Click on the photo to view the Spark Detection Principle video (Flash - 6.3 mb). |
CSB News: |
OSHA Fines Companies for Lack of Spark Detection Equipment! |
Spark detection systems are primarily used as a fire prevention method in dust collectors and pneumatic conveying systems by detecting and extinguishing sparks and embers. When working materials, sparks are created very quickly. A dull tool, a damaged fan bearing, an over heated motor, or a foreign object within the material can be the cause. This is a constant danger for all facilities where combustible materials are being worked, exhausted, transported, filtered or dried. The damage statistics provided by insurance companies point out that filters, dust collection bins, silos and even complete production lines are the areas at greatest risk. Foreign objects in the conveyed material, defective parts of production machinery, friction processes as well as electric sparks are all identified as fire generating.
Why Spark Detection?
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GreCon Spark Detection and Extinguishment Systems
as a fire prevention measure
Reduce your risk of fires and dust explosions in pneumatic conveying systems by detecting and extinguishing sparks and embers BEFORE they reach the dust collector, filters, or silos. Extinguish sparks online, without stopping production. Spark detection is a fire prevention measure that can eliminate the early causes of fires or explosions.
Sensors detect the spark’s or ember’s infrared radiation and triggers the control console to automatically activate programmable countermeasures:
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Extinguishment immediately releases a fine mist of water downstream, extinguishing sparks and embers without interrupting production and greatly reduces risk of personnel injury, equipment damage, and downtime.
The Factory Mutual Approved GreCon Spark Detection Systems are used as a preventive measure against fires and dust explosions in production equipment, baghouses, silos, storage bins and in systems that convey combustible dust or combustible particulate solids.
Safety for Your Production
an article by Bob Barnum
Spark Detection and Extinguishing systems reduce the risk of personnel injuries, equipment damage and loss of production from fires and dust explosions.
In any type of production facility, fire control encompasses a wide range of equipment or systems from building sprinklers to plant site fire departments. A spark detection & extinguishing system must be thought of as part of a plant’s overall security and safety network. Just as a residential alarm system provides protection to a homeowner, a spark detection system provides preventive protection against potential loss of human life, production facilities, equipment and costly downtime. (learn more)
GreCon CC5000 Control Consoles
Are more economically suitable for standard applications.
- Spark detection, burning ember detection and flame detection.
- Extinguish hazards without stopping production.
- Alarm and control system activation.
- User friendly menu-driven interface.
- From one to over 100 user-defined zones.
- Multi-processor modular construction.
- Extendable cabinets.
- Battery backup power.
The GreCon CC5000 Spark Detection System can start out small to fit your current needs and can grow as your needs grow. You can add one zone, ten zones, or any combination as your facility demands. (learn more)
Maintain Spark Detection and Extinguishing System
to Ensure Effectiveness
an article by Bob Barnum
Of the three major elements of a spark detection/extinguishment system, it is the extinguishing equipment whose maintenance seems to be neglected the most. Excessive wear on the tip of the nozzle will cause material build-up in the orifice. This partially or totally plugged condition severely affects the nozzle's extinguishing ability. Nozzles must be mechanically operative. Mineral deposits from the extinguishing water can restrict or inhibit normal function. For proper nozzle maintenance, the nozzle should be removed, inspected and replaced if necessary. (learn more)
GreCon BS-7 RCM System
Link several BS-7 control consoles from different locations in the facility into a central monitoring system.
As the BS-7 spark detection system sensors detect a spark’s infrared radiation and triggers the control console to automatically activate programmable countermeasures, the RCM system displays event information instantly to control room operators for rapid corrective action.
RCM’s History feature can assist in long-term trend analysis of troublesome plant areas. The RCM Systems includes software, RS-485 interface, manual, and pre-configured computer system.
Industry Standards Certifications
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| Factory Mutual Approved | Conformité Européenne | TüV Canada-U.S. | ATEX Certified |
| All Systems | Select Systems | ||