Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why should I install a Raptor Spark System to protect my dust collect/baghouse?

One of the most important advantages of a spark detection and extinguishing system is that it is designed to prevent a possible ignition source from entering a collection vessel where the environment necessary for a potential fire or explosion is likely to be found.

2. How does a spark detector work?

A spark detector is a simple device which monitors the infrared light within the field of view of a special sensor which detects light in the infrared range. This light is emitted from all things which emanate heat, and sparks or burning embers emit a greater amount of infrared light in contrast to the surrounding area within a typical room, workshop or factory floor.

3. Who are our Raptor Spark Detection customers?

Companies that work in wood, paper, food, tobacco, textile, bioenergy, hygiene, and recycling industries.

4. What are the certifications applicable to the Raptor Spark detection System?

FM approval, CE listed

5. What can the Raptor Spark Detectors do?

Spark Detectors are the primary sensor in an explosion prevention package used with a dust collection system. They can be tied to activate a single safety component or multiple devices connected to the Fire Control Panel, a programmable logic controller which determines what happens when certain input signals have been received.

6. What makes our spark detector stand out from other infrared sensors?

How quickly it operates. For a spark detector to be effective it must sense a rapid change in infrared light coming from a tiny hot particle traveling at high speed through its field of view. Once a spark has been detected, a signal must then be passed to the fire protection system. That system will then process the signal and mark it as an emergency event, which will then initiate fire prevention mechanisms associated with a spark being detected at that location in the dust collection system.

7. How does the Extinguishing System work?

Spark detectors can be paired with a Spark Extinguishment set, which are a set of nozzles mounted to the ductwork that pop into the air stream and spray water to quench a flame. Detectors must be placed at a distance which provides enough time for the detection signal to be sent to the Fire Control Panel, the signal to be processed and sent on to the extinguishment set, and then for the extinguishment set to activate the sprinklers in the duct ahead of the spark.

8. How long does it take for the Raptor Spark detector to activate the Extinguishing unit?

200ms

9. Will the water spray shut us down or ruin our filters?

One of the main advantages of the system is that it uses the minimal amount of water to eliminate the potential ignition source. When responding to a spark, the valve will open and then shut off after completing a pre-set spray time duration. The amount of water expelled into the duct will vary depending upon the spray cycle time, water pressure, size and number of valves or nozzles used however it is highly unlikely that an activation of the system will cause any business interruption.

10. Is the technology in the Raptor Spark detector insensitive to daylight/blue light?

Yes, it is only sensitive to infrared not visible light. Conventional spark detectors, by contrast, are based on silicone photodiodes that detect visible light and near-infrared radiation.

11. How much distance must there be between the sensors and the nozzle?

The distance is dependent on the air velocity, at 20m/s the required distance is 5.07m (see attached chart for details)