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Optical Flame Detection

Theory and Principles

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Why Optical Flame Detection?

•• High-sensitivityHigh-sensitivity

•• Swivel-mount enables selectable field of viewSwivel-mount enables selectable field of view

•• High speed response capabilityHigh speed response capability

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Conventional Detection Limitations

•• Only suitable indoorsOnly suitable indoors•• Only ceiling mountedOnly ceiling mounted•• Unsuitable for high-ceiling structuresUnsuitable for high-ceiling structures

•• Diffusion-based (except HSSD-type extractiveDiffusion-based (except HSSD-type extractivesystems)systems)

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Conventional vs. Optical Flame Sensing

Low

Performance

High

ManualCall

Smoke

FusibleLink

Heat

Rate of Rise

OpticalFlame

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Customer Motivators

•• ActualActualloss/catastropheloss/catastrophe

•• Fire department/AHJFire department/AHJrequirementrequirement

•• Insurance premiumInsurance premiumbenefitbenefit

•• Recognition ofRecognition ofrisk/preventativerisk/preventativemeasuremeasure

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Optical Flame Detectors

•• Sense radiant energy from an open flameSense radiant energy from an open flame•• Provide different performance capabilities depending on typeProvide different performance capabilities depending on type•• Can be packaged “unitized” or “addressable”Can be packaged “unitized” or “addressable”•• Provide varying levels of nuisance alarm rejection capabilityProvide varying levels of nuisance alarm rejection capability

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Electro-Magnetic Spectrum

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Electro-Magnetic Spectrum

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Thermal & Flame Signatures

•• Heated solids & liquidsHeated solids & liquidsprovide continuousprovide continuousspectral distribution curvespectral distribution curve

•• Flames & electricalFlames & electricaldischarges provide narrowdischarges provide narrowdistribution characteristicdistribution characteristicof molecule typeof molecule type

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Thermal Images

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Elements of a Spectrometer

•Measures spectral energy as function of wavelength

Prism

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Gasoline Flame Spectral Signature

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Traditional Detector Cone of Vision

•• ConicallyConically-shaped area extending-shaped area extendingfrom detector opticsfrom detector optics

•• Center axis provides highestCenter axis provides highestsensitivitysensitivity

•• Detection range depends onDetection range depends ondetector & fuel typedetector & fuel type

•• Optimum protection leaves no gapsOptimum protection leaves no gapsin COV layoutin COV layout

•• Adjustable using swivel mountAdjustable using swivel mount

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FM 3260 Performance Requirements

•• Detection range confirmed to a single fire, as listed by Detection range confirmed to a single fire, as listed by mfgrmfgr•• Response time less than 30 secondsResponse time less than 30 seconds•• Field of View (50% minimum range required at off-axis)Field of View (50% minimum range required at off-axis)•• Resistance to Resistance to somesome false alarm sources false alarm sources 100%

50%

0%

Flame detection distance heremust be at least 50% of centeraxis (best) detection distancefor a given fire (fuel) type... x

x

x

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X3300 Cone of Vision

•• Patented optics and algorithms permit extended COVPatented optics and algorithms permit extended COV

•• Fuels typically detected between 70 and 100% of the center axisFuels typically detected between 70 and 100% of the center axis

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Hazard Assessment/Detector Selection

•• Each detector provides different performance capabilitiesEach detector provides different performance capabilities•• IdentifyIdentify and and RecordRecord ProjectProject performance requirements: performance requirements:

•• All fuel type(s)All fuel type(s)•• Fire size(s) that must be detectedFire size(s) that must be detected•• Detection distance (range) requiredDetection distance (range) required•• Required speed of responseRequired speed of response•• All nuisance radiation sourcesAll nuisance radiation sources•• Environmental conditionsEnvironmental conditions

•• Call us for help on special or unusual hazards detectionCall us for help on special or unusual hazards detection

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Fire Size Definition

•• Defined differently depending upon the fuel:Defined differently depending upon the fuel:•• Liquid fuelsLiquid fuels defined by steel pan size, i.e. 1’ X 1’ defined by steel pan size, i.e. 1’ X 1’•• Gaseous fuelsGaseous fuels defined by flame height, orifice size, defined by flame height, orifice size,

pressurepressure•• Solid fuelsSolid fuels defined by weight, size, and pre-ignition defined by weight, size, and pre-ignition config config..

•• Examples:Examples:•• 1’ X 1’ gasoline fire (10kw)1’ X 1’ gasoline fire (10kw)•• 30” methane plume fire from 3/8” o.d. orifice @ 3 30” methane plume fire from 3/8” o.d. orifice @ 3 psi psi (2kw)(2kw)•• Wood crib fire arranged in 8” X 8”Wood crib fire arranged in 8” X 8” sq sq. stack. stack

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Attenuating Materials

•• Some materials that affect flame detector sensitivity:Some materials that affect flame detector sensitivity:•• smoke, dust, dirt-smoke, dust, dirt- UV absorberUV absorber

•• oil & grease - oil & grease - UV absorberUV absorber

•• silicone-based cleaners silicone-based cleaners UV absorberUV absorber

•• standard window glass standard window glass UV absorberUV absorber

•• plastic films plastic films UV absorberUV absorber

•• water/ice/steam -water/ice/steam - IR absorberIR absorber

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Nuisance Alarm Sources

•• welding (arc & gas)welding (arc & gas)•• metal grindingmetal grinding•• high voltage corona and arcinghigh voltage corona and arcing•• electric motor armatureselectric motor armatures•• combustion engine backfirecombustion engine backfire•• lightninglightning•• x-ray, nuclear radiationx-ray, nuclear radiation•• hot turbines, reactors, boilershot turbines, reactors, boilers•• flare stacksflare stacks

UV nuisanceUV nuisanceUV nuisanceUV nuisanceUV nuisanceUV nuisanceUV nuisanceUV nuisanceUV nuisanceUV nuisanceUV nuisanceUV nuisanceUV nuisanceUV nuisanceIR nuisanceIR nuisance

UV/IR nuisanceUV/IR nuisance

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Optical Integrity (Oi)

•• Checks sensor & opticsChecks sensor & optics

•• Ensures 50%+ detection capabilityEnsures 50%+ detection capability

•• Oi ring reflects energy to sensorOi ring reflects energy to sensor

•• Fault relay provides indication ofFault relay provides indication ofOi and other faults (LED’s also)Oi and other faults (LED’s also)

•• Manual and automatic optionsManual and automatic optionsavailable w/ most unitsavailable w/ most units

•• One Oi check per minute typicalOne Oi check per minute typical

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Ultraviolet Technology

StrengthsStrengths•• Responds to hydrocarbon, hydrogen, & sulfur firesResponds to hydrocarbon, hydrogen, & sulfur fires•• Capable of high speed response (<10 milliseconds)Capable of high speed response (<10 milliseconds)•• Solar insensitiveSolar insensitive•• Standard or high temperature optionsStandard or high temperature options

LimitationsLimitations•• Will respond to welding at long rangeWill respond to welding at long range•• May respond to lightning, x-rays, sparks/arcs, & coronaMay respond to lightning, x-rays, sparks/arcs, & corona•• Some vapors and materials will absorb UV transmissionSome vapors and materials will absorb UV transmission

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Single Frequency Infrared Technology

StrengthsStrengths•• Highly immune to optical contaminants like oil, dirt, &dustHighly immune to optical contaminants like oil, dirt, &dust•• Insensitive to welding, lightning, x-rays, sparks/arcs, corona,Insensitive to welding, lightning, x-rays, sparks/arcs, corona,

and solar radiationand solar radiation•• High speed response under 30 milliseconds on some modelsHigh speed response under 30 milliseconds on some models

LimitationsLimitations•• Not suitable for non-carbon based fires.Not suitable for non-carbon based fires.•• Models without TDSA may respond to modulated infraredModels without TDSA may respond to modulated infrared

sourcessources

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Ultraviolet/ Infrared Technology

StrengthsStrengths•• Virtually immune to false alarmsVirtually immune to false alarms•• Half-second response capabilityHalf-second response capability•• Some models provide Some models provide UV onlyUV only & & IR onlyIR only pre-alarm outputs pre-alarm outputs

LimitationsLimitations•• Not recommended for non-carbon fires.Not recommended for non-carbon fires.•• Some vapors and materials will absorb the UV transmissionSome vapors and materials will absorb the UV transmission

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Dual Spectrum Infrared Technology

StrengthsStrengths•• High immunity to false alarms (welding, lightning, x-rays,High immunity to false alarms (welding, lightning, x-rays,

sparks/arcs, corona, and solar radiation)sparks/arcs, corona, and solar radiation)•• Fiber-optic flame detection capability (PM-9)Fiber-optic flame detection capability (PM-9)•• High speed response under 25 milliseconds (PM-5MP+)High speed response under 25 milliseconds (PM-5MP+)LimitationsLimitations•• Fuel-specific flame detection for some models Fuel-specific flame detection for some models (Dual Spectrum)(Dual Spectrum)•• Some models require I.S. barriers for class 1, div 1 areasSome models require I.S. barriers for class 1, div 1 areas•• Some models have mounting location restrictionsSome models have mounting location restrictions

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Multispectrum Infrared Technology

StrengthsStrengths•• Greatest immunity to false alarms (welding, lightning, x-rays,Greatest immunity to false alarms (welding, lightning, x-rays,

sparks/arcs, corona, and solar radiation)sparks/arcs, corona, and solar radiation)•• Long detection range capabilityLong detection range capability•• Superior Cone of VisionSuperior Cone of Vision

LimitationsLimitations•• Long detection range capability (X3300)Long detection range capability (X3300)•• Not suitable for non-carbon based firesNot suitable for non-carbon based fires

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Detection Performance Standards

•• Only Factory Mutual Research (FMR) approves FlameOnly Factory Mutual Research (FMR) approves FlameDetector Performance in USADetector Performance in USA

•• German VDS, Russian VNIIPO, and Polish CNBOPGerman VDS, Russian VNIIPO, and Polish CNBOPcertify Flame Detector Performance in Europecertify Flame Detector Performance in Europe

•• Canadian Standards Association (CSA) andCanadian Standards Association (CSA) andCENELEC only certify electrical safety and hazardousCENELEC only certify electrical safety and hazardouslocation compliancelocation compliance

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Black (hot) body:Black (hot) body: Source of intense IR radiation (heat), such as furnace wallSource of intense IR radiation (heat), such as furnace wall

FACP:FACP: Fire Alarm Control Panel; used for suppression releasingFire Alarm Control Panel; used for suppression releasing

Hydrocarbon:Hydrocarbon: An organic compound containing carbon and hydrogen An organic compound containing carbon and hydrogen molecules.molecules.

Inverse square:Inverse square: Relationship between detection distance to detectorRelationship between detection distance to detector peformancepeformance; i.e. doubling the detection distance results in only; i.e. doubling the detection distance results in only1/4 of the radiant energy reaching the detector1/4 of the radiant energy reaching the detector

NFPA:NFPA: National Fire Protection AssociationNational Fire Protection Association

STAR/ARC:STAR/ARC: Selectable Transient Arc Rejection; Signal processing Selectable Transient Arc Rejection; Signal processing method used to reduce nuisance alarmsmethod used to reduce nuisance alarms

TDSA:TDSA: Time Domain Signal Analysis; Signal Processing Time Domain Signal Analysis; Signal Processing method for IR detector to reduce sensitivity to method for IR detector to reduce sensitivity to modulated infrared sources.modulated infrared sources.

Key Flame Detection Definitions

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DEC Flame Detector Product Family

Single FrequencyInfrared

Detectors

UltravioletDetectors

Ultraviolet/Infrared

Detectors

Dual SpectrumInfrared

Detectors

Multi-SpectrumInfrared

Detectors

U7602E Unitized

C7050 w/-R7404 controllerR7405 controller

U7698E Unitized

C7098 w/-R7484 controller

C7093 w/R7094 controller

U7652 Unitized

C7052J w/-R7494 controller

C7052C w/R7409C controller

PM-5, PM-9 Unitized

No controllerbased system

X3300 Unitized

No controllerbased system

“Pyrotector”Flame/Smoke

Detectors

30-2021 UV30-2054 Ember30-2056 SFIR

30-3003/DNo controllerbased system

Controller-basedSystem

Accessories

U5005 open areaU5006 duct

SmokeDetectors

Q4004 cagesR6006 relay modR6007 relay modR1425 det modQ9001 swivels

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DEC Unitized Flame Detectors

•• All models begin with letter “U”All models begin with letter “U”(except X3300, Dual Spectrum(except X3300, Dual Spectrum(PM-x), and(PM-x), and Pyrotector Pyrotector (30- (30-20xx) products)20xx) products)

•• 2424 vdc vdc power source required power source required•• Internal fire and fault relaysInternal fire and fault relays•• Analog 4-20 ma signalAnalog 4-20 ma signal

available, does available, does notnot indicate indicateflame intensityflame intensity

•• Adjustable time delayAdjustable time delay•• Mounting swivel requiredMounting swivel required

unless integral bracket providedunless integral bracket provided

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DEC Controller-based Flame Detectors

•• Model # begins with “C” whenModel # begins with “C” whenused with controller, i.eused with controller, i.e•• C7050 UV detectorC7050 UV detector•• C7098 IR detectorC7098 IR detector•• C7052J UV/IR detectorC7052J UV/IR detector

•• (4) conductors to controller(4) conductors to controller typ typ•• Shielded cable requiredShielded cable required•• Explosion & weather-proofExplosion & weather-proof•• Mounting swivel required unlessMounting swivel required unless

integral bracket providedintegral bracket provided

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Flame Detection Sensors

•• Both UV and IR sensors installed andBoth UV and IR sensors installed andshipped with each detectorshipped with each detector

•• DE1888A2/B2 are standard UV flameDE1888A2/B2 are standard UV flamedetector sensorsdetector sensors

•• DE5000/6000 series are current IRDE5000/6000 series are current IRflame detector sensorsflame detector sensors

•• Special sensor variations availableSpecial sensor variations available•• Infrared (IR) sensors are static-Infrared (IR) sensors are static-

sensitive, always use ground strapsensitive, always use ground strapbefore handlingbefore handling

•• 290VDC UV operating voltage means290VDC UV operating voltage meansalways kill power before openingalways kill power before openinghousinghousing

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DEC Flame Controllers

•• Model # begins with “R”,i.eModel # begins with “R”,i.e•• R7404 UV controllerR7404 UV controller•• R7484 IR controllerR7484 IR controller•• R7494 UV/IR controllerR7494 UV/IR controller

•• Receive detector signal wiringReceive detector signal wiring•• Provide open-collector transistorProvide open-collector transistor

outputsoutputs•• 2424 vdc vdc input power input power•• Eight fire zones maximumEight fire zones maximum•• Voting “fire logic” output providedVoting “fire logic” output provided•• Multi-controllerMulti-controller databus databus capability capability•• Relay module required for externalRelay module required for external

relay contact outputsrelay contact outputs•• Q4004 mounting cage requiredQ4004 mounting cage required

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DEC Relay Modules

•• Use w/R74xx controllersUse w/R74xx controllers

•• Rack-mount next to controllerRack-mount next to controller

•• All provide form C (DPDT) relayAll provide form C (DPDT) relayoutputs for external signalingoutputs for external signaling

•• R6006 series offer completeR6006 series offer completedisplay and monitoring options;display and monitoring options;inter-module wiring requiredinter-module wiring required

•• R6007 series offers easy install,R6007 series offers easy install,low-cost relay package withoutlow-cost relay package withoutdisplaydisplay

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R1425 Detonator Module

•• Detonates high speed suppression &Detonates high speed suppression &extinguishing system valvesextinguishing system valves

•• Typically used with UV flame detectionTypically used with UV flame detectionsystems only (C7050/R7404 & R6006)systems only (C7050/R7404 & R6006)

•• Two (2) independent firing circuitsTwo (2) independent firing circuitsdesigned to drive rupture discs, explosivedesigned to drive rupture discs, explosivesquibs or solenoid valves.squibs or solenoid valves.

•• Monitors firing circuit field wiring, andMonitors firing circuit field wiring, andprovides fault output if open or short isprovides fault output if open or short isdetected.detected.

•• Accepts inputs from other devices suchAccepts inputs from other devices suchas manual pull stations, heat and smokeas manual pull stations, heat and smokedetectors, and other R1425 detonatordetectors, and other R1425 detonatormodules.modules.

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Dual Spectrum IR Flame Detectors

•• Special applicationsSpecial applications

•• Two Infrared sensorsTwo Infrared sensors

•• Sophisticated signalSophisticated signalprocessingprocessing

•• All “unitized”All “unitized”

•• All requireAll require Intrinisically Intrinisically-Safe-Safebarrier for class 1, div. 1barrier for class 1, div. 1approvalapproval

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Flame Detection Systems

•• Pre-engineered system solutionsPre-engineered system solutions•• Q1020 enclosure w/ cage shownQ1020 enclosure w/ cage shown

•• power distribution wiringpower distribution wiring•• inter-module wiringinter-module wiring•• alarm, fault output wiringalarm, fault output wiring•• pre-testedpre-tested•• electrical/mechanical drawingselectrical/mechanical drawings•• custom system optionscustom system options•• Free-standing enclosures,Free-standing enclosures,

operator consoles, instrumentoperator consoles, instrumentracks also availableracks also available

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Flame Detector Accessories

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Pyrotector Flame Detection Products

•• General lower cost than otherGeneral lower cost than other Det Det--TronicsTronics flame detectors flame detectors

•• Non explosion-proof housingsNon explosion-proof housingsavailable for some productsavailable for some products

•• Infrared ember detector protectsInfrared ember detector protectsagainst fire in air handling systemsagainst fire in air handling systems

•• No user adjustments necessaryNo user adjustments necessary•• No self check or fault output on mostNo self check or fault output on most

devicesdevices•• Ex-proof smoke detectors onlyEx-proof smoke detectors only

photoelectric devices available forphotoelectric devices available forprotection of indoor hazardous areasprotection of indoor hazardous areasand processes.and processes.