Project Background

With the advancement of industrial combustion equipment, automated control systems, and flame monitoring devices, manufacturers are demanding higher levels of sensitivity, stability, and system compatibility from flame-sensing components.

An industrial detection equipment manufacturer (a representative client) is currently developing a new type of flame detection device. The system is designed to utilize ultraviolet (UV) sensing technology to identify the UV radiation emitted by a target flame and transmit the resulting detection signal to a downstream control system.

In the initial phase of the project, the client encountered three primary challenges:

Uncertainty regarding sensor selection: It was necessary to determine which specific UV sensor models were best suited to the current detection requirements.

Uncertainty regarding drive circuit compatibility: The client needed to verify the operating voltage, discharge characteristics, and supporting circuit requirements for the sensors.

Need for performance validation: Relying solely on product datasheets was insufficient to fully assess how the sensors would perform within the specific target application environment.

II. Experimental Objectives

This experiment is centered on the following objectives:

To verify the ultraviolet (UV) response performance of the sensors under specified test conditions.

To compare the technical specifications and circuit integration requirements of the R2868 and R9454 models.

To evaluate signal stability and background interference within the target flame-detection environment.

To confirm compatibility among the sensor, the drive circuitry, and the back-end control system.

To establish a repeatable testing procedure, providing a basis for product finalization and volume procurement.

III. Solution

To address the client's requirements, the project team focused on the Hamamatsu UVTRON series of UV sensors, conducting a detailed study of the specifications and application conditions for both the R2868 and R9454 models.

1. Evaluation of Models and Technical Specifications

First, the team performed a technical comparison of the two models based on the manufacturer’s published specifications.

The R2868 has a recommended input voltage of 325 ± 25 V DC and a typical sensitivity of 5,000 counts/minute, while the R9454 has a recommended input voltage of 400 ± 25 V DC and a typical sensitivity of 4,000 counts/minute.

Both models share a primary spectral response range of 185–260 nm, though they differ in terms of operating voltage and typical sensitivity.

Consequently, rather than selecting a final model based on a single parameter, the project team conducted a comprehensive evaluation that incorporated detection requirements, circuit design, and mechanical installation constraints.