Ensuring safety from fires in transportation infrastructure is essential, as effective fire detection in areas like road/rail/metro tunnels or parking garages prevents disasters and protects lives. Fires in these confined spaces can escalate quickly, with severe consequences and high reconstruction costs. In such critical environments, time is crucial, making fast and reliable monitoring indispensable. AP Sensing’s fiber optic Linear Heat Detection (LHD) technology offers a reliable monitoring solution, even under harshest conditions.
Challenges in Monitoring Transportation Infrastructure
Fire detection in the transport sector is essential for safeguarding lives and ensuring the continuous flow of goods and passengers. Complex environments like airports, rail networks, and tunnels require fire detection systems that can withstand harsh conditions and minimize nuisance alarms. Fire incidents in transport infrastructure pose significant safety threats and can lead to extensive damage and disruption across transportation systems. Other detection technologies such as smoke, heat or flame detectors often struggle with dust, humidity, and corrosive atmospheres, leading to unreliable performance and costly false alarms.
A robust solution is needed to ensure early detection and timely alerts, allowing for rapid response to protect both passengers and critical assets.
Fiber Optic Linear Heat Detection
Temperature data is crucial in monitoring transportation infrastructure. Fiber optic Linear Heat Detection (LHD) technology utilizes a ⌀ 4mm fiber optic sensor cable to measure temperature continuously along every point of the cable, detecting temperature changes and hotspots. For example, on a 10 km cable, the system can monitor 10,000 temperature points every 5 seconds, offering rapid detection of hotspots and fires. This precise, real-time information on fire location, size, and spread allows for swift and targeted response.
AP Sensing's Fiber Optic LHD Solution
AP Sensing’s fiber optic sensing technology provides gapless fire detection and maintenance-free monitoring in even the harshest environments. Using a single, passive fiber optic cable, the entire asset’s temperature is monitored in real time.
AP Sensing’s LHD N45-Series takes these benefits to the next level, setting a new industry standard with the longest certified distance range on the market. Designed for uninterrupted performance and safety, the N45-Series features a remarkable MTBF of 35 years, a rugged housing built for demanding environments, state-of-the-art IT security, and superior quality, providing operators with peace of mind for safe and efficient operations.
Application Fields in the Transportation Sector
Our technology extends into areas that other detection technologies (e.g. smoke, heat or flame detection) are unable to reach, and is ideal for harsh environments, such as:
Fire Detection in Road & Rail Tunnels
AP Sensing’s fiber optic Linear Heat Detection (LHD) is particularly effective in tunnels, as a single fiber optic cable can monitor the entire tunnel length cost-effectively. Additionally, our LHD system allows for greater flexibility, with customizable zones that trigger alarms based on specific parameters, ensuring accurate and timely detection suited to the unique conditions within tunnel infrastructure. The fire detection system is unaffected by air currents, allowing it to accurately determine both the size and direction of a spreading fire. Unlike other systems, it can withstand temperatures up to 750 °C (1400 °F) for 2 h without losing monitoring capability, making it ideal for the challenging conditions of tunnel infrastructure.
Fire Detection in Car Parks
Car parks, particularly multi-story or underground facilities, pose unique fire risks due to the dense concentration of vehicles, fuel sources, and electrical charging stations. AP Sensing’s fiber optic Linear Heat Detection (LHD) offers an ideal solution for this environment. The sensor cable can be installed along the ceiling of the car park, providing a cost-effective approach to comprehensive monitoring. With temperatures spatially resolved within seconds, the system allows operators to detect abnormal heat from a vehicle early, enabling rapid response to prevent escalation and protect both infrastructure and lives.
Fire Detection in Aircraft Hangars
Aircraft hangars, which store highly valuable aircraft and equipment, demand robust fire detection systems due to the large open spaces and presence of flammable materials. Our fiber optic Linear Heat Detection (LHD) solution provides continuous monitoring across the entire hangar, promptly triggering an alarm in the event of abnormal heat or temperature changes. The system offers precise, real-time detection, allowing operators to respond quickly to potential fire hazards and ensuring the safety of both personnel and assets in these high-risk environments.
SmartVision Software for Asset Visualization
AP Sensing’s SmartVision alarm management system provides a comprehensive overview of fire detection status through intuitive asset visualization. With color-coded temperature displays and schematic layouts, SmartVision enables easy orientation and real-time monitoring of all configured Linear Heat Detection (LHD) instruments. Designed for seamless integration, our fiber optic LHD solution connects effortlessly with existing management platforms (SCADA systems). In the event of an alarm, the LHD controller instantly transmits detailed information to the fire control panel, ensuring rapid response and enhanced safety.
Key Takeaways
- Precise location of multiple fire events
- Fire size and spread monitoring
- Immune to EMI, dirt, dust and humidity
- Functional even at 750 °C for 2 h according to IEC 60331-25
- Five different alarm criteria for quick detection in all 2,000 zones per channel
With a proven track record and continued innovation, AP Sensing offers a completely integrated, end-to-end solution made in Germany. Our team works together with you to select the right combination of technologies to fit your requirements. We also provide onsite services, hotline and online support, maintenance and product training.
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What is important when selecting a fiber optic LHD system? Is it wrong to equate measurement time with response time? How many channels are optimal for your configuration?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Are Fire Detection Systems Essential in Transportation?
Fire detection systems are essential in transportation because they promptly detect and respond to fire threats, ensuring the safety of passengers and protecting valuable assets.
How Do Advanced Technologies Improve Fire Detection in Tunnels?
Advanced technologies, such as Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing, significantly enhance fire detection in tunnels by offering real-time monitoring and precise identification of fires in challenging environments. This ensures a quicker response and improved safety.
What Safety Standards Govern Fire Detection Systems in Transportation?
Fire detection systems in transportation are governed by safety standards such as ISO 7240-13:2020, which specify requirements for compatibility and reliability to ensure their effectiveness across different operational environments. Compliance with these standards is essential for maintaining safety.