MINERVA MXF100 Optical

Fibre Temperature
Sensing Technology

Fire systems
Features

.. Fibre optic sensor loop up to 2km .. Insensitive to EMI

..
Continuous temperature profiles
of temperature on a PC . Intrinsically safe sensor
Uses standard communications
Programmable functions
Programmable number of fire .. grade optical fibre
Choice of cable construction

. detection zones
Multiple and programmable Alarm
..
Cable construction for extreme
environments

.. levels per fire detection zone

Variable rate of rise function
High System Integrity

.. Unrivalled response times

Optional outputs
.. Automatic failure mode analysis
Loop break recovery operation

.. Modbus Serial Data

Direct to PC
.. Diagnostic capability
Fire progression monitoring

Volt free contacts . No cable maintenance

Modem for remote communications
. Optical Fibre Temperature Sensing Technology

Introduction
The MXF100 is a revolutionary fibre optic based system providing a fast, flexible and highly resilient linear heat detection system, which is
suitable for use in a wide variety of applications. The system has been designed specifically for the fie detection industry and is part of a
complete range of intelligent fire detection systems. The system technology has already been specified for, and installed into a wide variety
of application areas. The system uses a combination of powerful laser technology and computer processing to provide fast and accurate
temperature measurement along a 2 Km loop of fibre option cable. Precise fire and sensor cable break detection can be determined within
an accuracy of 1.25m. The system includes programmable detection zones with adjustable trip levels and a variety of interface options.
The MXF100 provides a flexible programmable platform to suit many application areas.

Alarm information is obtained quickly from the powerful and intelligent MXF100 processor. The MXF100 Manager (Windows 95) set up
programme can be used to provide a continuous temperature profile display. Alternative interface capability is provided by programmable relay outputs and Modbus serial
data output.

This new technology uses a laser light source to launch light signals into the optical fibre. As pulses travel down the fibre, energy is lost through scattering. A fraction of the
scattered signal is retained within the fibre. A portion of this is directed back along the fibre towards the laser source - this signal is called backscatter. Part of the back
scatter signal (Raman Scattering) is used to provide accurate remote temperature measurements at hundreds of points along the fibre.

Fibre Leaving
Internal Reference Fibre Switch Laser & Receiver
Fibre Return

Optics Control
Optics

Signal Control

Relay PCB1
Power Supply Data Acquisition
Relay PCB2

Relay PCB1 Power Signal

Embedded
Processor
Electronics

24V dc RS232 Port 1 RS232 Port 2

Relay Connectors to PC Modbus or Serial
Data
Fig 1:MXF100 Functional Block Diagram

Application Areas
.
Mass Transit Railway Systems
Process Plants Pulsed
Distilleries Laser
Road and Rail Tunnels
Escalators
Power Stations
Airport Terminals and Hangers
MoD Property
Parking Garages
Conveyor Belts Optical
Offshore Filter

.
Petrochemical and Warehouses

Signal Data Optical

Processing Acquisition Receiver

Fig 2:Optical Time Domain Reflectometry

 Optical Fibre Temperature Sensing Technology

The Optical Fibre Sensor

The MXF100 uses standard communications grade optical fibre of the 62.5/125 graded index multimode type. The temperature range is
predominantly a function of the coating used to protect the optical fibre as the fibre itself is well behaved over a temperature range from -50ºC to
approximately 300ºC. Coatings have been tested down to -190ºC (acrylate) and up to 460ºC (metallic).

Optical fibre itself offers several advantages as a sensing medium. The signals are immune to electromagnetic interference thereby ensuring
integrity of readings from electrically noisy areas. As no electrical current is used in the sensing fibre and the fibre is a relatively inert and dielectric
(non-conducting) medium, it is safe technology to use in hazardous environments.

MXF100 Cable Options

The fibre used in this system is based upon standard 62.5/125 fibre optic cable. The cable has been further modified by adding a choice of two external
sheaths which provide additional mechanical strength to the fibre, making it more suitable for fire detection applications.

Gel filled loose tube technology protects the multi mode sensor fibre from mechanical and environmental damage, whilst maintaining a low thermal mass for
rapid response to temperature changes.

This temperature sensor cable is jacketed with a special flame retardant halogen free coating. The cable is specifically designed for all indoor applications and
is suitable for most outdoor installations. When used out of doors it should be suspended above the ground using, for example, a caternary wire or cable tray.
It will withstand occasional contacts with hydrocarbons such as kerosene, but long term exposure should be avoided. It should not be directly buried in the
ground or installed in ducts that are susceptible to flooding. Long term exposure to water should be avoided.

Optical fibre in gel filled tube

Aramid fibres for strength

Outer jacket 3.6mm diameter

3.6mm

The MXF-ACS Standard fibre optic cable is designed for distributed temperature and fire sensing applications, It is
intended for use in areas such as equipment cabinets, cable trays, dry cable ducts etc, ie in any situation where a
flexible temperature sensor cable is required

The MXF-ACS RIBBON fibre optic cable is also designed for distributed temperature and fire sensing applications. It
incorporates a GRP rod for high strength and to facilitate fixing the cable, using special clips to ceilings roof structures
and caternary wires. Summary of
Cable Features
9.9mm

. Low thermal mass for rapid response

to temperature
0.9mm
. Low smoke halogen free jacket, with
excellent flame retardancy. Suitable
GRP STRENGTH
OPTICAL for all indoor and most outdoor applica-
MEMBER
UNIT
tions

. Strong, lightweight and flexible

A third fibre optic cable option exists

Stainless tube . Designed for ease of installation
for harsh industrial environments. The PVC Sheath φ 0.25mm
fibre optic cable is supplied encased in
a stainless steel capillary tube. This
sensor cable is particularly suited for Cladding of optical fibre
heavy industrial, offshore and φ 0.125mm

petrochemical applications.
Core of optical fibre
Optical φ 0.0625mm
Fibre
.
Optical Fibre Temperature Sensing Technology
Optical Fibre Temperature Sensing Technology

Technical Information
Mechanical
Dimensions(mm) 427(W) x 260(H) x 95(D)
Weight 4.0Kg

Electrical
Supply
Supply Voltage 24V dc (-6/+12V dc)
Power Consumption 25W max
Supply Current <1A
Fuse Rating <2A (anti-surge)

Fibre
62.5/125 graded index multimode

Interface Options
2 off RS232 Ports
Port 1: Direct PC Connection for continuous
temperature profile displays
Port 2: Modbus master port or future
connection to FSI

Relay Outputs
24 Programmable outputs - SPDT 1A @24V dc

Environment

Temperature
Operating: 0oC to 40oC
Storage: - 40oC to 65oC

Humidity 0 to 95% RH (non condensing)

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)

Assessed for Immunity to: BS EN 50082-1
Assessed for Emissions to: BS EN 50081-1

Standards and Approvals

The MXF100 system complies with:

.. EMC Directive 89/336/EEC

Low Voltage Directive 72/2/EEC

The MXF100 contains a Class 3a Laser product and complies with:

.. BS7192 (1989)

. American National Standard Z136.2 (1988)

International Electrotechnical Commission Standard 825 (1990)

The right is reserved to modify or withdraw any product or service without notice
Technical Information Sheet PSF111T Issue 1
©Thorn Security Ltd. 1999 www.tycofire.com