Fire detectors are devices that detect an increase in room temperature and inform people so that required steps may be performed before the room catches fire. Fires are sometimes caught as well, but before they get out of control, fire detectors notify people to take prompt action. Fire detectors are life savers wherever they are put, and they are more crucial on marine ships since ships are constantly moving away from land in the sea, and in the event of an emergency, only restricted actions can be performed. So, before things get out of hand, it’s critical for the fire department on board to be aware that the ship is at risk of catching fire and this is where the role of a fire detector becomes crucial
Different type of fire detectors and their detailed working
There are many types of fire detectors and they work differently in different scenarios. They are discussed below
- Smoke detector
A smoke detector detects the existence of a fire by detecting smoke, which is a byproduct of the fire. Photoelectric or ionization principles can be used in smoke detectors. To detect the presence of smoke, a photoelectric type detector employs a light source, a light detector, and an insect screen. An ionization type detector, on the other hand, uses the radioactive isotope americium 241 as an ionization source. Ionization smoke detectors are more sensitive to smoke produced by a live fire, whereas photoelectric smoke detectors are more sensitive to smoke created by a smoldering fire.
- Heat Detector
A heat detector is a device that detects the presence of fire in situations when a smoke detector is ineffective, such as when there is a lot of dust or moisture in the air. It is a cost-effective, fire-resistant building that can withstand varying or extreme environmental conditions.
Since it does not detect the presence of smoke, which is responsible for the majority of fire-related deaths, a heat detector is typically utilized when property protection is a top priority. On the other side, the best feature is that most heat detectors are linked to fire suppression systems, allowing fires to be extinguished in record time.
- Flame detector
While smoke and heat detectors look for the byproduct of flame or fire to detect fire, a flame detector looks for the presence of flame to identify fire. A flame detector is made up of an optical detector that detects and responds to the presence of flame fire using ultraviolet and infrared rays emitted by the flame.
A flame detector is utilized in situations where an immediate response is required, such as while working in a high-temperature environment, dealing with highly flammable materials, or in an unsupervised equipment room. The disadvantage of such a fire detector is that it only works in the event of a flame fire, and it has a propensity to provide false alarms for nearby arch welding.
- Multi detector flame identifier
When saving both life and property, it is not always possible to employ only one detector; this is especially true in industrial areas. A smoke detector detects fire by measuring the amount of smoke produced during the combustion process. A flame detector, on the other hand, detects fire based on its flame.
A multi-detector fire detection system is implemented in commercial locations to increase overall efficiency and minimize detection time. Many times, a single device can carry a variety of detectors. Various combinations of fire detectors are utilized in various locations, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. SO, by just installing a multi detector flame identifier, many fire hazards can be detected and minimized.