Spark Detection

Even the tiniest spark can cause a devastating fire.  

In many high risk processes, a spark can be created with alarming ease.  From shredding at a waste recycling facility through to high energy processes at a timber sawmill or biomass production plant there is a multitude of ways for a tiny spark or hot particle to be created. Immediate spark detection is a must, otherwise they can go on to cause a serious fire or dust explosion.

Some typical applications for spark detection are:

• Dust extract systems
• Out-feed conveyor from waste recycling shredder
• Drop-chutes at a waste recycling facility
• Before the storage silo’s at a waste-to-energy facility.

What are Spark Detectors?

Spark Detectors are designed to detect all infra-red radiation (within a certain frequency range) and are highly effective in areas such as dust extract systems or conveyor belts where a potential fire source (although not necessarily a flame) could occur.

How do Spark Detectors Work, and how are they different to Flame Detectors?

Flame detectors looks for specific frequencies of UV or IR radiation to detect a flaming fire.
Spark detectors however, look only for the infra-red radiation generated by fires, sparks and glowing embers to ensure that any fire risk (whether flaming or not) is efficiently detected – even in high levels of obscuration and dense or fast-moving materials flow

Spark detectors are best used to protect against a specified risk (rather than flame detectors which are suitable for more generic use) and enable you to detect a small spark/fire before it develops into a flaming fire.

For more information on the use of water mist extinguishing systems, click here