Advances in the technology of optical flame detectors, combined with experience in an ever widening range of situations and with new correct specific application knowledge available, have led to optical flame detection’s growing acceptance as today's leading method of rapid and reliable fire detection.

Most fire detection techniques focus on the three major characteristics of a fire: heat, smoke or flame. However, these can also be emitted by non-fire related sources such as heat from steam pipes, airborne particulate matter radiation and sunlight.

Other factors such as air temperature or movement can mask accurate detection by heat and smoke detectors, which also fail to give effective timely protection in large buildings, with high ceilings and outdoor applications due to rapid dissipation or slow accumulation of heat and smoke.

In contrast, because flame detectors are optical devices, they can respond to flames in less than a second.  Although there can be limitations where there is no flame, such as smoldering fires, by using the ultraviolet and infrared portions of the radiation spectrum they provide the fastest and most reliable detection for most types of fires while discriminating against false alarm sources.

Traditionally used in the petrochemical industry, and now the preferred choice on offshore installations, refineries, gas turbine enclosures and road tanker loading racks, they are also offering new solutions to fire protection in wide-ranging applications such as aircraft hangars, warehouses, waste paper storage, atria and even sports arenas.

Click on  the link, Selecting Flame Detection Systems for more detailed information. 

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