Thermal Imaging Fire Detection Cameras

[Gary Howe]

Does anybody have any unbiased technical information on the features/benefits/limitations of either fixed or pan/tilt industrial thermal imaging cameras. I have managed to obtain some info (see below), however I am struggling to find out any more!

"Automatic fire detection for external sites has proved difficult in the past and has usually been restricted to UV and IR detectors, however using an adaptation of the thermal imaging cameras used by the Fire Brigade in search and rescue operations. Industrial thermal imaging cameras can relay a real time image to a CCTV monitor; the images can also be relayed to a central station during unoccupied periods.

The cameras can be either fixed, or can be fitted with a pan and tilt head to gain greater control and coverage of a much larger area.  Detection temperatures are adjustable and at the lower levels they will detect hot spots on motor vehicles and forklift truck engines so care is needed in selecting the operating temperatures and also the type of response generated during working hours.

Typical applications for this equipment are waste paper storage, wood chip, rubber tyre storage, petrochemical processes, coal production and storage, plastics, flammable liquids and LPG storage. "

Can anyone help?

Regards


Gary

[Ashley Wood]

Gary,

I can not tell you much myself but can point you towards someone who can.

I have been working recently on road tunnel protection and am aware that these types of devices are being used on some M25 road tunnels. Contact the highways agency as they maybe able to help.

Best regards

Ashley Wood

[Peter Wilkinson]

Here's something from 'Flight International' publication, 13/07/04

Cameras zoom in to aid cabin smoke detection

Researchers say video system is faster at triggering alarm than conventional sensors

A US/UK industry team is working on an aircraft on-board smoke detection system that uses video cameras designed to trigger an alarm more quickly than conventional sensors.

Used for cabin and hold surveillance, the small monochrome cameras incorporate infrared illuminators to enable software to detect the movement of smoke in the picture. UK video smoke detection specialist Intelligent Security and US security camera company AD Aerospace are testing their Smoke Vu system.

They claim that smoke can be detected faster with cameras because it does not have to come into contact with any sensor. The software can detect changes to the pixels of a static scene, such as an aircraft hold. Pixel change that reflects smoke movement through the atmosphere can be identified by the software.

Ian Moore, Intelligent Security managing director, says the company is talking to airliner manufacturers including Airbus and Boeing about video camera-based on-board smoke detection systems.

The UK company has already supplied similar systems to British Airways. These are installed in two maintenance hangars at London Heathrow airport. The system is useful for hangars because the large open space makes conventional contact sensor detection difficult. The cameras can also detect smoke coming from an aircraft parked on the outside apron.

The cameras were developed through a joint effort with nuclear power generator BNFL, for the company's large turbine halls, and tested in the former R101 airship hangar in Cardington, UK. Hangar installations for Qantas and South African Airways are pending.