Plant managers and other personnel responsible for fire safety at oil refineries, chemical plants, or other industrial facilities will find the new General Monitors FL500 UV/IR Flame Detector from MSA offers relentless protection to safeguard people, equipment and facilities.

The next-generation FL500 optical flame detector is FM performance approved for six different fuel sources: butane, ethane, heptane, methane, methanol and propane. By combining a precision ultraviolet (UV) sensor for quick response with an infrared (IR) sensor that monitors flame-emitted radiation, the FL500 flame detector operates at faster speeds with unsurpassed false alarm immunity to provide the industry’s most reliable monitoring in its class.

The FL500 detector offers a wide field of view up to 130° for optimum protection. It features three external LED indicators for local verification by technicians of normal operation, fault conditions and alarms. On-board relays provide flexible detector status communications with automated plant safety and control systems via HART, Modbus, 4-20 mA sink or source communications.

Designed with continuous optical path monitoring (COPM), the exceptionally dependable FL500 flame detector conducts its own self-check every two minutes. These optical and electrical self-check diagnostic routines ensure the sensor’s optical path is clear and that the detector’s sophisticated electronic circuitry is operational for true operator peace-of-mind.

The FL500 detector also can be tested with the explosion proof TL105 Test Lamp, which simulates the flickering of a fire and provides a high-energy, broadband radiation source that emits energy in both the ultraviolet and infrared spectra to safely activate the flame sensors. The TL105 Test Lamp allows the detector to be tested under real fire conditions without the associated risk of an open flame.

With its new and improved design, the FL500 UV/IR flame detector offers a reduced footprint and simplified wiring to make it easy-to-install and maintain. Its rugged 316 stainless steel housing measures a compact 4.5-inches (114 mm) in diameter by 5.5-inches (140 mm) in length and weighs only 9 pounds (4.0 kg).

The FL500 provides fire safety monitoring in the most demanding environments around the globe--from the heat of the Middle East to the frigid regions of Northern Europe and Canada. The operating temperature range is:  -67°F (-55°C) to 185°F (85°C) with a relative humidity range of 0 to 95% RH, non-condensing.

In addition to FM performance approval, other global approvals include: CSA, ATEX, IECEx, EN 54-10 and CE Marking.  The next-generation FL500 UV/IR Flame Detector represents the true future of flame monitoring performance, reliability, flexibility and value. For more information, contact local MSA channel partners or visit General Monitors FL500 UV/IR Flame Detector by MSA.

About MSA

Established in 1914, MSA Safety Incorporated is the global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of safety products that protect people and facility infrastructures. Many MSA products integrate a combination of electronics, mechanical systems and advanced materials to protect users against hazardous or life-threatening situations. The company's comprehensive product line is used by workers around the world in a broad range of markets, including the oil, gas and petrochemical industry, fire service, the construction industry, mining and the military. MSA’s core products include fixed gas and flame detection systems, portable gas detection instruments, industrial head protection products, self-contained breathing apparatus, fire and rescue helmets, and fall protection devices. With 2017 revenues of $1.2 billion, MSA employs approximately 4,700 people worldwide. The company is headquartered north of Pittsburgh in Cranberry Township, Pa., and has manufacturing operations in the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America. With more than 40 international locations, MSA realizes approximately half of its revenue from outside North America. For more information visit MSA’s web site at www.MSAsafety.com.