RFD-2000X-H Flame Detector: Advanced UV/IR & Hydrogen Detection for Hazardous Environments

The RFD-2000X-H is a cutting-edge flame detector designed to offer highly accurate, rapid, and reliable flame detection in industrial and hazardous environments. Leveraging advanced UV/IR sensing technology, it is specially tailored to detect both conventional hydrocarbon flames, such as n-Heptane, and hydrogen flames, which are nearly invisible to the naked eye. With its robust design, wide detection range, and internationally certified explosion-proof capabilities, the RFD-2000X-H is ideal for applications where fire detection is critical to operational safety.

1. Flame Detection Technology and Performance

At the heart of the RFD-2000X-H lies a dual-sensor system: UV/IR sensing and hydrogen-specific flame detection. This combination allows the unit to effectively identify:

• n-Heptane fires up to 98.5 ft (30 meters)
• Hydrogen flames up to 15 ft (4.5 meters), even for small 30-inch hydrogen plumes, which are typically hard to detect with standard flame detectors.

This specialized capability makes the RFD-2000X-H ideal for oil & gas plants, hydrogen processing facilities, refineries, battery energy storage systems (BESS), aerospace fuel systems, and chemical plants where hydrogen gas leaks pose a unique and critical fire risk.

Its field of view (FOV) includes a horizontal coverage of 90° (H90°) and a vertical coverage of 90° (V90°), providing a wide-area monitoring capability that reduces the need for multiple detectors in a single area.

The detector is engineered to deliver a typical response time of just 5 seconds, allowing for rapid mitigation efforts and minimizing potential fire damage or operational disruptions.

2. Rugged Design and Environmental Durability

Built for harsh industrial conditions, the RFD-2000X-H features an enclosure made of SUS 316 stainless steel, offering high corrosion resistance and long-term durability even in the most aggressive environments, such as offshore rigs, petrochemical storage yards, and marine terminals.

Its compact but sturdy dimensions (W134 x H117 x D120 mm) and a total weight of 3.2 kg make installation straightforward while ensuring mechanical stability.

The detector is capable of operating in extreme conditions, with an operating temperature range of -40°C to +75°C. It also supports a humidity range up to 95% relative humidity, meaning it can withstand high moisture and condensation without performance degradation.

For ingress protection, the RFD-2000X-H carries an IP67 rating and meets NEMA Type 4X standards, indicating it is dust-tight, waterproof, and protected against corrosion—ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications.

3. Electrical Specifications and Integration Capabilities

The RFD-2000X-H operates on 24 VDC, with a flexible operating range between 17 VDC and 32 VDC, making it compatible with various industrial power systems.

Despite its high-performance capabilities, it maintains a low power consumption of just 1.8W at 32VDC, contributing to overall energy efficiency and long-term cost savings.

The detector features versatile output configurations, including:

• Relay contacts for Fire, Fault, and Warning Alarm signals.
• 4–20mA current output, allowing for seamless integration with most industrial control systems, including SCADA, DCS, and PLCs.
• RS-485 proprietary communication, supporting long-distance, high-speed data transmission in digital format.

The standard conduit entry size includes 2 x ½” NPT and M20 x 1.5-inch threads, enabling easy installation and cable routing in a variety of setups, whether in new builds or retrofit applications.

4. Certified Explosion-Proof Safety

One of the most vital aspects of the RFD-2000X-H is its comprehensive explosion-proof certification portfolio, making it suitable for hazardous zones with combustible gases, vapors, or dusts.

It meets several international standards, including:

• FM Class I Division 1 Groups B, C, D (gases and vapors)
• FM Class II Division 1 Groups E, F, G (dusts)
• Class III for fibers and flyings
• ATEX certification: Ex db IIB + H2, T6 rated

This ensures that the detector is fully compliant with safety regulations in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific regions. These certifications affirm the product’s suitability in Zone 1 and Zone 21 hazardous areas, where explosive gas or dust atmospheres are likely to occur during normal operation.

The T6 temperature rating signifies that the surface temperature of the detector will not exceed 85°C, which is critical when monitoring hydrogen-rich areas where ignition temperatures are low.

5. Applications and Benefits

Thanks to its advanced detection technology and certified explosion protection, the RFD-2000X-H is trusted across various industries for high-stakes fire monitoring:

• Oil & Gas Plants: Detect hydrogen or hydrocarbon leaks before they escalate.
• Chemical Storage and Processing: Avoid combustion risks in volatile mixing environments.
• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS): Early detection of lithium-ion battery fires or hydrogen off-gassing.
• Hydrogen Fueling Stations: Ensure safety where invisible flames may arise.
• Aerospace & Defense: Secure areas with hydrogen-powered propulsion or rocket fuel.

Key Benefits:

• Reliable detection of invisible hydrogen fires.
• Fast response time enhances safety and minimizes losses.
• Wide coverage area reduces the number of required units.
• Energy-efficient design helps reduce operational costs.
• Rugged enclosure and IP67 rating ensure long-term durability.
• Compliance with global safety standards makes it deployment-ready in critical sites worldwide.