The present invention relates to a method for early detection of carbonization during the drying of an organic material. The method of the present invention measures temperature variation per unit time of exhaust gas containing water (H.sub.2O), carbon monoxide (CO), or carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2), which are to be generated by the pyrolysis of an organic material, and the concentration of carbon monoxide/carbon dioxide of the exhaust gas, so as to determine the occurrence of carbonization therethrough, thereby enabling early detection of carbonization within a dryer.

A system (10) and method (100) for detecting and suppressing a dust explosion occurring in a process enclosure (12). A sensor (14) generates a pressure signal indicative of a pressure within the enclosure (12). A processing element (16) analyzes the signal to determine whether the dust explosion is occurring. The signal is sampled at a higher frequency, and then converted to a lower frequency by averaging, then filtered with first and intermediate filters to remove portions of the signal having rates of increase that exceed pre-established maximum magnitudes, and then filtered with a second filter having an appropriate cut-off frequency, stop band attenuation factor, and end of passband frequency. An alarm and a suppression system (18) are activated if a static pressure exceeds a limit, a rate of pressure increase exceeds a limit, or a total suppressed pressure exceeds a limit, each of which indicates occurrence of the dust explosion.

A system (10) and method (100) for detecting and suppressing a dust explosion occurring in a process enclosure (12). A sensor (14) generates a pressure signal indicative of a pressure within the enclosure (12). A processing element (16) analyzes the signal to determine whether the dust explosion is occurring. The signal is sampled at a higher frequency, and then converted to a lower frequency by averaging, then filtered with first and intermediate filters to remove portions of the signal having rates of increase that exceed pre-established maximum magnitudes, and then filtered with a second filter having an appropriate cut-off frequency, stop band attenuation factor, and end of passband frequency. An alarm and a suppression system (18) are activated if a static pressure exceeds a limit, a rate of pressure increase exceeds a limit, or a total suppressed pressure exceeds a limit, each of which indicates occurrence of the dust explosion.

A flame mitigation device (26), along with associated systems and methods, is disclosed. More particularly, a flame mitigation device (26) has at least one sensor (25) configured to sense a flame (21), and at least one suppression agent (28) release device configured to release a flame suppression agent into the projected flame path when the flame is sensed. The sensor (25) may sense the flame either directly or indirectly. A flame mitigation system (26) is also disclosed, wherein the system includes an enclosure (22) and at least one pressure release device configured to release a flame from the enclosure. The system (26) may include at least one sensor (25) configured to sense the flame (21), and a device configured to release a suppression agent (28). A method of mitigating a flame in a combustible material system is also disclosed.

A flame mitigation device (26), along with associated systems and methods, is disclosed. More particularly, a flame mitigation device (26) has at least one sensor (25) configured to sense a flame (21), and at least one suppression agent (28) release device configured to release a flame suppression agent into the projected flame path when the flame is sensed. The sensor (25) may sense the flame either directly or indirectly. A flame mitigation system (26) is also disclosed, wherein the system includes an enclosure (22) and at least one pressure release device configured to release a flame from the enclosure. The system (26) may include at least one sensor (25) configured to sense the flame (21), and a device configured to release a suppression agent (28). A method of mitigating a flame in a combustible material system is also disclosed.

Systems for improving fire safety in agricultural machinery are configured for detecting, at least partially controlling, and/or suppressing adverse fire-related conditions. The adverse fire-related conditions can include sparks, embers, and/or flames in the agricultural machinery.

Systems for improving fire safety in agricultural machinery are configured for detecting, at least partially controlling, and/or suppressing adverse fire-related conditions. The adverse fire-related conditions can include sparks, embers, and/or flames in the agricultural machinery.

An explosion control system of a comminuting installation for materials is provided for controlling unintended releases of energy by the materials. Additionally, a comminuting installation and a method for operating an explosion control system are provided. The explosion control system has at least one pressure control device. The at least one pressure control device allows for control of the propagation of pressure increases as a result of releases of energy by materials in the comminuting installation.

An explosion control system of a comminuting installation for materials is provided for controlling unintended releases of energy by the materials. Additionally, a comminuting installation and a method for operating an explosion control system are provided. The explosion control system has at least one pressure control device. The at least one pressure control device allows for control of the propagation of pressure increases as a result of releases of energy by materials in the comminuting installation.

Disclosed herein are a system, method, and apparatus for arresting flames in an air return line. The apparatus includes a flame barrier containing one or more metal mesh layers and configured to permit airflow there through while preventing flame break-through. The flame barrier can also have or be connected to one or more temperature or pressure sensors configured to detect blockage of airflow through the flame barrier and to detect damage to the flame barrier. The apparatus can also include additional temperature or pressure sensors for detecting the propagation of deflagration in the air return line.