Fenwal Control's Detect-A-Fire units play a central role in many fire protection systems. These devices have been something of a standard of the industry for over 45 years. Hundreds of thousands of these units are now in use controlling the release of fire suppression agents such as FM200, CO2, water, wet or dry chemicals and foam. In some systems the device is used as an alarm device, to sense overheating or fire. This alarm then alerts personnel. It is used as a release device in other systems, to sense fire and activates fire attack systems.
Some of the success of Detect-A-Fire units may be attributed to their rate compensation. This provides a unique advantage over both fixed temperature and rate-of-rise types of detectors, because the Detect-A-Fire unit accurately senses the surrounding air temperature regardless of the fire growth rate. The system is activated at the precise predetermined danger point.
Fixed temperature detectors must be completely heated to alarm temperature, and therefore a disastrous lag in time may occur with a fast rate fire. The rate-of-rise devices are triggered when there is an increase in ambient temperature and are subject to false alarms caused by harmless, transient thermal gradients such as the rush of warm air from process ovens.
The secret of this unit's sensitivity is in the design. The outer shell is made of a rapidly expanding alloy, which closely follows changes in surrounding air temperature. Designed to resist thermal energy absorption and sealed inside the shell, the struts, which are made of a lower expanding alloy, follow temperature changes more slowly.
A slow rate fire will heat the shell and struts together. At the 'set point' the unit will trigger, actuating the alarm or releasing the fire attack system, such as fire extinguishers. A transient rush of warm air causing a casing temperature increase rate of up to 72°C/min may expand the shell, but not enough to trigger the unit. By ignoring transient warm air excursions, the Detect-A-Fire unit virtually eliminates false alarms prevalent with rate-of-rise devices.
The Detect-A-Fire units are available in a vertical or horizontal format, and Temperature Controls is the sole agent in SA for Fenwal Controls.
For more information contact Andy Brown, Temperature Controls, 011 791 6000, [email protected]
Three ways to conduct thermal inspections Comtest
Temperature Measurement
There’s no universal solution for all infrared inspections with a Fluke thermal camera, also known as a thermal imager. You need to match your method to the type of equipment you’re inspecting and the level of detail you require.
Read more...Modern N1020 temperature controller
Temperature Measurement
Temperature control is a fundamental aspect of maintaining the integrity and quality of products in industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals and healthcare. The N1020 temperature controller, designed for precision and reliability, addresses the stringent requirements of these sectors by offering advanced features and robust functionality.
Read more...Safer, simpler temperature measurement ABB South Africa
Temperature Measurement
ABB has launched an enhanced version of its NINVA TSP341-N non-invasive temperature sensor, delivering safer and simpler temperature measurements for applications in the chemical, oil and gas industries.
Read more...Smart high-precision pyrometers
Temperature Measurement
LAND, a business of AMETEK, has expanded its range of SPOT+ smart high-precision pyrometers with the launch of the M390, M3-5 and TMT for wider temperature measurement capabilities.
Read more...Detecting lubrication issues in gearbox testing by IR monitoring
Temperature Measurement
Lubrication is crucial for every transmission gearbox. Thermal imaging cameras such as Instrotech’s PI 640i can quickly and accurately detect temperature variations to ensure that gearboxes are appropriately lubricated.
Read more...Is the HVAC market in SA missing the big picture? Iritron
Temperature Measurement
The South African HVAC market is currently grappling with a pervasive mindset that prioritises lowest cost over value for money and technical excellence. However, this approach overlooks the significant benefits that come with investing in high-quality HVAC solutions.
Read more...Temperature monitoring in dairies ifm - South Africa
Temperature Measurement
Milk is a natural product whose processing requires precise temperature settings. The Berchtesgadener Land dairy uses innovative temperature sensors from ifm in key process areas.
Read more...High definition thermal imagers on steam crackers
Temperature Measurement
AMETEK Land’s high-definition thermal imaging system, the NIR-B-2K, has been selected by one the world’s largest ethylene producers for installation on multiple liquid-feed cracker furnaces.
printer friendly version