Working Principle
Flame sensors primarily detect flames by analyzing the Ultraviolet (UV) and/or Infrared (IR) radiation they emit.
- UV Flame Sensors: These sensors detect the UV radiation emitted at the moment of ignition (typically in the 180–260 nm range). They are extremely fast but can be prone to false alarms from other UV sources like lightning, welding arcs, or intense sunlight.
- IR Flame Sensors: These sensors detect the Infrared radiation emitted by hot gases (such as the CO_2 emission from hydrocarbon fires). They generally require the flame to be flickering to distinguish it from other hot surfaces.9 IR sensors are less prone to false alarms from sunlight and can often see through moderate smoke.
- UV/IR and Multi-Spectrum IR (MSIR) Sensors: These detectors combine multiple sensors (UV and IR, or multiple IR wavelengths) and use sophisticated algorithms to compare the signals. This is done to increase accuracy, reject false alarms from non-flame sources, and detect a wider range of fuel types.
Applications
Flame sensors are crucial safety devices in environments where rapid fire detection is essential, or where traditional smoke/heat detectors are ineffective due to environmental factors.
| Application Area | Purpose |
| Industrial Safety | In refineries, chemical plants, offshore platforms, and hangars to quickly detect hydrocarbon fires and explosions. |
| Furnace/Boiler Control | To confirm the presence of a pilot or main flame, ensuring the burner operates safely and cutting off the fuel supply upon flame failure. |
| Automotive & Robotics | In fire-fighting robots or certain vehicle safety systems for immediate flame localization. |
| Gas Appliances | Used in commercial and domestic gas heating systems and cookers. |
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