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0 INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this handbook is to provide information on the various types

of flame and gas detectors available.

Although Ampac has created the handbook, and represents Det-Tronics, it

does not relate specifically to our products and it is intended to be used as
a guide for all manufacturers’ equipment and systems.

It should be noted that the information is to be used as a reference only

and that when specifying equipment for a project, it is best to consult with
the end user and the manufacturer to ensure the most appropriate
equipment is selected.

Additional copies of the handbook are available on request, as are in house

presentations, or just call one of our customer service offices for more
information.
HEAD OFFICE
PERTH MELBOURNE BRISBANE SYDNEY
AMPAC
AMPAC INDUSTRIES P/L AMPAC INDUSTRIES P/L AMPAC INDUSTRIES P/L INDUSTRIES
P/L
UNIT 4/33
97 WALTERS DRIVE 422 JOHNSTON STREET UNIT 3/121 KERRY ROAD NYRANG ST
OSBORNE PARK ABBOTSFORD ARCHERFIELD LIDCOMBE
WESTERN AUSTRALIA 6017 VICTORIA 3067 QUEENSLAND 4108 NSW 2141
PH: 61 (02)
PH: 61 (08) 9242 3333 PH: 61 (03) 9416 4111 PH: 61 (07) 3216 6654 9648 4933
FAX: 61 (02)
FAX: 61 (08) 9242 3334 FAX: 61 (03) 9416 4227 FAX: 61 (07) 3216 7498 9648 4932

Email: info@ampac-ind.com.au

Website: www.ampac-ind.com.au

We acknowledge Jim Russell, Principal Instrument Engineer for Woodside Energy Perth Western Australia and Mark Sutherland,
Product Manager for Detector Electronics Corporation for their assistance in creating this handbook.

2.0 FLAME DETECTORS

Most fire detection technology focuses on detecting heat, smoke (particle

matter) or flame (light) – the three major characteristics of fire. All of these
characteristics also have benign sources other than fire, such as heat from
steam pipes, particle matter from aerosols, and light from the sun. Other
factors further confound the process of fire detection by masking the
characteristic of interest, such as air temperature, and air movement. In
addition, smoke and heat from fires can dissipate too rapidly or accumulate
too slowly for effective detection. In contrast, because flame detectors are
optical devices, they can respond to flames in less than a second. This
optical quality also limits the flame detector as not all fires have a flame. As
with any type of detection method its use must match the environment and
the risk within the environment.

Typical applications for optical flame detectors are;

o Wherever highly combustible materials are involved

o Where there is a need for instantaneous response to flame
o Wherever unsupervised areas require automated fire protection
o Where there is a large capital investment to be protected

Examples of actual installations are;

o Gasoline transport loading terminals

o Pipeline pumping stations
o Refineries
o Aircraft hangers
o Automotive paint spray booths
o Munitions production facilities
o Jet engine test cells
o Offshore drilling and production platforms

There are three types of flame detectors currently available. They are
Infrared (IR), Ultraviolet (UV), and a combination of UV and IR. The
spectrum below shows the relationship between these frequencies and
visible light.

2.1 INFRARED SINGLE FREQUENCY FLAME DETECTORS

Infrared detectors have been available for many years, however, it has only
been in recent times that technology has allowed for stable, accurate
detection to occur. There are two types of Infrared detectors, single
frequency and multi spectrum.

The basic principle of operation for a single frequency IR detector is;

The detector is sensitive to a narrow band of radiation around the 4.4

micron range which is a predominant emission band for hydrocarbon
fuelled fires. Additionally, the sun’s radiation at this band is absorbed by the
earth’s atmosphere, making the IR flame detector solar blind. Single
frequency detectors use a pyroelectric sensor, which responds to changes
in IR radiation intensity. In addition they incorporate a low frequency band
pass filter, which limits their response to those frequencies that are
characteristic of a flickering fire. In response to a fire signal from the
sensor, electronic circuitry in the detector generates an output signal.
Strengths of the single frequency IR detector are;

 Highly immune to optical contaminants like oil, dirt, and dust

 High speed response under 30 milliseconds for some brands
 Insensitive to solar, welding, lightning, X-rays, sparks, arcs and corona

Limitations of the single frequency IR detector are;

 Generally not suitable for non-carbon fires

 Some brands will respond to modulated infra-red sources
 Rain, ice and water vapour on the detector lens will inhibit detection

2.2 INFRARED MULTI SPECTRUM FLAME DETECTORS

The basic principle of operation for a multi spectrum IR detector is;

The detector has three sensors, each sensitive to a different frequency of

radiation. The IR radiation emitted by a typical hydrocarbon fire is more
intense at the wavelength accepted by one sensor than the other two.
Electronic circuitry in the detector translates the difference in intensity of
the three sensors to a ratio, that along with a synchronous flicker must be
present before a fire signal is produced. This allows the detector to reject
high intensity flickering black body radiation sources since these sources
will not meet the proper ratio criteria.

Strengths of the multi spectrum IR detector are;

 Virtually immune to false alarms

 Fire response in the presence of modulated infra-red black body radiation
with some brands
 Long detection range (60 metres to some fires)

Limitations of multi spectrum IR detector are;

 Typical response time is longer when compared to single frequency

detectors

IR detectors are sensitive to most hydrocarbon fires (liquids, gases, and solids).
Fires such as burning metals, ammonia, hydrogen and sulphur do not emit
significant amounts of IR in the detector's sensitivity range to activate an alarm. IR
detectors are suitable for applications where hydrocarbon fires are likely to occur
and high concentrations of airborne contaminants and / or UV radiation sources
may be present. The detector should be used with caution when the presence of hot
objects and the potential for ice build up on the detector are likely.
2.3 ULTRAVIOLET FLAME DETECTORS

A UV detector uses a sensor tube that detects radiation emitted in the 1000 to 3000
angstrom (one ten billionth of a metre) range. It is important to note that ultraviolet
radiation from the sun that reaches earth starts at 2800 angstrom. If the detector's
sensor has a wide range then it will be triggered by the sun’s rays, which means it
is only suitable for indoor use. There are sensors available with a range of 1800 to
2500 angstroms. Virtually all fires emit radiation in this band, while the sun’s
radiation at this band is absorbed by the earth’s atmosphere. The result is that the
UV flame detector is solar blind. The implication of this feature is that the detector
can be used indoors and outdoors. In response to UV radiation from a flame that
falls within the narrow band, the sensor generates a series of pulses that are
converted by the detector electronics into an alarm output.

Strengths of the UV detector are;

o Responds to hydrocarbon, hydrogen and metal fires

o High speed response – under 10 milliseconds
o Solar insensitive

Limitations of the UV detector are;

o Will respond to welding at long range

o May respond to lightning, X-rays, sparks, arcs, and corona
o Some gases and vapours will inhibit detection
o Some UV sensors have a wide detection range resulting in solar false
alarms

UV detectors are sensitive to most fires, including hydrocarbon (liquids,

gases, and solids), metals (magnesium), sulphur, hydrogen, hydrazine and
ammonia. The UV detector is the most flexible general purpose optical fire
detector available. They are fast, reliable, have few false alarm sources and
respond to virtually any fire.

2.4 ULTRAVIOLET / INFRARED FLAME DETECTORS

A UV/IR detector consists of an UV and single frequency IR sensor paired

to form one unit. The two sensors individually operate the same as
previously described, but additional circuitry processes signals from both
sensors. This means the combined detector has better false alarm rejection
capabilities than the individual UV or IR detectors.

Strengths of the UV/IR detector are;

 Virtually immune to false alarms

  High speed response – under 500 milliseconds
 Solar, welding, lightning, X-rays, sparks, arcs, and corona
insensitive

Limitations of UV/IR detector are;

 Not recommended for non carbon fires

 Some gases and vapours will inhibit detection due to blinding
of the UV sensor

Since the UV/IR detector pairs two sensor types, it will typically only detect fires
that emit both UV and flickering IR radiation. UV detectors will respond to
virtually all fires including hydrocarbon (liquids, gases, and solids), metals
(magnesium), sulfur, hydrogen, hydrazine and ammonia. IR detectors typically
only respond to hydrocarbon fires. Since the IR detector is not sensitive to burning
metals, ammonia, hydrogen and sulfur the combined unit will not respond to these
fires.

The detector is suitable for applications where hydrocarbon fires are likely and
other sources of radiation may be present (X-rays, hot surfaces, arc welding). They
maintain constant protection while arc welding takes place. The UV/IR detectors
are highly reliable with fast response times and low propensity to false alarms.

2.5 WHAT DO I CONNECT A FLAME DETECTOR TO?

Flame detectors can be connected in 4 different ways to provide varying

degrees of information.

Stand Alone – the detector is fitted with internal relays that provide alarm
and fault outputs. When the detector senses a fire it activates warning
devices and some method of fire suppression. This is the simplest method
of connection and while the detector does have LED status there is not any
remote indication in the event of a fire or if the detector fails.

Fire Alarm Panel – the detector is connected to a Fire Alarm Panel (FAP)
as part of an overall site detection system. Warning devices and
suppression systems can be operated, the advantages are that the power
supply to the detector is monitored, and indication of the detector status is
centralised.

Control Panel – the detector is connected to a dedicated flame detector

control panel, this is used when the site does not have a Fire Alarm Panel.
This system offers the same advantages as a FAP.
Monitoring System – the detector provides a 4-20mA output that connects
to a site monitoring system. The output provides multiple alarm and fault
conditions. The advantage of this system is that the flame detectors can be
incorporated into a system that is monitoring other functions on the site
such as air conditioning.

2.6 FLAME DETECTOR INSTALLATION

As with all fire detectors the placement of flame detectors is determined by

the environment that they will be operating in. What appears to be a good
place to locate a flame detector on paper may be a poor location in reality.
Some of the factors to consider are;

1. The viewing angle of the detector

2. The detection range
3. Obstructions such as girders, beams, supports,
hoists, air conditioners and other solid objects will
block the cone of vision and / or hinder access for
service
4. All high risk fire ignition areas must be covered by
at least one detector
5. Adequate detector coverage will ensure that ‘voids’
in the optical coverage do not occur
6. Optimum detector mounting height is a function of
the height of the most likely point of fire ignition

When designing a system we recommend that a manufacturer be

contacted as details can be provided on previous installations of a similar
nature. This will ensure that the correct number of detectors is provided to
ensure the most suitable detection.

2.7 FLAME DETECTOR SELECTION

When selecting which type of flame detector to use there are 6 questions to
be answered;

1. What is the area that I’m protecting (aircraft

hanger, storage tank, turbine enclosure etc)?
2. What are the dimensions of the area that I’m
protecting?
3. What are the anticipated sources of fire?
Each type of fuel, when burning produces a flame with specific radiation
characteristics. The detector must be chosen for the type of fire that is probable.
For example, a UV detector will respond to a hydrogen fire but an IR detector will
not.
 4. What other sources of radiation will be
present?
Radiation sources other than fire are present in many applications. For example,
arc welding is often performed in an industrial area. IR or UV/IR detectors will
ignore arc welding where a UV will false alarm. Each application must be
assessed to determine if any such sources are present before choosing a
detector.

5. What will prevent the detector from detecting

a fire?
Industrial environments often contain elements that inhibit the ability of a detector
to ‘see’ a fire. For example, a build up of ice on an IR detector will reduce the
detector's range. A build up of oil on a UV detector will reduce its range. Other
obstructions such as pipes, partitions, air conditioners etc will block the optical
viewing area. If a fire started on the other side of a partition it would not be
detected.

6. How fast must the detector respond to a fire?

UV detectors can respond to a fire as fast as 10 milliseconds.
Other detector types such as IR and UV/IR typically take
between one and five seconds to respond.

Once these questions have been answered the type of

detector required will become evident. As previously
stated we recommend that the manufacturer be
contacted for verification and further site specific
information.

It should be noted that not all flame detectors available

offer the same features and level of protection, important
considerations are;

1. Frequency Band – a wide band will initiate

more false alarms
2. Range – at what range will the detector
detect a fire
3. Viewing Angle – at what distance and angle
will a fire be detected
4. Cone of Vision – will the detector have the
same range over a 90 degree span
5. Optical Integrity – how does the detector
monitor the sensor and lens
6. Serviceability – can the detector be serviced
on site or does it need to be returned to the
manufacturer
7. Construction / Mounting – is the detector
construction suitable for hazardous areas, is
there sufficient movement in the mounting
 bracket to ensure the sensor will be aimed at
the source
8. Indication – does the detector have on-board
visual indication
9. Outputs – does a fault condition over ride an
alarm trigger
10. Heating – does the detector have
heated optics to prevent ice build up
11. Discrimination – does the detector
have electronic capacity to distinguish
between black body emission, flickering
phenomenon, and flame

3.0 GAS DETECTION

Gas detection is an important element in an overall protection plan for life

and property. It is often used in conjunction with other forms of fire
detection such as smoke, heat and flame detectors.

Typical applications for gas detectors are;

Wherever highly combustible gases are involved

Where there is a need for instantaneous response to gas

Where there is a large capital investment to be protected

Examples of actual installations are;

 Mines
 Refineries
 Ship Hulls
 Sewage Plants
 Manufacturing Plants
 Pipeline pumping stations
 Gas transport loading terminals
 Offshore drilling and production
platforms

There are three types of gas detectors currently available. They are
Catalytic, Electrochemical and Infrared (IR).

3.1 CATALYTIC GAS DETECTORS

Catalytic sensor technology uses a pair of computer matched elements in a
Wheatstone bridge circuit. Combustible gases and vapours are detected as
they oxidise on the active catalytic element. This reaction produces a
differential voltage that is proportional to the gas concentration present up
to its lower explosive limit (LEL).

Strengths of the catalytic detector are;

Comparative low cost

Responds to virtually any flammable / combustible gas

Limitations of catalytic detector are;

Routine calibration is required for effective protection

Sensors do ‘wear out’ over a period of time

Will not sense non combustible gases

Sensors can be poisoned

3.2 INFRARED GAS DETECTORS

Infrared gas detection is used to detect combustible levels of hydrogen

gases and vapours, based on the absorption of energy by hydrocarbons.
There are two types of detection, point and open path. A point type detector
is located as close to the risk as possible and samples around the risk eg a
storage tank. In the detector a beam of IR energy is emitted between a
source and detector, any attenuation caused by hydrocarbons in the short
beam being electronically processed to give a reading in LEL. Commonly a
reference beam is utilised to overcome any reduction in beam intensity due
to of the optics being impaired eg fog, and temperature changes.

Strengths of the point infrared detector are;

Responds to many hydrocarbon gases

Highly resistant to poisoning and etching

Limited maintenance required

Long sensor life – some manufacturers offer a 5 year warranty

Minimal drift
Unaffected by oxygen depleted or enriched environments

Limitations of the point infrared detector are;

Can not measure non hydrocarbons eg hydrogen

Open path or line of site detectors have a similar principle of operation to

that of the point type detector. However, it is a two part detector (transmitter
and receiver), the IR beam is transmitted over a long distance (up to 150m)
and they give a reading in LEL meters. Open path detectors can be used
as an electronic fence around the perimeter of a facility to detect an
escaping gas cloud.

Strengths of the open path infrared detector are;

Ideal for open areas without obstructions

Covers large areas – minimising wiring and multiple detectors

Limited maintenance required

Fast response time

Limitations of the open path infrared detector are;

Can not measure non hydrocarbons eg hydrogen

3.3 ELECTROCHEMICAL GAS DETECTORS

Electrochemical sensors are designed to be highly selective and are

capable of detecting concentrations in the parts per million range. Gases
detected include oxygen, hydrogen sulphide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen
dioxide and sulfur dioxide. The sensors utilise multiple electrodes
immersed in an electrolyte. As gas diffuses into the sensor an
electrochemical reaction occurs, which produces a current that is
proportional to the gas concentration.

Strengths of the electrochemical detector are;

Cost effective protection

High sensitivityLimitations of the electrochemical detector are;

Require a certain amount of humidity to correctly function

Sensors ‘wear out’ over time

Sensors can be poisoned by foreign material

3.4 WHAT DO I CONNECT A GAS DETECTOR TO?

Gas detectors can be connected in 3 different ways to provide varying

degrees of information.

Stand Alone – the detector is fitted with internal relays that provides alarm
and fault outputs. When the detector senses the set level of gas it activates
warning devices. The unit can have LED indication, however, the
disadvantage of a stand alone configuration is that in the event of an
emergency or fault there is no central remote indication.

Control Panel – the detector is connected to a dedicated gas detector

control panel. This panel may contain single cards with analogue and
digital displays so as to provide centralised monitoring of multiple detectors.
Warning devices can be operated from the panel, another advantage is that
the power supply to the detectors is monitored.

Monitoring System – the detector provides a 4-20mA output that connects

to a site monitoring zsystem. The output provides multiple alarm and fault
conditions. The advantage of this system is that the gas detectors can be
incorporated into a system that is monitoring other functions on the site
such as air conditioning.

3.5 GAS DETECTOR INSTALLATION

As with all detectors the environment that they will be operating in

determines the placement of gas detectors. What appears to be a good
place to locate a gas detector on paper may be a poor location in reality.
Some of the factors to consider are;

The gas to be detected, some gases are heavier than air, therefore, the
detector must be located near the floor.

Obstructions such as girders, beams, supports, hoists, air conditioners and

other solid objects may interfere with the flow of gas to the detector.

All high risk areas must be covered by at least one detector

Airflow within the area may prevent the gas from reaching the detector.

When designing a system we recommend that a manufacturer be

contacted as details can be provided on previous installations of a similar
nature. This will ensure that the correct number of detectors is provided to
ensure the most suitable detection.
3.6 GAS DETECTOR SELECTION

When selecting which type of gas detector to use there are 6 questions to
be answered;

What is the area that I’m protecting (storage tank, pumping station, manned
or unmanned, etc)?

What are the dimensions of the area that I’m protecting?

What are the anticipated gases?

What type of gas is most likely to cause an emergency, The detector must be chosen for the type of gas that is probable.

What other sources of gas will be present?

Interference/background gases can effect the sensor‘s reading

What will prevent the detector from detecting gas?

Industrial environments often contain elements that inhibit the ability of a detector to ‘smell’ gas. For example, obstructions such as
pipes, partitions, air conditioners etc can prevent detection taking place.

What are the long term plans of the area?

This will assist in determining if the detector will be effected by future changes in the environment and confirm the service requirements.

 Once these questions have been answered the type of detector required
will become evident. As previously stated we recommend that the
manufacturer be contacted for verification and further site specific
information.

It should be noted that not all gas detectors available offer the same
features and level of protection, important considerations are;

Display – what information is displayed at the detector and in what format

Poisoning – is the sensor resistant to foreign materials

Serviceability – can the detector be serviced on site or does it need to be

returned to the manufacturer

Calibration – can calibration take place without declassifying a hazardous

area

Construction – is the detector construction suitable for hazardous areas

Outputs – how many outputs are available for connection to monitoring /
warning systems – low, high, auxiliary and fault

Options – are options available to protect the sensor against, rain, dust, etc