Tech Watch

Jun 1, 2007 12:00 PM

This month, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) holds its annual World Safety Conference and Expo. Tagged as the NFPA's most important event of the year, hundreds of fire protection, life safety, electrical and security professionals descended upon Boston June 3-7 to learn about disaster response and planning, fire codes and standards and fire prevention and public safety, among other issues. To mark the occasion, here is a sampling of fire prevention products.

Explosion-Proof Surveillance Camera

MONITORS FIRES IN REMOTE OR HARD-TO-ACCESS AREA

The xWatch Explosion-Proof Camera from Detector Electronics Corp. provides a high-resolution color image of activity within the monitored area. When combined with the supplier's X-Series flame detector, the camera can view the same 90-degree cone of vision as the detector. When the flame detector goes into alarm, the camera's operator can immediately view the monitored area in real time to accurately assess the risk and location of the fire. The camera can also be used as a stand-alone device and can be integrated with any video switcher or server for a live video feed. Video output can be directed to a DVR or computer monitor. xWatch Surveillance Camera, Detector Electronics Corp. (detronics.com) Circle No. 1 or visit securitysolutions.com/productinfo.

Fire Alarm Monitoring System

PINPONTS THE LOCATION OF AN INCIDENT ON A DIAGRAM

The FocalPoint Graphic Workstation from Gamewell FCI is designed for facilities containing a number of Gamewell fire alarm control panels. It allows users to access detailed facility diagrams to pinpoint the location of a detected incident, which allows first responders to find the alarm faster. When an alarm sounds, a full view of the affected area is provided on the screen along with written incident reports. A history log, in which users can track and search previous incidents, is also available. FocalPoint Graphic Workstation, Gamewell FCI by Honeywell, (gamewell-fci.com) Circle No. 2 or visit securitysolutions.com/productinfo.

Visual Emergency Notification Device

FOR USE IN NOISY LOCATIONS

The TrueAlert Emergency Visual Messaging Display Unit from SimplexGrinnell is designed for emergency notification in noisy environments such as factories, train stations and airport terminals. In these environments, high noise levels can compromise the effectiveness of emergency voice communications. The unit features an electronic readerboard with a two-line LED display to display text messages to passersby. The unit is powered and controlled by a Simplex fire alarm panel and can be mounted to a wall or suspended from a ceiling. Pre-programmed emergency messages are stored in the display panel's memory and activated through an interface to the fire alarm control panel. The text messages are intended to supplement other audible and strobe-type fire notification devices. TrueAlert Emergency Visual Messaging Display Unit, Simplex Grinnell (simplexgrinnell.com) Circle No. 3 or visit securitysolutions.com/productinfo.

Video-Based Fire and Smoke Alarm System

IDENTIFIES FIRE AND SMOKE THROUGH VIDEO ANALYSIS

The SigniFire technology from axonX LLC integrates with existing CCTV surveillance systems to identify fire and smoke activity within an area. Spotting fire and smoke from a distance instead of waiting for smoke particles to reach a detector can help speed up emergency response and reduce fire destruction. Using a SigniFire-enabled system, operators can detect the presence of flames within a camera's field-of-view, the presence of pluming smoke clouds and ambient smoke, reflected fire light in the event that flames are obstructed and any incidence of intrusion. The technology is deployed on a DVR platform, and users can access current and archived events from anywhere on the network. The SigniFire line of products includes the SigniFire DVR, SpyderGuard monitoring software and an IP fire, smoke and intrusion detection camera. SigniFire products, axonX LLC (axonx.com) Circle No. 4 or visit securitysolutions.com/productinfo.

Portable Air Sampling Fire Detector

IDENTIFIES IMPENDING FIRE THREATS

The ProLocator Fire Sniffer from SAFE Fire Detection Inc. is a hand-held air-sampling detector that can identify impending fire threats within 1 ft. The unit features adjustable sensitivity levels to guide the user in the appropriate direction. Cloud Chamber Detection (CCD) technology provides early warning detection without false alarms. To use, operators set the unit to its most sensitive setting and walk through an area to identify where the LED and audible signal are the strongest. When all of the unit's LEDs are illuminated and the audible signal is constant, the user stops to press the sensitivity button and then continues. By repeating the steps, the unit will guide the user to the source of the developing fire threat. The detector is immune to dust, dirt, heat, cold, humidity and other factors that could deter it from leading the user in the right direction. ProLocator Fire Sniffer, SAFE Fire Detection Inc. (safefiredetection.com) Circle No. 5 or visit securitysolutions.com/productinfo.

Firefighting Gel

MIXES WITH WATER TO HELP FIGHT FIRES

Thermo-Gel, from Degussa Corp. and Thermo Technologies LLC, is a heat-shielding gel that acts as an extinguisher when mixed in water at 1 to 1½ percent concentration and applied directly to fire. The additive provides a “blanket” of protection from fire by sealing off oxygen from the burning material, thus lowering the temperature. Adding a higher concentration of the gel gives greater cooling and protection. The gel can also be used in preventative measures, such as in vulnerable places where fire spreads easily. The gel can adhere to ceilings, glass and vertical walls and is compatible with city water supplies, ground, surface and spring water. It is suitable for combating energy-rich fires that may reach plastics facilities, waste incineration plants, tire warehouses and power stations. Thermo-Gel, Degussa Corp. and Thermo Technologies LLC (thermo-gel.com) Circle No. 6 or visit securitysolutions.com/productinfo.

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