EP1528520A1 - Method and device for surveilling premises - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves wavelength-specifically resolving optically recorded information. Optical information recorded at a detection position is transmitted to a spectrometer using optical conductors, especially glass fibers. Information of several detection points is cyclically polled and successively resolved. An independent claim is also included for a device for monitoring spaces.

Description

The invention relates to a method and a device for monitoring rooms.

The monitoring of building units, such as airports, railway stations, Laboratory complexes, and production facilities, office and apartment complexes as well as private houses fires are becoming more and more urgent, because of burning Materials fires can spread quickly, in large quantities Complex cut off by fires people escape routes and the evacuation of people difficult and time consuming. Also is a surveillance of the named facilities and buildings as well as sports stadiums or the like for the detection and identification of chemical and biological warfare agents by terrorists be deployed, desirable.

So far, rooms and areas are using multiple sensors supervised, which have only the task, once To trigger an alarm. The sensors usually work sure, but non-specific react to smoke, hot gases and hot objects. There are smoke detectors used in which smoke particles attenuate or scatter radiation. For this purpose, for example, radioactive radiation from a Transmitter limited and from a neighboring receiver the Radiation intensity registered. There are also sensors with Light sources and photoreceptors, on the one hand the mitigation and on the other hand scattered light can be detected. In other cases, also light phenomena or infrared radiation registered with appropriate detectors.

With known detectors, only isolated events, like supercritical warming, obscuration by smoke particles, which can indicate a fire, at the moment the Be recorded; the known detectors are not operational for a long time, especially since the electrical connection lines very quickly to be interrupted by a fire. With the known detectors A fire and its spread can not last longer Time to be recorded. Also, the type of burning materials, the control measures and extinguishing agents, but it determines the endangerment of a fire brigade and the environment, not detectable.

The invention is therefore the object of a method and an apparatus for detecting fires create, by means of which the aforementioned disadvantages avoided especially more detailed information a fire in terms of location, burning materials, etc., but also over used substances preferably also via a for a longer period of time.

According to the invention, the object is achieved with a method solved, which is characterized in that optically recorded information wavelength-specific up ' be solved. To solve the problem, the invention provides furthermore a device for monitoring rooms, which from the monitored space to at least one Spectrometer leading glass fibers is characterized.

With the invention, rooms can not only be safe for fires monitored, but also to other sources of danger with characteristic spectrograms, such as toxins, Irritating gases, biologically active substances or the like

The spectrometer (s) is / are far from potential Fire sources or other sources of danger away and the transmission at the source of fire by means of detectors detected optical information is via glass fibers the Supplied to spectrometers. Accordingly, between optical Detectors and spectrometer (s) arranged glass fibers. These have a high temperature resistance, so that the information resulting from the fire with regard to Temperature, fire, fire spread, type of fire (open fire, Schwellbrand), burning materials and also interaction with extinguishing agents over a longer period Period can be recorded and therefore suitable extinguishing agents can be used as well as hazards regarding Firefighting teams and the environment can be detected.

At the same time, information about the Temperature, type of burning material or other hazardous substances, Kind of a fire and fire progress by means of the emission of the flames or the resulting hot Gases and particles are detected, as well as absorption and Scattering of light in a wide spectral range.

In a further embodiment of the invention is provided that the information of several detection points cyclically queried and one after the other by a spectrometer wavelength-specific is resolved. This makes it possible to use a spectrometer for several monitoring stations. In training is provided that when exceeded critical values in specific wavelength ranges and / or wavelength range combinations actuators be operated.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention is provided that when exceeding critical values in specific Length wave ranges and / or wavelength range combinations Actuators are actuated, in particular optical and / or acoustic signal are actuated and / or actuators for a sprinkler system put into operation become. In terms of device optical and / or acoustic signalers and actuators for sprinklers intended.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention sees prior to that, a spatial evaluation by multiple detectors recorded information, in particular Sprinkler of a sprinkler system due to the detected spatial information can be activated localized.

In a further development of the invention is also provided that relevant information is displayed on a screen be, with spectra recorded graphically represented and / or information about temperatures, Distribution of combustion products, type of fire, Fire spread, interaction with extinguishing agents or the like. visually, as text or graphically.

In a preferred manner, it can further be provided that neutralizing and / or antibacterial agents become. Furthermore, by radiation sources electromagnetic Radiation, preferably in the IR range and preferably clocked, as in time of a multiplexed poll the detected optical information is sent out. Devices are characterized by dispensing devices for neutralizing and / or antibacterial Medium or by radiation sources for the application of electromagnetic Radiation, in particular in the IR range, preferably clocked in the poll clock of multiplexes for cyclic query of the detectors.

In the light guides for tape detection is to be expected that they still during the fire, especially if the Firefighting is still in action. So that can via the central evaluation station the condition of the source of the fire monitored and transmitted to the fire brigades. This concerns e.g. the intensity of the fire, the formation and accumulation of unburned gases, about which so far no information to obtain is. This can be the dreaded "Flash Back" - a sudden massive firing of the fire or even an explosion - with access by firefighters and thus avoids air supply or in time the danger be recognized for that. This effect occurs when opening Windows and doors open when in closed room flammable gases developed or partially combusted gases accumulated to have.

Fig. 1

eine erste schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;

Fig. 2

eine andere schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;

Fig. 3

einen Ablaufplan eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens;

Fig. 4

eine Prinzipdarstellung zur Signalverarbeitung gemäß der Erfindung;

Fig. 5

den typischen Temperaturverlauf einer n-Heptan-Flamme; und

Fig. 6 bis 9

Spektren verschiedener Abbrände bzw. Flammen.

Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the claims and from the following description in which an embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawings is explained in detail. It shows or show:

Fig. 1

a first schematic representation of a device according to the invention;

Fig. 2

another schematic representation of a device according to the invention;

Fig. 3

a flowchart of a method according to the invention;

Fig. 4

a schematic representation of the signal processing according to the invention;

Fig. 5

the typical temperature profile of an n-heptane flame; and

Fig. 6 to 9

Spectra of different burns or flames.

Fig. 1 shows a monitored room 1, in the ceiling area an optical detector 2.1 is arranged. From this leads an optical conductor preferably in the form of a glass fiber 3.1 to a remote from the room 1 Multiplexer 4.1, to which also further signal lines 3.2 from other optical detectors (Figure 2), too lead from other rooms.

The multiplexer is with a spectrometer 4.2 and this one again connected to a computer 4.3, with a screen 4.4 and optionally with other peripherals, both input and output units, as in the latter case a printer, can be connected.

Parts 4.1 to 4.4 together form a central control unit.

From the control unit, more precisely from the computer 4.3 performs a Control line 6 to an actuator 7, such as an optical and / or acoustic warning device. An actuator can also work with an extinguishing device such as a sprinkler system or the like be connected and this in case of fire in Set operation.

Fig. 2 also shows a first to be monitored Room 1, preferably in the area of the ceiling, if necessary but also in wall or floor areas optical Detectors 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5 are arranged. These are about optical conductor 3 also here with a central Control unit 4 connected in a monitoring room 5. The optical detectors can in the simple case by the Be formed entrance faces of the optical conductor, but they can also be provided with imaging optics. To the central control unit 4 can also optical conductors 3.2 of one or more others to be monitored Lead rooms, which are not shown here for the sake of simplicity are. Continue to run from the central control unit 4 control lines 6 to suitable actuators 7, such as optical and acoustic signaling devices, actuators for Sprinkler systems in the rooms or the like. The central Control unit 4 also has a multiplexer here 4.1 on, with the individual lines 3, 3.1 cyclically be queried. Furthermore, a spectrometer 4.2 provided with those detected by the detectors 2.1-2.5 optical information recorded wavelength-specific and an optical spectrum is created. the Assigned spectrometer 4.2 is a computer 4.3, in the special evaluation programs run, by means of which the Spectra regarding emission and absorption bands as well Intensities, etc. are evaluated. Both the spectra as such, as well as the evaluation results can be up a screen 4.4 of the central control unit become. In addition, due to the evaluations Alarms and actions via the control lines 6 triggered, such as optical and acoustic Alarms and the use of sprinklers in the area of detected fire.

From the illustrated figure is further apparent that by a suitable spatial arrangement of the detectors 2.1-2.5 the location of a fire can be detected well. Thus, in the emergence of a fire 8 in the area Detectors 2.3-2.5 this is indicated by these detectors and thus the place recognizable while the detectors 2.1 and 2.2 show no fire yet. hereby Sprinklers of a sprinkler system can be used selectively be so that only sprinklers in the area of the fire 8 are put into operation and thus the in one such damage already occurring at first be limited locally.

The detectors can - as already said - either by the open end faces of the optical conductors 3.1, 3.2 formed be, over which the environment is optically recorded. You can also optical systems, such as lens systems in particular upstream, so if necessary, the acceptance angle to enlarge.

FIG. 3 shows a method sequence according to the invention. Rooms or areas to be monitored are controlled by the detectors 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 permanently monitored. The recorded Optical information is transmitted via the optical conductors (Signal lines) 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 transmitted to the multiplexer 4.1, which cyclically removes the individual lines and so that a signal bundling makes. The recorded signals are transmitted to the spectrometer 4.2, the one Signal evaluation makes. The evaluated signal, ie an optical spectrum, preferably in the near infrared range, is processed in a computer 4.3, for example compared with corresponding spectra in a database. In case of abnormalities via control lines 6 the activation of actuators 7, such as sprinkler systems, Locks, signaling systems and fire-fighting systems.

The signal processing initially involves the generation a spectrum as an intensity distribution of the individual Wavelengths of the recorded optical information (Step a).

In a further step b, a comparison is made of the measured spectra, namely, as already mentioned, once with reference spectra c for obtaining information as to which type of substances are possibly causing a fire, namely gases, solids or liquids (d). , On the other hand, there is a calculation of the intensity distribution for determining the temperature information of the fire, from which also information on the special type of combustion products, such as in a carbon black soot, in a gas H ₂ O, CO, CO ₂ win (c ', d') , Both information together gives the total information as to whether a fire is given or not and a classification thereof (step e), so that accordingly the required actions can be carried out automatically or semi-automatically (step f).

The information obtained from the signal processing are shown by way of example in FIGS. 5 to 9.

5 shows the typical temperature profile an n-heptane flame, while Fig. 6 shows an NIR spectrum (infrared) of such n-heptane flame shows. This shows typical intensity peaks at about 1340 and 1420 nm on, here the intensity information about the Temperature of the flame includes. In the lower NIR area the intensity is reduced, because here at the burning resulting soot has a debilitating effect.

FIG. 7 shows NIR spectra of aluminum burnup. FIG no pronounced peaks, but in the context of a line - at a time - an increase in intensity over the wavelength is pointing. In contrast, FIG. 8 shows the typical spectrum of an ethanol flame with a steep Rise above 1300 nm to a first peak, one steep drop just over 1350 nm and a double peak, whose second single peak is higher from 1400 nm.

Finally, FIG. 9 shows the infrared spectrum of a nitromethane H ₂ O ₂ measurement with peaks of the typical combustion products H ₂ O and CO ₂ in the range from 2500 to 2800 nm and the typical CO ₂ peak at about 4500 nm and finally nor the combustion product NO above 5000 nm. Recognizable.

Claims (22)

A method for monitoring rooms, characterized in that optically detected information is resolved wavelength-specific. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that at a detection location detected optical information by means of optical conductors, in particular glass fibers, are transmitted to a spectrometer. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the information of several detection points are polled cyclically and successively resolved by a spectrometer wavelength-specific. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an evaluation of information detected by a plurality of detectors takes place. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that actuators are actuated when exceeding critical values in specific wavelength ranges and / or wavelength range combinations. A method according to claim 5, characterized in that optical and / or acoustic signal transmitters are actuated. A method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that neutralizing and / or antibacterial agents are applied. A method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that actuators for a sprinkler system are put into operation. A method according to claim 8, characterized in that the sprinkler of a sprinkler system are activated locally based on the detected spatial information. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that emitted by radiation sources electromagnetic radiation, preferably in the IR range and preferably clocked, as in time with a multiplexed query of the detected optical information. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that relevant information is displayed on a screen. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that detected spectra are displayed graphically. A method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that information about temperatures, combustion product distribution, type of fire, fire, fire spread, interaction with extinguishing agents or the like. Optically, as text or graphically reproduced. Device for monitoring rooms, characterized by glass fibers leading from the monitored space to at least one spectrometer (4.2). Apparatus according to claim 14, characterized by detectors (2.1-2.5) arranged at monitoring locations (1). Device according to one of Claims 14 or 15, characterized by a multiplexer (4.1) assigned to a spectrometer (4.2), with which a plurality of detectors (2.1-2.5) are polled cyclically. Device according to one of Claims 14 to 16, characterized by a computer (4.3) connected to a spectrometer (4.2). Device according to one of claims 14 to 17, characterized by an optical display device (4.3). Device according to one of Claims 14 to 18, characterized by optical and / or acoustic signal transmitters. Device according to one of claims 14 to 19, characterized by actuators for the operation of sprinklers. Device according to one of Claims 14 to 19, characterized by neutralizing and / or antibacterial agent delivery devices. Device according to one of claims 14 to 21, characterized by radiation sources for the emission of electromagnetic radiation, in particular in the IR range, preferably clocked in the polling clock of multiplexes for polling the detectors cyclically.

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