Spark detector operating conditions and application scenarios

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Spark detectors are mainly used for the detection and prevention of sparks and high-temperature particles in flammable and explosive environments. Their operating conditions typically have the following characteristics:

1. Applicable Industries and Scenarios

Wood processing: Woody dust environments generated during sawing, planing, sanding, and polishing processes.
Metal processing: Metal sparks or high-temperature particles generated during welding, cutting, and polishing processes.
Food processing: Combustible dust environments such as grains, sugar powder, and starch (e.g., crushing and conveying processes).
Chemical/pharmaceutical: Production lines with explosive dusts such as plastics and chemical powders.
Textile industry: Areas with concentrated fiber dust (e.g., cotton opening and combing processes).
Recycling: Spark risks generated during waste crushing and sorting processes.
Pneumatic conveying system: High-speed dust in pipelines may cause combustion due to frictional heat.

2. Typical Operating Conditions
High dust concentration: Suspended combustible dust reaches the lower explosion limit (e.g., wood dust ≥20g/m³).
High airflow velocity: The air velocity in pneumatic conveying pipelines is often 15-30m/s, and sparks easily spread with the airflow.
High-temperature sources exist: Equipment friction, electrostatic discharge, or external fire sources introduce sparks (temperatures can reach above 500℃).
Enclosed/semi-enclosed space: Such as dust removal pipes, cyclone separators, and silos, where sparks may trigger chain reactions.

3. Environmental Requirements
Temperature range: Detectors typically withstand -20℃~60℃ (industrial grade), and special models can reach higher temperatures.
Humidity range: Relative humidity ≤95% (non-condensing), requires moisture-proof design.
Explosion-proof certification: Must comply with ATEX, IECEx, or GB standards (e.g., Ex tD dust-ignition protection).
Anti-interference ability: Avoid false alarms (e.g., avoid arc light, lighting flash, etc.).

3. Environmental Requirements
Temperature range: Detectors typically withstand -20℃~60℃ (industrial grade), and special models can reach higher temperatures.
Humidity range: Relative humidity ≤95% (non-condensing), requires moisture-proof design.
Explosion-proof certification: Must comply with ATEX, IECEx, or GB standards (e.g., Ex tD dust-ignition protection).
Anti-interference ability: Avoid false alarms (e.g., avoid arc light, lighting flash, etc.).

4. Key Installation Points
Inside the pipeline: 5-10 meters downstream from potential spark sources (such as crushers), ensuring that sparks have not extinguished.
Dust collector inlet: Prevent sparks from entering the dust collector and causing explosions.
Bends/diameter changes: Sparks are easier to detect due to inertia.
Avoid obstructions: Ensure that the detector's field of view covers the pipe cross-section.

5. Interlocking System
Fire extinguishing unit: Trigger sprinkler, CO2 or inert gas fire extinguishing.
Shutdown protection: Turn off the fan or isolate dangerous equipment sections.
Alarm signal: Audible and visual alarms or connection to a central control system.

Precautions
The optical window should be cleaned regularly to prevent dust from blocking it.
Avoid installation in locations with strong vibrations to prevent false triggering.
The selection of spark detectors should strictly match the dust characteristics, airflow parameters, and safety level requirements of the specific working conditions, and usually needs to be designed in conjunction with the explosion suppression system.
Adjust the sensitivity according to the dust characteristics (particle size, ignition point).