Incipient fire detection system

Patent · 01 January 1999

OSTI ID:872257

A method and apparatus for an incipient fire detection system that receives gaseous samples and measures the light absorption spectrum of the mixture of gases evolving from heated combustibles includes a detector for receiving gaseous samples and subjecting the samples to spectroscopy and determining wavelengths of absorption of the gaseous samples. The wavelengths of absorption of the gaseous samples are compared to predetermined absorption wavelengths. A warning signal is generated whenever the wavelengths of absorption of the gaseous samples correspond to the predetermined absorption wavelengths. The method includes receiving gaseous samples, subjecting the samples to light spectroscopy, determining wavelengths of absorption of the gaseous samples, comparing the wavelengths of absorption of the gaseous samples to predetermined absorption wavelengths and generating a warning signal whenever the wavelengths of absorption of the gaseous samples correspond to the predetermined absorption wavelengths. In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus includes a series of channels fluidically connected to a plurality of remote locations. A pump is connected to the channels for drawing gaseous samples into the channels. A detector is connected to the channels for receiving the drawn gaseous samples and subjecting the samples to spectroscopy. The wavelengths of absorption are determined and compared to predetermined absorption wavelengths is provided. A warning signal is generated whenever the wavelengths correspond.

• Research Organization: SOUTHEASTERN UNIV RESCH ASSN
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84ER40150
• Assignee: Southeastern Univ. Research Assn. (Newport News, VA)
• Patent Number(s): US 5896088
• OSTI ID: 872257
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

/340/250/
absorption
absorption spectrum
absorption wavelength
alternate
alternate embodiment
apparatus
channels
channels fluidically
combustibles
compared
comparing
connected
correspond
detection
detector
determined
determining
drawing
drawn
embodiment
evolving
fire
fire detection
fluidically
gaseous
gaseous sample
gaseous samples
gases
generated
generating
heated
incipient
incipient fire
light
light absorption
locations
measures
method
mixture
plurality
predetermined
provided
pump
receives
receiving
receiving gas
remote
remote location
remote locations
samples
series
signal
spectroscopy
spectrum
subjecting
warning
warning signal
wavelengths
whenever