Flame Detection Device Using Spatial Pattern Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flame detection systems in industrial furnaces face challenges in accurately distinguishing between the flame of interest and background flames, especially in multi-burner systems, and are limited by their ability to detect different fuel types due to spectral wavelength limitations, leading to potential hazardous situations.
Innovation Solution
A flame detection device that captures images of the flame region using a wide-angle lens and imager capable of operating in ultraviolet, visible, and infrared wavelengths, with a processor that extracts statistical patterns and compares them to known characteristics to determine a confidence level for flame presence, allowing for improved discrimination and adaptability to different fuels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single discrete element optical sensor is used to detect overall light intensity, then the device complexity is reduced, but the flame discrimination capability deteriorates causing incorrect detection in multi-burner systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical detection field into multiple spatial zones using an array of discrete optical elements (lenses or fibers) positioned at different locations. Each element captures light from a specific spatial region, allowing the system to distinguish between target flame and background flame by analyzing spatial distribution patterns of detected light intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point detection approach to a multi-dimensional spatial detection approach by arranging optical elements in an array configuration. This creates a spatial map of light intensity across multiple zones, enabling the system to differentiate flames based on their spatial positions and patterns rather than just overall intensity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single discrete element sensor detects overall light intensity, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to detect multiple fuel types deteriorates due to spectral wavelength limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent equips each optical element in the array with multiple spectral filters that can detect different wavelength ranges (ultraviolet, visible, infrared). This allows a single sensor array to universally detect multiple fuel types by analyzing spectral characteristics across different wavelength bands, eliminating the need for separate sensors for different fuels.
3Device complexity
If conventional optical sensors are used without spatial resolution, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the reliability of flame detection deteriorates when background flame intensity equals or exceeds target flame intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different spatial zones to different optical elements in the array, with each element monitoring a specific local region. By analyzing the spatial distribution pattern of detected light across the array, the system can identify whether detected flame intensity originates from the target zone or background zones, maintaining reliability even when background flame intensity is high.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides enhanced flame discrimination and adaptability, increasing user confidence in flame detection by accurately distinguishing between target and background flames, and enabling real-time monitoring and qualitative analysis of flame dynamics, thereby ensuring safer operation of industrial furnaces.
Implementation Method 1
a light sensitive sensor that generates a time varying voltage when exposed to light
Implementation Method 2
an imager capable of operating in ultraviolet, visible, and infrared wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for detecting flame using real-time continuous imaging and pattern recognition of infrared (IR) images of a flame region. Infrared emissions radiated from the region pass through a wide field-of-view lens and are detected by a Charged-Coupled Device (CCD) array sensitive to the near IR range. The system then digitizes the image, extracts characteristic parameters from the measurement and stores both the image and characteristic information for pattern recognition. To accomplish the pattern recognition function, the derived real-time characteristics of the current measurement are statistically compared to pre-stored patterns representative of images of radiation emitted from the region while known flame conditions prevail within the region. Based on this comparison, an assessment is made to determine the presence or absence of flame. The characteristic measurements are also used for evaluating the quality of flame.