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

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    Fire Thermometer
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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the engineering of a fire-detecting thermometer capable of signaling a fire when temperatures exceed a specific threshold, such as 200 degrees Celsius. Participants highlight the limitations of traditional smoke detectors and sprinkler systems, which react to heat rather than smoke. They propose alternatives, including infrared thermometers and near-infrared (NIR) cameras, to detect fires more effectively, especially in confined spaces like kitchens. The conversation emphasizes the need for precise temperature monitoring and the potential use of algorithms to trigger alarms based on sensor data.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of infrared thermometers and their applications
  • Familiarity with near-infrared (NIR) imaging technology
  • Knowledge of fire detection systems and their mechanisms
  • Basic programming skills for data acquisition and alarm systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Research infrared thermometer specifications and applications for fire detection
  • Explore the use of NIR cameras in fire detection systems
  • Learn about algorithms for temperature monitoring and alarm triggering
  • Investigate existing fire detection systems and their effectiveness in various environments
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, safety professionals, and anyone involved in fire safety technology development will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in innovative fire detection solutions for residential and industrial applications.

  • #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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