Flame Detectors with HART® Communications

The FL3100H UV/IR and FL3101H UV Flame Detectors are now compatible with the HART® communication protocol. Enabling the FL3100H UV/IR and FL3101H UV Flame Detectors with HART enhances the productivity and available data of these instruments, thereby improving safety. Standard HART commands make it simple for systems to configure and adjust the flame detectors to the particular requirements of the plant. The flame detector, for example, can be tagged with a name for greater ease of use (ex. “Reactor 1 flame detector”). Alarm and warning set points can be adjusted, delay times set, and alarms acknowledged or reset by simply sending a command. Such real-time, continuous access to device variables improves control.

HART is a field-proven instrumentation communications protocol that is easy to use and provides uniform and consistent communication without disturbing the integrity of the 4-20 mA analog signal. In addition to the process variable, the HART protocol permits access to device configuration, diagnostics, as well as maintenance and alarm records. As a result, a whole host of additional information related to plant operation is available to the control room through HART. Unlike other digital communication protocols, HART is backwards compatible with the installed base of analog-only devices in use today.

Because the FL3100H and FL3101H are equipped with event logging, managers and technicians have access to time-stamped records of all maintenance performed on the device. These records are particularly useful during quality system audits, and since they are generated automatically, make producing documentation on demand more efficient.

The benefits of the HART-equipped FL3100H and FL3101H are not limited to better information management and predictive maintenance. Through HART, a user can check the status of the flame detectors and respond to a fault when it is issued. Guesswork is eliminated. Supplied with information about the nature of the fault and its frequency, workers can make accurate diagnostics about the condition of the device before setting foot in the field.

Incorporating HART into the FL3100H and FL3101H allows users to integrate the devices more fully into process automation. Benefits derived from the communication protocol become increasingly evident as more detectors are installed at a plant. Beyond maintenance, flame detector installations stand to gain from greater workforce efficiency, asset performance, and fewer unplanned shutdowns.

About the FL3100H and FL3101H Flame Detectors
The Model FL3100H detects fires by monitoring in both the ultraviolet and infrared (UV & IR) spectral ranges making it highly immune to false alarms caused by lightning, arc welding, hot objects and other sources of radiation. The Model FL3101H monitors only the ultraviolet (UV) spectral range for optimized speed of response. Both devices feature continuous optical path monitoring (COPM), which ensures the FL3100H Series offers exceptional fire protection.

The FL3100H and FL3101H operate over a broad temperature range and feature a 4-20 mA stepped output, which is the industry standard for alarm and fault indication. Each device includes three SPDT high current programmable relay outputs that provide immediate and time delayed outputs for alarm, warn and fault conditions. They also include an RS-485 serial output with Modbus RTU protocol for linking up to 128 detectors in series or 247 with repeaters. The RS-485 and HART outputs provide status, alarm, fault and other information for operation, troubleshooting or programming of the units. Since HART signals are carried over the same wiring as is typically used for conventional analog instruments, no rewiring is required.

Developed for use in a wide range of industries, the FL3100H and FL3101H detectors support oil & gas production, refining, distribution, and storage operations. Other applications include chemical processing, aircraft hangars, and electrostatic spray paint booths.

Learn more about the FL3100H Flame Detector.
Learn more about the FL3101H Flame Detector.