S08 HSSRME 4 2021 Fire Safety_Layout 1 20/10/2021 06:07 Page 22
fire protection
Flame detectors for
effective fire suppression
Image Credit: Adobe Stock
Nishant Thankappan, business development manager – Analytical & Detection, Emerson Automation Solutions, discusses the critical role of flame detectors, outlining the main flame detector technologies and when to use them.
M ABOVE: Many plants and facilities contain flammable liquids and gases that pose a fire hazard.
22
any plants and facilities deal with large quantities of flammable and explosive liquids and gases that, even with the application of best practices, are prone to equipment and operator errors, causing leaks and resulting in fires. The first step to battling a blaze is to recognise when it is happening by selecting and
applying the right detectors for spotting flames, with little to no false alarm conditions. A flame detector that activates an automated fire suppression system can prevent potential incidents by cutting off the fuel source and extinguishing the fire to minimise equipment damage, personnel injury, and environmental impact.
The flame detector also alerts first responder plant personnel to arrive at the scene promptly. Fire detection and prevention can be carried out immediately before incidents escalate with effective safety systems and personnel training. Plants of the past used to depend mainly on human operators to trigger firefighting efforts. Today,
ISSUE 4 2021 | www.hssreview.me
