Explosion Detection & Control: Your First Line of Defense
In environments with explosive dusts or gases, a fire or explosion can happen in an instant. Our explosion detection and control systems are the first line of defense, designed to recognize the earliest stages of a deflagration and trigger a rapid response. These systems are the “brains” behind all of our active explosion protection solutions.
SSI provides comprehensive explosion detection and control systems that deliver unparalleled speed and reliability. By utilizing advanced technology and proven components, our solutions ensure that when a hazard is detected, your mitigation systems are activated instantly, preventing a catastrophic event.
How an Explosion Detection System Works
An explosion detection and control system operates through a seamless, automated process that acts in milliseconds to protect your facility. The process is a simple but highly effective sequence:
- Detection: Specialized detectors are installed to continuously monitor a protected zone.
- Signaling: The instant a detector senses the initial pressure change or flame radiation from a deflagration, it sends a signal to the central controller.
- Activation: The controller instantly triggers a mitigation system, such as high-speed explosion suppression bottles or fast-acting isolation valves.
- Control: The system sends a signal to your process to shut down all material flow, preventing further hazards.
This automated sequence ensures a complete and effective response, safeguarding your operations when every millisecond counts.
The Fike EPACO: A Modular System for Rapid Response
SSI exclusively installs the Fike EPACO system, a modular detection and control system that can be configured to protect one or multiple zones. Its robust design is built to recognize the early stages of a deflagration and quickly activate mitigation systems, providing the ultimate in active protection.
Core Components of the EPACO System
The Fike EPACO system is built on a foundation of reliable, interconnected components that work in harmony to ensure safety:
- Explosion Protection Controller (EPC): The central “brain” of the system, responsible for receiving signals from detectors and activating mitigation devices.
- Power Supply (PSU): Provides continuous, uninterrupted power to the system, ensuring functionality even during a power outage.
- Annunciator Module (AM): An operator interface that provides status updates and allows for system monitoring and control.
- Relay Card (RC8): An essential component that sends signals to shut down process equipment upon detection.
Advanced Detector Technology
The EPACO system can utilize two primary types of advanced detectors, each tailored for specific applications:
- Ceramic Explosion Pressure Detectors: These robust detectors are a common choice for explosion detection, as they can measure pressure changes at an incredibly high sampling rate, ensuring immediate response to a deflagration’s pressure wave.
- Optical Detectors: Ideal for applications with larger volumes or low fuel explosibility, these detectors respond to the unique flame radiation emitted by a deflagration. They are highly sensitive and can detect an event with exceptional speed.
Equipment Features
- Explosion Protection Controller (EPC) – continuously monitors the protected hazard, reacts to incipient explosions and actuates suppression or active isolation systems.
- Easily programmable
- System status LEDs and PC connection offers system status, history and pressure readings
- Power Supply (PSU) – provides complete supervision of all power wiring to explosion protection system components.
- Battery backup to continue protection during power outages
- May be remotely mounted, separate from hazardous areas
- Annunciator Module (AM) – allows for quick retrieval of history information, real-time pressure readings and control of EPC and PSU operation.
- Convenient and safe access to system status, reports and monitoring
- Simple LED display
- Relay Card (RC8) – offers eight relays to control shut downs, slow downs and remote notifications of system trouble and alarm conditions.
Industries That Rely on Explosion Detection
Our solutions provide a critical layer of safety for facilities across numerous industries, especially those that deal with combustible dusts. Explosion detection and control systems are a key component of a comprehensive strategy for:
- Dust collectors
- Storage silos
- Conveyors and elevators
- Processing vessels and equipment
This technology is an essential part of a complete safety plan for our combustible dust-heavy industries, helping them meet compliance standards and protect against catastrophic loss.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Explosion Detection
What is an explosion detection system?
An explosion detection system is the “brain” of an active protection system. It is a network of sensors and a controller designed to instantly recognize the earliest stages of a deflagration (explosion) and activate a suppression or isolation system to prevent a catastrophic event.
How does an explosion detection system differ from a fire alarm system?
While a fire alarm system is designed to detect and signal a fire, an explosion detection system is specifically designed to detect a rapid deflagration and act in milliseconds. It is much faster and is meant to prevent a catastrophic explosion, not just signal an existing fire.
Are SSI’s explosion detection systems FM Approved?
Yes. All of SSI’s explosion protection systems, including our detection and control solutions, are FM Approved, which signifies they meet the highest standards for performance, reliability, and technical quality as verified by an independent third-party organization.
Why Partner with SSI for Your Explosion Safety?
Finding the right solution to your explosion detection needs is something we have been doing since 2004. Our customers have found that they can trust the experience, knowledge, honesty, integrity, and ethics of our sales team. As a regional expert, we provide a turnkey service that includes system design, installation, and ongoing maintenance to ensure your safety for the long term.
Protect Your Facility From Catastrophic Loss. Contact Our Experts Today!
Don’t wait for a deflagration to ignite a catastrophe. Proactive explosion prevention is essential for business continuity and safety. Partner with Suppression Systems, Inc. to assess your risks and implement robust, code-compliant safety solutions tailored to your unique industrial environment.
Prefer to speak directly? Call our experts now:
1-800-360-0687
Serving industrial facilities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine.
You must be logged in to post a comment.