FAQs

This FAQ page is your go-to source for unravelling the power of early fire detection.

Discover why it’s the solution of choice for diverse environments and what makes our technology stand out against traditional fire detection methods.

Navigating common queries for informed fibre optic fire detection solutions.

Our cutting-edge distributed temperature sensing (DTS) fibre optic system operates on the principle of Raman scattering .

This is achieved through a calibrated laser pulse transmitted through a single fibre optic core. The core is protected by a 4mm diameter stainless steel-reinforced fibre optic cable.

The fibre optic cable operates as a sensor. This cable performs temperature measurements and provides the exact location of any heat build-up.  Learn more about the science behind our fibre optic system.

Traditional systems often rely on point detectors, infrared cameras, and smoke detectors. These systems often leave you open to blind spots, delayed responses, and higher maintenance costs. Unlike fibre optics, they are built to send alarms and activate fire suppression systems as a reactive afterthought once a fire has started.

Our fibre optic systems detect an emerging fire event before there is damage to equipment, production loss, risks to life or loss of operating licences.

In addition, our fibre optic detection system can:

  • Provide unparalleled heat measurement, every 0.5 metres, along the entire length of the cable.
  • Be designed and installed to fit your unique site needs.
  • Meet compliance and regulatory requirements.
  • Integrate with your existing safety systems.
  • Provide extended coverage of fire risks. Keeps operating for up to 2 hours @ 750°C.
  • Provide you with accurate and reliable data before, during and after a fire event – helping to secure your operation in the event of regulatory investigations.

Plus, there are many other benefits. See here to learn more.

The distributed temperature sensing (DTS) detector uses a safe, low-power laser (class 1M) to generate measurement pulses in a fire-resistant and non-corrosive fibre-optic cable.

A Class 1M laser is a classification used to designate lasers that are safe under normal operating conditions. These lasers only pose a hazard if the beam is viewed directly with optical instruments such as magnifying glasses or binoculars.

In the context of laser safety classifications, lasers are categorised into different classes based on their potential to cause harm. The classes range from Class 1 (safe under all conditions of normal use) to Class 4 (may cause injury, and exposure should be avoided).

For a Class 1M laser:

  • Direct viewing of the laser beam with the naked eye is safe.
  • However, using optical instruments that can magnify the beam, such as magnifying glasses or binoculars, may pose a risk to the eyes.

Our cable is immune to interference from electrical and radio frequency signals as it complies with EMI standards.

Our fibre optic cable insulation is both fire-resistant and fire-retardant and non-corrosive (FRNC).

This helps to ensure uninterrupted operations in harsh environments.

The stainless-steel sheathed cable is both ruggedised and flexible for handling purposes due to its small diameter (4mm) and lightweight (29g/m). 

The distributed temperature sensing (DTS) detector uses low laser light power and complies with Ex0 (IEC60079) to allow for installation in explosive atmospheres.

We have successfully designed and installed these systems across various environments. This includes:

  • Surface and underground mines (coal, gold, copper, silver)
  • Conveyors
  • Tunnels
  • Warehouses
  • Factories
  • Aircraft hangars
  • Tank farms
  • Pipelines

And more!

View our previous client work for real-world examples of our system in action.

Our fire detection system holds certifications from Vds, FMGlobal, UL, and EN54-22, lowering your business risk. With the use of an extremely low-power laser, it has top hazardous area ratings.

The system is highly reliable, with a SIL2 rating for safety and compliance with AS61508/61511.

SIL2 identifies a very high level of reliability of the DTS unit detecting an alarm, which is higher than most fire alarm panels themselves.

Additionally, it incorporates VxWorks for real-time operating system cybersecurity.

No, our installation process is very streamlined and efficient.

Once we have designed the plan for your site, we can work with your preferred site contractor for installation.

The installation is supervised by our team from start to finish.

After installation, we complete all diagnostics to ensure that the system operates efficiently.

We also provide your team with comprehensive training to gain the best understanding of how our system works.

There is zero maintenance required once the fibre optic system is installed at your site.

Our system is maintenance-free compared to conventional detectors which require spares, inventory, calibration or cleaning.

Our team is also available to provide ongoing support, guaranteeing the longevity and efficiency of your investment.

We understand the importance of system longevity.

We guarantee a 40-year life span with our fibre optic technology.

This is achieved with a ruggedised fibre optic cable that is made with fire-resistant and non-corrosive (FRNC) steel.

The cable can withstand temperatures of up to 750 degrees centigrade for up to 2 hours, without damage.

Our stainless-steel sheath and loose tube fibre cable has a high crush resistance and tensile strength. Even in the unlikely event there is a breakage along the cable, this doesn’t stop fire detection With a dual-ended loop-designed cable, we can still accurately measure data in sections where damage may have occurred.

Our system is designed with compatibility in mind. It allows for seamless integration with existing fire safety infrastructure (i.e. fire panel, building management, deluge, and site operation systems).

Get in touch with us if you want to talk more about our integration capabilities.

We specialise in providing solutions to:

 

Our technology caters to a wide range of industries.

  • Oil & Gas
    • Refineries
    • Drilling platforms
    • Oil & Gas processing facilities
  • Manufacturing & Industrial Facilities
    • Metal processing
    • Chemical plants
    • Automotive manufacturing
    • Heavy machinery production
  • Steel and Metal Production
    • Steel mills
    • Metal Foundries
  • Military and Defence:
    • Military bases
    • Defence equipment facilities
  • Chemical and Pharmaceutical:
    • Pharmaceutical manufacturing
    • Chemical laboratories

Wherever there’s a need for reliable fire detection, our fibre optic system offers a tailored solution.

Our average project duration is between 6-8 weeks for the design and supply of the DTS system.

There are no upfront or ongoing license costs as the DTS is configured with a standard web browser interface.

We understand that when it comes to safety, details matter.

If you’re looking for further information and want to discuss safety on your site, our experts are here to help.

Simply get in touch via our form and we’ll organise a time to have a meeting.