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Visual Smoke Detection (VSD) technology is the ideal solution for the challenges presented by the voluminous space of aircraft hangars.
High ceilings lead to the increased possibility of smoke stratification, which can delay the activation of aspirating systems. Smoke rises because it is hotter than the surrounding air. As it travels through the cooler air it loses heat and once it reaches the same temperature as the air it stops rising. Consequently aspirating detectors located high-up in the ceiling might not generate an alarm until the heat of the fire raises the stratification level.
Moreover, even if smoke does reach beam or point detectors it can take time, an unacceptable luxury with high value contents at risk.
The high value contents of aircraft hangars demand the best fire detection solutions and protection.
VSD offers a solution that identifies potential fire incidents at source. It does not rely on smoke reaching detectors. Its wide field of view enables large areas to be monitored although points of particular danger can be focused upon.
VSD can zone in on key areas (screening out less important areas), detecting the first signs of smoke and flames – FireVu understands the behaviour of smoke and flame patterns and alerts the user immediately to any danger.
FireVu’s VSD system spots danger early by noting changes in brightness, contrast, shape, edge content, motion, colour matching and loss of detail. Its software identifies smoke patterns and behaviour and raises the alert accordingly.
FireVu has installed projects in desert countries such as the world’s largest private aircraft hangar: the Royal Airwing Hangar complex at Dubai International Airport, UAE. In such climates temperatures can reach 40 degrees, so smoke can stop rising earlier than hangars located in cooler climates.
What is more, high temperatures create a hot air (thermal) barrier making early detection by point or beam detectors less likely.
The Royal Airwing Hangar is 600 metres wide and 110 metres deep. It holds up to eight aircraft with a total value estimated at over £2 billion. The ceiling reaches a height of 30 metres.
The high value contents of aircraft hangars demand the best fire detection solutions and protection.
This is why FireVu is used by military organisation such as the RAF and civilian multinationals such as Airbus and British Airways.
