Fire-Sensing Technology on Exhibit
Staff -- Consulting-Specifying Engineer, 3/1/2001
Fire protection is a high priority at Germany's Düsseldorf Exhibition Center, and the latest technology installed in the Center's new Hall 6 guarantees a high level for visitors and exhibitors.
Thirty-six infrared (IR) flame detectors protect the building, which at 160 meters by 160 meters is the largest "free-built" exhibition hall in Europe. Although this building covers the overall area of two soccer fields, the requirements called for each sensor to cover only a small area, which demanded highly selective targeting.
To quickly spot any localized problem within this setting, each of the 36 detectors is precise enough to protect a specific area of just 15 meters by 15 meters from the 26-meter ceiling height.
Fitted on the ceiling and facing downward, the detectors' viewing angle is reduced to 44° by the installation of a 7.5-centimeter-long cylinder on the front of each unit, providing the exact targeting needed. Every 15 meter by 15 meter segment has separate nozzles to respond in the event of a fire within that area. These IR detectors and the smoke-ventilation system can each trigger a fire alarm and work together to control the water-extinguishing system.
To learn more about infrared flame detectors by Det-tronics, circle 101 on the Reader Service Card found on page 65.
