Infrared Flare Monitoring Systems
FlareSpection™ and E²T Quasar 2

Advanced Energy offers two infrared flare monitoring systems, the FlareSpection™, a thermal imaging system designed for continuous monitoring of pilot flames and flaring operations, and the E²T Quasar 2, a pyrometer-based system for continuous monitoring of flared gases from remote locations.
FlareSpection™
The FlareSpection™ system from Advanced Energy provides extremely clear and reliable flare image and pilot flame monitoring for all applications with multiple flare tips. With special spectral ranges, calibrations, and optics, the FlareSpection™ system can focus clearly through moisture, heavy rain, and fog at distances up to 300 m making it possible to continuously, remotely, and automatically confirm flare operation and differences in flare stack heat signatures.
Features
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- Telephoto (200 mm) lens
- Easy installation and maintenance from remote mounted location
- Available adjustable mount and base
- Stainless-steel enclosure with an integrated sighting tube designed for hazardous area
- Advanced software to enable automated and seamless integration with plant DCS (via protocols such as Modbus and OPC), log performance, record video, and set up alerts for measurements that may fall outside of the plant’s pre-set limits
- Stainless steel enclosure
- High resolution 640 x 480-pixel thermal imager
Benefits
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- Ensure that vented gases are ignited and confirm combustion in the flaring process
- Gain reliable long-term monitoring by overcoming thermocouple failure, flame movement, varying luminosity, and adverse climatic conditions
- Superior image quality
- Unmatched spatial resolution
- Connections to pilot ignitors via traditional I/O relay modules
Technical Specifications
Image Update Rate | 9Hz |
Pixel Pitch | 17 µm |
Detector | 640 x 480 uncooled microbolometer |
Lens Focal Length | 200 mm |
Field of View (FOV) | 3° horizontal x 2.3° vertical |
Digital Zoom | 1 to 8x using LumaSpec RT software |
Interfaces | OPC, Modbus Serial, Modbus Ethernet, Analog Contact Outputs, Relays |
Power Input | 24 VDC |
Hazardous Classification and Environmental Protection | ATEX II 2 G Ex db IIB T4, IECEx Ex db IIB T4, US/Canada: Class 1 Div 1, Group C and D T4; Class 1 Div 2 Group A, B, C and D T4 |
Operating Temperature | -30 to 50°C (32 to 122°F) |
Storage Temperature | -20 to 70°C (-4 to 158°F) |
Power Input | 12 and 24 VDC |
Weight | ~ 38 kg (~84 lbs) |
Housing | 316L stainless steel suitable for hazardous areas |
Typical Applications | Flare monitoring |
E²T Quasar 2
Available in two models, the E2T Quasar 2 from Advanced Energy provides continuous monitoring and detection of pilot flame and flared gases from flares. The Quasar 2 M8100-EXP provides basic flare pilot monitoring capabilities, whilst the Quasar 2 M8100-EXP Advanced includes an intensity mA output and the unit’s setpoint feature can also be used for staged flares. Target alignment is accomplished via the targeting port and signal intensity LED bar displays amplitude in combination with a stable heavy-duty, swivel mount. Custom electronics adapt to target movement, varying luminosity, and most climate conditions.
Features
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- Configurable to meet a wide range of client flare types and monitoring requirements
- Five optics options with targeting port for alignment (available in 37.5:1, 60:1, 75:1, 150:1, and 300:1)
- Status lights: green (flame) and red (no flame)
- Housing is stainless steel (316 L), 114 mm tube diameter, IP 66
- Additional features are available to meet a wide range of flare types, monitoring requirements, and budgets
- Detection of hydrocarbon and hydrogen flames
- Pilot and flaring signal level mA output
- Modular optoelectronic package for easy access and service
Benefits
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- Install a reliable and accurate flare pilot monitoring system without service interruption
- Use the high-resolution optical system and various spot sizes to position the system up to 1/4 mile (400 m) away from the monitored flare stack
- Adjust the alarm delay circuit to eliminate false alarms from temporary loss of signal due to intermittent flames, adverse weather, and wind
- Monitor pilot flame detection and flaring status signals with the intensity mA output (Advanced version only)
Technical Specifications
Working Distance | 400 m (1320′) |
Flame Type | Infrared monitor sensitive to all flame including hydrogen |
Field of View | Available in 37.5:1, 60:1, 75:1, 150:1, and 300:1 Targeting port for target alignment |
Response Time | 10 ms |
Sensitivity Adjustment | Automatic climate compensation and manual gain for easy system setup |
Status Lights | Green (Flame) and red (No Flame) |
Output Signal | Quasar 2: 4 or 20 mA switched output (4 mA = flame and 20 mA = no flame) Quasar 2 Advanced: Additional 4 to 20 mA |
Alarm Setpoint | Mechanical relay (Quasar 2 Advanced only) |
Alarm Output Delay | 2 s to 2 min (Std) |
Intensity Indicator | 20 LEDs bar |
Protection Class | NEMA 4X IP 66 |
Hazardous Classification | IECEx Ex db IIB T4 |
ATEX II 2 G Ex db IIB T4 | Canada and US certified explosion-proof housing |
Ambient Temperature | -40 to 60°C with no cooling |
Dimensions | 12 x 33 x 12 cm (4.7 x 12.8 x 4.7 in) |
Weight | 12 kg (26.5 lb) |
Mounting | M-4 heavy-duty 360° swivel mount |
Housing | Stainless steel (316 L), tube dia. 114 mm, IP 66 |
Power Requirements | 5 Watts, 24 VDC and 115 VAC / 230 VAC |
Typical Applications | Elevated flares – e.g., steam-assisted, air-assisted, and gas-assisted Ground flares – e.g., burn pit flares and ground flare arrays Off-shore flares Staged flares |