Wood processing facilities are especially susceptible to fire because lumber materials and the byproducts of processing (i.e. dust) are exothermic without exposure to an external stimulus. In storage areas, the internal temperature of the material can increase to the point where it will burn spontaneously. Fine dust covers machinery and mechanical bearings in planer rooms and other points in the process. Without proper maintenance, the bearings can combust or even explode. If not caught in time, an entire building or storage area and the product contained in it can be destroyed.
Although most warehouses, storage areas, and processing facilities are equipped with smoke or spark detectors and fire-fighting systems, these systems initiate only when a fire already exists. Thermal imaging helps to detect hot spots before a fire occurs so that the necessary measures can be taken.
Webinar: Hosted by FLIR & Viper Imaging
With the record demands on this industry combined with higher insurance rates and a premium on uptime, it’s crucial to have constant monitoring to protect your people and resources from the damage caused by fire. Learn how our system adds another layer of safety to your facility and processes.
**Watch the presentation recording on YouTube**
Viper's System Solution
Viper’s system includes FLIR thermal imaging cameras, placed in robust housings, installed in positions where they have a clear field of view of the storage area or point in the process. These cameras capture video images in real-time while constantly calculating temperature. FLIR thermal imaging cameras clearly reveal hot spots and provide precise temperatures and locations.
FLIR cameras are integrated with ViperVision software to directly communicate with most industrial control platforms. The software will analyze and compare the data against the predefined parameters and will trigger an alarm if warranted. When an alarm occurs, personnel can verify the problem and see its exact location using the visual display in ViperVision software. Parameters can be adjusted based on specific application needs.
Use Case Examples - Viper Early Fire Detection System
Bulk storage of any combustible materials presents a fire risk in many large storage areas such as wood chip or paper stockpiles and dust piles. Self-ignition usually starts within the bottom layers due to temperature increases in the material. By continuously monitoring the surface layers, hot spots are detected at an early stage and action can be taken for fire prevention.
Constantly monitor the temperature of machinery and motor bearings to prevent combustion from dust buildup.
Thermal imaging can “see through” the steam over log vats – which allows operators to prevent blockages.
System Solution Components
FLIR cameras are integrated with ViperVision software which directly communicates with most industrial platform controllers. The camera’s digital data stream is transmitted to ViperVision for analysis and storage. The software also controls all camera functions, displays thermal images, and generates reports.
Every thermal imaging camera is mounted in an industrial camera enclosure that uses the appropriate purge and pressurization to protect the camera equipment. Viper Imaging provides solutions for Class I and Class II environments that are Division 1 or 2 – as well as a variety of other industrial settings.
Hardware as a Service (HaaS) | Lease | Purchase | Rental | |
Upfront costs | $ | $ | $$$ | $$ |
Monthly fee | Yes | Yes | N/A | Varies |
Equipment ownership | Viper | Viper initially, then transitions to Customer | Customer | Viper |
Contract term | 3-year (renewable) | 2, 3, or 5 year | Paid with order | Weekly or Monthly |
Annual on-site routine maintenance & calibration checks | Yes | Optional | Optional | N/A |
Quarterly service plan | Yes | Optional | Optional | N/A |
ViperVision software upgrades | Yes | Optional | Optional | N/A |
Critical spares in consignment | Yes | Optional | Optional | N/A |
Key Benefits
