Tips to Prevent False Flame Detector Alarm

Gastech micropack FDS 301 visible flame detector with live color video

Figure 1: Gastech mircopack visible flame detector.



Flame detectors respond to exposure to radiation from the radiant energy emitted by a fire. Because radiant energy travels at the speed of light, flame detectors have the ability to act quickly. Flame detectors are divided into ultraviolet detectors, infrared detectors, flame flicker and flame photoelectric detectors.

The probe of the flame detector has strong anti-interference ability to lightning, sunlight reflection, arc welding, heating objects, etc. However, in actual use, in order to reduce the impact of false alarms on production stability, we still need to investigate possible interference factors and prevent them as much as possible. It is recommended to pay attention to the following points during daily use and maintenance:



Furnace flame detector probe replaces Goodman, AP4513976, 0130F00010

Figure 2: Goodman flame detector probe.



Tips for Maintaining Flame Detectors

1. When there is welding at the job site, carefully select and isolate the area covered by the flame probe.

2. Check the heating sources such as lighting fixtures within 0.9 meters of the flame probe to prevent the influence of equipment heating.

3. Pay attention to the fixed heat source area in the main engine room and the turbine unit skid. Be aware that operator movement may cause false alarms from the flame probe.



Scenes of engine rooms which need good flame detectors

Figure 3: Engine rooms need good flame detectors.



Background infrared interference refers to interference from fixed heat sources such as turbine casings, finned fan coolers, etc. The infrared interference of the probe to the fixed heat source is suppressed by filtering and algorithm. When a person or object moves back and forth between the fixed heat source and the probe, the modulated infrared wave generated may cause the probe to falsely alarm.

4. Pay attention to the influence of the walkie-talkie on the flame probe. It is recommended not to use the walkie-talkie (send key) within 0.3 meters of the flame probe.

5. Check the state of the shielding layer of the flame probe cable to prevent skin breakage, damage, etc., and prevent external electromagnetic interference.

6. During daily maintenance, pay attention to the cleaning of the inspection and self-inspection probe lenses. After the lens is contaminated, the intelligent probe will correct or compensate the probe's fire monitoring algorithm according to the pollution situation. This may lead to a decrease in the noise immunity of the probe, resulting in false alarms.



A sample of Rosemount 975 flame detector

Figure 4: Rosemount flame detector.



7. During preventive maintenance, pay attention to the inspection of internal wiring, rainproof, shielded wire and ground wire. Reasonable installation of shielded wire and ground wire can prevent the influence of external interference factors such as thunder.

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