Sherbiny’s Atheel facility in Al Khobar begins local assembly of MSA’s General Monitors® S5000, improving delivery times, technical support, and compliance with Saudi Vision 2030 and Aramco’s IKTVA programme

Aramco has approved Sherbiny, one of MSA Safety’s partners in Saudi Arabia, to locally assemble the General Monitors® S5000 Gas Monitor.

Production is now underway at Sherbiny’s Atheel manufacturing facility in Al Khobar, supporting Saudi Vision 2030 and Aramco’s In-Kingdom Total Value Add (IKTVA) initiative.

The move strengthens a partnership that has delivered more than 18,000 fixed gas detection units to Aramco since 2018.

By enabling local assembly of combustible gas and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) detectors, it is expected to reduce lead times, improve service availability, and provide technical support more efficiently to customers across the Kingdom, while better meeting infrastructure and worker safety needs.

DESIGNED FOR DEMANDING ENVIRONMENTS

The S5000 gas monitor features MSA’s XCell® sensor technology and incorporates the patented TruCal® system.

MSA’s S5000 gas detector with a single sensor

TruCal automatically performs four sensor status checks daily, compensates for environmental drift, detects inlet blockages, and extends manual calibration intervals for H2S and CO sensors to as long as two years.

This approach addresses the limitations of traditional electrochemical sensors, which typically require calibration every 90 days.

Between those intervals, such sensors may fail to detect gas, creating potentially serious risk.

TruCal helps to reduce risk by validating performance in near real time and initiating corrections where needed.

The key performance benefits include:

• Frequent self-checking to validate sensor operation.

• Real-time accuracy adjustments via Adaptive Environmental Compensation (AEC).

• Industry-first Diffusion Supervision to detect inlet blockages.

• Extended sensor lifespan up to five years.

• Three-year sensor warranty for added assurance.

• Shelf life of up to three years, reducing stocking costs.

ENHANCED SAFETY & LOWER MAINTENANCE

By reducing the frequency of manual calibrations and providing clear indications of sensor health, TruCal helps minimise downtime and maintenance effort.

The Pulse Check function applies an electronic signal to measure sensor response, comparing it to the last manual calibration to detect positive or negative drift. This process supports accurate detection even in challenging environments.

Diffusion Supervision, an industry-first feature, continuously monitors for inlet blockages that could prevent gas from reaching the sensing element.

This adds an extra layer of protection, reducing the likelihood of undetected hazards and improving overall system reliability.

REVOLUTIONARY SENSOR DESIGN

The S5000’s electrochemical sensor uses a liquid electrolyte that does not evaporate or get consumed during reaction with target gases.

This design significantly extends service life, offering up to five years of operation compared to the one to two years typical of older designs.

ROBUST TRANSMITTER FOR INDUSTRIAL USE

The S5000’s stainless steel 316 transmitter is engineered for durability and ease of use, featuring a bright screen with sensor button, LED indicators, and Bluetooth® connectivity for secure remote access via the MSA Connect app.

This enables faster initial configuration and remote diagnostics, which are particularly useful for units installed in hard-to-access areas.

FLEXIBLE SENSOR PLACEMENT

Dual-sensor capability allows the S5000 to monitor two hazards from a single transmitter, reducing both capital expenditure and installation costs.

One or both sensors can be mounted up to 100 m from the transmitter, enabling optimal placement for detection while keeping the transmitter easily accessible.

LOCAL MANUFACTURING ADVANTAGES

By assembling the S5000 in the Kingdom, Sherbiny can offer shorter delivery cycles and tailored engineering solutions to meet the specific requirements of Saudi Arabia’s oil, gas, and petrochemical industries.

Local manufacturing also supports rapid deployment of replacement units and components, minimising operational disruption.

In addition to assembly, Sherbiny provides comprehensive engineering and technical services, further enhancing the value of local support.

SUPPORTING NATIONAL & INDUSTRY PRIORITIES

The launch of local S5000 production aligns with Aramco’s IKTVA programme, which promotes in-country manufacturing, skills development, and economic diversification.

It also contributes to Vision 2030 by strengthening the Kingdom’s industrial base and enhancing workplace safety in critical sectors.

Positive feedback from leading oil and gas operators in the Middle East indicates that the S5000 is already making an impact in enhancing safety performance and operational efficiency.

The combination of advanced technology, extended service intervals, and local manufacturing offers operators a balance of performance, reliability, and compliance with national initiatives.

FUTURE OUTLOOK

The local manufacturing of the General Monitors S5000 represents a significant advancement for industrial safety in Saudi Arabia.

As adoption grows, the combination of advanced sensor capabilities and in-country support is expected to deliver long-term benefits for the oil and gas industry.

With faster delivery, enhanced service capabilities, and proven technology tailored to regional requirements, the S5000 is well positioned to become a benchmark for gas detection in the Middle East.

Sherbiny and MSA Safety’s continued collaboration means operators in the Kingdom can access the latest safety solutions while supporting local economic and industrial goals.