Infrared flame sensor

Types of infrared flame sensors

Infrared flame sensors are essential instruments used in different industries, especially manufacturing and production. They come in different forms corresponding to various applications. The following types of infrared flame sensors are widely known:

• Indoor Flame Sensors: Indoor environments require the use of an infrared flame detector that is designed to be used indoors. Such sensors have specifications that are suitable for indoor use. They are designed to offer sufficient protection and guarantee dependable performance under typical indoor conditions. Indoor infrared flame sensors may not be rugged or as durable as outdoor sensors. This is understandable, given that indoor settings typically have less exposure to environmental elements like weather, dust, and moisture. Also, they tend to be more affordable.
• Outdoor Flame Sensors: Outdoor infrared flame sensors are made for flame detection in open spaces. They come with weatherproof casings that shield internal parts from environmental elements, enabling them to function optimally in virtually any outdoor setting. Furthermore, these sensors are designed to have a detection range that is sufficient to meet outdoor application needs. Because outdoor environments might house big fires, infrared flame sensors used outside have increased resilience to intense fires and quicker reaction rates.
• IR/UV Flame Sensors: These sensors use a mix of infrared (IR) detection and ultraviolet (UV) radiation to identify flames. The optimal performance of IR/UV flame sensors is speed and accuracy in flame detection. Additionally, these sensors offer protection against false alarms caused by non-flame events. For instance, the sunshine, lightning, or electric arcs.
• Multi-spectral Flame Sensors: Multispectral flame sensors offer real-time monitoring by analyzing multiple spectral bands emitted by flames. They provide precise flame detection and location identification, minimizing the risk of false alarm events. Multi-spectral flame sensors boast a wide detection spectrum, they can detect various types of flames, including hydrocarbon, alcohol, and bioflame. Additionally, their rapid response times make them appropriate for applications requiring immediate action to be taken whenever a flame is detected.

Specifications and Maintenance of Infrared Flame Sensors

Specifications

• Sensor types: Ionization flame sensors work by detecting the electric current produced by combustion. Infrared flame detectors, on the other hand, rely on the detection of infrared radiation emitted by a flame. The type of flame sensor can affect detection speed and accuracy.
• Voltage: Voltage refers to the electric power flame sensors need to run. Flame sensors typically operate on low voltage (12 - 24V DC), allowing safe use in various environments. High voltage sensors may be used in some industrial applications but require more careful handling.
• Control module: Flame sensors connect to control modules via two-wire or three-wire connections depending on how they send information about detecting a fire. Two-wire sensors simply indicate 'yes, there is a fire' or 'no, there is not', while three-wire sensors provide more details about the type of fire. The control module then decides what actions should be taken, such as activating alarms or extinguishing systems.

Maintenance

• Regular Testing: Infrared flame sensors should be tested regularly to ensure they function as intended. This can be done by simulating a flame in front of the sensor or using a test flame generator.
• Calibration: If the sensor's sensitivity setting may need to be adjusted based on environmental changes or the presence of new equipment. Regularly calibrate the sensor to ensure it remains responsive to actual flames.
• Inspect the area around the sensor for potential obstructions that could block its view of a fire developing. Make sure there are no cables, dust, smoke, or other materials in the sensor's line of sight. If anything does get in the way, it should be removed promptly so the sensor remains able to detect flames.
• Training for personnel who work near flame sensors is also important. They should be made aware of the locations of these sensors and the need to keep their views clear at all times. Proper signage should be put in place to alert people to this fact as well. Training is essential for preventing dangerous situations from occurring where sensors may become obstructed without anyone knowing.

Scenarios

The infrared sensor for flame detection has several application scenarios across different industries where fire hazards are a significant concern. Here are some key application scenarios where IR flame sensors are commonly used:

• Oil and Gas Industry

  In the oil and gas industry, IR flame detectors are widely used for fire detection and monitoring. For example, they are typically installed in pipelines, offshore platforms, gas processing plants, refineries, and gas compression stations. IR flame detectors can promptly and reliably detect fires caused by gas leaks, oil spills, equipment malfunctions, or sparks and provide early warnings to prevent potential catastrophes.

• Industrial Manufacturing

  In the manufacturing industry, particularly in factories dealing with flammable materials, IR flame sensors play a crucial role. They are used in places such as chemical production facilities, power plants, boiler rooms, and paint booths. IR flame sensors can promptly detect fires, allowing for automatic shutdowns of production lines, ventilation systems, and other equipment to prevent the spread of the fire and protect personnel and property safety.

• Fire Prevention in Buildings

  In the fire prevention systems of buildings, IR flame sensors are frequently employed as part of the fire alarm system. They can be installed in places like hotels, shopping malls, office buildings, and underground garages. The sensors can quickly detect flames and smoke, enabling the fire alarm system to function independently, thereby alerting occupants, and facilitating timely evacuation and firefighting efforts.

• Aviation and Transportation

  In the fields of aviation and transportation, IR flame sensors are essential components of safety monitoring systems. They can be utilized in areas such as airports, airplane engine rooms, railway tunnels, and subway stations. The sensors can promptly detect potential fire hazards such as aircraft engine failures, overheating, or combustion, allowing for early warnings and immediate incident response to ensure the safety of passengers and facilities.

• Marine and Shipbuilding

  IR flame sensors find applications in marine and shipbuilding industries as well. They are used in ship engine rooms, cargo holds, and flammable material storage areas. The sensors can detect fires early, preventing further developments and providing immediate alerts to safeguard crew members and vessel safety.

How to choose infrared flame sensors

When choosing flame sensors, buyers need to consider a couple of things to ensure they are settling for what will meet their specific needs. First off, they should assess the application requirements. By this, they must ensure they know the type of sensor they need for their specific application. Also, they must determine the sensor’s sensitivity and response time needed for the application. Next, they should also consider the installation requirements. They should consider whether the sensor will be mounted, integrated into existing systems, or remotely located. After this, they should check the sensor's compatibility with the monitor they intend to use. For a safe and reliable choice, buyers are advised to opt for sensors from reputable manufacturers with a proven track record in flame detection technology. They should ensure the sensor has been tested and certified by relevant standards-setting organizations. To further ensure they are making a good choice, buyers should also take the time to read reviews from other users who have already used the sensor in their application.

Infrared flame sensor Q&A

Q1: Why is an infrared flame sensor better than photoelectric smoke detectors?

A1: Infrared flame detectors have the upper hand over photoelectric smoke detectors when detecting fires, mainly because they react to the visible evidence of flames, which are the light, heat energy, and combustion process. Meanwhile, photoelectric smoke detectors primarily rely on smoke. This fundamental difference allows infrared sensors to respond to fires more swiftly and without delay.

Q2: Does an IR sensor emit radiation?

A2: No, an infrared sensor does not emit radiation. It just receives and detects the radiations emitted by the flame.

Q3: Are infrared sensors reliable?

A3: Yes, infrared sensors are generally considered very reliable fire detection devices. As mentioned above, they respond to flames very quickly, minimizing the risk of delayed detection and alarm activation. Furthermore, their selectivity makes them less prone to false alarms caused by non-flame-related phenomena.

Q4: Can infrared sensors detect all types of flames?

A4: Yes, IR sensors are designed to detect a broad range of flames, including those generated by burning liquid, gas, solid, and chemical fuels.