HERITAGE
The invaluable and irreplaceable content of historical monuments is easily damaged by smoke, flames, but also by systems that are supposed to protect them from these risks, for example the water from sprinklers. Many museums and historical monuments have high ceilings, thus reducing the effectiveness of classic monuments. Indeed, by the time the smoke reaches the detector, it is often unfortunately already too late. It is therefore imperative to secure these properties 24/7, and also to provide protection against theft and early detection of fires.
Difficult environment
Historical monuments generally have large volumes and contain invaluable works of aesthetics. Conventional smoke detectors (spot, aspiration, BEAM..) are difficult to install and maintain. Moreover, they must be installed in large numbers to be effective. When installed on the ceiling, conventional detectors allow smoke to spread before being detected. The SigniFire camera literally sees events (flames, smoke, intrusions) for early warning at a distance.
Why video detection of flame and smoke?
Video detection of flame and smoke has several advantages over traditional detection:
- Early detection:The cameras see the fire at its source and therefore manage to detect it. Earlier than conventional detectors. These require that the smoke reach their sensors.
- Immediate information on the situation:It is a network camera; the images can be viewed in real time in a remote monitoring center. Alarm verification is immediate and reliable.
- Less equipment to install: Each SigniFire camera covers a large area, which translates into a savings in sensors. The goal is one reduction of installation and maintenance costs.
How does SigniFire work?
The video analysis software uses artificial intelligence:
- Analysis of images of 640x480 pixels at a rate of 15 images per second.
- 4.5 million data points analyzed by the camera's Texas Instruments DSP processor.
- The software uses temporal patterns and DSP filters and compares the results with a neural network based on 15,000 fire simulation models.
- The alarms are routed via dry contacts and/or via Ethernet.
What fire protection systems have traditionally been employed in the heritage field?
- Sprinklers: Sprinklers are triggered by an increase in temperature. They are designed to save the building’s foundations and not its contents.
- Linear heat detector: Linear heat detectors can be used upstream of the sprinklers. They are triggered at an increase in temperature, not at an early stage.
- BEAM detector: The beams are placed at the ceiling level and can causing false positives. These are caused by obstruction of the beam (objects, thick dust...).
- “Spot” detector: They are usually placed high up to capture the ionization, which delays the detection of smoke.
- Suction system (ASD): ASD systems have one major disadvantage in dusty environments. The sensors are clogged, which impairs detection and increases the number of maintenance operations.
Applications
The SigniFire technology is suitable for the following environments:
• Museums
• Libraries
• Government buildings
• Heritage assets
• Churches and cathedrals
