820-0003
IPES IR3 Flame Detector
Operating Manual
Page
11
of
37
5.0 Performance Characteristics
Figure 5-1: IPES-IR3 Components
Appearance
The IPES‐IR3 consists of an explosion‐proof casing with sensors to detect electromagnetic radiation from flames at three poin
ts
within a spectr
al window of 4.0 to 5.0μm. Detection is performed using Infrared Sensors that capture heat and radiating gas
sign
atures emitted by fire. Significantly, the IPES‐IR3 can detect fires fueled by hydrocarbon‐based liquids and gase
s that may
not be visible to the human eye.
The basic technology is well tested and used for many devices designed for human interaction. These include night vision
equipment, FLIR navigation assist, and Spectral Telescopes used in astronomy.
The IPES‐IR3 uses microprocessors with prop
rietary algorithms that transform the detected signal into industry standard analog
and digital communication signals, alarms indicators.
Response Time
The IPES‐IR3 response time detecting radiation emitted by test sources of n‐Heptane combustion in a 12” x
12” (0.3m by
0.3m) pan, and ethyl alcohol combustion in a 12” x 12” (0.3m by 0.3m) pan, at a distance of 150 f
eet (46 meters) does not
exceed 30 seconds.
The sensitivity and response time can be varied in order to reduce unwanted “noise” when the IPES‐IR3
identifies a fire, or
the distance to the probable place of fire is short (“near/far” and “slow/fast” modes).
Generation of Alarm
Signals
The IPES‐IR3 takes the following parameters into consideration when generating an alarm signal:
•
Magnitude of signals from different optical channels
•
Ratios between the signal amplitudes of different channels
•
Signal modulation frequency
•
Phase relationships among the channels
