FOTAS APEX fiber optic linear heat detection for tunnels, conveyors, data centers and critical infrastructure

FOTAS APEX

Linear Heat Detection

Continuous, real-time temperature monitoring and localized fire detection along optical fiber sensing routes.

CONTINUOUS FIRE AND HEAT MONITORING

Transform Safety and Monitoring with Fiber Optic Linear Heat Detection

FOTAS APEX is a next-generation Distributed Temperature Sensing solution designed for continuous linear heat detection and fire monitoring.

An optical fiber sensing cable is installed along the area to be protected. The APEX controller continuously analyzes temperature conditions along the sensing route and identifies localized increases, developing hot spots and configured alarm conditions.

Unlike individual point detectors, FOTAS APEX provides spatially resolved temperature information along the full installed fiber route. Unlike conventional binary linear heat detection cables, it provides digital temperature measurements and thermal profiles rather than only an alarm or no-alarm signal.

FOTAS APEX distributed temperature sensing system diagram showing controller, sensing fiber and monitored route
FOTAS APEX controller and passive fiber optic sensing route.
UNDERSTANDING THE TECHNOLOGY

How FOTAS APEX Works

01

Fiber Installation

A suitable fiber optic sensing cable is installed along the protected route, asset or facility.

02

Laser Measurement

The APEX controller sends laser pulses through the sensing fiber and analyzes temperature-dependent optical backscatter.

03

Temperature Profile

The system produces a continuous temperature profile along the cable rather than measuring only isolated points.

04

Alarm and Localization

Abnormal temperature conditions trigger an alarm and identify the affected position along the sensing route.

Raman distributed temperature sensing working principle: laser pulse, backscatter analysis and position calculation along the fiber
Raman backscatter and time-of-flight measurement provide temperature and position along the fiber.
REAL-TIME THERMAL INFORMATION

Continuous Linear Heat Detection

Continuous Temperature Monitoring

Monitor temperature conditions across the full installed sensing route.

High-Temperature Alarms

Generate alerts when configured temperature thresholds are exceeded.

Rate-of-Rise Alarms

Detect developing thermal events through abnormal rates of temperature increase.

Localized Hot-Spot Detection

Identify where abnormal heating is developing along the sensing route.

Configurable Alarm Zones

Divide the sensing route into project-specific alarm and monitoring areas.

Historical Temperature Analysis

Review temperature profiles and event history for operational analysis.

Final sensing distance, spatial resolution, temperature accuracy and response time depend on the selected configuration, sensing cable, installation and project requirements.

FOTAS APEX fiber optic linear heat detection applied along a protected route
Fiber optic linear heat detection along the protected route.
KEY BENEFITS

Why Choose FOTAS APEX?

Continuous Detection

Temperature conditions are monitored continuously along the full sensing route.

Early Warning

Developing overheating and abnormal temperature increases can be detected at an early stage.

Localized Alarm Information

Identify the affected position along the fiber to support a faster, targeted response.

Digital Temperature Measurement

Receive continuous temperature values and thermal profiles, not only a binary alarm.

Immunity to EMI and RFI

The optical sensing cable is unaffected by electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference.

Passive Field Sensing

No electrical power or powered electronics are required along the sensing cable route.

Low Field Maintenance

Passive sensing infrastructure supports durable operation with minimal field equipment.

Flexible Alarm Design

Configure alarm zones, thresholds and response logic according to the protected facility.

TECHNOLOGY COMPARISON

Why Choose Optical Fiber DTS Over Conventional Technologies?

Compared With FOTAS APEX Advantage
Point Smoke and Heat Detectors
  • Continuous coverage instead of spaced detection points
  • No blind spots between detector positions
  • Better suited for linear assets such as cables, tunnels and conveyors
Traditional Linear Heat Detection Cables
  • Digital temperature measurement instead of a binary trigger
  • Accurate temperature profiling, not only alarm or no alarm
  • Location precision rather than general zone detection
  • No degradation of the sensing cable over time, unlike polymer-based cables
Point Temperature Sensors (RTD / Thermocouple)
  • Continuous measurement along the full route instead of fixed sensor positions
  • A single sensing fiber replaces a large number of individually wired sensors
  • No electrical wiring or powered electronics at each measurement position
  • Immune to electromagnetic interference in transformer and switchgear areas
Infrared and Flame Detection
  • Immune to line-of-sight obstruction
  • Works in smoke-filled or dusty environments
  • Detects overheating before flame formation
  • Lower false alarm sensitivity to optical disturbances
Conventional fire detection technologies: point smoke detector, traditional linear heat detection cable, point temperature sensor and flame detector
INTEGRATED RESPONSE

Connect Heat Detection with Fire and Building Management Systems

FOTAS APEX can be integrated with fire alarm, Building Management System and SCADA or monitoring platforms. Depending on the approved project architecture, APEX alarms and temperature information can support site visualization, hot-spot indication, alarm notification and ventilation control logic.

Fire Alarm Integration Connect APEX alarms to the site fire alarm system. BMS Integration Feed alarms and temperature data into the existing BMS. SCADA and Monitoring Platforms Link to SCADA and asset monitoring platforms. Site Visualization Display the protected route and temperature status on screen. Hot-Spot Display Highlight where abnormal heating is developing along the route. Ventilation Control Logic Trigger ventilation control in response to alarm conditions.
Discuss Integration Requirements
FOTAS APEX integrated with fire alarm, BMS and SCADA monitoring platforms
Real-time temperature visualization and localized alarm information.
STANDARDS AND COMPLIANCE

Designed for Recognized Safety Requirements

FOTAS APEX is designed for compliance with recognized linear heat detection, approval and functional safety requirements.

FIRE DETECTION

EN 54-22

Linear heat detection system requirements for fire detection applications.

APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

VdS

Designed to address applicable VdS approval requirements for linear heat detection systems.

FUNCTIONAL SAFETY

SIL 2

Designed to address Safety Integrity Level 2 requirements for system reliability.

FOTAS ENGINEERING SUPPORT

Why Choose Our Solution?

20+

Years of Experience

More than 20 years of expertise in fiber optic sensing and system engineering.

01

Seamless Integration

Integration support for building management, fire control and site visualization platforms.

02

Customizable Design

Sensing cable, alarm zones, thresholds and interfaces adapted to project requirements.

03

Technical Support

Application assessment, system engineering, commissioning and comprehensive after-sales support.

LINEAR HEAT DETECTION DESIGN SUPPORT

Select the Right FOTAS APEX Configuration

Discuss the protected asset, sensing distance, fire risk, cable route, alarm strategy and integration requirements with the FOTAS engineering team.