For a long time, users operating critical facilities relied on traditional sensing technology for fire and smoke detection. But sensors, effective as they are, have certain limitations. It is against this backdrop that some users have turned to video image fire detection, which holds certain advantages over sensors.
For a long time, users operating plants, factories and other critical facilities relied on traditional sensing technology for fire and smoke detection. But sensors, effective as they are, have certain limitations. It is against this backdrop that video image fire detection has gained wider market acceptance among users.
One advantage video image fire detection holds over traditional sensors is quicker detection time. Aided by a special algorithm, the system literally “sees” fire or smoke rather than sensing it once smoke reaches a sensor that is usually mounted on the ceiling. “The analytics are detecting in the entire field of view of the camera, usually from floor to ceiling, while other detectors must be installed at the ceiling and must wait for the smoke to reach them. In some cases smoke does not reach conventional smoke detectors due to stratification.” said Rick Jeffress, Director of Business Development at Fike. “Conventional spot detectors cover an area of 900 square feet, however approved coverage for video image detection is 7,800 square feet and greater using a performance based design.”
“Video is becoming a trend in fire detection because it can help to close gaps where existing codes of practice have ‘blind spots' due to a lack of adequate technologies. This is particularly evident when fire detection takes too long, for example due to high ceilings,” said Sören Wittmann, Product Manager for Special Detectors at Bosch Security Systems. “Video-based fire detection can detect flames and smoke within the monitored area within seconds and regardless of ceiling height. Thanks to its optical detection, video-based fire detection does not have to wait until smoke or heat has reached its mounting position as is the case with classic fire detection.”
Another advantage of video image fire detection is ease of installation and maintenance, which can facilitate installers and repairmen as they perform their tasks. “Video image detection cameras are easy to install on walls or perimeters of facilities, and the annual maintenance is performed through software rather than simulated at each camera,” said Jeffress. “Many choose video image fire detection in hazardous areas since annual maintenance is performed through software, and there's no need to go into the room with the detector. Setup of systems is often performed with factory support remotely with screen sharing to assure smooth and quick configuration, commissioning and handover.”
Also, video image fire detection can better withstand pollutants or other harmful agents in critical areas. “In contrast to existing smoke detection technologies, video-based fire detection is robust against dust and humidity – a combination that very quickly pollutes standard technologies,” Wittmann said.
Due to the nature of the technology, video image fire detection is favored by facilities with large, open spaces. “Our solution is suitable to protect high-value objects or hazardous environment, for example oil refineries, power plants, warehouses and airport hangars,” said Peter Jen, President of GKB Security. “We have more than hundreds of success cases through the past 10 years, including Formosa Plastics and Australian airports. These environments have successfully caught fire by video image detection, which has prevented huge losses resulting from fire disasters.”
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