A revolutionary integrated smoke and fire detection system, which utilises video cameras for the early detection of smoke, is now available in South Africa. Westec Electronics is one of the first companies in the country to investigate the supply and installation of this unique life safety system which was designed and developed in the UK.
The VSD system works on the basis of programming video cameras to detect the distinctive motion and pattern of smoke - turning an ordinary CCTV surveillance system into an automated fire detector. Only the very particular motion of smoke will trigger the alarm. Built into the system is a sophisticated computer program that intelligently identifies and reacts to the unique density, speed and pattern of smoke in a set environment. It is so specific that it can even tell smoke from steam.
Explains Martyn Williams, managing director of Westec Electronics, "In a nutshell, the VSD system understands its surroundings and is able to correctly process the information gathered and respond accordingly."
Says Williams, "This technology has been specifically designed for use in large volume environments such as aircraft hangars, warehouses and forests - where detecting a fire threat in its very early stages is vital. This system will not supersede conventional systems, but it is filling a gap in the market where current systems are to a degree restrictive in their application for certain conditions."
Key advantages
One of the key advantages of VSD is that it greatly improves reaction time through early warning - the smoke does not even have to be visible for the fire alarm to be triggered. Reaction time can be as rapid as five seconds depending on the specific 'smoke signature' that the system has been programmed to respond to.
Other features and benefits include visual verification, detection at source, memory file, use of existing cameras and it is software based so it can easily be upgraded.
Making use of existing CCTV infrastructure
VSD pricing is good news for customers. Existing security cameras can be repositioned to capture vast areas so there is only high cost of equipment in one position.
Says Martyn Williams, "VSD will extend the market for applications to large volume environments and industries that up until now have been limited in choice and dependability when it came to smoke and fire detection."
This system can be successfully applied in high ceiling areas, in external areas such as refineries and pipelines and is also very effective in early warning for computer rooms, control rooms and telecommunications.
The VSD system has a proven track record and worldwide there are 75 systems in operation. In the UK in 2000, VSD was awarded the Millennium Award and in 2003 it was granted the Queen's Award for Enterprise in the Innovation category. Companies who wish to offer this system to the local market need to undergo training programmes and need to be certified.
For more information contact Martyn Williams, Westec Electronics, 011 494 5287.
Video smoke detection protects London's newest building
From any point of view the new headquarters for Swiss Re's UK operations at 30 St Mary Axe in the City of London is a remarkable building. Rising to 180 m the 40-storey building, thrusting skywards, strikes a dramatic pose in the heart of the City and reflects the vibrancy of one of the world's great commercial centres. And it too is protected by the latest advances in Video Smoke Detection. Look out for more details in Hi-Tech Security Solutions.
© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd. | All Rights Reserved.
printer friendly version