Flame Sensor

A Flame Sensor comprises of Infrared sensor (IR), capacitor, resistor, potentiometer and comparator within an integrated circuit. It has the potential to track infrared light with an estimated wavelength of 700 nm to 1000 nm. Users could adjust the sensitivity via an onboard variable resistor. Flame sensors are designed to track and respond to the presence of a flame, fire. 

What are the uses of a flame sensor?

The response time of a flame sensors is based upon the installation. They are primarily used in industrial applications like gas furnaces. It would make sure that the device is working effectively. Owing to its mechanism, the response time of a flame detector is quick and accurate when compared to a heat detector. 

UV detectors and Near IR Flame detectors

Ultraviolet detectors function through tracking the UV radiation emitted upon ignition. On the other hand, Near IR array flame detectors incorporate flame recognition technology to confirm the presence of fire. This process is executed by examining IR radiation with the help of charge-coupled equipment. Near IR sensor is not vulnerable to water as well as water vapor. 

Pyroelectric sensors, which are functioning at this wavelength, are cost-effective. Lights emitted from a fire create a picture of the flame within a matter of seconds. These flames are identified through digital image processing. It is later analyzed using created video from nearby IR images.

Infrared detectors (IR)

IR flame detectors are capable of detecting flames through the emission of gases in varying patterns. It is tracked using a special thermal imaging camera. A false alarm could be triggered due to hot external surfaces and thermal radiation from outdoor settings. Traces of water on the detector’s lens and constant exposure to sunlight might minimize the accuracy of the device.

What are infrared thermal cameras?

Infrared thermal cameras are primarily used to detect heat and hot spots within a specific spot. It helps in preventing the outbreak of fire and functions well even during nights. 

UV/IR detectors

The above-mentioned detectors are highly sensitive to UV and IR wavelengths. It would help reduce false alarms.

Dual IR flame detector

Dual IR Flame detectors are used to compare the threshold signal in dual infrared images. It is capable of tracking the emission of CO2.

IR3 flame detection

The detector has the potential to leverage algorithms in reducing the effects of radiation emitted from the background. A flame sensor operates at a temperature between 25 degrees and eighty-five-degree centigrade.

Testing the flame sensors

Make use of a lighter or match stick to detect the presence of the flame. As soon as the lighter is moved closer to the sensor, the analog pin would read the values and display the output. The onboard LED of the flame sensor would immediately activate and deactivate upon sensing the flame. Despite being sensitive to flame, it is capable of tracking its presence even in harsh climatic conditions. State-of-the-art technology is implemented in tracking industrial fuels like gasoline, hydrogen, solvents, and textiles.