MSA FL500 UV/IR Flame Detector

Flame detection is imperative for hazardous environments within petrochemical oil & gas facilities, industrial gas turbines, and many others to prevent a potential catastrophic chemical fire, explosion, or toxic gas release. Not only would a potential fire cause extensive damage and financial loss, but the associated danger of injury or death to workers, environmental damage, and bad press should be more than enough to invest in flame detection technology for your facility.

Luckily, MSA has the answer to your flame detection needs. The FL500 UV/IR Flame Detector is MSA’s latest innovation in flame detection technology.

What is the FL500 UV/IR Flame Detector?

The FL500 UV/IR Flame Detector delivers high speed flame detection with increased false alarm immunity in a compact design. The FL500 monitors for radiation emitted by a flame in both the ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) spectral ranges.

What’s So Great About UV/IR Flame Technology?

A UV/IR flame detector combines the two main flame-sensing technologies used today: ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR). While the UV sensors detect the UV radiation-emitted flames, the IR sensors monitor the infrared emission spectral band around the 4.3 to 4.4-micron range – the predominant radiant emission band for hydrocarbon-fueled fires.

The only alarm source shared between the two sensing technologies is a real hydrocarbon fire, which is a key benefit of UV/IR detectors.

How does the FL500 UV/IR Flame Detector Benefit Me?

The FL500 provides a multitude of benefits:

Proven Technology – UV/IR flame detection uses an ultraviolet and infrared detector to monitor for flames increasing false alarm immunity by simultaneously measuring two different flame spectrums.

FM Performance Approved – Six fuel sources (heptane, methane, methanol, propane, ethane, butane) tested with verified field of view.

Wide Field of View – 130° cone of vision covers greater distance

Improved Distance – Newly designed with a stainless-steel housing and three LED indicators that are always in view.

Safety Integrity Self-Check – Continuous Optical Path Monitoring (COPM) performs self-check every two minutes to ensure the optical path is clear and the electronic circuitry is functional.

Test Anytime, Anywhere – Safely test your flame detector to ensure proper function and operation of your complete detection system.

The FL500 can be tested with the explosion proof TL105 Test Lamp, which simulates the flickering of a fire and provides a high-energy, broadband radiation source that emits energy in both the ultraviolet and infrared spectra to safely activate the flame detectors. This allows the detector to be tested under real fire conditions without the associated risk of an open flame.

More Information

Get a glimpse into the FL500’s field of view for different types of gases by checking out MSA’s Flame Detector FOV Simulator here!

To learn more about MSA’s FL500 UV/IR Flame Detector and/or other MSA flame detection products, contact us today or call us at 610-325-4600. We have a team of dedicated MSA experts who can provide the answers to your application needs. Meet our team here!