Testing IR/UV flame detectors

[Ron]

Dear Forum

A client of mine is confronted with the demand of the authorities to test it's UV/IR flame detectors by means of an alcohol test fire, which is part of the Dutch NEN 2535 guideline. They are however reluctant to do this, which I can understand and are looking for alternatives. A possible alternative which is discussed with the authorities is using a test lamp. The authorities however are looking for references and more detailed information to ensure that this is a reliable solution.

Does any one of you have experience with this test methodology and could you share information with me.

Thanks in advance

Ron

[Galeon]

Considering why the detectors have been installed and the way they want to test them , a frontal lobotomy would be in order .

If you are in the U.K stick to a more realistic method as you have stated , which means an American test lamp etc.

Smoke and a pancake ?

[jim]

Hi Ron, at risk of declaring the length of my teeth can I just say that during my time off shore in the north sea and other god forsaken holes around the world we used a lot of IR detection not so much UV. The problem we found was with the unwanted response to solar and other spurious UV generating processes and the lack of response to the products of combustion we wanted to detect, however modern combined UV and single frequency IR detectors are far better at rejection of these phenomena.
One thing is important and I think this is why the client is asking for the performance test he is, is that the particular liquids ethanol or methanol have different properties vis products of combustion when burned and the client would need to be assured that his particular risk was being mitigated. I assume that by carrying out a  fire test using this product  which was successfully detected by the IR/UV detector he would be satisfied.
Be careful though if attempting this it must be done under controlled conditions.

[Big_Fella]

If you speak with the manufacturers, they will say the way to test the detection is by means of a test lamp, which is the norm.

Although we have had some scenarios (big military establishments) where such devices are used to protect helicopters in hangars and they wanted to see a 'live' test with a tray of fuel ignited to ensure the detectors activated.

The hangar did hold 12 helicopters at £1 mill, each so I am not suprised.

What environment is these UV/IR detectors in i.e. what are they protecting?

[GregC]

I have nearly used these types of detectors but dont know much about them.

One of the places I did look at for info was www.sense-ware.com

Might help you out if they have recommended tests that your client accepts.

[Big_Fella]

The test lamp replicates the light spectrum given by the flame, of which the detector is looking for