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How do flame detectors work?

Published in Fire Safety Technology 1 min read

Flame detectors work by sensing specific characteristics of a fire. One type, the Ultra-Violet (UV) flame detector, operates by detecting the UV radiation a flame emits.

Understanding UV Flame Detection

The core principle behind a UV flame detector is its ability to identify UV radiation produced at the point where a fire ignites. This method is effective because almost entirely all fires emit UV radiations.

The Detection Process

When a UV flame detector encounters the UV radiation from a fire, the sensor within the detector responds. Here's a simplified breakdown of the process:

  1. Sensing UV: The specialized sensor detects the presence of ultra-violet radiation from the flame.
  2. Generating Signals: Upon detecting UV radiation, the sensor generates a series of electrical pulses.
  3. Alarm Conversion: Detector electronics receive these pulses and convert them into an alarm output, signalling the presence of a fire.

This process allows UV detectors to quickly identify flames based on their unique UV signature.

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