Bosch Security Systems - Experts & Thought Leaders

Since the end of 2023, Bosch's artificial intelligence has been safeguarding the world-renowned Aachen Cathedral, which is more than 1,200 years old. Germany's first UNESCO World Heritage site has been equipped by Bosch Building Technologies and the engineering firm planning with an intelligent video solution that protects it against a multitude of potential threats. Intelligent video solution Fires, in particular, can be devastating for such a historic building of inestimable intangible value and this is precisely why Aachen Cathedral has opted for the new system, which can detect a potential danger particularly quickly: Over 50 Aviotec cameras from Bosch in 16 rooms use intelligent video analytics to visually detect smoke and flames directly at their source. Due to AI algorithms, video cameras can also differentiate, for example, candlelight from a developing fire. This substantially reduces the likelihood of false alarms. Thus, the cameras respond much earlier than conventional ceiling-mounted fire detectors, which require smoke to rise to them. Fire detection "We are proud of this globally unique project at Aachen Cathedral," says Dr. Marcus Nadenau, Head of the European system integrator business Energy and Building Solutions at Bosch Building Technologies. "Aviotec offers an invaluable speed advantage in fire detection, especially in buildings with complex layouts and high ceilings," adds Dr. Nadenau. Video surveillance Cathedral master builder Dr. Jan Richarz, who took over the project from his predecessor Helmut Maintz, emphasizes the significance of this technology for the protection of Aachen Cathedral, supported by the Karlsverein / Cathedral Construction Association and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, "With this video surveillance solution, Aachen is a global leader." "It protects our World Heritage site as reliably and innovatively as befits its historical, religious, and cultural significance. I am very satisfied with the result and the collaborative partnership," says Dr. Richarz. AI protects treasures of immeasurable value Aviotec raises the alarm if someone enters the virtual exclusion zones around individual exhibits Aviotec primarily secures the cathedral's interior with its valuable relics and unique artworks, admired by over a million visitors annually. The video solution ensures that visitors can get as close as possible to the many treasures without endangering them: Aviotec raises the alarm if someone enters the virtual exclusion zones around individual exhibits.  Day-night surveillance During the day, it protects the cathedral from vandalism and theft, and at night from break-ins. Thanks to Aviotec, visitor flows can now be managed much more efficiently, as only a limited number of people are allowed in the cathedral at any one time: The previously laborious manual counting of visitors is now undertaken by the video solution. Protecting an important building together Bosch Building Technologies, in collaboration with the engineering firm, planned, developed, and implemented the comprehensive video solution for the cathedral. Every step was closely coordinated with the Cathedral Construction Lodge, whose challenging task is to preserve the cathedral and its treasures for the future.  "Aviotec from Bosch offers early fire detection and video security functions in one system, perfectly meeting the special protection needs of this sacred building," says Ralf Wolters from the engineering firm planning. "Cutting-edge technology meets centuries-old treasures. This combination has excited me," says the Engineer. Integrated fire alarm system A monitor shows arriving firefighters live images from the cathedral and informs them about the exact location An advantage of the Aachen solution is its close integration with the local fire department: As soon as one of the Aviotec cameras detects a developing fire, the Aachen professional fire department is informed via the normatively integrated fire alarm system. A monitor shows arriving firefighters live images from the cathedral and informs them about the exact location where the danger was detected. This saves valuable time. Due to the high Aviotec standard, the fire department allowed the solution to be connected to its systems as a special detector. As the world's first system for video-based fire detection, Aviotec was certified by VdS in 2017. Close coordination with heritage conservation To determine the ideal position for each camera within the building, digital floor plans were initially created, followed by an elaborate 3D simulation. Heritage conservation was involved early on, allowing the video system to blend almost invisibly into the existing ensemble. During the installation phase, more than 30 craftsmen worked in the cathedral at times, implementing electricity, lighting, and the new video solution in coordination. For the entire team, it was a special experience to work on a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Bosch Building Technologies introduces a ground-breaking advancement in fire safety with the Aviotec 8000i IR camera. This new version of its video-based fire detection solution promises to revolutionize fire protection in challenging environments, such as in manufacturing, where hazardous materials that carry high fire loads are stored outdoors, in semi-open spaces, in solar plants or electric car charging stations, where the wind makes it difficult to detect smoke. Aviotec 8000i IR camera Aviotec 8000i IR outperforms aspirating smoke detectors The Aviotec 8000i IR camera achieves on average 3x faster detection times The Aviotec 8000i IR camera achieves on average 3x faster detection times, when compared to current aspirating smoke detectors–significantly improving speed. Within its specifications, the enhanced AI algorithms also allow for greater reliability and accuracy in distinguishing real fire situations from false alarms. The alarm, based on an actual fire, or trouble signals, can be transmitted to a local network, or by two relays, also to the central fire panel. Trouble signals could for example result from a tilted camera, a blocked lens, or a power failure. fire protection 24/7 24/7 fire protection with integrated infrared (IR) illuminator The new camera further increases fire safety by providing fire protection 24/7 thanks to its integrated infrared (IR) illuminator. Within its specifications it ensures the camera is fully operational even in total darkness (at 0 Lux), reliably detecting smoke and flames with pure infrared illumination. No additional lighting is required, not even any emergency lighting, making it easier and more cost-effective for specifiers and installers to use the camera. Simplified installation In addition, Aviotec's Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) eliminates the need to install power cables Installation of the camera is further simplified by the fact that it is a one-product solution, meaning that no accessories are required.  The rugged IP 67 (waterproof) housing, IR-illuminator, new 4-megapixel sensor and motorized lens are all integrated into one unit. In addition, Aviotec's Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) eliminates the need to install power cables. Features of the Aviotec 8000i IR camera Expanding applications: Enhancing fire safety in varied environments The new features of the Aviotec 8000i IR camera open up a range of new applications, improving fire safety in particularly challenging environments, such as manufacturing, where hazardous materials stored outdoors can easily ignite. Irrespective of the weather and lighting conditions, Aviotec’s flame and smoke detection can help to prevent fires from spreading into buildings by detecting fires in open spaces directly at the source, without the need for smoke to reach a fire detector installed indoors, such as on a warehouse ceiling. Sensitive AI algorithms Another area where the new Aviotec camera helps to improve fire safety is in train, metro, and bus stations where brakes or electricity can be a source of fire that takes standard fire alarms too long to detect. Aviotec also helps improve fire safety in electric car charging stations where batteries can catch fire.  Charging stations are often located in half-open parking garages or outdoors where the wind can blow smoke in different directions. The highly sensitive AI algorithms with deep learning technology of the Aviotec 8000i IR camera help to detect smoke in windy conditions. "The new Aviotec 8000i IR is the result of more than a decade of expertise in video-based fire detection. Thousands of Aviotec cameras operating in 72 countries reflect our customers' trust in this proven technology," says Patrizia Bogers, Global Business Development Manager Aviotec.

Experience tomorrow's smart solutions today: From October 2 to 6, 2022, Bosch will present digital services and connected solutions for the entire building lifecycle at Light + Building in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, using real-world examples. In Hall 11.0, Booth B30, Bosch experts will provide insights into how IoT, connectivity, and the intelligent use of data can help to optimize the control of commercial buildings, operate them in a resource-efficient and sustainable manner, and provide a high level of security and safety as well as greater comfort for the people who use them. Real estate efficiency In Frankfurt, Bosch is presenting for the first time a new digital suite with integrated and connected services for the digital management of the commercial real estate, which helps to increase the attractiveness and value of properties as well as real estate portfolios. The modular service offering is based on generating intelligent data with the help of a digital twin The modular service offering is based on generating intelligent data with the help of a digital twin, opening up new opportunities for owners and operators to continuously optimize real estate efficiency and sustainability. Reliable early detection Trade show booth visitors can experience practical examples of how Bosch is addressing the growing need for security and safety in buildings, including examples with artificial intelligence: Aviotec video-based fire detection uses intelligent video analysis to ensure reliable early detection and alarming within seconds in large, sprawling buildings. Owners and operators can overview their properties via the new Intelligent Insights software, which evaluates video images from multiple cameras in real-time and generates information about the current number of people in the building. Booth guests can try out how Bosch securely implements access to buildings via a complementary smartphone app. Visitors are additionally shown how to book rooms and workplaces or record employee working hours comfortably – also by smartphone. On top of that, the access control system can be connected with the intrusion alarm system to arm or disarm it via the mobile access solution. Building automation solutions Bosch offers a broad portfolio of smart solutions and innovative technologies that can permanently reduce the CO2 footprint and energy costs of real estate and properties. Here, too, Bosch uses digital environments to design buildings that conserve resources without sacrificing comfort. In Frankfurt, Bosch will be showcasing, among other things, a wide range of building automation solutions and products that ensure high air quality, a pleasant indoor climate, and comfortable lighting in existing and new buildings while increasing energy efficiency. The Webvision 5 building management platform integrates these with existing security solutions so that all trades can be controlled, monitored, and optimized in one system.

There is a lot of studies and authority actions to have better responses after a natural disaster, including risk management, awareness, and preparedness especially in areas where there is a higher probability or risk of a disaster occurring. Lack of risk management policies There are countries around the world with strong policies and high investment in risk management, nevertheless, fire protection of buildings, critical infrastructure, industrial sites, and key parts of the supply chain of food and medicine is often overlooked when the authorities shape these risks management policies and plans. There are several documented cases around the world of large fires starting immediately after a major earthquake, for example following the Great San Francisco earthquake of 1906 the city burned for three days. Fire cases after a natural disaster In 1989, four buildings were destroyed by a fire caused by a ruptured gas line due to the Loma Prieta Earthquake. In this event, the hydrant systems failed to impair the ability of fire brigades to control the fires. In Japan, after the earthquake in April of 2011, a fire destroyed the Ichihara Oil Refinery and was controlled after 10 days, putting the communities around at risk and releasing toxic smoke into the air during all that time. The Fukushima area and the Daiichi Sankyo Onahama gas plant suffered dangerous fires as well. Recently, after the hurricane, Ida's six homes were burned in the community of Barataria in Louisiana, United States. I considered this a notable case because the fire brigades couldn’t reach the area. After all, the bridge that connected the main road to this community was affected by the water floods. Fire Risks in Buildings after a Natural Disaster Usually, we link these risks to wildfires, but there is a high possibility that structural fires occur due to ruptured gas lines, arcing electrical wires, or even unattended candles that can be potential sources of ignition and destroy buildings, affect industrial sites or critical infrastructure and have adverse effects to the communities around, already highly affected by the disaster itself. Earthquakes, flooding, and landslides might block access to fire brigades impairing the ability to respond to these fires Earthquakes, flooding, and landslides might block access to fire brigades and affect water supplies impairing the ability of a city to respond to these fires increasing the risk of these fires propagating to the nearby structures. After the Northridge earthquake in Los Angeles, in 1994 Los Angeles firefighters responded to around 110 earthquake-related fires. Main water pipes ruptured, making the firefighters draft water from swimming pools and limited water tankers available. Causes of increased response time When an earthquake occurs usually extensive structural damages occur, fire-rated constructions might fail to increase the possibility of fires propagating inside the structure. Sprinkler systems can be affected even though most laws and regulations around the world require that sprinkler pipes are designed to withstand the effect of an earthquake. Also, electrical circuits inside a building can fail to cause arcs that might produce ignitions, power outages and broken wiring might affect the operation of fire detection systems as well, which means the time to respond is severely increased. Fire and rescue emergencies External conditions like the wind or the presence of certain materials can aid the fire to spread before firefighting brigades arrive, and it is important to consider that after a natural disaster there are several different types of emergencies that fire and rescue departments need to respond to in parallel. Most countries around the world have enforced seismic codes over years, following devastating earthquakes like Haiti and Chile in 2010 these codes have been updated but there is a long way to bring the fire protection mentality embedded in risk management and resiliency plans of cities and communities. What to do? Risk management methods need to be developed to identify the most effective measures to increase the resistance capacity Usually, fire protection codes and regulations address fires as isolated events occurring inside a structure and they are designed to minimize the spread of fire within the building. Some like the sprinkler design and installation guidelines do include seismic protections but risk management methods still need to be developed to identify the most effective measures to increase the resistant capacity of infrastructure. The design of risk management policies and resiliency plans should have a fire protection component with three main objectives: Life Safety: Impairment of life safety and loss of incoming lifeline services should not create unacceptable life safety hazards for the continued occupation of a building. Property Damage: Loss of incoming lifeline services should not result in an unacceptable fire growth situation which could rapidly outstrip the ability to contain a fire Fire Spread: Loss of incoming lifeline services should not result in an unacceptable level of risk of fire spread to adjacent buildings beyond the ability of firefighting. Installation and maintenance fire detection systems One component to this scheme of protection after natural disasters is the use of technology to prevent and detect the risk of fire, following the recommendations of worldwide recognized guidelines such as the NFPA 72, EN54, or ISO 7240 among others, but as I have mentioned before these guidelines address fires as isolated events, the next step should not only include fire protection as an integral part of building codes but to include these measures as an integral part of risk management and resiliency plans. Not only installation of fire detection systems should be enforced but in addition, regular maintenance must be highly relevant in the local codes in cities where there are higher risks of natural disasters. Ensuring proper evacuation procedures in place supported by clear messages using a Public Address system with full coverage is an important measure as well. fire protection measures Fire-resistant designs aim to limit the impact of the fire and maintain a significant level of functionality Additional technologies like seismic shut-off valves to cut gas and flammable liquids and prevent fires due to leaks in ruptured pipes should be implemented in these contexts in addition to the existing fire protection measures. Building codes have a strong focus on fire-rated construction and the use of fire stoppings on all vertical and horizontal openings, but when the structure fails there is the possibility of this protection failing as well. Fire-resistant designs aim to limit the impact of the fire and maintain a significant level of functionality afterward. Risk management plans In cities with higher risks of natural disasters such as earthquakes, urban zoning should be considered when construction licenses for industrial sites and chemical plants are issued and the location of these types of buildings is being planned. Also, authorities should maintain constant communication and collaboration with the managers of these facilities to include their emergency plans into the general risk management plans of the city. Fire load management is key in these environments. Evaluating codes for urban planning As I mentioned before, water supply for fire brigades and water access can be impaired when a natural disaster occurs, this means not only the sprinkler system should be functional after the event but also larger water reservoirs than the regularly prescribed by existing laws should be available in places such as industrial or chemical plants. Detailed data and documentation of the most probable causes for ignition after an earthquake should be systematically documented to provide authorities information for urban planning and evaluation of existing codes and risk management plans. Trends for the Future IoT and cloud-based services for fire protection equipment open possibilities to address the challenges of fire protection The adoption of the internet of things and cloud-based services for fire protection equipment opens a world of possibilities to address the challenges of fire protection linked to structure design and response to natural disasters. In the future, we could have IoT-enabled smoke detectors that allow systems to provide indoor geolocation and intelligent evacuation. Right now, there are companies implementing integration between earthquake detection and fire alarm panels, this could potentially lead to protection schemes seamlessly integrated. Creating a database Authorities can use data of the existing facilities in a city, like high rise buildings, industrial sites, chemical plants, transportation and critical infrastructure, warehouses, food and medicine supply chain, hospitals among others to create real-time fire risk maps, collaborate with the managers of these facilities and create a database for fire departments and risk management plans. Cloud-based technologies could allow real-time data fed to these plans to analyze the behavior of people and structures during and after a disaster, and ultimately design smarter and safer buildings and cities.

Many restaurants around the world are suffering from loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The situation has made fire prevention a lower priority. Fire authorities should work with restaurant owners and associations to address this issue and offer guidelines and training to increase awareness in the community. Restaurant fires account for about 6% of all non-residential building fires reported to fire departments each year, according to the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS). These fires resulted in an average of less than one fatality per 1,000 fires, 11 injuries per 1,000 fires, and US$ 23,000 in loss per fire. Cooking, major cause of restaurant fires As one might expect, cooking is by far the leading cause of restaurant fires, accounting for 64% of restaurant fires, according to NFIRS. Heating and electrical malfunction each accounted for an additional 7% of incidents. All other causes, including unintentional, careless actions (4%), appliances (4%), other heat (3%) and several other categories at less than 3%, each accounted for the remaining 23% of restaurant fires, according to the National Fire Incident Reporting System. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), the top five causes of fires in restaurants are cooking equipment, with 61%, followed by electrical fires, heating equipment, smoking materials and intentional. Kitchen exhaust systems under high fire risk equipment At the top of the list of fire risks, related to cooking equipment, is a kitchen’s exhaust systems At the top of the list of fire risks, related to cooking equipment, is a kitchen’s exhaust systems, which are a common cause of fire, when they are not properly maintained. They build up grease, until a point where the hot smoke and steam that goes through the ventilation ignites that grease and causes fires. Also, grease traps should be properly emptied and cleaned or they will catch fire. Also, related to cooking, other common causes of restaurant fires are gas leaks or malfunctions due to poor maintenance. Not as common, but also a culprit of fire losses are fires caused by inadequate use of deep fryers or large cooking pans, and faulty cooking equipment such as pressure cookers. Detectors and automatic suppression systems Ivan Paredes, Latin American Head of Product Marketing for Fire Detection at Bosch Security and Safety Systems, lists the following technologies used to prevent and/or minimize restaurant fires: Automatic suppression systems built into stoves and oven hoods. Foam that reacts with the grease and CO2 extinguishing are the most common. Heat and smoke detectors located near the cooking area. UL 268 7th edition-approved smoke detectors can be installed inside kitchens and should not give unwanted alarms. Flammable gas leak detectors and automatic fail-safe valves to avoid gas leaks. Importance of regular maintenance of systems “The main challenge in fire prevention in restaurants is awareness and local regulation compliance,” said Ivan Paredes, adding “Restaurant owners should schedule regular maintenance of systems, proper cleaning of areas where grease and oil build up or are stored, and guarantee proper ventilation of the kitchen at all times.” He adds, “Restaurant staff also should be properly trained in fire prevention as well as the use of fire extinguishers and the systems installed (automatic suppression, gas leak detection, etc.) and regular housekeeping helps avoid flammable materials igniting near fire sources such as stoves and ovens.”

There is a sense in some markets that the paper and pulp industry will decline owing to the digital technologies with which people interact every day. While this might be considered logical, the reality is completely different. In fact, the paper and pulp industry has experienced a steady growth and will continue to do so in 2021. Production of paper increased by more than 450% in the last decades and the demand of paperboard in the world is expected to grow significantly, driven by e-commerce and big retailers increasing their presence in the online sales universe. This sustained growth in production capacity and paper consumption presents several fire risks to companies and exposes communities that develop around paper mills, to the impact of disasters caused by these fire risks. Fire risks in the paper and pulp industry Paper and cardboard are combustible, but this is not the only fire risk found in these types of industries. Raw materials and finished goods storage are sensitive to fire. In addition, the paper making process includes several stages where fires can occur, due to hot surfaces or poor ventilation. The most relevant fire risks on a paper plant are: Storage Areas: As mentioned before, paper and cardboard are combustible. Solid paper blocks and reels have hard surfaces that don’t ignite easily, but usually these reels can suffer minor damages or have loose sheets that significantly increase the fire risk. When paper reels are stacked in columns, gaps in the center can act as chimneys and when fires start in the bottom of the stack, this chimney effect will accelerate smoke and hot air spread, increasing vertical and horizontal flame spread. Wood and Bale storage fire risks Bale storage also presents a high fire risk, as loose materials are always present Raw materials for the paper making process can have two main sources, forestry products (mainly wood) or recycled cardboard and paper. Wood storage presents several challenges, especially due to wood chips that are highly combustible and, in some cases, even explosive. Bale storage also presents a high fire risk, as loose materials are always present. Fire in baled paper is difficult to extinguish and generates heavy smoke. In many recycling facilities, these paper bales are stored outdoors, where paper or rags soaked in flammable liquids, embedded between the paper sheets, can ignite resulting in a fast spreading fire. Chemicals, flammable liquids and gases In addition, it is possible to find different types of chemicals, flammable liquids and gases that are used in the paper making process. These materials have their own fire-related risks that need to be taken in consideration. Production Areas: In pulp factories, there are several long-distance conveyors that transport wood and wood chips. These conveyors constitute a fire risk and the most probable causes of fire are bearing damage, overheating of the conveyor and igniting chips in the environment. IR dryers, a common source of fire After the wood has been transported, chipped and digested, the paper making process becomes extremely humid, due to the large amounts of hot water and steam needed. But, as soon as the pulp fiber sheet starts to dry, the hot surfaces in contact with the paper sheets can be a source of ignition. IR dryers used in the process are also a common source of fire in the paper industry. When the sheet of paper is formed, close contact with reels and bearings moving fast can create static electricity that could ignite loose paper or airborne particles. Problems like these are likely to be more extensive in tissue mills. Paper dust is generated in certain parts of the process, especially where paper shits are slit or cut. Poorly insulated steam pipes lead to fire Poorly insulated steam pipes can ignite paper dust or even their own insulation materials. In addition, paper dust gathers in the ventilation grills of machinery, causing overheating and igniting as well. Heated oil is used in several parts of the process as well and if a malfunction occurs on the Hot Oil Roll systems, leaks might occur, exposing hot surfaces to this oil and causing ignitions. A paper mill has hydraulically operated machinery, where leaks or sprays might ignite as well. Service Areas: As in many other manufacturing facilities, several service areas can be found. Electrical and network equipment rooms have an inherent fire risk due to damaged wires or equipment, overheating or short circuits in high voltage circuits. Transformer and generator areas entail fire risks as well. High fire risk for boiler rooms Flammable gas distribution systems can be ignition sources, in case of leaks or damaged pipes or valves Hot water and steam are key components for the paper making process. For this reason, paper plants use high capacity boilers that can be powered by flammable liquids or gases. A high fire risk can be considered for boiler rooms. Flammable gas distribution systems can be ignition sources, in case of leaks or damaged pipes or valves. In addition to the fire risks mentioned in these areas, many maintenance operations can also pose fire risk, especially when hot works are being performed. Sparks caused by welding or the use of certain tools can ignite paper sheets or dust in the air. Poor housekeeping and buildup of paper dust, for example, increases the risk associated with maintenance and construction works. Prevention, the first line of defense According to the Health and Safety Executive from the United Kingdom, 60% of fires on paper mills are caused by machine faults and poor housekeeping. The first line of defense to avoid fire risks in paper plants is prevention. As mentioned before, a high number of fires in these types of facilities occur because of poor housekeeping and machine malfunction. The key is to identify the risks and possible ignition sources, and apply measures to minimize them. As in many industries, fire protection has two main components: Passive and Active protection. Passive fire protection measures Passive measures include fire rated walls, ceilings, and floors in the most critical areas. Chemical storage areas should be physically separated from other dangerous areas, if this is not possible then the walls separating areas should be fire rated and materials must be stored in a way that minimizes the risk of fire spread by radiation or conduction. Proper compartmentalization and intumescent protection of structural elements should be part of the package as well. Passive measures include proper ventilation and smoke control. As mentioned before, paper dust is a major fire risk, which is why ventilation and cleaning of hoods over the paper machine is important to minimize the possibility of ignition. Fire resisting construction should be designed with the following goals in mind: Protection of escape routes Form compartments to contain fires that might occur Separate areas of higher fire risk Protect load bearing and structural members to minimize risk of collapse Sprinkler systems, gas extinguishing systems and hose reels Active fire protection includes sprinkler systems, gas extinguishing systems and hose reels to support fire brigades Active fire protection includes sprinkler systems, gas extinguishing systems and hose reels to support fire brigades. Finished goods stored indoors should be protected with sprinkler systems and the same should be considered for chemical storage areas and certain raw materials. Paper bales, ideally should be protected by sprinklers that are suitably designed to cope with the height and located, in all cases, 3 meters above the level of bales stacked vertically (which should not exceed 5 meters height). Spark detectors in hoods, pipes and ventilation systems Dangerous sparks could be generated in several parts of the paper making process, which is why spark detectors must be installed in hoods, pipes, and ventilation systems. Water spray and CO2 systems can be used to protect machinery against these risks. Means to fight fires, like extinguishers and hose reels, should be provided to support fire brigades. All the elements should be properly identified and all personnel should be trained and made aware of the location of such devices. Importance of fire alarms Fire alarms are required in all paper mills and fire alarm call points should be provided in all locations, according to international guidelines, such as NFPA 72 or EN54. The spread of flames and smoke in paper, wood and chemical storage might become extremely fast. For this reason, early detection is critical. Many technologies might be applied in the different areas of a paper plant. Nevertheless, there are dusty or humid areas where regular heat or smoke detectors might fail under certain circumstances. For these areas, especially located outdoors, innovative state-of-the-art detection solutions might be applied, like Video Fire Detection (VFD). NFPA 72 standard for flame and smoke detection NFPA 72 provides guidelines to implement this technology for flame and smoke detection NFPA 72 provides guidelines to implement this technology for flame and smoke detection, opening interesting alternatives for designers and fire protection engineers. Many EHS managers and fire protection professionals selected VFD, because it is the only fire detection solution that effectively covered their needs. Many engineers, specialized in fire protection for paper plants, explained that they tested linear heat detection, aspiration smoke detection, IR/UV detectors and even beams, but none of these technologies performed as they needed on the dirtiest or more humid areas. Video Fire Detection (VFD) solutions Outdoor storage areas are often unprotected, because deploying flame or heat detection in large open areas can be costly and mostly ineffective. VFD solutions can detect smoke and flames in outdoor conditions, allowing the monitoring and protection of wood and paper bales in large areas. Fire detection and alarm systems should be designed with the following goals: Minimize risk of fires, including the use of fire detection technology in areas where regular detection technologies cannot be implemented or are not practical. Minimize risk of flame and smoke spread, with state-of-the-art detection algorithms that guarantee fast and effective detection. Also, reliable algorithms minimize the possibility of nuance or unwanted alarms. In case of a fire, fast detection gives occupants life-saving time to reach to a place of safety, before the flames and smoke have spread to dangerous levels. Global production of paper and pulp reached 490 million tons in 2020, with many industries and markets depended on the paper and pulp supply chain. That is why innovative ways to protect this supply chain, are key to sustain the paper market growth in the future.