12 / 05 / 2016

SmokeCatcher - Early Fire Detection System

A system that detects a fire earlier than conventional fire detectors? A system that not only reports a fire, but also provides a detailed assessment of the situation from a safe distance? A system that is suitable for use in aggressive environments and in hazardous areas? The new ExCam SmokeCatcher fire detection system makes all this possible! 

Real-time Fire Detection: ExCam SmokeCatcher detects a fire earlier than conventional fire detectors. The specially developed software is integrated into a conventional IP video surveillance camera, which continuously examines video images to detect smoke and, if a problem is detected, immediately reports an emerging fire. Unlike traditional fire detection analysis, the situation is assessed in the camera itself, which significantly reduces the processing time: there is no need to send data via the network to a central server. Also, this method of analysis allows you to maintain a low level of network congestion and save on expensive equipment.

Hazardous areas, chemical industry, mining and marine applications

Flame detectors, combustion gas detectors or standard smoke detectors are traditionally used to detect fire. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

There are certain limitations of classical fire detection systems, especially in the chemical industry, in mechanical engineering, in the food and pharmaceutical industries. For example, the problem may be that the low ignition temperature of the phosphor makes it impossible to use temperature sensors to detect fire. Or vice versa: under very aggressive environmental conditions, flame sensors can simply "corrode". All classic fire detection systems have a common problem: where to place the fire detection sensor? It often happens that the sensor is located not at all where the fire source is located, which leads to the loss of precious time.

The ExCam SmokeCatcher fire detection system detects a fire already during its formation, as the camera scans the image to detect visible smoke. The camera settings allow you to adjust the parameters to adjust its sensitivity and focus on certain areas for monitoring. In addition, the system recognizes any smoke: white, gray, black or even red! ExCam SmokeCatcher can be integrated into almost all static cameras of the ExCam series and, thanks to the special design of ExCam video cameras, it can be used in explosive zones I and II. 

 

From fire detection to reliable assessment of the situation

Perhaps the biggest advantage of ExCam SmokeCatcher is its ability to immediately analyze the possibility of a fire even where there should not be a fire. Now the operator does not need to look for the source of the fire by analyzing video surveillance screens to detect a fire, or personally explore the territory to get an idea of the current situation.

SmokeCatcher: robot modes

The ExCam SmokeCatcher fire detection system operates in one of the following four modes:

1) Operational mode: involves monitoring the situation in active mode and transmitting information about operational readiness in short time intervals. If for some reason the fire monitoring fails, an error message is sent

2) Error: monitoring of the situation is inactive, operator intervention is required

3) Pre-smoke alarm: video analysis shows significant patterns of the possibility of a fire, the operator is informed accordingly

4) Smoke alarm: information about the fire is transmitted to the operator by means of audio and text messages, as well as, if necessary, alarm inputs/outputs of the DVR. Messages via e-mail can be transmitted to a certain group of people, who can be selected individually. 

Advantages of the smoke detection system in a nutshell

1. The response and signaling time is much faster
2. The possibility of using the system in chemically aggressive environments
3. The possibility of using the system in all Ex-zones I and II (dust and gas) 
4. The possibility of using the system at sea, on land and in the mining industry
5. No additional hardware components
6. Remote diagnostics of the possibility of a fire instead of detecting an existing fire

For more information, please contact the managers of Sibelektronimport +7 (383) 246-15-66, sales@se-import.com