Challenge details:

The painting process produces paint fumes and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), creating a fire risk in paint shops and preparation areas. These fumes are exhausted through blowers, causing paint particles to deposit inside ducts and form a flammable layer. Fire detection and suppression systems, such as spark, heat, and smoke detectors, are installed in paint booths and paint kitchens. However, continuous operation leads to paint fumes depositing on sensors in hard-to-reach areas like high rise chimneys, making them ineffective. The delay in early fire detection can result in fires spreading within ducts and paint booths, posing risks to personnel, assets, and the environment.

This challenge has been persistent for long and is common in industries like foundries and heat treatment facilities. Previous attempts, including visual inspections and consultations with other industries and OEMs, have not resulted in a standard proven solution for early fire detection and cleaning of deposits inside ducts and chimneys.

We are looking for a low-cost solution that can detect fires early and activate suppression systems automatically, unaffected by surrounding fumes and dust particles. The system should be easy to maintain, clean, calibrate, and replace, and suitable for use inside exhaust ducts, high-rise chimneys, paint booths, and other fume environments.