Responds in seconds
It reads the flame directly rather than waiting for smoke to arrive.
detection
Flame Detection Systems
See the fire itself, in seconds — for fuel handling, process areas and outdoor zones where a flammable fire gives almost no smoke to detect.
Overview
What Is Flame Detection?
Smoke detection assumes a fire smoulders first. Many do. A flammable liquid or gas fire does not: it ignites, reaches full size in seconds and produces little smoke while releasing an enormous amount of radiant heat.
A flame detector looks for the fire itself. Flames emit a characteristic pattern of ultraviolet and infrared radiation that flickers at a frequency quite unlike steady heat or light. The detector watches its field of view for that signature and responds without waiting for anything to travel.
- It sees radiation, not smoke Response does not depend on combustion products reaching a sensing chamber.
- Matched to the fuel UV, IR and multi-spectrum types are selected for what is actually handled on site.
- Built to reject look-alikes Welding arcs, hot work, hot surfaces and sunlight are discriminated against.
- Works where smoke cannot Outdoor and high-airflow areas, where smoke would be carried away before detection.
Operation
How Flame Detection Works
01
Watch the area
The detector monitors a cone of view covering the hazard.
02
Read the signature
It measures UV and IR radiation and the flicker frequency of the source.
03
Discriminate
Several wavelengths are compared so welding, sunlight and hot surfaces are rejected.
04
Alarm and response
A confirmed flame signals the panel and can trigger deluge, shutdown or interlocks.
Benefits
Why Choose Flame Detection?
Suited to fast fires
Designed for flammable liquid and gas fires that reach full size almost immediately.
Rejects false sources
Multi-wavelength discrimination against welding, hot work and sunlight.
Works outdoors
Effective in open and high-airflow areas where smoke detection cannot.
Coverage by sight line
Designed as a field of view from the hazard, not as a ceiling grid.
Drives an automatic response
Interfaces to deluge release, emergency shutdown and plant interlocks.
Applications
Applications Across Critical Environments
Flame detection is specified where a release could ignite and the response has to be automatic and immediate.
Fuel handling and storage
Loading, decanting and tank areas where a release could ignite.
Industry detailProcess and chemical plant
Reactors, solvent handling and areas with flammable inventory.
Industry detailTurbine and generator halls
Lubricating oil and fuel systems around rotating plant.
Industry detailPaint and finishing lines
Spray booths and drying ovens with flammable vapour.
Industry detailFlammable goods storage
Warehouses holding solvents, aerosols or fuel products.
Industry detailAircraft and vehicle hangars
Large open structures with fuel present and high airflow.
Industry detailAlso used on offshore and onshore installations, LPG facilities and waste handling. The detector type and its placement follow the fuels present and the lines of sight available, which the site assessment establishes.
Configuration
Inside a Flame Detection System
- Flame detector heads UV, IR or multi-spectrum, selected per hazard and mounted to cover it.
- Mounting and aiming hardware so the field of view covers the release point and stays covering it.
- Hazardous-area enclosures where the classification of the area requires them.
- Fire alarm panel interface plus interlocks to deluge, shutdown and plant control where required.
- Fault and window-contamination monitoring so a dirty or obstructed optic reports rather than fails quietly.
- Design, commissioning and maintenance including line-of-sight survey and functional testing at handover.
Products
Products We Supply
The flame detection range we are an authorised partner for.
Our services
End-to-End Flame Detection Solutions
- Site assessment and risk review walking the actual space before anything is specified.
- System selection and application engineering matching the technology to the environment and the risk.
- Line-of-sight survey and detector aiming so the coverage you pay for is the coverage you get.
- Integration with existing fire alarm systems including the cause-and-effect for any linked response.
- Installation, testing and commissioning with the installed system proven on handover.
- Preventive maintenance and technical support under AMC, with a documented service record.
Compliance
System Integration and Compliance
Standards and approvals
Flame detection in classified areas is applied alongside the hazardous-area rules of the IS/IEC 60079 series as well as the fire detection requirements for the building.
In India the installation sits within NBC 2016 Part 4, and the completed system forms part of what your state fire service assesses for the fire NOC. EN 54-10 is the relevant European standard for flame detectors.
We confirm product approvals and area classification suitability against the certification held by the specific model proposed, and against your consultant's specification.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What facility and project teams usually ask about flame detection.
Still have a question?
Speak directly with one of our fire safety engineers.
Call +91 88795 33000What is a flame detector?
A device that responds to the ultraviolet and infrared radiation a flame emits, rather than to smoke. It reacts in seconds because nothing has to travel to it.
Why not just use smoke detectors?
A flammable liquid or gas fire produces very little smoke and develops in seconds. Smoke detection would respond only once the fire was already fully developed.
Will welding set it off?
A correctly selected detector discriminates against welding arcs, hot surfaces and sunlight by comparing several wavelengths and the flicker frequency. Selection is the critical part.
UV, IR or multi-spectrum — which?
It depends on the fuels present and what else is in the field of view. Multi-spectrum types are usual on working plant because they discriminate best.
How is coverage worked out?
From the hazard outward. Each detector protects a cone of view, so the design follows where a release could occur and what might obstruct the line of sight.
Can it trigger suppression automatically?
Yes. Flame detection is commonly interlocked to deluge release, emergency shutdown and plant interlocks, which we commission and prove as one sequence.
What do you need to quote a project?
The fuels and process involved, area classification, a layout showing where a release could occur, and whether it is a new installation or an upgrade.
Engineered to your hazard class
Protect High-Hazard Areas with Flame Detection
Talk to our team about a flame detection solution matched to your fuels, your area classification and your shutdown philosophy.