| Video smoke detection is gaining popularity in the fire detection field |
Video smoke detection is still in the process of research and development. A VSD guidance has been published by the FIA.
Although it has been in use for a number of years, until recently VSD was still seen as an emerging technology. Research into this area continues and few commercial systems are available, but it is increasingly becoming a recognised solution for both interior and exterior applications, particularly those which are difficult to protect with the more conventional technologies.
Typically VSD systems consist of video-based analytical smoke recognition algorithms that integrate cameras into fire detection systems, with proprietary software processing the image from the camera to determine if smoke from a fire can be identified in the image. Included in the information contained within the guide is an introduction to VSD, the types and configurations of systems available, the key benefits of the technology, the main applications where it is used and the relevant standards. Importantly, it also highlights those situations where VSD is not recommended as the prime means of detection.
Robert Thilthorpe, Technical Manager at the FIA, comments: “Keeping our members and other interested parties abreast of technological developments is one of the key things that we do as a trade association. VSD is one of the newer technologies and we felt the time was right to add this subject to the wide range that is now covered by our series of guides and fact files.”