In high-risk industrial zones—like petrochemical plants, laboratories, or semiconductor facilities—relying on generic gas detection systems is a dangerous compromise. Every facility has unique hazards. One-size-fits-all detectors often fail to cover blind spots in complex environments. Whether it’s monitoring for volatile organic compounds in semiconductor cleanrooms or combustible gases in shipyards, custom gas monitoring systems provide precise, context-specific protection. Tailored gas detection systems adapt to your facility’s risk profile, layout, compliance needs, and operational workflows—ensuring higher safety, reduced false alarms, and long-term efficiency. Read on to discover why more industrial operations are moving beyond generic detectors in favour of scalable, integrated custom gas detection systems.
Challenges with Generic Gas Detection Systems
Before diving into the advantages, it’s important to understand the common issues with off-the-shelf gas detectors in industrial settings:
- Poor placement accuracy due to generic installation templates
- Limited gas sensor range, often mismatched with real hazard types
- Inability to scale with expanding facilities or multi-zone operations
- False alarms triggered by uncalibrated or insensitive detectors
- Integration problems with Building Management Systems (BMS), SCADA, and other critical infrastructure
These gaps aren’t just inconvenient—they can delay emergency response, create compliance violations, or even lead to safety incidents.
1. Enhanced Detection Accuracy for Complex Environments
Industrial environments such as refineries, power plants, or shipyards require detection systems designed for specific gas types, pressure zones, and airflow behaviour.
Why custom systems excel:
- Sensor selection is based on actual gas exposure risks (e.g., H₂S, CO₂, NH₃, VOCs)
- Sensor placement considers wind direction, heat zones, and venting layouts
- Calibration is tailored to facility-specific thresholds
Example:
In a hazardous material warehouse, a generic detector struggled to pick up acetone and MEK vapours. A customised system by Minerva used dual-sensor modules with high selectivity, resulting in near-instant detection and a 70% drop in false alarms.
2. Compliance with Safety and Environmental Standards
Regulations in high-risk sectors mandate accurate monitoring and timely reporting of gas leaks and exposure incidents.
Custom systems help with:
- Real-time data logging for audits and incident analysis
- Threshold configurations aligned with NEA or SCDF guidelines
- Automatic shut-off or ventilation triggers per WSH compliance
Example:
A pharmaceutical facility implemented Minerva’s gas detection system with digital reporting and live dashboard integration. During their NEA audit, the built-in reporting reduced documentation prep time by 60% and ensured full compliance.
📘 Reference: NEA Air Pollution Guidelines
3. Scalable Custom Gas Detection Systems for Expanding Operations
Today’s industrial setups are rarely static. As facilities expand, workflows change, and new zones open, your gas monitoring must evolve.
Benefits of scalability:
- Add or remove sensors without full system overhaul
- Wireless options for mobile or temporary zones
- Future-proof architecture that supports new gas targets
Example:
A semiconductor facility added an etching lab with increased use of ammonia and fluorinated gases. Minerva’s modular detection system expanded with just two days of reconfiguration—no downtime required.
4. Lower Maintenance and Operational Costs with Custom Gas Systems
Custom gas detection systems are not just precise—they’re built for cost-efficiency.
How they save you money:
- Lower service frequency due to optimised calibration
- Smart self-checks reduce unplanned service calls
- Accurate alarms mean less operational disruption
Example:
A chemical distributor in Tuas saw a 35% decrease in service calls after switching to a predictive maintenance-enabled gas detection system from Minerva.
5. Integrating Custom Gas Detection Systems with Existing Infrastructure
Industrial safety today depends on system-to-system communication. Custom solutions enable seamless integration with your facility’s existing:
- Fire alarms
- HVAC systems
- SCADA & PLC networks
- Cloud-based dashboards
Example:
An electronics plant integrated Minerva’s gas monitoring with its automation server. In the event of a leak, the system simultaneously activated alarms, shut valves, and notified EHS teams via SMS.
🔗 Related: SCDF Emergency Planning Guidelines
- Customisation for Multi-Zone and Confined Spaces
Complex facilities often include multiple hazard zones, each requiring unique detection parameters.
Why it matters:
- Oxygen depletion in confined spaces (e.g., tanks or sub-basements)
- VOC monitoring in solvent handling zones
- Dual-gas setups for battery production or labs
Example:
A shipbuilding company required different gas profiles across its dock, engine rooms, and spray booths. Minerva’s zoned gas detection platform allowed independent thresholds and ventilation automation for each area.
How a Tailored Gas Detection System Reduced Downtime
Client: Large-scale electronics manufacturer
Problem: Frequent false alarms during wafer cleaning processes led to weekly production halts and safety evacuations.
Solution: Minerva deployed a tailored multi-zone detection system using ammonia-specific sensors and a centralised cloud dashboard. The system was programmed with variable alarm thresholds by zone.
Outcome:
- 95% reduction in false alarms
- 100% audit compliance
- 3x faster response time during actual incidents
Why Choose Minerva?
- Singapore-Focused Expertise – Deep experience across Jurong Island, Science Park, and Tuas
- Real Customisation – Every project is tailored, not templated
- Audit-Ready Compliance Tools – Built-in digital logs, reports, and event tracing
- Technology That Grows With You – Scalable, cloud-enabled platforms ready for Industry 4.0
FAQs About Custom Gas Detection Systems
Q: What are the main advantages of custom gas detection systems?
A: Better accuracy, tailored placement, lower maintenance, seamless integration, and compliance assurance.
Q: Are custom gas detection systems more expensive?
A: They may cost more upfront, but lower maintenance, fewer false alarms, and longer lifespan often make them more economical long term.
Q: Can a custom system handle multiple gases?
A: Absolutely. Minerva systems support single or multi-gas configurations, including toxic, combustible, and oxygen sensors in a single platform.
Q: How fast can installation be completed?
A: For existing facilities, Minerva can deliver and install modular systems in phases to minimise disruption—often within 3–5 business days.
Q: Are wireless or portable options available?
A: Yes. We offer fixed, mobile, and wireless gas detection units for temporary worksites or isolated zones.
Q: What happens if a sensor fails?
A: All Minerva systems come with fault-tolerant design and smart diagnostics. Real-time alerts notify maintenance teams immediately.
The advantages custom gas detection systems provide aren’t just technical—they’re operational, financial, and regulatory. As industrial environments grow more complex and compliance becomes more demanding, relying on generic solutions poses serious risks.
If you’re operating a shipyard, refinery, laboratory, or advanced manufacturing facility in Singapore, Minerva Singapore is your trusted partner for precision gas detection. Speak to our engineers today for a free site consultation and receive a system designed around your risks—not a catalogue.
