A true all-rounder - New, patented optical detector system

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office grants Fagus-GreCon the patent for a novel optical detector that identifies dangerous ignition sources (U.S. Patent No. US11199441B2).

Fagus-GreCon, the leading provider of fire prevention systems, thereby reinforces its role as a technological leader in fire prevention.  The company's innovative optical detector is a key prerequisite for further strengthening the interconnection of fire prevention, production reliability and quality assurance.

A powerful trio

Thanks to Fagus-GreCon's recently patented optical detector system, spark detectors are becoming even more reliable, as they can now be customised to the requirements at the installation site with more precision than ever before.  This is made possible by multi-sensor technology which has been integrated in the optical detector to capture signals from the infrared radiation spectrum.  GreCon IDT®, Fagus-GreCon's intelligent detector technology processes the signals generated in this way and causes the desired reaction within a matter of milliseconds.

Reduction of unwanted false alarms

A spark detector featuring this design performs perfectly when it comes to the detection of all types of ignition sources while at the same time reducing false alarms.  This is made possible as IDT® uses, for example, separately captured extraneous light to automatically enable and disable sensors which are sensitive to light that comes from external light sources.  Thus, the detector is able to differentiate between dangerous ignition sources and influences from extraneous light.  Undesired extinguishing processes triggered by false alarms are thus reduced.

Detection of sparks, glowing embers and hot, non-smouldering particles

The patented optical detector system and IDT® make their debut in the intelligent GreCon DLD 1/9 spark detector.  This individually parameterisable and VdS-certified detector performs perfectly when it comes to the identification of all types of ignition sources in all environments.  Equipped with IDT^®, Fagus-GreCon's intelligent detection technology, it can be used in challenging 

environments with and without incidence of extraneous light. What is more, the DLD 1/9 is able to identify sparks, glowing embers and hot, non-smouldering particles in high-temperature processes. 

Its functionality is continuously monitored and on a regular basis the sensitivity of the sensors used is automatically tested. While typical areas of application include drop chutes, mechanical conveyors and pneumatic conveyor pipes, the detector can also be used next to inspection hatches.

Prerequisite for predictive maintenance

Together with Fagus-GreCon's intelligent detector technology, IDT^®, the patented optical detector system with built-in multi-sensor technology lays the foundation for further enhancing the interconnection of fire prevention, production reliability and quality assurance.

Intelligent multi-sensor technology - integrated both in the detector and, in the future, in the extinguishing system - provides valuable data that is increasingly being used to control production processes. Dr Michael Mehlhorn, director of Fagus-GreCon's fire prevention R&D department, predicts that smart technology of this type will make predictive maintenance possible in the near future also in safety-relevant systems, such as spark extinguishing systems, thus making an important contribution to more efficient resource management.