Fire detection system

A solution based on FFE’s Talentum flame detectors and a high pressure watermist system from Hydramist was designed and installed by FFE contractor Fireworks. 

Each conveyor was divided into fire zones, with each zone having a dedicated Talentum flame detector, zone valve, fire control panel and set of water pipes and spray nozzles. The flame detectors and nozzles were installed inside the conveyor covers to provide optimum protection of the biomass. The watermist system operates from a central high pressure pump set with 100% redundancy. 

The entire system was then linked to a side-wide addressable fire panel which allows further automatic controls to be programmed, ensuring the desired number of zones will automatically operate when required and that the conveyors will stop as soon as the fire system operates.

Fireworks trained E.ON staff to operate the system and carry out fault-finding and remedial actions if required. The entire system requires minimal maintenance and is on constant standby 24h a day when the biomass handling depot is in operation.

A video of the fire suppression system in operation can be viewed at: http://bit.ly/1FYIFzi. 

"FFE’s Talentum optical flame detectors are ideal for this type of application. By utilising infra-red (IR) sensing technology, they detect flames within seconds, irrespective of any dust, steam or smoke present. With the addition of an ultraviolet (UV) sensor the detector also becomes immune to false signals such as sunlight,” commented Dr Daniel Waldron, a research scientist at FFE.