EARLY FIRE DETECTION WITH FLIR CAMERAS HELPS WASTE PLANT OPERATORS SLEEP MORE PEACEFULLY
SUMMARY
The waste incineration plant makes an important contribution to sustainable waste management for approximately 240,000 citizens. At its sites collects enormous amounts of waste that is continuously compressed and prepared for further transport to the incinerators. This activity is not without danger, as there is a constant risk of spontaneous combustion. To prevent the development of spontaneous fires in the waste piles. Proven hot-spot detection technology and now monitors the plant with thermal imaging cameras from FLIR Systems.
RISK OF SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION
Fires in landfills and waste storage units are a frequent and well-known problem for waste management professionals. These fires can be caused by spontaneous combustion, in which a hidden source of heat resulting from biological decomposition or the chemical oxidation processes generates a rise in temperature. If the waste mass can not dissipate the heat faster than it is generated, then spontaneous combustion can occur. However, fires can of course also be caused by other hidden sources of heat such as defective electrical appliances.
Various financial losses result from the damage caused by fire: loss of energy resources, loss in productivity, possible collateral damage, as well as the costs for fire extinguishing measures and cleanup – not to mention the risk of injury or even loss of life.
TRULY PEACEFUL SLEEP
“It is really recommended to take these protective measures,” says Andreas Rosemann. “We now have a very short response time and always have the critical area in sight via the monitor. A key point here, is that we don’t need to swivel the camera to view a specific point. It was also crucial that we were able to integrate the cameras in the existing system without any extra effort. The view is clear and understandable, and the options are adapted to our specific needs.” Reliable fire detection on site is not a luxury. The FLIR cameras were installed, the company experienced another fire in a waste storage unit. Fortunately, the cameras helped prevent significant damage. The fire was detected early on and therefore we could fight it immediately with our own equipment and no further damage was caused. I can therefore say that we had a very positive experience right at the beginning. Every manager and every operator naturally wants to avoid unnecessary costs to keep the plant running smoothly. With this early detection, I can sleep peacefully again. It truly provides peace of mind.
Learn more:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TC012r8e0xY – Continuous monitoring of garbage bunker using thermography
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUpIlulqDWo – FLIR’s thermal imaging cameras used for different applications
