FDA241 – li-ion off-gas detector 

The patented dual-wavelength detection technology uses two wavelengths – blue and infrared, enabling Off-Gas Particle or “OGP” detection. The term “OGP” refers to detection of small off-gas particles produced in the earliest stages of lithium-ion battery overheating and those commonly found in flaming fires.

By quantifying the size and concentration of the sampled particles, FDA241 detectors differentiate between smoke, dust, and steam. This results in greater detection reliability and a high immunity to deceptive phenomena which prevents downtimes and costs caused by false alarms.

The FDA241 unit offers proven reliability in early detection of lithium-ion battery Off-Gas particles during the “pre-thermal runaway” period of battery failure. This early warning is key to initiating mitigation actions such as E-Stop to avoid a catastrophic thermal runaway event within the BESS facility.

Each FDA detector offers three modes of operation: ultrasensitive, auto-discrimination, and robust. Alternatively, each alarm threshold can be custom programmed according to design documents.

The FDA241 also provides a single 4-20 mA analog output which can be programmed to continuously transmit smoke level or airflow rate to a monitoring system compatible with standard 4-20 mA signals.

FDA detector units support simplified “out-of-the-box” installation, meaning there are limited number of steps for the installer to complete the installation process.

The installer follows system design documents to mount the FDA detector to a permanent surface. Install air sampling pipe network as shown on design drawings and locate FDA air sampling holes at the appropriate locations in the sample pipe network to enable efficient detection of the lithium-ion off-gas particles.

The FDA detector is easily interfaced to a Siemens fire alarm control panel.

A patented dual-wavelength particle detection chamber internal to the detector has been specially designed to keep dust ingress to an absolute minimum.

For sites with high airborne dust concentrations a VdS-certified air filter cartridge is available. The FDA supports a native “purge function” – a programmable feature which uses a 3rd-party device to blow-back dust particles which may have built up within the sample pipe network.

These features contribute to the extended product lifespan and lower end-user maintenance costs – even if the ambient environmental conditions are dusty and dirty.