales Director, China, Fixed Gas & Flame Detection.

MSA has also introduced the TG5000 Gas Monitoring System, described as a general-purpose, self-contained solution designed to detect a range of gases using XCell sensor technology.

The TG5000 is presented as requiring minimal installation and offering flexible configuration options for wastewater treatment facilities, commercial and public buildings and light industrial environments.

MSA fixed detection portfolio and tools

In other news, the company has updated its online Total Cost of Ownership calculator for point gas detection, allowing comparison of ULTIMA X5000 and General Monitors S5000 detectors against other manufacturers.

The calculator is described as providing indicative figures based on market knowledge and includes adjustable inputs such as installation, replacement sensors and calibration gas.

MSA has also published a whitepaper on XCell sensor technology for fixed gas detection, outlining applications and performance in industrial environments.

A recorded panel discussion on hydrogen storage in salt caverns hosted by Mission Hydrogen is now available, featuring Jack Samways, Business Development Manager – New Energies, Europe at MSA Safety.

Finally, MSA has released an updated version of the X/S Connect app, supporting connectivity for ULTIMA X5000, General Monitors S5000 and TG5000 gas monitors through a mobile interface.

Teledyne GMI expands US gas utility distribution reach

by Featured NewsGas DetectionProjects

Teledyne GMI expands Southeast support

Teledyne Gas Measurement Instruments (Teledyne GMI) has announced a partnership with Southern Cross, a Sparus company, to distribute its gas and leak detection portfolio to gas utility customers across the Southeast region of the United States.

The company said Southern Cross will also provide regional service support alongside the existing Teledyne GMI USA service centre in Cypress, Texas.

The agreement was announced from Renfrew, Scotland.

Teledyne GMI said the arrangement is intended to improve response times and technical support for customers using gas detection technologies in the region.

Teledyne GMI products and service scope

The portfolio covered by the distribution agreement includes the GS700, GS500, GT Series and PS200.

The company said the instruments are supported by its GDCloud platform, which provides centralised real-time access to field information.

It said the platform is used for fleet management, compliance reporting, preventive maintenance and operational decision-making.

Shannon Sanders, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Americas, Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection, said: “We are pleased to offer our advanced detection solutions through Southern Cross.

“This partnership strengthens our ability to support U.S. gas utilities with local expertise, reliable service, and proven technologies.”

Southern Cross role in US rollout

Teledyne GMI said the partnership with Southern Cross brings combined sector experience in the gas utility market and extends its service presence in the United States.

Jody Boyles, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Sparus, said: “Through Southern Cross, Sparus has been protecting gas infrastructure since 1946.

“Partnering with Teledyne GMI as an authorized distributor brings together a combined 200 years of utility experience, so crews can work more safely and customers get faster access to the safety technology they rely on.”

Jeff Schechtman, Chief Operating Officer, Sparus, added: “This partnership creates access and support at a larger scale.

“With Sparus’ national field footprint, we’ll put Teledyne GMI portable gas detectors in technicians’ hands quickly with the training, service and coverage gas utilities expect.

“Anchored in our shared values of safety, innovation and integrity, we’re helping customers maintain their critical infrastructure and support efforts to reduce emissions.”

MSA Safety sets out seven reasons to pair gas and flame detection

by Featured NewsFire Detection

MSA Safety on gas and flame detection systems

A blog post from MSA Safety outlines how flame detection can be integrated with gas detection in industrial environments where flammable or toxic gases may be present.

The article describes gas detection systems as tools designed to identify combustible, toxic or asphyxiating gases in air and provide early warnings before conditions become dangerous.

It states that gas detection does not address what happens if a leak ignites and presents flame detection as a complementary layer that identifies the presence of fire, including in cases where gas concentration has not reached detectable levels.

Seven reasons from MSA Safety to add flame detection

MSA Safety sets out seven reasons for including flame detection within a gas detection system.

First, combining gas and flame detection is presented as a way to mitigate hazards by addressing both leaks and ignition events.

Second, flame detection is described as enabling a faster response to fire emergencies where a gas leak ignites within seconds.

Third, it is positioned as helping to eliminate blind spots where a leak occurs outside monitored zones or ignites directly.

Fourth, the blog highlights high-risk industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals and manufacturing where flammable gases may be present.

Fifth, it notes that safety regulations can require both gas and flame detection systems to meet legal and industry standards.

Sixth, early flame detection is said to support activation of suppression systems, limit fire spread and reduce equipment damage and downtime.

Seventh, integrating both systems is described as contributing to operational safety and continuity by reducing the likelihood of accidents and enabling quicker recovery following an incident.

The post also addresses perceived barriers such as cost, complexity or maintenance and states that reliance on gas detection alone may overlook how quickly a leak can escalate into a fire.

Desu Systems to exhibit flame, gas and kitchen fire safety at Fire Safety Event 2026

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Desu Systems at The fire safety event 2026

Desu Systems will exhibit flame and gas detection equipment and kitchen fire safety solutions at The Fire Safety Event 2026, from 28 to 30 April at the NEC Birmingham in the UK.

The company will exhibit at stand H40 with teams present from across its divisions.

Its presence will centre on practical discussions, personal demonstrations and pre-scheduled meetings for visitors.

Portfolio and technology partners

Desu Systems will place emphasis on its Flame and Gas Detection division and its Kitchen Fire and Hygiene Solutions portfolio.

The stand will host ongoing presentations and hands-on demonstrations, supported by meeting spaces for direct interaction with technical specialists and commercial teams.

As a European master distributor, the company represents Spectrex Flame and Gas Detection Equipment and Buckeye Kitchen Safety Solutions.

It works with partners including Spectrex, Rosemount, Hansentek, Buckeye and Sensia.

Ronald Verkroost, the CEO of Desu Systems, said: “Events like The Fire Safety Event are valuable because they create space for meaningful conversations.

“Our role goes beyond supplying technology.

“We work closely with partners and customers to ensure solutions are applied correctly, perform reliably, and meet the demands of real operating environments.”

Emile Hippe, the Managing Director, said: “The UK market places strong emphasis on compliance, reliability, and long-term performance.

“By exhibiting with our full team at stand H40, we can offer visitors direct access to the people who support projects from early specification through to implementation and ongoing operation.”

Meetings and company background

Journalists and industry professionals can book pre-arranged meetings or private briefings with the Desu Systems team to discuss market developments and current fire safety requirements.

The Fire Safety Event 2026 follows the company’s 20-year anniversary in 2025.

Desu Systems operates in over 60 countries.

Hanbat National University study details dual-mode ammonia detection on skin

by Featured NewsGas DetectionResearchSafety

Ammonia sensor combines visual and electronic detection

A skin-worn wearable sensor has been presented that detects ammonia gas through both colour change and an electronic signal.

Hanbat National University (HBNU) researchers described the device in a study made available online on 18 August 2025 and published in Advanced Fiber Materials on 1 December 2025.

The study describes a flexible, stretchable sensor designed to work when attached to human skin and exposed to high humidity.

The platform combines a colourimetric readout with quantitative chemiresistive detection in a polymer nanofiber structure described as highly gas-permeable.

The study reports ppm-level sensitivity and stable performance under humidity and mechanical deformation.

How the dual-mode platform is intended to function

The study describes ammonia as widely used in fertilizers, refrigerants, biomarkers and next-generation fuel.

It states that ammonia is highly toxic and can cause respiratory irritation, chest pain, pulmonary edema and death.

The researchers describe a dual-mode approach that integrates chemiresistive sensing and colourimetric sensing in one device.

Professor Hyun Il Kang said: “Our device provides flexibility and facilitates efficient transport of NH3 between the bromocresol-green-based colorimetric and poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate)-based chemiresistive sensing layers.

“This innovative dual-mode design enables reliable NH3 detection.”

The study states that each individual sensing layer performs on par with the dual-mode platform, with the device intended to remain accurate if one sensing mode fails.

It also describes operation while attached to human skin and in humid conditions.

Applications described in the study

The study lists potential uses including personal safety monitoring for workers in ammonia-handling facilities and industrial refrigeration and cold-chain environments.

It also lists agriculture and livestock operations where ammonia buildup occurs and noninvasive health screening via breath-NH3.

The study also cites vehicle energy systems using NH3 as another potential application.

The researchers describe the work as a basis for further development of the platform across biomedical, environmental monitoring and industrial use cases described in the paper.

Gas detection meets voice calls and GPS in Blackline’s G8

by Featured NewsGas DetectionProducts

Gas detection device and connected monitoring

Blackline Safety has announced G8, an all in one wearable that combines gas detection, lone worker protection and radio quality communication.

The company said the device streams real time data to the cloud through its Blackline Live platform, giving safety and operations teams visibility of worker status, gas readings and site conditions.

Blackline said G8 builds on its G7 line and is designed as a connected platform that can integrate with other digital systems used on worksites.

What G8 includes and when it ships

G8 is described as an intrinsically safe gas detector with an IP 67 rating and swappable cartridges covering more than 20 gases.

The device includes dual band GNSS and GPS, plus ZoneAware geofencing within Blackline Live to define zones and support muster drills.

G8 includes push to talk, emergency voice calling that connects workers to a live monitoring agent and text messaging for preset or custom messages, plus an internal speaker and an optional remote speaker microphone.

Blackline said the device has a larger 64 colour backlit display, NFC TagAssign for device assignment and a 35 lumen flashlight.

Cody Slater, CEO and Chair, Blackline Safety, said: “G8 gives workers access to the tools and information they need to confidently get the job done and get home safe.

“By unifying gas detection, real-time monitoring, and communication in one connected device, we’re delivering more than incremental improvement.

“We’re giving every worker a direct line to the people, data, systems and support they need to make faster, safer decisions.”

Blackline said it is taking orders now, with first shipments expected in February 2026.

The Last Word on gas detection with Sensitron

by Featured NewsFire DetectionGas Detection

Sensitron’s Key Account Manager HVAC-R, Emanuele Barbieri, explains how accurate gas detection safeguards people and assets in regulated high-risk environments

How long have you worked at Sensitron, and what does your current role involve in HVAC-R?

I’ve been working at Sensitron for over five years as a Key Account Manager focusing on the HVAC-R sector.

My role involves developing the refrigeration market by identifying customer needs and providing bespoke solutions, ranging from integrated machine-side systems for chillers and heat pumps to standalone gas-detection products.

For new audiences, what does Sensitron do and which industry problems is it addressing?

Sensitron designs and manufactures gas-detection systems, including both detectors and control panels, capable of monitoring more than 70 different gases.

We are committed to staying ahead of technological developments, particularly with new refrigerants, and to addressing the potential risks they introduce, such as flammability, toxicity, and environmental concerns.

Our goal is to help our customers protect people, environments, and infrastructure from gas-related hazards.

Can you outline Sensitron’s main product series and how they are used in daily operations?

Our product portfolio includes four main series: SMART 3G, SMART 3, SMART S, and the PARK system.

Each is designed to meet specific application needs; for instance, the SMART 3G series is ideal for high-performance settings.

We provide complete gas-detection systems, including both control panels and detectors, that operate autonomously when a gas hazard is detected.

However, regular maintenance is essential to ensure continued performance.

Maintenance personnel play a critical role in keeping each system efficient and reliable.

How do Sensitron’s detectors manage various gases, and why is accurate differentiation important?

Each type of gas requires a specific detection technology to ensure accurate readings.

We use infrared sensors for A1 and A2L refrigerants, carbon dioxide, and flammable gases; electrochemical cells for toxic gases and oxygen; catalytic sensors for flammable gases; and photo-ionisation detectors for volatile organic compounds.

New-generation refrigerants, owing to their complex compositions, have been particularly challenging, but we’ve achieved excellent results by using infrared sensing technologies.

We remain open to evaluating new detection technologies to continuously improve performance and accuracy.

How does Sensitron ensure product reliability in harsh or industrial environments?

Our approach always starts with understanding the customer’s specific requirements so we can provide the most suitable solutions.

Our systems are built to perform in difficult environments, including classified areas, and meet rigorous standards such as ATEX and EN 60079-29-1.

This ensures both reliability and accuracy, even under the most demanding conditions.

What developments should safety professionals expect next from Sensitron’s HVAC-R division?

We are focused on responding to evolving market needs by continuously adapting and reinventing ourselves.

We are currently developing new products that we believe will align with future safety requirements.

The HVAC-R sector, in particular, is experiencing strong growth, and we anticipate further consolidation in ATEX-classified areas as well as expansion into non-classified environments.

This was originally published in the November 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.