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German Sglux UV sensor UV photodetector hydrogen flame detection TOCON_F

German Sglux UV sensor UV photodetector hydrogen flame detection - TOCON_F

Silicon carbide-based UV photodetector with integrated logarithmic amplifier
Based on silicon carbide junction diode, linear measurement range extended to 2.100mV, while silicon diode linear measurement range stops at 300mV.
Designed for flame detection in hydrogen burners
0...1V signal output, also available with 4...20mA current loop output
Typical irradiance from 0.05 nW/mm2 to 10 nW/mm2
Complies with EN289 standard
Can replace UV sensors SFH530 and UVTRON tubes

Product model: TOCON_F

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Product introduction

German SgluxUVUV sensor UV photodetectorHydrogenFlame detection TOCON_F description:

To achieve decarbonization of energy use, using renewable energy to produce hydrogen instead of petroleum gas is a promising solution.

This requires corresponding modifications to heaters. One major change is modifying the flame detection function in compliance with EN298 standard. Currently, ionization sensors are used to detect petroleum gas flames - a robust, reliable, and inexpensive method. However, when hydrogen is added to petroleum gas or the gas consists entirely of hydrogen, these ionization sensors will no longer work. This is due to changes in reaction kinetics, causing these traditional sensors to be unable to detect ionization effects. This challenge can be overcome by using photoelectric UV sensors. These sensors can reliably detect various flames while 'capturing' their characteristic emission spectra in the UV range. Since UV sensors are more expensive than ionization detectors, they are currently only used in high-priced industrial burners, not household burners. However, based on current knowledge, there is no other method besides photoelectric UV sensors that can reliably detect hydrogen flames.

Since 2006, we have produced TOCON ABC1 and ABC2 compliant with EN298 standard for petroleum gas flame detection in household burners.

Our new TOCON_F series is specially designed for hydrogen flame detection.

The new TOCON_F differs from the standard ABC1 and ABC2 TOCONs in reduced dead time. Standard TOCONs produce dead time when saturated, which can extend to hundreds of milliseconds.

The TOCON_F with logarithmic amplifier reduces dead time to less than 70 milliseconds. Therefore, the response time after (accidental) flame extinction is greatly shortened. Even though standard TOCONs ABC1 and ABC2 are fast enough (compliant with EN298) for flame detection modules (EN298 requires response time below 1000 milliseconds), future EN298 requirements may become stricter. This assumption is based on the fact that hydrogen flames have significantly higher flame propagation speed and ignition range than petroleum gas flames. Therefore, UV sensing modules using TOCON_F can achieve shorter response times than current standard requirements. This makes these flame sensing modules future-proof in case the standard is revised.

German SgluxUVUV sensor UV photodetectorHydrogenFlame detection TOCON_F features:

Silicon carbide-based UV photodetector with integrated logarithmic amplifier
Based on silicon carbide junction diode, linear measurement range extended to 2.100mV, while silicon diode linear measurement range stops at 300mV.
Designed for flame detection in hydrogen burners
0...1V signal output, also available with 4...20mA current loop output
Typical irradiance from 0.05 nW/mm2 to 10 nW/mm2
Complies with EN289 standard
Can replace UV sensors SFH530 and UVTRON tubes

German SgluxUVUV sensor UV photodetectorHydrogenFlame detection TOCON_F parameters:

Parameter	Symbol	Value	Unit
Spectral characteristics
Typical sensitivity at 313 nm	VOH	5200	mV/nW/mm2
Maximum spectral response wavelength	λmax	280	nm
Response range (S=0.1*Smax)	–	221 … 358	nm
Visible blindness (Smax/S>405nm)	VB	>1010	–
General characteristics (supplyT=25°C, V =+5 V)
Supply voltage	VSupply	2.5 … 5	V
Dark offset voltage at 1 MOhm load	VOffset	1	mV
Typical temperature coefficient at peak	Tc	< +-0.3	%/K
Current consumption	Imax	35	uA
Typical rise time (10-90%)	trise	0.01 ....12	ms
Typical fall time (90-10%)	tfall	4 .... 70	ms
Maximum ratings
Operating temperature	Topt	–40 … +85	°C
Storage temperature	Tstor	–40 … +100	°C
Maximum soldering temperature (3 seconds)	Tsold	300	°C