DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETECTING BY MEASUREMENT FIRE-LIKE EVENTS, AND SYSTEM FOR ELIMINATING A HAZARDOUS STATE CAUSE BY A FIRE-LIKE EVENT

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for metrological detection of a fire-like phenomenon (1), in particular a spark, flame or embers or hot particle phenomenon in a reservoir (2) through which media flows or which is loaded with media, comprising a measurement arrangement (4) configured to record measurement data, the measurement arrangement (4) comprising a first and a second measuring unit (11, 12) for the detection of electromagnetic radiation (5) emitted by the fire-like phenomenon (1) in a first or second wavelength range, respectively, optionally comprising a third measuring unit (13) for detecting ambient light (7) as well as optionally comprising a sensor unit (14) for the measurement of media-specific or environment-specific measurement data.

In order to reduce the risk of false alarms with such an apparatus and to improve the detection and risk assessment of fire-like phenomena, it is proposed to provide a checking means (8) that is adapted to check at a current time point (t.sub.A) on the basis of measurement data recorded by the measurement arrangement (4) and/or stored medium- or environment-specific characteristic data, whether an adjustment criterion (A) is satisfied, wherein if the adjustment criterion (A) is satisfied, a measurement sensitivity (M.sub.1, M.sub.2, M.sub.3) or an operating parameter (P.sub.1, P.sub.2, P.sub.3) of at least one of the measuring units (11, 12, 13) can be adjusted adequately for the situation using a control means (10).

Furthermore, a method for the metrological detection of fire-like phenomena (1) and a system for needs-based and reliable elimination of a hazardous state produced by a fire-like phenomenon is proposed with the invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for metrological detection of a fire-like phenomenon, in particular a spark, flame or embers or hot particle phenomenon in a reservoir through which media flows or which is loaded with media, comprising a measurement arrangement configured to record measurement data, the measurement arrangement comprising a first and a second measuring unit for the detection of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the fire-like phenomenon in a first or second wavelength range, respectively, optionally comprising a third measuring unit for detecting ambient light as well as optionally comprising a sensor unit for the measurement of media-specific or environment-specific measurement data, and further comprising a checking means that is adapted to check at a current time point (t.sub.A) on the basis of measurement data recorded by the measurement arrangement and/or stored medium- or environment-specific characteristic data, whether an adjustment criterion (A) is satisfied, wherein if the adjustment criterion (A) is satisfied, a measurement sensitivity (M.sub.1, M.sub.2, M.sub.3) or an operating parameter (P.sub.1, P.sub.2, P.sub.3) of at least one of the measuring units can be adapted adequately for the situation using a control means.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a respective measurement sensitivity optimum of the first and second measuring unit lies in different wavelength ranges.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first measuring unit (11) is adapted for detecting electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range of 100 nm-1500 nm, and preferably of 750 nm-1200 nm, wherein the measurement sensitivity optimum of the first measuring unit lies in a wavelength range of about 950 nm, preferably precisely at 950 nm.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second measuring unit is adapted for recording electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range of 1000 nm-3500 nm, preferably of 1500 nm-3000 nm and particularly preferably of 2000 nm-2800 nm.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third measuring unit is adapted for detecting electromagnetic radiation of ambient light in a wavelength range of 100 nm-500 nm.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit adapted for measuring media-specific or environment-specific measurement data is a pressure sensor unit, a density sensor unit, a temperature sensor unit, a humidity sensor unit, a sensor unit for measuring a particle concentration, a sensor unit for measuring a gas concentration or an arrangement of a plurality of the aforesaid sensor units.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the media-specific or environment-specific measurement data are measurement data measured by the sensor unit in the medium or in the surroundings (U) of the medium.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the media-specific or environment-specific characteristic data are characteristic data stored in a database and in particular relate to a pressure, a sensitivity, a temperature, a humidity value, a particle concentration or a gas concentration of the medium or of the surroundings (U) of the medium.

9. The apparatus according to one of the preceding claim 1, wherein the adjustment criterion (A) is a predefined absolute value or a predefined value range, wherein the absolute value or the value range is related to a pressure, a density, a temperature, an air humidity, a particular concentration or a gas concentration or that a plurality of the aforesaid parameters form a combined adjustment criterion (A).

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the checking means is adapted to compare a media-specific or environment-specific measurement datum measured using the sensor unit or a stored media-specific or environment-specific characteristic datum with the adjustment criterion (A) and to check whether the measurement datum or the characteristic datum agrees with the predefined absolute value or lies within the predefined value range, wherein in the case of a positive ascertainment in this respect, the adjustment criterion (A) is satisfied and the control means is adapted a. to adjust an operating parameter (P.sub.1, P.sub.2, P.sub.3) of at least one of the measuring units to adapt, wherein the operating parameter (P.sub.1, P.sub.2, P.sub.3) in particular is an operating status in the sense of an online, offline or stand-by status and/or b. to adjust, in particular to weaken or to increase the measurement sensitivity (M1, M2) of the first and/or second measuring unit, and/or c. to adjust, in particular to weaken or to increase, a threshold value for triggering a danger signal stored in relation to the first and/or second measuring unit.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the checking means is adapted to check measurement data recorded by the third measuring unit for the presence of ambient light, a predefined ambient light intensity or a predefined measurement data specific characteristic value as adjustment criterion (A), wherein in the case of a positive determination in this respect, the adjustment criterion (A) is satisfied and the control means is adapted a. to switch off the first measuring unit, b. to weaken the measurement sensitivity (M.sub.1) of the first measuring unit or c. to adjust, in particular to increase a threshold value for triggering a danger signal stored in relation to the first measuring unit.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the checking means is adapted to check measurement data recorded by the first and/or second measuring unit for the fulfilment of a measurement-data-specific criterion as adjustment criterion (A), wherein in the case of a positive determination in this respect, the adjustment criterion (A) is satisfied and the control means is adapted a. to adjust an operating parameter (P.sub.1, P.sub.2, P.sub.3) of at least one of the measuring units, wherein the operating parameter (P.sub.1, P.sub.2, P.sub.3) in particular is an operating status in the sense of an online, offline or stand-by status and/or b. to adjust, in particular to weaken or to increase the measurement sensitivity (M.sub.1, M.sub.2) of the first and/or second measuring unit, and/or c. to adjust, in particular to reduce or to increase, a threshold value for triggering a danger signal stored in relation to the first and/or second measuring unit.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the checking means is adapted to check measurement data recorded by the first and/or second measuring unit for the presence of radiation absorption of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the fire-like phenomenon by the medium as adjustment criterion (A), wherein in the case of a positive determination in this respect, the adjustment criterion (A) is satisfied and the control means is adapted a. to switch off the second measuring unit, b. to weaken the measurement sensitivity (M.sub.2) of the second measuring unit and/or c. to increase the measurement sensitivity (M.sub.1) of the first measuring unit and/or d. to adjust, in particular to decrease a threshold value for triggering a danger signal stored in relation to the first measuring unit.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a calculation means that is part of the checking means or is connected to this by signal technology, wherein the calculation means is adapted to calculate, on the basis of stored medium- or environment-specific characteristic data, a probability value for the presence of a radiation absorption of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by a fire-like phenomenon by the medium, wherein the adjustment criterion (A) is a predefined probability value or a probability value range.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the checking means is adapted to check whether the calculated probability value agrees with the predefined probability value or lies in the predefined probability value range, wherein in the case of a positive determination in this respect, the adjustment criterion (A) is satisfied and the control means is adapted a. to switch off the second measuring unit, b. to weaken the measurement sensitivity (M.sub.2) of the second measuring unit and/or c. to increase the measurement sensitivity (M.sub.1) of the first measuring unit and/or d. to adapt, in particular to decrease a threshold value for triggering a danger signal stored in relation to the first measuring unit.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and the second measuring unit is assigned a common amplification module or that the first and second measuring unit are each assigned separate amplification modules, wherein the measurement sensitivity (M.sub.1, M.sub.2) can be adapted with the common or the separate amplification modules (M.sub.1, M.sub.2).

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the common amplification module or the separate amplification modules (M.sub.1, M.sub.2) are connected to the control means by signal technology.

18. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the measurement arrangement and the control means are arranged in a common sensor housing.

19. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the checking means is a computing unit or a routine executed on a computing unit, wherein the computing unit can be connected to an alarm system by signal technology.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the computing unit is arranged in the sensor housing or is a computing unit arranged externally to the sensor housing.

21. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the measurement arrangement is configured for arrangement outside the reservoir, wherein the first, second and/or third measuring unit pertaining to the measurement arrangement and/or the sensor unit are adapted to measure through an at least partially optically transparent device of the reservoir.

22. A system for eliminating a hazardous state produced by a fire-like phenomenon, in particular a spark, flame, embers or hot particle phenomenon in a reservoir through which media flows or which is loaded with media, comprising the apparatus according to claim 1 and a device for eliminating the hazardous state.

23. System according to claim 22, further comprising an alarm system for issuing a visual and/or audible alarm when the hazardous state occurs.

24. System according to claim 22, wherein the device for eliminating the hazardous state is adapted for actuating a mechanical or electronic component of a machine device comprising the reservoir through which media flows or which is loaded with media, wherein the device for eliminating the hazardous state is in particular a shut-off device or adjusting device of the machine device.

25. System according to claim 22, wherein the device for eliminating the hazardous state is an extinguishing device (32).

26. System according to claim 23, wherein the alarm system is connected to the apparatus by signal technology and has receiving means for receiving a danger signal triggered by the apparatus.

27. System according to claim 23, wherein the alarm system has an alarm means for issuing a visible and/or audible alarm.

28. System according to claim 25, wherein the extinguishing device is a spark, flame, embers or hot particle extinguishing device connected to the apparatus by signal technology and comprises receiving means for receiving a danger signal triggered by the device.

29. System according to claim 25, wherein the extinguishing device is adapted to extinguish sparks, flames, embers or hot particles in the reservoir through which media flows or which is loaded with media upon receipt of the danger signal using an extinguishing means.

30. Method A method for metrological detection of fire-like phenomena, in particular a spark, flame, embers or hot particle phenomenon in a reservoir through which media flows or which is loaded with media, using an apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a. using the first measuring unit, electromagnetic radiation emitted by the fire-like phenomenon in a first wavelength range together with relevant measurement data is recorded; b. using the second measuring unit, electromagnetic radiation emitted by the fire-like phenomenon in a second wavelength range together with relevant measurement data is recorded; c. optionally using the third measuring unit ambient light together with relevant measurement data is recorded; d. optionally using a sensor unit media-specific or environment-specific measurement data are recorded, wherein at a current time point (t.sub.A) using a checking means it is checked on the basis of the recorded measurement data and/or stored medium- or environment-specific characteristic data whether an adjustment criterion (A) is satisfied and if the adjustment criterion (A) is satisfied, a measurement sensitivity (M.sub.1, M.sub.2, M.sub.3) or an operating parameter (P.sub.1, P.sub.2, P.sub.3) of one of the measuring unit is adjusted adequately for the situation.

31. Method according to claim 30, wherein the method is executed continuously, in a predefined time interval or at time points to be predefined manually.

Description

[0109] Further features and advantages of the invention are obtained from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention which are not to be understood as restrictive, which are explained in detail hereinafter with reference to the drawings. In the drawings shown schematically:

[0110] FIG. 1 shows a reservoir through which media flows with a fire-like phenomenon;

[0111] FIG. 2 shows an illustration of the basic functional principle of an apparatus according to the invention when used in a reservoir through which media flows according to FIG. 1;

[0112] FIG. 3 shows a diagram of components pertaining to the apparatus according to the invention and the interaction thereof;

[0113] FIG. 4 shows an illustration of an extinguishing system according to the invention when used in a reservoir through which media flows according to FIG. 1;

[0114] FIG. 5 shows the sequence of the method according to the invention in a schematically depicted time slot.

[0115] FIG. 1 shows a reservoir 2 through which media flows as part of a superordinate production or processing plant in a branch of industry listed in the introductory description. The reservoir 2 is configured as a duct (for example, tubular) along which a medium 3 is conveyed, namely along the conveying direction 36. The medium 3 comprises a solid which is present in particle form, as is illustrated by the plurality of depicted triangular shapes. The conveying is accomplished on the basis of gravity (e.g. by transport in the vertical direction as in a chute), alternatively conveyed mechanically or pneumatically. It is further noted that fire-like phenomena 1 can occur in the reservoir 2 through which media flows (illustrated schematically by a star shape). Fire-like phenomena 1 are understood in the present case in particular as sparks, flames, embers, pockets of embers etc. which under certain circumstances can act as initiators of a fire or even an explosion.

[0116] In order to detect such fire-like phenomena 1 at an early stage and counteract the corresponding consequences, an apparatus according to the invention can be used which can also be designated as an intelligent spark detector. FIG. 2 illustrates the basic functional principle of an apparatus according to the invention. As can be seen there, the apparatus comprises a sensor housing 16 in which a measurement arrangement 4 is arranged. The measurement arrangement 4 is configured to record measurement data and comprises the first, second and third measuring units 11, 12, 13 as well as an optional sensor unit 14. The first measuring unit 11 is configured to detect electromagnetic radiation 5 emitted by the fire-like phenomenon 1 (illustrated by a dashed arrow) in a first wavelength range. The first wavelength range extends from 190 nm-1100 nm, and preferably from 430 nm-1100 nm, wherein the measurement sensitivity optimum of the first measuring unit 11 lies in a wavelength range of approximately 780 nm, preferably precisely at 780 nm. The second measuring unit 12 is configured for detecting electromagnetic radiation 5 emitted by the fire-like phenomenon 1 in a second wavelength range. The second wavelength range lies at 1000 nm-3100 nm and preferably extends from 1650 nm-3100 nm. The second wavelength range is therefore located in a longer-wavelength spectral range.

[0117] The third measuring unit 13 on the other hand is adapted for detecting electromagnetic radiation 9 from ambient light 7 in a wavelength range of 400 nm-500 nm. Ambient light 7 can enter into the reservoir 2 (or the duct) through openings in the reservoir or an associated duct system. Generation of light which provides for background light or ambient light 7 in the reservoir 2 can also originate from machine or plant components. Further, an (at least partially) optically transparent device 6, e.g. a pane through which radiation of specific wavelengths or specific wavelength ranges can pass can be provided in the region of the apparatus or sensor arrangement 4 placed on a wall of the reservoir 2. In this case, ambient light can optionally also penetrate from outside through the device 6 into the interior of the reservoir 2.

[0118] The sensor unit 14 optionally provided in the measurement arrangement 4 is adapted to record measurement data, for example, a pressure, a density, a temperature, a humidity value, a particle concentration or a gas concentration of the medium 3 or the surroundings U of the medium 3. This measurement data which can be recorded by the sensor unit 14 is optionally also taken into account in the risk assessment of a fire-like phenomenon 1 detected by the measuring units 11, 12. Optionally also the presence of ambient light 7 that can be detected by the third measuring unit 13 is more or less taken into account in the risk assessment.

[0119] FIG. 3 shows a possible structure of the apparatus according to the invention in a detailed view compared with FIG. 2. It can be seen that the measuring units 11, 12, 13 and the optionally provided sensor unit 14 are arranged in a common housing 16. Furthermore, a checking means 8 is arranged in the housing, which is adapted to check at a current time point to on the basis of measurement data recorded by the measurement arrangement 4 and/or stored medium- or environment-specific characteristic data, whether a specific adjustment criterion A is satisfied. The checking means 8 is a computing unit and/or a routine stored on a computing unit, software or an algorithm. The adjustment criterion A can be specified externally by a user, e.g. by corresponding programming or corresponding input means. It is also possible that the adjustment criterion A is determined using the computing unit. The mentioned medium- or environment-specific characteristic data can be stored in a database 15a, which is part of the checking means 8 (the computing unit). Alternatively to this the medium- or environment-specific characteristic data are stored in an external database 15b, wherein the checking means 8 can access the database 15b via a signal connection (characterized by the double arrow). Thus, an exchange of data between checking means 8 and database 15b is possible. Furthermore, a control means 10 is provided 8 in the housing 16, which is also adapted to bring about a measurement sensitivity adjustment or operating parameter adjustment in the measurement arrangement 4 when the adjustment criterion A is satisfied. A command whereby a measurement sensitivity adjustment or operating parameter adjustment has to be made is transmitted to the control means 10 from the checking means 8, namely via a signal connection (see the depicted double arrow). The checking means 8 is therefore connected to the control means 10 by signal technology. Accordingly at a current time point toprovided that the adjustment criterion A is satisfied, a measurement sensitivity M.sub.1, M.sub.2, M.sub.3 or an operating parameter P.sub.1, P.sub.2, P.sub.3 of at least one of the measuring units 11, 12, 13 is adjusted adequately to the situation. For this purpose the control means 10 is connected to the measuring units 11, 12, 13 by signal technology (see the depicted double arrows which represent the said signal connections). Accordingly, if necessary, a measurement sensitivity M.sub.1 and/or an operating parameter P.sub.1 in the first measuring unit 11, a measurement sensitivity M.sub.2 and/or an operating parameter P.sub.2 in the second measuring unit 12, and/or a measurement sensitivity M.sub.3 and/or an operating parameter P.sub.3 in the third measuring unit 13 is adjusted via the control means 10. The setting of the first or second measurement sensitivity M.sub.1, M.sub.2 can be made via the amplification modules 21, 22 assigned to the first and second measuring unit 11, 12 which are connected to the control means 10 by signal technology. As it were, the amplification modules 21, 22 are connected to the measuring units 11, 12 by signal technology. The amplification modules 21, 22 can, for example, be configured in the form of signal amplifiers or pre-amplifiers, wherein these can be both of an analog or digital nature. Furthermore, the measurement sensitivity adjustment can relate to a threshold value for triggering a danger signal stored in relation to the first and/or second measuring unit 11, 12. The threshold values can be stored in the measuring units 11, 12 as such, the checking means 8, the database 15a, 15b or the control means 10. The operating parameters P.sub.1, P.sub.2, P.sub.3 relate in particular to an operating status of the measuring units M.sub.1, M.sub.2, M.sub.3, in particular an online status (recording of measurement data possible), a standby status (power supply in standby, activation required to record measurement data) or an offline status (no power supply or switched-off status, no recording of measurement data possible). FIG. 2 finally also reveals that the measuring units 11, 12, 13 as well as the sensor unit 14 are each in signal communication (cf. the double arrows) with the checking means 8. The recorded measured values can be relayed to the checking means 8 via these signal connections. The measured values can be subjected to a pre-processing which can take place in the measuring units 11, 12, 13 or the sensor unit 14.

[0120] Furthermore this can take place in the checking means 8. In the checking means 8 the measurement data are then evaluated and checked with regard to fulfilment of the adjustment criterion A. For this purpose the measurement data can be transferred into a desired data format or a desired data representation. Furthermore, a data selection, a data evaluation etc. can be made to check for fulfilment of the adjustment criterion A.

[0121] FIG. 4 relates to a diagram of an extinguishing system according to the invention when used in the reservoir through which media flows according to FIG. 1. In the depicted example a flame 31 has originated from the fire-like phenomenon 1. As mentioned, electromagnetic radiation 5 emitted by the fire-like phenomenon 1 is detected by means of the measurement arrangement 4 arranged in the housing 16 (cf. 3). By means of the checking means 8, an assessment is made as to whether the detected fire-like phenomenon 1 is an event from which an increased risk of fire or explosion arises or not. If this is such an event with an increased risk of fire or explosion, or an evolution of fire, flame or embers already classified as hazardous, this is relayed from the checking means 8 or the sensor arrangement via a signal connection 34 to an alarm system 30 and optionally an extinguishing device 32 is activated for eliminating (i.e. extinguishing) the hazardous state which can be accomplished via a signal connection 35. However, the risk assessment can also be made directly in the alarm system 30. In order to extinguish the fire-like phenomenon 1 or flame 31, an extinguishing agent 33 can be introduced into the reservoir 2 by the extinguishing device 22. The extinguishing agent can comprise, for example, a spray mist (of water or extinguishing foam).

[0122] FIG. 5 shows schematically a time slot for the sequence of a method according to the invention. Firstly the measurement arrangement 4 is operated in a first operating state B.sub.1. When a media-induced event E.sub.MED occurs, this can for example be the change of the medium 3 or a parameter variation (a changed media concentration, a changed pressure, a changed temperature etc.) or a measurement-dependent event E.sub.MESS, e.g. a detected fire-like phenomenon 1, the measurement data recorded by the measuring units 11, 12, 13, 14 or stored medium- or environment-specific characteristic data are checked for fulfilment of the adjustment criterion A at a current time point to in a step P.sub.A. If the adjustment criterion A is satisfied, an adjustment A.sub.M of a measurement sensitivity M.sub.1, M.sub.2, M.sub.3 or an adjustment A.sub.B of an operating parameter P.sub.1, P.sub.2, P.sub.3 of at least one of the measuring units 11, 12, 13 adequate to the situation can be made using a control means. The apparatus is then operated further in a second operating state B.sub.2. As can be seen by means of the dashed line L, the method or described procedure can be repeated again and again.

REFERENCE LIST

[0123] 1 Fire-like phenomenon [0124] 2 Reservoir [0125] 3 Medium [0126] 4 Measurement arrangement [0127] 5 Electromagnetic radiation [0128] 6 Optically transparent device [0129] 7 Ambient light [0130] 8 Checking means [0131] 9 Electromagnetic radiation (ambient light) [0132] 10 Control means [0133] 11 First measuring unit [0134] 12 Second measuring unit [0135] 13 Third measuring unit [0136] 14 Sensor unit [0137] 15 Database [0138] 15a Database [0139] 15b Sensor housing [0140] 21 Amplification module [0141] 22 Amplification module [0142] 30 Alarm system [0143] 31 Flame [0144] 32 Extinguishing device [0145] 33 Extinguishing agent [0146] 34 Signal connection [0147] 35 Signal connection [0148] 36 Conveying direction [0149] A Adjustment criterion [0150] A.sub.B Operating parameter adjustment [0151] A.sub.M Measurement sensitivity adjustment [0152] B.sub.1 First operating state [0153] B.sub.2 Second operating state [0154] E.sub.MESS Event [0155] E.sub.MED Event [0156] L Dashed line [0157] M.sub.1 Measurement sensitivity [0158] M.sub.2 Measurement sensitivity [0159] M.sub.3 Measurement sensitivity [0160] N User [0161] P.sub.A Checking for fulfilment of adjustment criterion [0162] P.sub.1 Operating parameter [0163] P.sub.2 Operating parameter [0164] P.sub.3 Operating parameter [0165] t.sub.A Current time point [0166] U Surroundings