Intelligent video flame detectors are better suited than traditional optical flame detectors for aircraft hangars due to their lower risk of false alarms. IVFDs use video analysis rather than CO2 detection to identify fires, so they are not triggered by jet engine exhaust or other common sources. When combined with 3D hazard mapping software, IVFDs can provide enhanced detection coverage while requiring fewer detectors. Recording capabilities allow IVFDs to investigate the cause of alarms. Viking offers the VSF301 IVFD and engineering support services to help implement effective fire detection systems in aircraft hangars.
Intelligent video flame detectors are better suited than traditional optical flame detectors for aircraft hangars due to their lower risk of false alarms. IVFDs use video analysis rather than CO2 detection to identify fires, so they are not triggered by jet engine exhaust or other common sources. When combined with 3D hazard mapping software, IVFDs can provide enhanced detection coverage while requiring fewer detectors. Recording capabilities allow IVFDs to investigate the cause of alarms. Viking offers the VSF301 IVFD and engineering support services to help implement effective fire detection systems in aircraft hangars.
Intelligent video flame detectors are better suited than traditional optical flame detectors for aircraft hangars due to their lower risk of false alarms. IVFDs use video analysis rather than CO2 detection to identify fires, so they are not triggered by jet engine exhaust or other common sources. When combined with 3D hazard mapping software, IVFDs can provide enhanced detection coverage while requiring fewer detectors. Recording capabilities allow IVFDs to investigate the cause of alarms. Viking offers the VSF301 IVFD and engineering support services to help implement effective fire detection systems in aircraft hangars.
The Importance of Fire Detection in Aircraft Hangars
Aircraft hangars are themselves valuable — a high-spec han-
gar alone could cost $3M (USD)to construct. That cost pales in comparison to the value of the items inside. A civilian aircraft like the Boeing 777-9 is priced at $442M, while the cost of a single US military aircraft can reach $1B.
Clearly then, the importance of securing a hangar against fire
related accidents that could damage its contents is paramount. That‘s easier said than done. Aircraft hangars are also hotbeds for fire hazards. The presence of jet fuel and other hydrocarbons, refueling, and moving aircraft all pose dangerous risks.
Severe damage to an aircraft from a large fire can occur within
under a minute, but expansion foam can take longer than two The Issue of False Alarms minutes to sufficiently fill the hangar and suffocate fire at the top The risks associated with traditional optical flame detectors of a small aircraft. That‘s why it is critical to accurately identify a demonstrate the need for a more effective detection system fire as soon as they start. with a lower risk of activation caused by false alarms: Optical Flame Detectors in Hangars CO2 Optical flame detectors are well suited to aircraft hangars‘ Traditional optical flame detectors like MSIRs and IR3s identify unique conditions and are therefore widely used. Detectors flames by responding to the presence of hot CO2 in the air. of this kind have wide fields of vision, allowing them to detect flames from a distance of over 40m. But in an aircraft hangar environment, where jet engines and motors are in frequent use, this is hardly an ideal detection That‘s ideal when you consider hangars‘ high ceilings, where method. identifying a fire on the ground from a long distance could otherwise be difficult. High ceilings also pose a risk of thermal Sunlight Desensitization stratification, which can often thwart heat detectors‘ ability to identify fires. While sunlight won‘t generally trigger false alarms in optical flame detectors, it might impair them, as they can become An additional benefit of optical flame detectors is their capacity desensitized when exposed to too much sunlight. to recognize fires faster than smoke or heat detectors: usually within 10 seconds of a small fire breaking out. That‘s a big problem in hangars, whose wide doors are often kept open during the day to facilitate the moving and main- While they have many benefits, traditional optical flame detec- tenance of aircraft. tors like multi-spectrum infrared detectors have certain key flaws, mainly related to false alarms. Blackbody Radiation from Planes/Engines Optical flame detectors may trigger false alarms due to black- body radiation from aircraft or service vehicles. Intelligent Video Flame Detectors
Intelligent Video Flame Detectors (IVFD)
IVFDs are an excellent alternative to traditional optical detectors. While false alarms are still possible when IVFDs are in place, the risk is significantly lower.
IVFDs use a camera and onboard mechanism to spatially analyze
video for fire. Remote viewing options allow operative person- nel to visually confirm a fire in the event of an alarm warning or activation of an automatic suppression system, meaning they can quickly react and, if necessary, override the response.
IVFDs cannot identify CO2 emissions, so an alarm won‘t be trig-
gered because of exhaust fumes from jet engines or diesel gen- erators during routine activities including aircraft maintenance. This fact alone makes a good case for the adoption of IVFDs in aircraft hangars, as they are better suited to the context.
Recording Incidents with IVFDs
Viking VSF301 Intelligent Video Flame Detector Viking VSF301 IVFD has the ability to record alarm-triggering events. This is a valuable asset when identifying the causes of The Viking VSF301 is an explosion-proof video flame detector. It genuine fires or false alarms. processes live video images to detect the characteristic proper- ties of flames visually, by means of its FM- and SIL 2-certified In the event of a real fire, investigation into its origins can take flame detection algorithms and onboard digital signal process- place, avoiding the issue of so-called “black-hole” fires, where ing (DSP). The detector provides live video images for situational hangars are damaged to the extent that no evidence explaining awareness and has a Micro-SD memory card slot to record im- the cause of a fire survives. In the event of a false alarm, the video ages for forensic analysis. footage can be reviewed to determine the reason. From the information gathered, lessons can be learned and new processes The benefits of installing a Viking VSF301 Detector: put in place to prevent similar false alarms from reoccurring. Ū Live color video image of the aircraft hangar Ū Not affected by black body radiation (radiated from the aircraft body) Ū Not affected by welding/grinding Ū Not affected by differing light levels Ū Less affected by dirt/grime/oily deposits on the lens Ū High temperature rating +185° F (85° C) Ū Pre- and post-alarm video recording of the event onto an on-board micro-SD card Intelligent Video Flame Detectors with 3D Mapping
The benefits of IVFDs can be taken even further when com-
bined with 3D mapping. Using widely available hazard mapping technology like MICROPAK HazMap3D software, users can assign a risk grade to every area of the aircraft hangar. A graded area is typically one to five metres in size. Grading an area’s hazard risk helps users to explain the likelihood of a fire or the potential im- pacts of a nearby fire in each area. The risk level can be graded by area use, checking for factors like aircraft presence, liquid hydro- carbon presence, refuelling, maintenance, and moving aircraft.
When grading is complete, IVFDs can be positioned for optimal
coverage. This allows users to understand when it is necessary to change detector positions, run new assessments, and immedi- ately gauge the impact in coverage. To ensure compliance with standards such as NFPA 409, a Given their breadth of coverage, fewer detectors are needed, performance-based design approach must be followed with resulting in lower up-front maintenance costs compared with the correct detection system used for the hazards present. The other forms of optical flame and heat detectors. detection system must be coupled with a robust fire protection system capable of rapid response to ensure the aircraft are pro- IVFDs with 3D mapping allow for enhanced flame detection at tected. The performance-based design of the detection system longer ranges and with fewer false alarms than optical flame should be centred around a robust flame detection mapping detectors like multi-spectrum infrared (MSIR) detectors. study. This should be performed using an approved Fire & Gas mapping system (i.e. HazMap3D) by either a Fire & Gas Design Services & Support Information
practitioner or professional fire protection engineer. Viking
provides expert design and support services to facilitate this process.
Viking Global Engineering Support Services
Center (GESSC) The Viking GESSC provides expert support and resources to help with the design, installation, and maintenance of fire protection systems from start to finish. We work with various engineering design tools including CAD, 3D modeling software, and our own calculation software to create design packages that meet code- compliance, budget, application, and bandwidth requirements. Our team provides timely, accurate, and complete solutions for your project needs.
and building owners with system design. Working with our local partners, we provide training processes, and support installation, commission, service, and maintenance operations.
We have extensive, hands-on experience with a focus on life
cycle optimization, simplified facility operation, maintenance, and efficiency. Our focus on multi-trade coordination, improved accuracy, clear documentation, reduced waste, and early decision-making sets our services apart. Additionally, we are able Contact Us to support projects in multiple languages and regions. Choose from supported product lines or custom-order desired products Viking Integrated Safety to fit your needs. Viking Group, Inc. 5150 Beltway Dr. SE Buying VIS Solutions Caledonia, Michigan 49316 All VIS solutions are sold through Viking SupplyNet. Established in 1988, Viking SupplyNet distributes the largest selection Toll Free Phone: (800) 968-9501 of integrated detection, alarm, and suppression systems to Local Phone: (269) 945-9501 customers in over 70 countries. Viking SupplyNet’s state-of-the- Local Fax: (269) 945-9599 (General Inquiries) art inventory system links all locations worldwide to ensure that Customer Service Fax: (269) 945-5090 every solution is available for timely delivery — to any job site, Web: Safety.SupplyNet.com anywhere in the world. See VikingGroupInc.com/locations. E-mail: [email protected]