Spark Detection and Extinguishing System Spark Detection markets

Spark Detection and Extinguishing System

Spark Detection – markets n Initiative from Finnish insurance companies o Need for technically competitive and cost efficient Spark Detection System n ATEX (94/9/EY, 1992/92/EY) directives o Regarding potentially explosive atmospheres and machines and devices used in them. o State council statute obligates employers to evaluate possible risks regarding dust explosions and in case of risk move to corrective actions

Spark Detection – Dust explosion n Dust explosion is a fast burning reaction. n Dust explosion moves forward from the ignition point spherically lifting pressure and thus causing damage to constructions n Dust explosion is possible, when there is enough fine material mixed with air and a spark or high enough temperature n Material can be almost anything as long as it is fine enough.

Spark Detection – What it does n The purpose of the system is to extinguish the detected sparks before they cause a dust fire or a dust explosion. n Following systems can be protected with the system: o Saw dust outlet systems o Dust outlet systems o Grinders and pellet burners n Spark detection and extinguishing system is not used for protecting rooms

Spark Detection – markets n Applications in mechanical wood processing industry and more accurately: o sawdust outlet pipes, conveyors etc n Potential customers: o carpenters, sawmills, planing mills, furniture factories, schools, paper mills…

Spark Detection – Principle Saw dust outlet pipe Extinguishing unit Spark detectors Air flow n 1. Spark detectors and extinguishing unit o Basic system includes only two detectors and an extinguishing unit o Extinguishing unit is a part of the Spark detection system

Spark Detection – Principle Saw dust outlet pipe Panel Extinguishing unit Spark detectors n 2. Detectors, extinguishing unit and panel o By adding a panel to the system, it is possible to – get info of the possible alarms (siren and beacon) – shut down machines in the production process – test the system Air flow

Spark Detection – Principle Saw dust outlet pipe Panel Extinguishing unit Spark detectors Air flow n 3. Detectors, extinguishing unit, panel and FX 3 NET o Spark detection system panel can be connected to a control computer via Mod. Bus-fieldbus. This enables for example the monitoring of alarm log FX 3 NET

Spark Detection – connection to fire alarm panel n The system is usually used as an individual system n The system can be connected to a fire alarm panel, if: o the alarm needs to be transmitted to the fire brigade o the alarm information needs to be tranferred to the fire alarm panel locally

Spark Detection - System n The system consists of three different main blocks: n Detection o Detectors o Test lamp n Control o Control Panel o Alarm devices (sounder and beacon) o Signal router n Extinguishing o Extinguishing unit o Pressure boost unit

Spark Detection – System Components n The System consists of three main blocks o Spark detector - Detects the sparks and controls the extinguishing unit - Transmits the info about the extinguishing events to the panel - Measure area UV - IR o Fulfils the requirements of: EN 50081, EN 50082, EN 50130 -4, EN 541, IEC 60068 -1/2

Spark Detection – System Components o Spark detection panel - Works as a human interface - Shuts down machines in alarm state - Measures device temperatures - Communicates with control computer via Mod. Bus (option) - System can be connected to Esmi FX Fire panel Integration

Spark Detection – System Components o Extinguishing unit – Extinguishes sparks with a fine water screen. Extinguishing unit is fault monitored by a flow switch and also by the panel. – Extinguishing unit is used in saw dust outlets under 450 mm diameter – The self cleaning unit is designed so that the particles flying in the pipe will not damage it Extinguishing unit

Spark Detection – System Components o Extinguishing unit – Extinguishes sparks with a fine water screen. Extinguishing unit is fault monitored by a flow switch and also by the panel. – Extinguishing unit is used in saw dust outlets over 450 mm diameter – The self cleaning unit is designed so that the particles flying in the pipe will not damage it Extinguishing unit

Spark Detection – System Components o Pressure booster (part of the extinguishing unit) – Requirements for the water and electric suplies: • Water pipe min. DN 28 and flow 100 l/min/nozzle • Motor voltage 3*400 V and current 5 A Pressure booster consists of a water pump and diaphragm pressure tank

Spark Detection – Installation requirements n Pressure booster o Electrical connections has to be done by an electrician o Pipework has to be done by a plumber n Planning or installing of Spark detection systems in Finland does not require same kind of qualifications as in case of sprinkler systems. n Spark detection systems are not EN standardised. Planning and installations should done according to European Insurance Committee: CEA 4044 - Specifications for spark detection, spark extinguishing and spark diversion systems – Planning and Installation

Spark Detection – System Components

Spark Detection – System Components 120 Spark detectors and AN 6400 Panel

Spark Detection – System Components Extinguishing unit

Spark Detection – System Components Pressure booster

Spark Detection – System Components Alarm devices, siren and beacon

Spark Detection – System Components Temperature monitoring

Spark Detection – System Components Expansion options

Spark Detection – System planning n System response time from detection to extinguishing is <100 ms n Extinguisher units are installed in direction of air flow after the detectors Detector Extinguishing unit

Spark Detection – System planning n The distance between extinguishing unit and detector is calculated with the following formula d= F x 2 D, where d = min. installation distance F = air flow speed (typ. 20 -30 m/s) D = System delay (<100 ms) Calculated with 25 m/s air flow d = 5 m Manufacturers ”thumb rule” d = 7 m d

Spark Detection – System planning n The bigger the diameter of the pipe is, the more water has to be injected into it. The needed water amount can be calculated with the following formula: Q = F x A x B, where Q = water amount needed l/s F = air flow speed (typ. 20 -30 m/s) A = pipe cross area π x r² B = constant 0, 2 l/m³ (0. 2 litres water / 1 m³ air)

Spark Detection – extinguishing unit / nozzle n Nozzle in the pipe on the left n In this picture there is a nozzle designed for 400 mm pipe in a 700 mm pipe

Spark Detection – Installation pictures Detectors and a test lamp n Detectors are installed facing each other on the sides of the saw dust outlet pipe. This way maximum visibility of the detectors is achieved. n Detectors must not be installed in the bottom of the pipe. Danger of coverage. n Detectors must not be installed just after a corner. Danger of breakage. Signal router

Spark Detection – Installation pictures Detectors Signal router Detectors and Signal router Sounder and Beacon Extinguishing unit Panel Pressure Booster

Spark Detection – Advantages n Smallest detector in the market o Very fast response time (1 ms) n Fastest System response time on the market n Detector and extinguisher can be installed near to each other thanks to fast System response time o - > less extinguishers outdoors -> less separate extinguisher warmers o Minimized extinguishing water -> less problems with filters n User friendly, easy user interface n Cost effective compared to earlier systems on the market