Multi-spectrum infrared flame detector for easy installation

New configuration device from General Monitors simplifies installation at refineries, fuel loading facilities, and pipelines.

By Peter Welander March 13, 2010

General Monitors flame detector

General Monitors’ popular multi-spectrum infrared (MSIR) FL4000H Flame Detector now features a new housing for easy installation that simplifies wiring and other set-up tasks. The company says that with its next-generation sensor incorporating neural network technology (NNT), the design provides reliable flame monitoring with superior false alarm immunity, a wide field of view (FOV), and one of the industry’s longest detection ranges.

Its improved enclosure design permits cables to be inserted quickly into the base of the unit, which allows the detector to fit in tight corners near ceilings and other structures. General Monitors expects that with simpler installation and the ability to fit into smaller spaces, the FL4000H detector will give process and plant engineers a powerful new tool for protecting people, equipment, and facilities from dangerous hydrocarbon flame sources.

Like the FL4000 before, the new FL4000H combines an MSIR sensor array with NNT processing. The flame detector’s detection algorithm is based on artificial neural networks (ANN), which are mathematical models that correlate certain patterns of infrared and visible radiation with the incidence of flame. The optical IR sensor array and the neural network function together as an adaptive and intuitive decision-making mechanism, which the company says results in one of the industry’s most reliable schemes for discriminating between actual flames and costly false alarm sources.

Because of its accurate and reliable flame detection, the FL4000H sets a high standard for performance, reliability, safety, and value. Now with its new housing design, the flame detector is easier to install and better suited for quick set-ups.

-Edited by Peter Welander, process industries editor, PWelander@cfemedia.com
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