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Video Smoke and Video Fire Detection

Ensuring safety in high-risk and operations-critical zones is paramount, and a trustworthy fire detection system plays a crucial role in achieving this goal.

Video Smoke and Video Fire Detection
Fire Detection

Video-based smoke and fire detection (VSVFD) uses a digital video camera combined with a computer running video analytic software that analyzes footage to identify signs of smoke and fire. These VSFD systems are capable of surveilling large areas to finds signs of fire.  

What are the requirements for using VSVFD according to the fire alarm code?

  • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 72) acknowledged the video smoke and fire detection 
  • All system hardware and software components must hold UL listing as smoke detectors. 
  • Installation should adhere to a performance-based design. 
  • Consult the manufacturer’s installation and performance guidelines to tailor an engineered design for the specific product and space. 
  • Ensure systems are safeguarded against unauthorized changes. 

What are the most common applications for VSVFD?

VSVFD technology is commonly used in large spaces environment with high ceilings, usually 15 feet or more. It’s most beneficial when safeguarding valuable assets like machinery, processes, or areas with high value per square foot that require continuous video monitoring. 

FM Global’s loss prevention data sheet identifies suitable locations for video smoke and video fire detectors, offering guidance on where this technology is most effective in automatic fire detection. 

OUTDOOR SPACES

  • Waste Disposal areas
  • Outdoor machinery and equipment installation
  • Manufacturing Yards
  • Loading Docks

INDOOR SPACES

  • Factories and Warehouses
  • Industrial Plants
  • Power Plant Steam Turbines
  • Power Generation Facilities
  • Chemical Rooms
  • VSVFD can be used to protect testing equipment and processes like dynamometers where they can be programmed to release CO2 when smoke or fire is detected.

How does VSVFD work?

Most systems you find today on the market work like this: They use a bunch of regular digital video cameras grouped together, all connected to a computer (which is basically a digital signal processor) with special software for analyzing video. These cameras send their images to the computer, which then checks if there’s any sign of fire in them. If the computer spots smoke or fire, it sends a message to the fire alarm system. 

These cameras don’t just look at one spot like traditional smoke detectors do. They use different lenses to watch large areas or focus on specific spots. 

These camera systems are super-fast. They look at each video frame many times per second, acting almost as fast as systems that suck in air to detect smoke. They keep a close eye on the data from the cameras, searching for any signs of smoke. As pixels in the image start to blur or change, the system starts to pay even more attention, looking for signs of movement that match what smoke looks like. 

Before hitting the market, these systems go through intense training. They’re shown thousands of different fires in testing until they “learn” what smoke looks like in pixel form. 

When it comes to spotting fire, it’s a bit different. The camera keeps an eye on pixels, watching for any changes over time. It looks for pixels that suddenly get brighter or change in brightness. Once it spots this change, it digs deeper, checking for a flicker pattern. Because it’s seen so many fires during training, it knows what a fire flicker looks like. If it sees pixels getting brighter with the right flicker pattern for a certain amount of time, it knows it’s a fire and sends a solid alarm to the fire alarm system. 

Advantages of using a VSVFD System

  • Surveillance of large areas
  • Rapid detection process
  • Offers awareness of surroundings
  • Records video continuously for analysis after events
  • Distinguishes various types of smokes
  • Pinpoints the fire’s location
  • Configures machines to disregard specific zones to avoid false alarms

Blazequel with Video Smoke and Video Fire Detection System

Blazequel is one of a top provider of fire protection solutions across the United Kingdom. Our team consists of experienced engineers committed to ensuring the safety of both properties and lives with unparalleled expertise. If you have any questions about the VSVFD system, feel free to contact us at +44 1234 357357 or simply fill in the form below. We’re here to help! 

Explore videos showcasing the Video Smoke Detection System in various cases below.

Case Title Description Video Link
Video Smoke Detection For Warehousing
At roof heights above 7-10 metres, ceiling mounted smoke detection such as point type, beam or aspirating detectors may be unsuitable. This is due to a phenomenon called 'Stratification', which is where the smoke hits a layer of warmer air in the roof void which prevents it from rising further. Instead, the smoke just flattens out on this thermal layer, never reaching the ceiling mounted detectors.
Click here
Video Smoke Detection For Waste Recycling
This video shows Smokecatcher Video Smoke Detection detecting a simulated fire at a waste recycling facility, demonstrating the incredible speed of detection which can be achieved!
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Video Smoke Detection in MSW Hall (Real Fire Incident)
This video shows a real fire incident which was detected at a waste recycling facility by video smoke detection, outside of the facilities operational hours. Remarkably, the fire detected wasn’t even in the same building as the video smoke detection (VSD), but was in an adjoining area.
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Video Smoke Detection for Waste Recycling (real incident) – SRF Storage Fire
This video shows a real-life incident where unfortunately the clients site burned down. Smokecatcher was working properly and detected the fire as shown – giving 4 hours of pre-warning. Unfortunately for the client their fire alarm monitoring wasn’t operating and by the time the alarm was raised externally it was too late.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Our system is capable of detecting a wide range of fires, including smoldering fires, fast-flaming fires, and those with reduced visibility due to smoke. It can adapt to different fire signatures for comprehensive detection.

The system is designed for rapid response, instantly notifying designated personnel or authorities upon detecting a potential fire hazard. This swift response helps minimize response time and mitigate risks.

Installation is straightforward, requiring placement of detection units in strategic locations with clear visibility. Maintenance involves periodic checks and updates to ensure optimal performance, with minimal disruption to operations.

Yes, our system provides real-time monitoring of video feeds and sends instant alerts upon detecting smoke or fire. This continuous monitoring ensures timely intervention and swift action in emergency situations.

Each detection unit covers a defined area, determined by factors such as camera resolution and field of view. We conduct thorough assessments to ensure optimal coverage based on your facility’s layout and requirements.

Are you ready to prioritize safety?

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us, or you can easily fill out the form below. We’re here to assist you.

  • +44 (0)1234 357357 - UK Head Office
  • +44 (0)1234 377775 - Northern Ireland Office
  • sales@blazequel.com

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