Which type of sensor is designed to detect specific radiation emissions from hydrocarbon flames?

Optical sensors are specifically designed to detect radiation emissions, particularly from hydrocarbon flames. These sensors utilize light detection methods to identify the characteristic wavelengths emitted by flames, allowing them to distinguish between different types of combustion. When a hydrocarbon fire burns, it generates specific wavelengths of light, including infrared radiation, that these sensors are adept at recognizing.

This capability makes optical sensors particularly effective in environments where rapid and reliable fire detection is critical. They can react quickly to changes in light patterns that indicate the presence of a flame, providing an important layer of safety in powerplant operations.

In contrast, pneumatic detectors rely on pressure changes in a medium to detect fire, while thermocouples measure temperature and are not specifically tuned to the emissions of flames. Thermal switches also respond to temperature changes but do not utilize radiation detection methods. This distinction underscores why optical sensors are the best choice for detecting the specific radiation emissions from hydrocarbon flames.