DTS for fire detection

February 2018 Fire & Safety

The latest innovative AP Sensing fibre optic technology from Sperosens offers new solutions to many applications. Fibre optic sensing technology offers multiple measurement solutions reforming the opportunities of measuring conditions in the mining and industrial industry. Fibre optic technology performs exceptionally well in harsh conditions and is virtually maintenance free.

Fire in the mining environment can cause damage to valuable assets, down-time and loss of lives. A proper fire protection installation is made more complex when the area is affected by harsh environmental conditions. Industrial facilities frequently produce dirt, dust, humidity and corrosive atmospheres in production and storage areas. Conventional sensor technology often fails and tends to produce false alarms. These technologies require periodic, time-consuming maintenance efforts.

Fibre optic sensor cables can function as linear temperature sensors typically over lengths of several kilometres. The result is a continuous temperature profile along the entire length of the sensor cable.

The use of modern fibre-optic sensors based on DTS (distributed temperature sensing) technology has established itself as a proven method for fire detection and temperature measurement. A passive fibre optic cable provides accurate temperature measurements along the length of, for example, a conveyor belt, which enables effective and cost-effective monitoring of even very long conveyor routes.

Fires and overheating, which can occur during operation and lead to serious damage and long downtimes, are quickly detected and localised to within one-metre accuracy and the countermeasures quickly activated.

AP Sensing’s linear heat detection solution reduces operational costs and offers maximum reliability due to early detection for preventative maintenance even under severe conditions. A fibre optic-based DTS solution is unaffected by air currents and can accurately determine the size and direction of a spreading fire. No other fire detection system can withstand temperatures up to 1000°C (1800°F) without losing monitoring capabilities. Fire-fighting countermeasures can be used effectively before and during the fire event.

Applications include temperature monitoring along conveyor belts, inside sub-stations, switchgear cubicles and MCC rooms, inside coal bunkers, inside power cables, in mining tunnels and on cable racks, plus many more.

Advantages are accuracy, ease of installation, immunity to EMC, dirt, dust and humidity and very little maintenance over an exceptionally long lifetime. The solution integrates easily into your existing management platform (scada systems) by dry contacts and/or communicating directly over Ethernet (TCP/IP), using standard protocols.

The DTS solution from Sperosens offers robust and reliable asset protection for:

• Conveyor belts.

• Cable trays and transformers.

• Tank farms, coal storage.

• Production areas.

• Power plants, including NPP.

• Refineries and chemical plants.

• Offshore platforms.

For more information contact Marihette Hattingh, Sperosens, +27 (0)12 665 0317, [email protected], www.spero.co.za



Credit(s)




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Enhancing safety in battery energy storage systems
Technoswitch Fire Detection & Suppression Products & Solutions Fire & Safety
The calibration-free Combustible Gas & VOC Sensor by Technoswitch can be configured to detect various flammable gases, including electrolyte vapours (VOC) and hydrogen, and is an indispensable tool for ensuring the safety of Li-ion battery storage systems.

Read more...
ESPRIT intelligent fire panel range
Technoswitch Fire Detection & Suppression Products & Solutions Fire & Safety
Technoswitch recently added the EN54-approved ESPRIT intelligent control panel range to its product portfolio to complement the existing TC5000 intelligent control panel range, aimed at small and medium sites that require a cost-effective, networkable fire alarm system.

Read more...
Standards for fire detection
Fire & Safety
Nick Collins discusses standards for commissioning and handing over a fire project once the installation is complete.

Read more...
Standards for fire detection
SAQCC (Fire) Fire & Safety Associations
In the second article from SAQCC, Nick Collins focuses on SANS 10139, which is generally regarded as the ‘Book of Knowledge’ for any fire detection installer, commissioner and designer.

Read more...
Technology driving fire safety at Firexpo 2025
Securex South Africa News & Events Fire & Safety
As regulations change, safety and risk officers, and building managers are hard-pressed to keep pace with the exact requirements to ensure occupant safety and wellbeing. Firexpo’s role is to provide informed choices for the market.

Read more...
The unusual chemistry of lithium-ion battery fires
SafeQuip Fire & Safety
Traditional fire extinguishers, which use agents like water, foam, or dry chemicals, may not be suitable for lithium-ion battery fires due to the unique challenges posed by the high-energy density of these batteries.

Read more...
Saving lives with fire safety technology
Fire & Safety News & Events
The fire protection landscape is evolving swiftly, fuelled by technological advancements designed to improve safety and efficiency in fire detection, control, and suppression. These innovations transform traditional methods and establish new safety standards in residential and commercial spaces.

Read more...
Standards for fire detection
SAQCC (Fire) Fire & Safety
In the second article from SAQCC, Nick Collins focuses on SANS 10139, which is generally regarded as the “Book of Knowledge” for any fire detection installer, commissioner and designer.

Read more...
Rational design is not just a tick-box exercise
Fire & Safety
Rational design is about achieving performance-driven fire safety measures through sound engineering principles. It is not just a tick-box exercise, but involves a deep understanding of fire risks and behaviour, and developing customised fire protection strategies.

Read more...
Fire detection and gas suppression systems
Masc Solutions Products & Solutions Fire & Safety
Masc Solutions is an official Fike distributor and installer in South Africa, providing comprehensive design, supply, and installation services for specialised gas fire suppression systems.

Read more...