Flame Imaging for Safety Surveillance

Abstract

Flame detection is important for prevention of spreading of accidental fires. When combustible gas is ignited under daylight conditions, the flame is often difficult to detect by conventional imaging because of the high background radiation. The flame can be visualized by selectively detecting the emission of the OH radical, which is present in hydrocarbon or hydrogen flames. By detecting the OH radical emission in the solar blind region of wavelength below 290 nm, the background radiation can be effectively eliminated. In this study, an experimental device for visualization of flame at wavelength 285 nm was constructed. A combination of two narrowband interference filters was found to be sufficient to eliminate background radiation and selectively image the OH emission. The device could detect butane burner flame under daylight conditions.