Flare Radiation Monitor
Flare Radiation Monitor
Flare Radiation Monitor
Thermal Sensors
Subscripts
N/A
The formal equipment model names of the HF02 are LEX35 with extension A, B or C,
depending on the connection of the sensor shield.
HF02 is used in alarm systems, using the heat flux measurement to issue a warning in
case of high thermal radiation exposure of equipment or personnel. It is typically
installed close to a flare. A common assumption is that the heat flux level in a safe
environment for personnel must not exceed 5 x 103 W/m2 (or 1.5 x 103 BTU/(hr∙ft2)).
Above that heat flux level, or when the temperature of the sensor body exceeds 70 °C,
an alarm is activated.
A typical alarm system will include multiple HF02 sensors, all aimed at the main source of
radiation, as well as other decision-supporting devices such as camera systems and
temperature sensors.
The sensor in HF02 measures the heat flux to its black (absorbing) surface, in the plane
of the sensor, from a source in the field of view angle. It offers measurement of the
effective exposure for personnel and equipment from a source in the direction it is aimed
at the location of the sensor.
Using HF02 is easy. It can be connected directly to commonly used data logging systems.
The heat flux in W/m2 is calculated by dividing the HF02 output, a small voltage, by the
sensitivity. The sensitivity is provided with HF02 on its calibration certificate.
The sensor body temperature is monitored as a redundant safety precaution. In case the
sensor has a temperature above a specified level, typically 70 °C, we recommend to
consider this a sign that there are strong local heat sources and to activate the alarm.
Hukseflux provides a traceable calibration. Hukseflux is ISO 9001: 2008 certified, but not
an accredited measurement laboratory according to ISO 17025.
Figure 0.1 HF02. Standard cable length is 3 m high temperature metal sheathed cable
plus 3 m low temperature extension cable.
90
10
5 1
2
1 3
4
4 6 5
9
2 3 11 8 7
30
Figure 0.2 HF02 consists of a heat flux sensor (1) providing both a heat flux and a
sensor body temperature measurement, a sensor body (3), a radiation shield (2) and
rain screen (10) to protect the sensor against the environment, a high-temperature
metal sheathed cable (4), a cable transition piece (5), a low temperature extension cable
(6), mounting holes (3/8 UNC) (9) and spacers (11). The transition piece (5) to the cable
end (at 7) in area 8 must be between -20 and +70 °C, and the cable end (at 7) must be
provided by the user with an enclosure certified for use in the area of installation.
Installation is the responsibility of the user. Dimensions in x 10-3 m.
The standard configuration of HF02 is with 3 m high temperature metal sheathed cable
and 3 m low temperature extension cable.
• longer cable (specify total cable length for both cable types in m)
Specify the shielding option: the standard version LEX35B has the sensor body and the
high temperature cable connected to the shield/drain wire of the low temperature plastic
cable. A shield disconnected from the high temperature metal cable and sensor body is
offered as an option.
• LEX35A: shield not connected to high temperature cable and sensor body
• LEX35B : shield connected to high temperature cable and sensor body (standard
version)
• LEX35C: no low temperature extension cable, high temperature metal sheath
material and the sensor body may act as shield
1. Check the electrical resistance of the heat flux sensor between the black [-] and red
[+] wires and the thermocouple between the green [+] and white [-] wires. Use a
multimeter at the 100 Ω range. Measure the sensor resistance first with one polarity,
then reverse the polarity. Take the average value. Typical resistance should be the
nominal sensor resistance of 4 to 14 Ω for the thermopile sensor at standard cable
lengths, plus for additional low temperature extension cable 0.1 Ω/m (resistance per
meter cable ) for the total resistance of two wires (back and forth added), for high
temperature cable 1 Ω/m. For the thermocouple work with 5 to 15 Ω at standard cable
lengths, plus additional low temperature extension cable 0.7 Ω/m resistance per meter
cable ), for high temperature cable 2 Ω/m. Infinite resistance indicates a broken circuit;
zero or a lower than 1 Ω resistance indicates a short circuit.
2. Check if the heat flux sensor reacts to heat: put the multimeter at its most sensitive
range of DC voltage measurement, typically the 100 x 10-3 VDC range or lower. Expose
the sensor heat, for instance touching it with your hand. The signal should
read > 2 x 10-3 V now. Touching or exposing the black surface should generate a positive
signal. Also look at the reaction of the thermocouple to heat.
3. Check the shield connection. Measure the drain-wire to housing connection. The
options are: LEX35A: shield not connected to high temperature cable and sensor body
and LEX35B: shield connected to high temperature cable and sensor body. Measure with
a multimeter with one connection at the drain wire the other in the sensor body.
4. Inspect the instrument for any damage.
5. Check the sensor serial number engraved on the transition piece between high
temperature cable and low temperature extension cable, against the certificate provided
with the sensor.
To convert the measured voltage, U, to a heat flux Φ, the voltage must be divided by the
sensitivity S, a constant that is supplied with each individual sensor.
As the detector is essentially open (it has no protective windows) the measurement is
influenced by wind in the same way as any exposed surface such as clothing worn by
personnel or the surface of equipment; increased wind speed leads to a reduction of the
measured heat flux. Rain on the detector can also lead to cooling and a reduction of the
measured heat flux.
The temperature sensor inside HF01 is a type K thermocouple. It measures the sensor
body temperature.
For readout the user only needs an accurate voltage measurement in the millivolt range,
and a type K thermocouple measurement.
Measuring with heat flux sensors, errors may be caused by differences between
calibration reference conditions and the conditions during use. The user should analyse
his own experiment and make his own uncertainty evaluation.
HF02 SPECIFICATIONS
High temperature cable type metal sheathed mineral insulated signal cable
Low temperature extension cable type PVC signal cable with shield and drain wire
Heat flux sensor resistance range 4 to 14 Ω (standard cable length)
Low temperature extension cable: heat 0.1 Ω/m (nominal)
flux sensor cable resistance
High temperature cable: heat flux sensor 1 Ω/m (nominal)
cable resistance
Temperature sensor resistance range 5 to 15 Ω (standard cable length)
Low temperature extension cable: 0.7 Ω/m (nominal)
temperature sensor cable resistance
High temperature cable: temperature 2 Ω/m (nominal)
sensor cable resistance
Black coating emissivity 0.92 (nominal)
High temperature cable diameter 6 x 10-3 m
Low temperature extension cable 7.5 x 10-3 m
diameter
Connection diameter transition piece between high temperature and low
temperature cable: 17 x 10-3 m (including spring), 14
x 10-3 m (metal only)
Marking 1 x engraving on the transition piece, showing serial
number
1 x sticker at low temperature extension cable end,
showing serial number.
Use of materials stainless steel, duplex steel and PVC
Net weight 3 kg (with 3 m high temperature cable and 3 m low
temperature extension cable)
ATEX SPECIFICTIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS
Equipment status according to directive HF02 is a passive sensor which does not have its own
2014/34 EU source of ignition. It becomes equipment in the sense
of Article 2 of the directive only when operating in
combination with other equipment.
ATEX rated operating conditions II 2 G EEx d IIC T6
Rated use stationary use only
Model names according to EU type LEX35A, LEX35B. LEX35C
examination
Electrical data Umax 5 V,
Imax 5 x 10-3 A
Rated process temperature range -50 to +300 °C
(sensor and high temperature cable)
Rated operating temperature range -30 to +70 °C
low temperature extension wire and
cable end
EC type examination certificate included in delivery
Safety notes see warning statements and the chapter on
recommended practices for use
Maintenance requirements regular inspection of the sensor surface and field of
view as well as regular performance verification. See
the chapter on maintenance.
VERSIONS / OPTIONS
90
10
5 1
2
1 3
4
4 6 5
9
2 3 11 8 7
30
Figure 3.2.1 HF02 flare radiation monitor / heat flux sensor. Dimensions in x 10-3 m.
WIRE SIGNAL
Red heat flux signal [+]
Blank shield
• LEX35A: shield not connected to high temperature cable and sensor body
• LEX35B : shield connected to high temperature cable and sensor body
• LEX35C: no low temperature extension cable, high temperature metal sheath and
sensor body may act as shield
Location HF02 measures the heat flux through the plane of the black sensor. Make
sure the orientation of the HF02 matches the orientation of the plane of
interest.
For studies of exposure of personnel and equipment, the maximum or
worst-case heat flux is usually found by measuring at the relevant
location and by pointing the HF02 at the strongest local radiation source.
Take into account that HF02 has a 90° full field of view angle.
Safety The free cable end must be connected to a junction box that is certified
for use in the local environment.
Use a suitable cable gland on the junction box to maintain the IP67
protection classification
Install sensor and cable in such a way that it they are protected against
mechanical force
mounting: first install the cable including strain relief and after that install
the sensor.
use the two 3/8 UNC bolts at a hart-to-hart distance of 30 x10-3 m.
Signal amplification ask the manufacturer for recommendations for signal amplification /
conversion
HF02 measures reliably at a low level of maintenance, but does require frequent
inspection. Unreliable measurement results are detected by scientific judgement, for
example by looking for unreasonably large or small measured values. The preferred way
to obtain a reliable measurement is a regular critical review of the measured data,
preferably checking against other measurements.
Table 6.1.1 Recommended maintenance of HF02. If possible the data analysis is done
on a daily basis.
3 6 months inspection inspect black sensor surface, inspect cable quality, inspect
mounting, inspect location of installation
General Inspect the sensor for any damage. Inspect the quality of mounting / installation.
Verify that the sensor has a free field of view.
Inspect if the wires are properly attached to the data logger.
Check the condition of the cable.
Inspect the connection of the shield (typically connected at the datalogger side).
Check the datalogger program in particular if the right sensitivity is entered.
HF02’s sensor serial number is engraved on the transition piece between high
temperature cable and low temperature extension cable. The sensitivity can be
found on the calibration certificate.
Check the electrical resistance of the heat flux sensor between the black [-] and
red [+] wires and the thermocouple between the green [+] and white [-] wires.
Use a multimeter at the 100 Ω range. Measure the sensor resistance first with one
polarity, then reverse the polarity. Take the average value. Typical resistance
should be the nominal sensor resistance of 4 to 14 Ω for the thermopile sensor at
standard cable lengths, plus for additional low temperature extension cable 0.1
Ω/m (resistance per meter cable ) for the total resistance of two wires (back and
forth added), for high temperature cable 1 Ω/m. For the thermocouple work with 5
to 15 Ω at standard cable lengths, plus additional low temperature extension cable
0.7 Ω/m resistance per meter cable ), for high temperature cable 2 Ω/m. Infinite
resistance indicates a broken circuit; zero or a lower than 1 Ω resistance indicates
a short circuit.
The sensor Check if the heat flux sensor reacts to heat: put the multimeter at its most
does not give sensitive range of DC voltage measurement, typically the 100 x 10-3 VDC range or
any signal lower. Expose the sensor heat, for instance touching it with your hand. The signal
should read > 2 x 10-3 V now.
The sensor Check the cable condition looking for cable breaks.
signal is Check the shield connection. Measure the drain-wire to housing connection. The
unrealistically options are: LEX35A: shield not connected to high temperature cable and sensor
high or low body and LEX35B: shield connected to high temperature cable and sensor body.
Measure with a multimeter with one connection at the drain wire the other in the
sensor body.
Check the data acquisition by applying a 1 x 10-6 V source to it in the
1 x 10-6 V range. Look at the measurement result. Check if it is as expected.
Check the data acquisition by short circuiting the data acquisition input with a
10 Ω resistor. Look at the output. Check if the output is close to 0 W/m2.
The sensor Check the presence of strong sources of electromagnetic radiation (radar, radio).
signal shows Check the condition and connection of the shield.
unexpected Check the condition of the sensor cable.
variations Check if the cable is not moving during the measurement.
The following tables are used for checking and trouble shooting HF02.
*1) optionally plus 0.1 Ω/m low temperature cable plus 1 Ω/m high temperature cable (approx.)
*2) optionally plus 0.7 Ω/m low temperature cable plus 2 Ω/m high temperature cable (approx.)
HF02 factory calibration is traceable from SI through international standards and through
an internal mathematical procedure. The formal traceability of the generated heat flux is
through a secondary standard calibration reference to the international temperature
standard ITS90.
The Hukseflux SBGC method follows the recommended practice of ISO 14934-3, however
we calibrate at one heat flux level only. Calibration relies on a comparison to a secondary
standard heat flux sensor under a radiant heat source.
Table 7.2.1 Typical allowable heat flux levels in industrial environments as found in
literature. NOTE: these data should not be used as a reference.
Btu/Hr Ft2 x 103 W/m2
1 Equipment 3000 9.5
2 Human: Run 2000 6.3
3 Human: Walk 1500 4.7
4 Human: Work (static) 500 1.6
Table 7.2.2 typical ranges of heat flux levels, from ISO 14934-4
x 103 W/m2 Comment
1 300 maximum level in a fully developed fire
2 200 to 100 incident heat flux on the wall in a developed fire enclosure
3 about 100 radiation from burning house
4 about 30 causing ignition of tree
5 20 to 10 causing ignition of timber
6 about 7 or 8 lowest level for causing ignition of a timber wall under a pilot
flame
7 about 4 lowest level for causing a burn
8 about 2,5 highest level for people to endure
9 1,5 solar constant, maximum level of solar irradiance
Product model: HF02 with equipment model name LEX35A, LEX35B and LEX35C
Product type: Flare radiation sensor / heat flux sensor
has been designed to comply and is in conformity with the relevant sections and
applicable requirements of the following standards:
and that produced products are accompanied by a separate declaration of conformity and
EC type examination certificate according to the requirements of Directive 2014/34/EU,
which together with this certificate forms a dossier as allowed by note 24.
Eric HOEKSEMA
Director
Delft
March 01, 2016
Hukseflux Thermal Sensors B.V. reserves the right to change specifications without notice.