PATOL - Infrared sensors - Series 5000 fire detection system

The Patol 5000 Series of equipment is specifically designed for the protection of establishments and systems where a movement of materials with a potential fire hazard is a routine occurrence. The 5000 system employs enhanced Infra-red monitoring technology that enables the detection of fire initiating materials, whilst they are being transported, and before they have reached a Flame condition.
The system has many applications within industries such as Power Generation, Coal Mining, Process Plant, Road Transportation and Rail Networks and has been specifically designed to meet the rigors of these environments and to provide the reliability required.
A typical example is in the coal feed systems on power stations where coal on the 'out field stack' may very well smoulder with little adverse effect for long periods of time. However, if imported to the power station it may have devastating effects on conveyor systems, hoppers, blending plants, etc.
This consideration is of particular importance when PRB Coal is being transported.

Each 5000 system comprises of three primary elements. A sensor unit, a control unit and an air supply. The latter is required such that a positive air pressure is maintained at the sensor unit optical lens aperture, thus preventing dust settling on the lens. This air purging is essential in dusty environments such as coal conveyors, and is recommended in even relatively clean applications.
The air supply can be either a Low or High pressure. The former requires a relatively high delivery capacity. A series 5000 air purge blower and filter unit is normaly employed when an 'on site' clean air low pressure supply is not available.
Sensors Units are also available which operate with site "high pressure" air supplies. The sensor unit is located above or beside the materials transit path (conveyor, roadway, etc.) by means of the adjustable mounting bracket and aligned such that the monitored hazard passes through the sensor's field of view. The distance and angle of the sensor determine the width of the monitored path.
A local control unit is mounted such as to provide ready access for operational and maintenance purpose.