Optical Integrity: A Detector’s Ability To See Its Own Faults.
March 19th, 2009
Most optical flame detectors have a method to indicate that they are not operating correctly – an LED or an online alert. If the detector does not indicate a fault, you might believe the detector is alert and watching for possible hazards.
But how do you know the detector is not blinded by ice, oil, or another obstruction? And how do you know the sensor is functioning?
Det-Tronics’ optical self-checking features is called optical integrity (oi). This useful feature applied, for example, to an IR flame detector indicates if an IR absorbing material on the detector eye has reduced the effectiveness of the detector.
When you consider a detector that claims it has an optical self-checking system, ask these questions to determine how well the feature will work in your application:
+ Does the self-check system simply verify that the window is clean? Or is it checking sensor operation?
+ Does the self-check system use the same wavelength as the actual fire to be seen? If not, the system will fail to appropriately indicate that it is blinded.
+ At what percent reduction in signal will the system indicate the detector is blinded? For example, if a Det-Tronics detector range is reduced by 50%, it indicates an optical fault.
+ If a substance, such as ice, begins to reduce the range of the detector, will the detector be able to clear itself of the material? Det-Tronics detectors heaters clear the eye of ice and water.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at rss@det-tronics.com.
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