Fire detection using infrared detection technology and thermal imaging cameras is the right choice for open fires, smoldering fires and overheated parts. This method is used when the view is clear and for example when smoke cannot be reliably detected.

In many cases, it is not certain that the smoke or gases from the location of the fire will reliably reach the location of the detector. Often an open window, a gate or a strong ventilation system is enough to prevent detection with the help of smoke or gas detectors. Here, optical detection technology is an alternative to fire gas detectors: If there is a clear view on the objects to be monitored, a heated, overheated or burning area can be detected immediately by means of a thermal image – and at a detection speed that is tenths of a second, i.e. “instantaneously”. This means that even moving objects can be monitored, e.g. embers on a conveyor belt.

Typical detection scenarios for optical monitoring:

• Hot-running aggregates, motors, rollers, gears, etc.
• Glow nests in stored goods or on a conveyor belt, for example in a recycling plant
• Spontaneous combustion processes in stored biomass
• Storage of rapidly combustible materials

The detectors are robust and also available in variants for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Under particularly adverse ambient conditions, such as in dust environments with simultaneous high humidity, it must be ensured that the detector heating is in operation and that purge air is applied to a detector. Purge air can be used to extend the cleaning intervals due to contamination.