IR sensors for use in fire detection devices

A flame will flicker randomly at a rate between one and 20Hz when it is burned naturally, generating a pulsed infrared signal in the wavelength range of four to five microns. Pyroelectric and lead sulphide sensors detect this pulsed electromagnetic signature and so can provide a warning of the presence of a threat from a fire.

Our PB25 PbS detector is a dependable and economical choice for this application and generates a reaction to the presence a flame in 30mS at ranges out to nearly 200 feet. This device is a collection of uncooled polycrystalline biased single element PbS detectors that can operate at an ambient temperature of 75^oC. 

Instruments using these detectors are found on offshore oil platforms, in refineries, on ships and at airports

The D* of the IR detector determines the reach and sensitivity of the flame detection instrument and we have recently added a differential pyroelectric detector to our portfolio of detectors. This device has an improved D* performance relative to other detector technologies. 

This new product provides flame detection instrument manufacturers with a novel detector with improved range and immunity to electromagnetic interference.