Flame detectors typically use technology based on measuring the radiant energy given off by a flame. This energy measurement is done by measuring the IR, UV, or a combination of these wavelengths (UV/IR, IR3, etc.). Measuring the radiant energy given off by a flame has many inherent issues – if the energy is blocked (by humidity, particles, smoke, snow, etc.) it can’t get to the detector, and the detector can’t detect the flame (the detector is “blinded”). If radiant energy – from flares, hot engines/machinery, welding, the sun, etc. – is reflected towards the flame detector it can cause false alarms.
Draeger’s patented visual flame detectors overcome all of the weaknesses of radiant energy flame detectors. Visual flame detectors don’t measure IR or UV energy – they analyze the pixels in an image and can accurately identify a flame. There’s no interference or concerns with the energy being blocked because the detector isn’t measuring radiant energy. There are no false alarms from reflected energy. Draeger’s visual flame detectors record video just before and just after an alarm – the video is visual proof of what caused the alarm. Draeger’s visual flame detectors are FM certified for silane.
