Fire & Security Products
Siemens Flame Detector a highlight in detection
technology.
Keeping a very close eye on nature.
Flames are a fascinating - but at the same time
threatening - natural phenomenon. The magic of
flames has captivated not only artists, but also our
research and development staff.
Flames are a visible distinguishing feature of
fire. Siemens has specialized for decades in
the use of electronic sensors to detect fire.
Let’s take the Siemens flame detector as an
example to illustrate the fascinating methods
modern fire engineering employs to do this.
Flames are like everything else in nature - so
different and yet so similar to each other. But
just what are their unmistakable features?
Imagine the flame of a candle or a cigarette
lighter, or the sea of flames in a heap of
burning wood. So different from each other and yet the same.
Now think of the lighter flame and how it
radiates light regularly when it is undisturbed
Fire phenomena
by wind. However, as soon as you blow into it,
it changes its appearance. It becomes
unsteady and starts to flicker.
Now try to describe the differences.
It’s not so easy!
Yet it is precisely this description which is
crucial for distinguishing a flame from a
deceptively similar phenomenon.
There are lots of these:
reflecting surfaces
intermittently reflected sunlight
glittering objects
rippling pools of water, etc.
A flame detector must not actuate an alarm in
these cases!
Deceptive phenomena
Pattern recognition - a principle of nature
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A simple description of complex phenomena.
“Flame or no flame“? - In order to obtain a precise answer
to this question from an electronic detector, you have to
apply soundly based, scientific methods. This is because
flames appear in endless variety.
Filtering the relevant information from a
Then comes the model of the flickering
multitude of data
flame
Let’s illustrate the problems involved with
Siemens has made an intensive detailed study
another example.
of the “phenomenon of flame“ in its basic
research, and in the process has identified
From a file of millions of fingerprints you are
typical characteristics featuring model
looking for exactly those prints which clearly
behaviour.
identify one specific person. To do so you
need either an army of staff and no time
The model creates a relationship between the
limits - or you find another way.
size of the fire and the flicker frequency of the
flame. The model assumptions are closely
More of that later. You will find the answer
related to the real-life situation and also take
described on the next page.
into account, for example, air currents acting
on the flame.
The first thing that has to be
This dynamic process forms the basis for
understood is: What is a flame?
clearly defining phenomena as “flame“ or “no
flame“. This is ultimately decisive in the
A flame is a physical phenomenon.
detection process for deciding whether to
Its description as a dynamic process
actuate an alarm.
involves a combination of any number of
parameters.
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The patented handshake Fuzzy Logic and Wavelet Technology.
The mathematically correct reproduction of the standard
flame and its parameters is achieved with two procedures.
When combined they produce unique results.
Wavelets
Sensors give mathematically-describable
signals. The comparison of complex forms of
signal development calls for vast computer
capacity. To avoid this, Wavelet Technology is
Flame
Detector
used to break down the signal curve into a
typical sequence of images which can be
described concisely and distinctly. Comparing
different forms of signal development
involves comparing individual sequences. This
comparison of patterns of typical signals is
Wavelets
Signal
analysis
efficient and fast.
Decision
process
Signal
Decision
Algorithms
Alarm
No alarm
Fuzzy Logic
Patented combination
Fuzzy Logic
of Fuzzy Logic and Wavelets:
Digital processes operate with distinct YES /
In the flame detector, the
NO decisions. Something is either red or it is
signals measured are
yellow. However, in nature gradual
compared with the stored
differences are the norm.
similarity factors of genuine
Distinct differences are the exception.
flame signals.
A little red, not so much yellow, or half red
are definable as degrees of affiliation. Related
The advantages are evident:
Highly reliable detection and immunity
to deceptive phenomena
Extremely precise and rapid alarm
decisions
Optimum detector price-performance
ratio
to flames, this means: 30% “flame“ and 70%
“no flame“.
By the way:
The combination of Fuzzy Logic and Wavelet
Wavelet Technology is also used to stabilize
Technology thus enables highly precise and
helicopter flight, to analyse the curves of
yet rapid sample recognition. This is patented
seismic blasting in oil exploration, to verify
and only available from Siemens.
astronomical models, or even to precisely
filter out one fingerprint in a million.
4
More than three magic eyes.
The structural design of the detector is as robust as it is
ingenious. The sensors supply precise data to the
evaluation logic described here.
Two sensors look the flame
in the eye
Two pyrosensors are responsible for
the spectral analysis of the flame. In
the process, the infrared radiant
energy emitted is measured on two
different wavelengths and its flicker
frequency is examined.
▲
▲
The Siemens flame detector
A third sensor observes the
Other outstanding features
is superior thanks to its wide
sunlight
include:
monitoring angle and its
Sunlight is one of the most frequent
Robust mechanical design for use
extensive monitoring area.
interference factors for flame
even under the most difficult
detectors. In order to identify it and
environmental conditions.
eliminate it as a source of deceptive
Temperature ranges from -35°C
alarms, a sunlight sensor is provided.
to +70°C.
Various detection algorithms adjustable on the detector itself for different application
environments.
Detectors in intrinsically safe
enclosures
Siemens flame detectors are also
available as digital comparators
and are thus also suitable for
connection to other manufacturers` control units.
5
“All clear” for Siemens Flame Detectors!
Siemens flame detectors are ideally suitable for
monitoring zones in which outbreaks of open fire
are expected.
Its wide monitoring radius and the detection
even of smaller flames at long distances also
make it the ideal detector for large, open-plan
structures.
Its high immunity to solar radiation and its
solid design mean it can also be used without
any difficulty in the open air:
aircraft hangars
underground chambers
storage facilities containing readily
flammable materials and tank farms
malls
filling plants and transhipment terminals
shopping centres
libraries
garages
ferries
loading ramps
turbine installations and power stations
For detailed technical data, please refer to the
product data sheet available separately.
To manufacturers who wish to improve the
performance, reliability and - at least - the
profitability of their own product range we
offer innovative customized OEM versions of
our products to meet their individual business
and manufacturing needs.
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Siemens Flame Detectors - Technical Overview.
DF1191
with one sensor for indoor applications
DF1192
DF1101 Ex
with three sensors for indoor and
with three sensors for indoor and
outdoor applications
outdoor applications
compatible with all Siemens low
compatible with all Siemens low
compatible with all Siemens low voltage
voltage control units with SynoLOOP,
voltage control units with SynoLOOP,
control units with collective signal
AnalogPlus, collective and conventional
AnalogPlus, collective and conventional
evaluation, together with detection line
signal evaluation
signal evaluation
coupler and shunt Zener diode barrier
Eex ib IIC T4
Typical application examples.
simple storage rooms
large industrial stores
Chemicals production plants
in addition to smoke detectors
Aircraft hangars
Chemicals stores
usable without any interference sources
Arc welding industry
Oil refineries
like sunlight, halogen light, hot body
Power plants
Petrol storrage and pump stations
radiation etc.
Transformer stations
Battery rooms
Printing press rooms
Motor test beds
Atria, Malls
Wood stores
Underground tunnels
Ferries and cargo boats
Ships engine rooms
Accessories.
Rain hood
protects the detector in
outside applications
Mounting bracket
is used to fix the DF at
the correct angle
Test lamp
is used for testing the
operation of the DF on a
range for alarm
activation up to 10m
Test lamp for explosion
hazard areas
is used to carry out a
performance check on
intrinsically safe DF in
explosion-hazard areas
in zones 1 and 2
Ball and socket joint
is used to line up the DF
with the object to be
monitored
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Siemens Building Technologies Ltd.
Fire & Security Products
Alte Landstrasse 411
8708 Männedorf
Switzerland
Tel. +41 1 922 61 55
Fax +41 1 922 64 80
www.sbt.siemens.com/fsp
Divisional Units in Australia, Austria, Belgium,
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Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
Distribution Partners in more than 40 countries.
Fire & Security Products
Subject to change without notice y Order no. Ae30057 y
© Siemens Building Technologies Limited
The information in this document contains general description of the
technical options available, which do not always have to be present
in the individual cases. The required features should therefore be
specified in each individual case at the time of closing the contract.