Safety
ability to use Bluetooth communications to make changes to detector settings. It also allows users to retrieve time-based event logging wirelessly. In other words, the FL5000 Flame Detector provides useful information that’s also easy to retrieve.”
Environmental
Factors that degrade performance, such as environmental conditions, also can be a potential problem.
Before installing sensors, consideration should be given to whether there’s a potential for rain, snow, ice, humidity, or condensation on optical surfaces. Consideration should also be given to airborne particles that may land on optical surfaces, because dirt, mud, and oil mist can interfere with performance.
What Makes the FL5000 Multi-Spectrum Flame Detector Unique?
It is the industry’s fi rst optical fl ame detector with Bluetooth connectivity for wireless confi guration and diagnostic testing.
It features multiple infrared (IR) detectors and an advanced fl ame detection algorithm using three artifi cial neural networks (ANNs) to process signals and determine potential hazards.
The detector has the capability to distinguish between real fl ames and common false alarm causes, such as lightning, sunlight refl ections, or other radiation sources.
It includes a built-in, self-check system that can perform optical and electrical checks as much as every two minutes to determine whether the detection path is clear and that its circuits are operational.
The FL5000 Flame Detector can detect fi res up to 310 feet (95 meters) away.
Power Wiring and Electrical Interference
Another challenge present in some installations is long electrical cabling distances that may exist from a centrally located 24 VDC power supply to the farthest detector location. Long cable runs may create a voltage drop resulting in insuffi cient operating voltage at a far location if improper cabling is utilized. It is recommended to always measure the longest cable run distance from the power supply to the detector location and then select the proper conductor size and type that will ensure delivery of a steady 24 VDC operating voltage to all of the detectors. Also, if an existing power supply is planned for use on a system expansion, it is recommended to always calculate the total maximum power load of the additional detectors and devices plus all existing powered devices to ensure the existing power supply has the capacity to support both the existing load plus the new device power load from a cold start up.
Many industrial jobsites include signifi cant sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI) due to strong magnetic fi elds that may emanate from high horsepower turbine engines, electric motors, compressors, and other rotating equipment. For this reason, Opheim recommends using electrically-shielded industrial grade cabling of the proper type and wire gauge size that is properly grounded to ensure maximum EMI protection. Also, he recommends routing all safety system cable runs in a way to minimize parallel proximity exposure to known strong EMI fi eld emitters such as variable frequency drive (VFD) power conductors.
Access
Diffi cult physical access or limited options for optimal mounting can create barriers to troubleshooting and maintenance.
“Access can be a big pain point,” says Opheim. “If you’ve got a working compressor station with a 10,000-horsepower engine, it can be a hot and potentially dangerous environment that nobody wants to be around. Getting detector data from the fl oor via the app is a huge advantage, which is why we included Bluetooth connectivity in the FL5000 Flame Detector.”
“To help overcome these challenges, the FL5000 Flame Detector includes Continuous Optical Path Monitoring (COPM). This feature lets the device perform a self-check every two minutes to help determine whether the optical path is clear, and that the electronic circuitry is functional. COPM does not require manual intervention.”
In addition to COPM, the FL5000 Flame Detector has heated optics, designed to melt away moisture from optical surfaces, as well as an enclosure designed to help keep windblown contaminants off the optics. An optional Rain Guard Visor accessory can offer even greater protection against windblown contaminants.
Challenge #2: Testing and Maintenance
Having a means of physical access for optics cleaning, maintenance, testing, and routine inspection is important. If technicians cannot easily access detectors, routine maintenance becomes more of a challenge.
Opheim explains, “For example, if a detector is mounted at an elevation so high from fl oor that the tri-color LED status indicator cannot be seen, then it’s more likely that the detector will be out-of-sight and out-of-mind for maintenance.”
Other maintenance and testing challenges include:
• Detectors located in places where test lamps can’t easily trigger alarms for system response testing purposes.
• Detectors mounted in locations where cleaning optical surfaces is diffi cult or impossible, thereby inhibiting technicians from responding to a dirty optics fault signal.
“The FL5000 Flame Detector can provide an answer to these challenges,” says Opheim. “Not only does it provide exceptional jobsite coverage without high-elevation installation, thanks to an outstanding FOV, technicians can easily view installation locations and use a handheld test lamp for response testing with no manlift required in most situations.”
Challenge #3: Troubleshooting
The ability to easily assess the operating voltage is important for maintaining optimal performance and can help to ensure continuous fi re protection. Insuffi cient voltage (e.g., voltage that falls below a specifi c threshold) can negatively impact the
Addressing Optical Flame Detection
Challenges Moving Forward With the FL5000 Flame Detector as an example, signifi cant technical advancements have occurred over the past decade that have improved the baseline performance of optical fl ame detectors. Detectors like these can respond faster, can see farther, and can be more immune to false alarm sources.
Of course, technologies will continue to evolve, which means that today’s best-in-class optical fl ame detectors will continue to get even better in the future.
Until then, choose wisely by exploring your options, comparing models carefully, and partnering with safety professionals who can help you properly evaluate your optical fl ame project with a mapping study or jobsite survey.
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performance and reliability of fl ame detectors. Maintaining proper operating voltage helps prevent intermittent performance, reduced sensitivity, and, perhaps, total device failure.
“Having the ability to quickly identify and address voltage issues before they lead to detector malfunction can be key,” says Opheim. “The FL5000 Flame Detector’s Bluetooth communications capability, coupled with our Flame Connect app offers a convenient solution. By allowing real-time monitoring of the detector’s operating voltage without the need for physical access via lifts or ladders, not only is the reliability of the fi re detection system enhanced, but maintenance can also be streamlined, downtime can be reduced, and overall safety can be improved.”
Additionally, the FL5000 Flame Detector’s capabilities include an onboard datalog for alarms, faults, and other events recorded within the detector’s history. This means that end users can easily retrieve valuable insights into device performance history, helping to enable safe and proactive maintenance and troubleshooting.
Author Contact Details Jed Thomas, Content Editor, Environmental Technology Publications • Email:
jed@envirotechpubs.com • Web:
envirotech-online.com
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