TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW
We offer comprehensive linear heat detection solutions through two cutting-edge technologies designed for different applications and environments.
Our linear heat detection systems provide reliable, early-stage fire detection in challenging environments where traditional point detectors may be ineffective or impractical.
DETECTION TECHNOLOGIES
Measures temperatures in real time along the length of the fiber optic cable by transmitting pulses of laser light and analyzing the return signal. Distributed temperature sensing (DTS) allows fast response and precise location identification in the early stages of fire on cable runs up to six miles.
Detects early stages of fire when increased heat melts a heat-reactive polymer which coats two steel conductors. When the two conductors touch, an electrical short occurs and the connected PIM-530 module relays the information to the fire panel.
DETECTION PROCESS
A linear heat cable is strategically routed throughout a large environment, such as a tunnel or warehouse
In the Protectowire cable are two zinc-coated spring steel conductors, individually coated with a heat-sensitive thermoplastic polymer. When elevated temperatures occur, the polymer in that segment of the cable will melt and create an electrical short.
In the Digital Temperature Sensing cable, an optical laser pulse is continuously sent through the fiber optic cable, which results in scattered light reflecting back to the transmitting end, where the information is analyzed and elevated temperatures are quickly identified.
The respective modules will identify the location of the alert and will relay the information to the connected fire panel. Depending on the type of alert, the fire panel may go into alarm, activating horns and strobes or pre-programmed voice evacuation functions to quickly evacuate building occupants. It may also notify nearby occupants of the impending release of suppression systems.
If the fire panel is integrated with building management systems, it may activate ventilation systems, unlock doors and recall any elevators.
If applicable, a releasing panel will activate relays to dispense pre-action sprinkler systems or special hazard suppression such as a chemical agent or water mist onto the specific space identified along the linear heat cable
IDEAL APPLICATIONS
Linear heat cables by Protectowire are also a cost-effective solution in many of the applications below; however, it will not generate real-time temperature data nor can it set specific temperature thresholds along certain segments of the cable.
Used in traffic/rail tunnels to quickly detect vehicle fires or in difficult-to-access electrical cable tunnels to identify the early stages of an electrical fire. Also may monitor temperature spike trends so preventative maintenance may be performed before a fire does occur
Provides real-time temperature monitoring with the purpose of implementing a preventative (and not simply reactive) system that is able to anticipate critical conditions and generate pre-alarms for abnormal temperature conditions.
Routed throughout lithium ion battery racks to identify the early stages of thermal runaway. When certain temperature thresholds are met, the connected Fike fire panel may initialize the BMS system to shut down power to the overheated battery system.
In large, dusty environments where air sampling may be difficult, flexible fiber optic linear heat cables may be strategically routed to detect early stages of fire from electrical shorts, overheated or malfunctioning equipment and most other sources.
Our IBMS specialists can design, deploy, and maintain a connected solution tailored to you.
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