What are spark detection systems?
Spark detection systems prevent ignition sources passing through a dust extraction duct and prevent fires passing through a bulk handling conveyor.
Many industries use dust extraction ducts to remove waste material from process machinery. Bulk handling conveyors transport raw materials between machinery and storage areas. Both also carry sparks, embers, and burning dust to dust extraction filters, cyclones, and silos, creating ideal conditions for a fire or explosion to ignite.
Because access to these enclosed spaces is often restricted, a fire, once started, may be difficult to extinguish. Transport ducts, clean air return ducts and interconnected conveyor networks allow a fire to quickly spread to other areas of the factory.
Having robust spark detection systems is essential in preventing these fires.
Positioning of spark detectors
Spark detectors are very sensitive and react to the infra red light emitted by hot particles moving through their field of view.
The detectors must be capable of effectively monitoring the entire cross section of the duct or conveyor while it is running and carrying a high load of material, so sensitivity and response to all viable ignition sources is important, as is correct positioning of the components.

How our spark detection systems work
When the system detects sparks, it automatically activates a high-speed reaction a short distance downstream to extinguish, isolate, or suppress the hazard.
The most common reaction is a curtain of high pressure water, sprayed into the path of the spark. Our extinguishers need only spray a small amount of water for a few seconds and so are suitable for most materials and processes. In particularly water-sensitive areas, mechanical gates can trap sparks, and argon gas extinguishes them once isolated.
Our control systems differentiate between isolated, low-energy sparks, extinguishing them with water without shutting down the plant, and multiple sparks or burning dust, signalling a fire in upstream machinery and triggering a plant shutdown with additional extinguishing actions.
The control system also records details of all activations. This allows analysis of where and when sparks are detected to help reduce their future incidence.
