Linear Heat Detection System

Linear Heat Detection System: A Short Overview Overview A Linear Heat Detection System (LHDS) provides continuous, line-based fire detection along the length of a protected area. Instead of relying on point detectors, a sensing element runs along the route (such as a cable or fiber) and can quickly identify the location of a heat source. LHDS is widely used in long, open facilities where early warning and precise location are critical, such as tunnels, data centers, electrical substations, industrial plants, and large warehouses. How it works - Line-type heat detectors: A single sensing element runs along the protected length. As temperature rises along different segments, the element changes its electrical characteristics. The system controller monitors the line and, when a preset threshold is exceeded, triggers an alarm and identifies the heated segment. This allows rapid location of the fire along long routes. - Fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing (DTS): A fiber optic cable is laid along the area and monitored with a laser-based system. Temperature along the entire length is measured in real time, producing a continuous temperature profile. The exact location of a heat anomaly is shown on a map, enabling fast response and precise pinpointing. Key features and benefits - Continuous, long-range coverage: One sensing line can monitor many meters or kilometers of protected length. - Early warning and fast location: Detects heat before smoke formation and provides the location of the hottest segment. - Zoning and integration: Systems can be divided into zones and integrated with building management or fire alarm systems for coordinated response. - Robust in challenging environments: Hardware is designed to tolerate dust, humidity, and other harsh conditions common in industrial settings. - Reduced nuisance alarms: By focusing on heat rather than smoke, and with properly chosen thresholds, false alarms can be minimized. Typical applications - Tunnels, subways, and other transportation routes. - Data centers, server rooms, and telecom facilities. - Electrical substations, switchyards, and power plants. - Industrial plants, chemical facilities, and oil/gas pipelines. - Large warehouses, aircraft hangars, and historical or sensitive buildings where wiring paths are long and difficult to cover with point detectors. Installation considerations - Route planning: Run the sensing line along the path most at risk, avoiding sharp bends and protecting against mechanical damage. - Environment: Choose a cable type and enclosure rated for the specific temperature, chemical exposure, moisture, and mechanical stresses of the location. - Segmentation and zoning: Decide how to segment the length into zones for faster localization and easier maintenance. - Power and communication: Ensure reliable power supply to the controller and integration to the site’s fire alarm or BMS/SCADA systems. - Maintenance planning: Establish routine testing, sensor checks, and replacement schedules for aging components or fibers. Choosing a system - Coverage length and required location accuracy: Longer lines require more monitoring capability; fiber-based systems offer precise localization along the entire length. - Response time and thresholds: Determine acceptable delays and temperature thresholds based on the environment and asset sensitivity. - Integration needs: Confirm compatibility with existing fire alarm panels, BMS, or safety protocols. - Budget and maintenance: Consider initial cost, installation complexity, and ongoing maintenance requirements. In summary Linear Heat Detection Systems provide a powerful, scalable solution for early fire detection over long protected lengths. By using either line-type heat detectors or fiber-optic DTS, LHDS delivers rapid location of a heat source, enabling faster intervention, protection of critical assets, and safer facilities in environments where traditional spot detectors may be impractical.