What is the difference between a flame detector and a fusible plug?

Both flame detectors and fusible plugs are safety devices used in various industrial applications, but they serve different purposes:

Flame Detector
Function: Flame detectors are used to detect the presence of a flame or fire. They are commonly used in systems like burners, gas turbines, and industrial processes where detecting flames is crucial for safety and operational control.
Types: There are several types of flame detectors, including ultraviolet (UV) detectors, infrared (IR) detectors, and combination detectors that can sense both UV and IR radiation.
Operation: They work by sensing specific wavelengths of light emitted by flames or by detecting changes in the light spectrum that indicate the presence of fire.
Fusible Plug
Function: Fusible plugs are used primarily as safety devices in pressure vessels, like boilers, to prevent overpressure conditions. They act as a fail-safe mechanism to release pressure when the temperature exceeds a certain threshold.
Operation: A fusible plug is designed with a material that melts at a specific temperature. When the temperature inside the vessel rises above this threshold, the material melts, causing the plug to release and thereby relieve the pressure.
In summary, flame detectors monitor for the presence of fire to ensure safety and control in industrial processes, while fusible plugs are used to prevent overpressure situations by melting at a specific temperature.