Dust fires and explosions often occur in filters, silos and dryers. They endanger human lives, cause severe property damage and interrupt production operations. The reason can be sparks or burning embers caused when working with or drying combustible material and reaching plant areas at risk through the pneumatic and mechanical conveying systems. Within the framework of its special technology and its distinct design, the GreCon system was developed to detect and extinguish these ignition sources in pneumatic exhaust systems before they reach filters and silos and cause a fire or explosion in these areas!
Spark sensors are flush-mounted on the walls of the exhaust ducts to detect the infrared radiation emitted by sparks in the transport air stream. Immediately upon spark detection, a water mist spray is released into the duct and the sparks are extinguished. The extinguishing device consists of a special high-speed solenoid valve with one or more spray nozzles. These are flush-mounted to the duct wall about 4 to 6 meters (12 to 18 feet) downstream of the sensors, depending on the conveying velocity.
Extinguishment is accomplished with water at high flow pressure. Special extinguishing nozzles spray a water mist, which covers the entire cross section of the duct. With a properly planned installation, the ignition sources enter the water mist and are effectively extinguished. The valve closes after a preset and adjustable time frame, normally 5 seconds.
The GreCon system effectively detects and extinguishes ignition sources without machinery shut-down or interruption of the production process.