Fires in food processing businesses can be absolutely devastating.

The fire danger points are many and varied and often highly combustible. It is therefore critical that fires are detected early, while there is the opportunity to stop situations developing out of control.

Mechanical systems such as ovens and conveyor belts present one source of constant danger. Additionally, flammable hydraulic fluids that power them often span multiple pieces of high value machinery. This means that initially small incidents can put an entire plant in danger.

It is critical that food processing fires are detected early, while there is the opportunity to stop situations developing out of control.

What is more, dust, flammable gas fuels, finely sprayed oils liquids and vapours used in food processes are highly combustible. Add foodstuffs, such as flour, custard powder, instant coffee, sugar, dried milk, potato and soup powder and there is a potent and acute mix of fire hazards.

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.

While ignition energies vary for different substances, in some instances even a low energy static discharge from a synthetic fibre jumper can trigger an ignition.

The consequences for businesses can be catastrophic – many never recover.

Wessex Foods suffered a fire in July 2010 at its Lowestoft plant supplying meat products for 500 UK Burger King outlets. The results were brutal for the business. 150 staff lost their jobs and 700 tonnes of burnt meat had to be cleared.

At least in Wessex Foods’ case, no-one was seriously injured and there were no fatalities, many food processing businesses are not so fortunate.

FireVu can be used to monitor identified areas of specific danger. Wide view monitoring can also be implemented. FireVu’s proven Visual Smoke Detection technology can identify danger early by noting changes in brightness, contrast, shape, edge content, motion, colour matching and loss of detail.

Situations can be assessed, action taken if necessary, either on site or remotely, and dealt with. Video can allow the assessment of incidents and lead to improvements in preventative measures.

Request FireVu Info

Request the latest FireVu information which focuses on the benefits of Video Smoke & Flame Detection, which includes :

The challenges & risks
The Intelligent FireVu solution
FireVu Benefits

Industrial Smoke Detection

Smoke & Fire Solution

NetVu’s FireVu is able to see the movement of smoke or the presence of flame across a CCTV image by identifying their unique characteristics. These include assessing changes in brightness, contrast, shape, edge content, loss of detail, motion and colour matching.

FireVu is triggered at the earliest signs of smoke and can be focused on areas of particular interest. Its ability to offer visual verification, remotely or on-site, can help prioritise emergency responses. Click on FireVu image (right) for large diagram >>

Latest FireVu flame detection algorithm

We are pleased to announce the release of the latest upgrade to the FireVu flame detection algorithm available now with the FireVu 500, our premier video fire detector. The FireVu 500 uses intelligent flame and smoke algorithms to analyse the camera image in order to quickly and reliably detect fire. This latest update has increased both the robustness of the algorithm and the detection range. The detector will react to the presence of even a small fire* in the specified field of view in under 30 seconds. <<Read full article>>

Receive a survey of your needs

One of our dedicated FireVu Experts will carry out an initial telephone consultation, which will include :

An assessment of the issues effecting your business
Analyse and identify your suitability for a FireVu solution
Potential meeting to discuss your options
Contact us to book your survey

FireVu Markets

The VSD system is now in operation in a variety of applications throughout the world, either installed as a working system or on trial. Typical applications that can benefit from a VSD smoke detection system include:

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Food Processing

Visual Smoke Detection technology can concentrate on specific danger areas and also provide early alerts across large and voluminous areas. Food processing presents many fire dangers from machines and materials. VSD provides early detection against numerous sources of fire.
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Waste Management

Fires at waste management sites are paid for by the environment, the emergency services and the local community, but they also cost you and your business. There is a major fire at a waste management or recycling site every day in the UK.
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Oil Fields

Fire detection is of primary importance in an oil and gas environment. Speed is of the essence in preventing costly and life threatening results. FireVu offers alerts at the first sign of danger, enabling action to be taken.
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Commercial

FireVu provides fire detection solutions for high value property, be they cultural treasures such as London Guildhall or modern icons such as the City of London’s Gherkin. FireVu systems deliver against challenging specifications while adhering to architectural sensitivities and regulations.
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Tunnels

It is now mandatory for all tunnels over 500m within the EU to have a fire detection system, it must be a Video Smoke Protection solution if the tunnel is more than 3000m.
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Aircraft Hangars

High value aircraft demand the best fire detection technology. Visual Smoke Detection identifies danger early. VSD does not need to wait for smoke to reach sensors and the challenge of smoke stratification slowing detection is not an issue.