Optical Flame Detection for Gas Turbine Enclosures
September 16th, 2009
Optical flame detectors are ideal for rapid fire detection in turbine enclosures. Properly placed detectors can spot and annunciate fires quickly before they cause damage.
Most current ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR), UVIR, and multi-IR detectors see fires that are typically associated with turbine enclosures: natural gas, propane, fuel oil, and lubrication oil. Therefore, selecting a detection technology for use in a turbine enclosure depends more on false-alarm rejection and maintenance. For that reason, multi-IR and IR detectors are generally preferred.
While determining the proper technology for turbine enclosures, also consider these challenges:
Global acceptance – If a turbine design will be used in multiple locations around the world, consider the ease of global acceptance by reviewing third-party approvals earned by the detectors and system.
High temperature – Temperatures inside a turbine enclosure can exceed 170ºF (77ºC) with the highest temperatures found above the turbine exhaust. Electronic equipment, including optical flame detectors, should be mounted away from the highest temperature areas.
Oil mist and smoke – Ruptured lube oil lines can coat the turbine enclosure and be the source of smoldering fires. UV and UVIR detectors lose detection range when oil is deposited on the UV sensor window and also when smoke is present. IR detectors are less affected by smoke and oil mist.
Restricted view – Because optical flame detectors must be in direct line of sight in order to “see” a fire, consider obstructions when selecting detector locations.
View a guideline of technology preferences for turbine enclosures.
If you have questions, please contact us at rss@det-tronics.com.
Email This Post to a Friend
