Can a Thermometer Be Engineered to Detect Fires at High Temperatures?

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    Fire Thermometer
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of engineering a thermometer or similar device to detect fires at high temperatures, particularly in specific applications like stove monitoring. Participants explore various methods, technologies, and challenges associated with fire detection based on temperature readings.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose using a thermometer that triggers an alarm when temperatures exceed a certain threshold, such as 200 degrees C or 100 degrees C.
  • Others question the effectiveness of temperature-based detection, suggesting that smoke detection systems may respond faster than temperature changes.
  • A participant mentions that existing sprinkler systems operate on heat detection, activating when a certain temperature is reached, but raises concerns about their effectiveness in early fire detection.
  • Some suggest using infrared thermometers or cameras to monitor specific areas, with ideas about setting exclusion zones and programming alarms based on pixel temperature analysis.
  • There are discussions about the limitations of ambient temperature affecting thermometer readings and the time it may take for a thermometer to respond to a fire.
  • Participants mention alternative methods, such as using symbolic logic with multiple temperature sensors to create a more reliable alarm system.
  • One participant shares an experience with a system that detects fire using existing CCTV cameras by analyzing light levels and flicker frequencies.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the effectiveness of temperature-based fire detection versus smoke detection. There is no consensus on the best approach, and multiple competing ideas and technologies are discussed.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the variability in ambient temperature responses, the unpredictability of fire locations, and the potential delay in temperature detection compared to smoke detection. The discussion also highlights the need for specific applications and materials in designing a fire detection system.

  • #31
Maybe I can use something similar to this

It's relatively small and can detect flames. How does it work?
 
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  • #32
It's just an IR sensor, you have to be pretty close or have a very big flame!
 
  • #33
Yeah, I'm going to place the sensor really close. Is there a way I can use an IR sensor to detect flames? If I place it outside of a pot how can I make sure it doesn't trigger because of hot food?
 
  • #34
OK you don't know what you want. Why don't you describe this project as it was posted or requested of you because you really not good at describing it
 
  • #35
Well the project doesn't describe what I'm doing, it just tells me that I have to create something that solves a problem.

What I'm trying to do is have something that monitors a pot or anything else on top of a stove that would signal an alarm when a fire occurs. How most cooking fires happen is that there is something cooking on the stove and people leave it to take a phone call or watch TV or mow the lawn or whatever. The problem is that the fire becomes really big before a smoke detector comes into play.

So I'm trying to create something that you can put on the edge of the pot that detects flames and triggers an alarm when it does.

I can't put it above the stove for other reasons that don't really matter to you, so it has to be on the edge of the stove.
 
  • #36
If you need anymore details just ask.
 
  • #37
What is your budget and what proficiencies do you have?
 
  • #38
Well, I don't really have a budget, just don't want to spend a lot of money (100-150 dollars). The project isn't that big, just want to do a good job.
 
  • #39
T.O.E Dream said:
Well, I don't really have a budget, just don't want to spend a lot of money (100-150 dollars). The project isn't that big, just want to do a good job.

And what kind of skills do you have? Are you familiar with basic stamps, circuits, soldering, programming, matlab, or labview?
 
  • #40
I'm in grade 9. But I know basic circuits.
 
  • #41
T.O.E Dream said:
I'm in grade 9. But I know basic circuits.

Ok $50 for parts, $100 for some electrical engineering grad student for cup ramen noodles.
 
  • #42
So can i get help or not. The device doesn't need to be perfect aslong as I can demonstrate it can detect flames.
 
  • #43
Can I use an IR sensor?
 

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