15 Jul 2008

D-Tec - part of AD Group - announces that its partner in the Middle East region, BSS-ME, has supplied, tested, and commissioned seven advanced IP-based, NetVu Connected, FireVu units to provide a state-of-the-art CCTV-based VSD (Video Smoke Detection) solution for the main tunnel at the famous Palm Jumeirah man-made island in Dubai.

Fast response

Now monitored around the clock by BSS-ME's supplied FireVu based solution - which has the ability to deliver a fast track response to potential fire detecting smoke in a matter of seconds, unlike conventional solutions which struggle in the confines of a tunnel - the operators of the 1.4 km long, 40 metres wide, undersea link can be assured of the fire safety of this vital connection between Palm Jumeirah's spine and the main crescent part of the island.

The FireVu units adopted for the iconic Palm Jumeirah are the latest and most capable incarnation of D-Tec's VSD technology.  For the Dubai tunnel solution, the FireVu units installed by BSS-ME are connected to 28 fixed CCTV cameras positioned strategically throughout the tunnel's two outer tubes - 14 in each.  Crucially, the cameras used for Video Smoke Detection are the same as those for security and other surveillance tasks - such as traffic management - in the tunnel, thus maximising the return on investment.

Image analysis

Looking in more detail at the VSD utilised by FireVu at Palm Jumeirah, this approach works by using CCTV images, in real time, from a number of cameras simultaneously that are then analysed by specialised image processing software.

Alarm and associated video images can be relayed back to a central control room and can be reviewed using NetVu ObserVer video management software to offer a fast response to an event and because multiple cameras are being used there is also the potential to provide all important situational awareness.  This means that drivers and their passengers in a tunnel such as at Palm Jumeirah can be directed safely away from danger - this is especially beneficial in tunnels with a gradient where as smoke rises it will tend to gather more on one side of the fire.  As all alarm events are recorded on the system's NetVu Connected Digital Video Recorder (DVR) these can be readily accessed for pre and post-event analysis, allowing the operator to view what, or who, caused the incident.

The right solution

Commented Malcolm Gatenby, Sales Director, BSS-ME: "Working closely with D-Tec throughout the whole tendering, testing and commissioning process, we were able to have the solution up and running well within the agreed timescales, ensuring that the seven FireVu units were successfully integrated with the tunnel's CCTV cameras and control centre.  The all important commissioning process allowed the fine tuning of the advanced VSD to ensure the set-up took account of lighting and other local conditions.

"Looking ahead I believe that Video Smoke Detection is ideally suited to the challenges of today's road tunnels, with their small cross sectional area and higher heat release rate should a fire develop, and hope that success at the Palm Jumeirah will lead to additional project wins in the fast growing Middle East market."

The next generation of VSD

A key advantage of adopting FireVu for Palm Jumeirah tunnel is that it takes VSD to the next level by combining VSD with video over IP (Internet Protocol), this means that in additional to being supplied to a central control room, there is the flexibility for distribution of alarms and associated images to an unlimited number of locations for review.  Also, as FireVu shares a common NetVu Connected technology base with other AD Group systems - such as those from Dedicated Micros - and NetVu ObserVer video management software, there is the potential to integrate the system with a broad range of facilities management and security systems.

Global application

Said Ian Moore, Managing Director of D-Tec: "It is gratifying to see FireVu, and our Video Smoke Detection technology, being applied to best effect at the visionary Palm Jumeirah in Dubai thanks to the efforts of Malcolm Gatenby and his team at BSS-ME who have been effective advocates for our technology in the region for more than five years."

Click here to read the full case study.