There are two main technologies for flame detection: UV/IR (Ultraviolet/Infrared) and MSIR (Multi-Spectrum Infrared). Both rely on line-of-sight detection of radiation emitted by flames in the UV and/or IR spectral bands.
UV/IR Flame Detection
Principle of Operation: A UV optical sensor is combined with an IR sensor to provide a dual-band detector sensitive to ultraviolet and infrared radiation from a flame. When both sensors detect radiation, the flame detector sounds an alarm.
- Capable of high-speed responsiveness to both hydrocarbon and hydrogen-fueled flames
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, with detection range and coverage area depending on the fuel type and selected sensitivity
- Airborne debris and thick smoke might impact response time
- Ideal for applications requiring a shorter detection range but broad coverage area
MSIR Flame Detection
Principle of Operation: Multi-Spectrum Infrared Flame Detectors combine various infrared spectral sensitivity frequencies to improve the detection of hazardous hydrocarbon flames and enhance false alarm rejection in demanding industrial environments.
- Artificial Neural Network Technology provides greater accuracy and efficiency in hydrocarbon flame detection. Fires are often detected at a longer range than UV/IR detectors, although the field of vision is shorter
- Suitable for applications in which airborne soot or smoke may precede an open flame/fire ignition
- Provides excellent coverage for scenarios requiring extended detection range
FL5000 Flame Detector
The FL5000 MSIR Flame Detector extends the detecting range and reduces false alarms.
The MSA General Monitors® FL5000 is an innovative multi-spectrum infrared (MSIR) flame detector with excellent false alarm discrimination over extended distances. It uses a multi-spectral optical IR array and advanced Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) to accurately distinguish between actual flames and the vast majority of false alarm sources.
FL500 UV/IR Flame Detector
Image Credit: MSA - The Safety Company
The FL500 Ultraviolet/Infrared Flame Detector provides a compact form of high-speed flame detection with higher false alarm immunity.
The FL500 UV/IR Flame Detector detects radiation from a flame in both the ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) wavelengths. This UV/IR combination delivers rapid response time and higher false alarm immunity against radiation sources, ensuring dependable protection.
FL500-H2 UV/IR Flame Detector
Image Credit: MSA - The Safety Company
The FL500-H2 is an Ultraviolet/Infrared flame detector specifically designed to detect hydrogen (H2) fires. It monitors the radiation emitted by hydrogen flames in both the UV and IR spectral ranges. This combination of UV and IR detection ensures a fast response time while enhancing immunity to false alarms from other radiation sources, offering reliable protection.
TL105 Test Lamp
Image Credit: MSA - The Safety Company
The TL105 is a battery-powered, explosion-proof test light designed to test all General Monitors Flame Detectors, including (but not limited to) the FL5000, FL500, FL4000H, and any FL3100 Series detector. It operates at distances of up to 35 feet from the flame detector.