Recently, there have been a striking number of (large) fires in the waste sector.
These fires usually start with scalding, after which the waste starts to smolder.
Early detection can prevent a major fire from starting.
The targeted use of thermal cameras is an effective measure in this industry and for this type of fire.
The fires at waste processing companies this summer usually started with heating and almost without exception took place after closing time.
There were no more employees present who could identify or do anything.
The damage was extensive and the industry is urgently looking for a reliable detection method.
Development of fire in waste heap
In order to be able to select a reliable, rapid fire detection , it is important to know how fire develops in a waste heap, what negative conditions (such as dust and smoke) are present and where the waste mountain is located (outside, inside, size of the room, etc.).
Fire in a waste heap starts with scalding.
As a result of an exothermic reaction, a chemical reaction in which heat is released, the temperature in the waste heap rises without absorbing heat from the environment.
This usually happens deep in the waste heap, where the material can no longer lose its heat to its environment.
The temperature continues to rise until it ignites.
And in a mountain full of mostly highly flammable materials, an incipient fire quickly develops into a large conflagration.
Rapid detection of first signals
Ideally, the first signs of heating (an increase in temperature) are already detected.
Then there is no smoke and there are no flames.
And there is still time to take repressive measures so that heating does not become a fire.
With a thermal camera, an increase in temperature can be detected very quickly and accurately.
How does a thermal camera work?
A thermal camera, also known as a thermal imaging camera, observes images in the infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
The camera detects/measures temperature differences and makes them visible in a thermal image.
The temperature is measured very accurately.
Thermal cameras do not need light and are not or hardly affected by negative conditions.
It is also possible to set an alarm threshold (a temperature value) and to mark the area in which the measurements are to be taken.
Deployment in the waste sector
In view of the above description, it is clear that a thermal camera is very suitable for detecting heating in a waste mountain.
After all, heat is an increase in temperature somewhere deep in the waste mountain.
On the thermal image provided by the thermal camera, such hotspots are clearly visible.
The alarm threshold is adjustable.
It is also possible to set different alarm thresholds for working days and non-working days.
In the first case, the alarm threshold may be higher; After all, there is also staff present who can take action at the slightest signals.
If there is no staff present, the alarm threshold can be set to 50°C, for example.
A time interval can also be linked to the alarm threshold.
For example: the camera only sounds an alarm if the set temperature (alarm threshold) is measured for more than one minute.
This prevents the heat from a moving shovel from causing an alarm.
There are also thermal cameras that provide overview images in addition to the thermal image.
Cemacs Recycling
The thermal camera plays a leading role in Mactwin’s Cemacs Recycling solution.
All information from this camera is transmitted to and processed by the Cemacs Security Hub.
It also sends the alarm messages to the alarm center and/or a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet.
It is possible to receive only a text message, but also to receive the thermal and overview images.
This makes it possible to immediately assess the situation on site and to take appropriate action.
Whether or not automatically, such as controlling the sprinkler or sprinkler system.
Images are stored for a short period of time, so that it is possible to look back.
It is also possible to integrate speed cameras and/or sirens into the system.
Then the people on the shop floor are optimally alerted and can take immediate action.
Organisational measures
In addition to quickly detecting an incipient fire, it is at least as important in the waste sector to take organisational measures.
To store waste for as short a time as possible and to keep it dry, for example.
It is important to make clear agreements about this and to make staff aware of the importance of such organisational measures.