New Flame Detector Offers False Alarm Immunity In Offshore Applications

 Designed for standalone operation, the new Flame 3000 from Draeger (Germany) is an explosion-proof Flame Detector. Ideal for use on offshore drilling rigs and platforms, it is unaffected by ice, water, sunlight and water reflection and requires no sunshield or weather protection. Offering a reliable solution to flame detection and false alarm immunity, this advanced image processing detector is also impervious to reflections from process relief flares. In addition, on Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FCPO) vessels, it is immune to false alarms caused by the close proximity of the process flare to the production module and decks.
Believed to offer the greatest coverage area of any flame detector on the market, the Draeger Flame 3000 has a rectangular, pyramid shaped field of view. Representing a radial projection of the sensing element, this extends to 110° horizontal and 80° vertical, with an increased range of 60 metres to an n-Helptane 0.1m2 pan fire.
Housed within a single unit and approved to ATEX, IECEx and FM, the detector combines digital signal processing with software algorithms to process and interpret the characteristics of a flame. These image processing algorithms are so discriminating that the detector is immune to false alarms.
Requiring only one detection sensitivity setting, the Flame 3000 is unaffected by the background radiation found in many industrial environments. Superior false alarm immunity is also possible against common sources of unwanted alarms such as hot processes, hot work, hot CO2 emissions and flare reflections.
Easy to install with a stainless steel mounting bracket that can be rotated to ensure optimum positioning in relation to the potential fire source, it is also flexible in use. In addition to standalone operation, the Flame 3000 can be integrated with a control system or fire panel, via 0 to 20mA or relay outputs, to provide both fault and fire signalling.
Personnel in close proximity to the detector can quickly confirm the system status via a tri-colour LED. Green indicates normal operation, yellow highlights a fault and red warns of the presence of flame.
Functionality testing can be a complicated and difficult process. An advanced optical verification test using the Draeger FS-5000 ensures that the unit remains ready to perform as and when it is needed. Able to activate the Flame 3000 from a distance of up to 8m, this Flame Simulator eliminates the need for scaffolding or ladders when carrying out functional testing and, as a result, further reduces maintenance costs. Developed for use in extreme offshore environmental conditions, the FS-5000 electronics are secured in an enclosure specifically designed for Zone 1 hazardous areas.