Chapter 1
Why is safe management of biomass fuels important?
In biomass power generation, fuels such as wood pellets are stored, transported, and supplied to the power generation facilities. Therefore, safety management of not only the power generation facilities themselves but also the facilities that handle the fuel is crucial.
On February 1, 2024, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry requested that operators of biomass power plants thoroughly ensure safety and report any accidents that occur. Because the quality of wood pellets is not always uniform depending on the production area, the ministry requested that operators understand the fuel characteristic and take necessary equipment-related measures, as well as thoroughly inspect, check, and clean storage and transportation facilities.
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's request is not simply about installing a temperature monitoring system. It presupposes comprehensive safety management that includes fuel characteristic, equipment countermeasures, patrols, inspections, cleaning, and accident reporting and information sharing.
Chapter 2
Safety measures for biomass power plants as outlined by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
In a request dated February 1, 2024, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry called for thorough measures to prevent the recurrence of accidents caused by biomass fuels, specifically focusing on the following three points:
1. Safety measures tailored to fuel characteristic
Since the quality of wood pellets and similar materials is not always uniform depending on the production area, we thoroughly understand their respective characteristic and confirm safety measures for equipment that are appropriate to characteristic.
2. Inspection, check, and cleaning
We will thoroughly inspect, check, and clean storage and transport facilities, as well as other facilities where accidents have occurred in the past, as well as any other facilities deemed necessary.
3. Reporting and information sharing in the event of an accident
In the event of a fire or other incident, regardless of whether it is a legally required reporting event, it is mandatory to report it in advance to the relevant Industrial Safety and Security Department.
Furthermore, they have been requested to share information about the cause of the accident and measures to prevent recurrence through industry associations and other organizations, even while the investigation is still ongoing, in order to cooperate in preventing similar accidents from happening again.
Chapter 3
Fire risks to consider in fuel storage and transport facilities
With biomass fuels such as wood pellets, it is necessary to consider the risks of heat generation and fire depending on storage conditions and the state of the fuel.
On the other hand, actual risks vary depending on factors such as the type of fuel, moisture content, storage volume, facility structure, and ventilation conditions, so it is not possible to judge the danger based on generalities alone.
Fever generation/temperature rise
Depending on the fuel's condition and storage conditions, heat generation can occur, potentially leading to localized temperature increases.
Flammable gas
In biomass fuel storage environments, flammable gases may be generated and accumulated depending on the conditions.
dust
Dust can be generated during the handling and transportation of fuel, and depending on the equipment conditions, dust-related risks must also be considered.
Measures to address these risks should include not only temperature measurement, but also equipment design, ventilation, cleaning, inspections, and measures against flammable gases and dust.
Chapter 4
Functions required for a temperature monitoring system
For equipment with a fire risk, continuously monitoring changes in conditions such as temperature, rather than checking only after an abnormality occurs, is one method of safety management.
Continuous temperature monitoring
We will continuously collect temperature data from fuel storage facilities and conveying equipment to monitor temperature changes.
Anomaly detection
The system detects abnormalities such as temperature increases based on pre-set conditions, allowing the person in charge to check them.
Alarms and notifications
If the set conditions are exceeded, relevant parties will be notified via the monitoring screen or notification function.
Data Storage
By saving the temperature history, it can be used to check the situation before and after an anomaly occurred and to analyze trends.
Centralized monitoring of multiple locations
This will allow you to check the status of multiple locations, such as silos and conveying equipment, from a single screen.
Temperature monitoring is not a function that automatically prevents fires themselves. It is important to design an operational system that uses the monitoring results to guide appropriate responses such as inspections, cooling, and fuel management.
Chapter 5
Example configuration of a surveillance system using a thermal imaging camera
Chino proposes configuration monitoring configuration for biomass fuel handling facilities that combines a fixed thermal image measurement, an integrated monitoring system, and a temperature sensor to measure the temperature inside the silo.
Fixed-type thermal image measurement CPA-L3
We fix key monitoring points and acquire thermal images to check the temperature distribution on the surface.
The current CPA-L3 series uses a 320×240 pixel uncooled solid-state image sensor and supports temperature measurements ranging from -20 to 150°C, 0 to 300°C, 0 to 500°C, and up to 2000°C at option, depending on the selected specifications.
CISAS
Temperature data and information from various measuring instruments can be managed collectively and used for monitoring screens, alarms, and history management.
The current CISAS 5 supports 5,000 data points, sampling rate starting from 1 second, and connection of up to 400 devices.
Silo temperature measuring cable
This sensor measures the temperature inside a silo at multiple points to check the temperature distribution within the silo.
The current R101, R102, and R103 models can be used for temperature measurement in grain silos, RDF (Refuse Deposit) tanks, coal silos, and other facilities, depending on the application.
View product information for silo temperature measurement cables.
Alarm and history management
You can consider configuration that generates alarms according to set conditions and allows you to check the circumstances of the alarm as a history.
System configuration Concepts
By combining surface temperature monitoring using thermal imaging with temperature measurements from internal temperature sensors, external and internal conditions can be monitored from different perspectives.
The number of monitoring points, sensor placement, number of cameras, communication method, and alarm conditions will vary depending on the equipment. The actual configuration should be considered after confirming the site conditions.
Chapter 6
Record and analyze temperature data to use for equipment management.
The purpose of temperature monitoring is not just to notify you when something is wrong. By reviewing past temperature data, you can identify trends in temperature rise and changes in equipment condition, and use this information as reference for inspections and equipment management.
Looking at trends
We monitor daily temperature changes, seasonal variations, and temperature rise trends in specific equipment.
Check before and after the abnormality.
You can check the temperature history not only at the time the alarm was triggered, but also before and after that time.
Use in inspection planning
The data can be used as reference information for equipment management, allowing you to review inspection methods and timing.
Temperature data alone cannot reliably predict future fire outbreaks. It is important to use data analysis as supplementary information for inspections and patrols, and to combine it with safety management decisions.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Temperature Monitoring at Biomass Power Plants
Q. Can fires be prevented by temperature monitoring alone?
No. Temperature monitoring is one of the safety measures. It is necessary to implement comprehensive safety management by combining it with understanding fuel characteristic, equipment countermeasures, patrols, inspections, cleaning, and proper operation.
Q. Do I need both a thermal imaging camera and a temperature sensor?
Both are not always necessary. Thermal imaging cameras are suitable for checking surface temperature distribution over a wide area, while temperature sensors such as silo temperature measurement cables are suitable for checking internal temperatures at multiple points. configuration should be considered according to the object being monitored and structure of the equipment.
Q. What temperature range can the CPA-L3 measure?
The current CPA-L3 series offers selectable measurement ranges of -20 to 150°C, 0 to 300°C, and 0 to 500°C, with option of up to 2000°C. For detailed specifications, including lenses and selection criteria, please check the product page.
Q. Can the temperature inside the silo also be monitored?
Yes. Using a silo temperature measurement cable allows you to check the temperature at multiple measurement points inside the silo. Current models R101, R102, and R103 support up to 11 measurement points and up to 50m of cable length.
Summary
Safety management at biomass power plants should not end with just "monitoring".
At biomass power plants, it is crucial to understand characteristic of the fuel and the condition of the storage and transportation equipment, and to continuously implement safety measures, including patrols, inspections, and cleaning.
When implementing temperature monitoring, appropriate measurement methods are combined depending on the object being monitored, such as monitoring surface temperature with thermal imaging cameras, monitoring internal temperature with silo temperature measurement cables, and managing history and alarms with a monitoring system.
- Fuel: Understand characteristic and state of the fuel.
- Equipment: Inspect, check, and clean storage and transport equipment.
- Monitoring: Continuously monitor changes in conditions such as temperature.
- Notification: Allows the person in charge to check the situation in case of an anomaly.
- Record keeping: Save the history and use it for equipment management and consideration of preventing recurrence.
Chino offers measurement and monitoring systems that combine thermal image measurement, temperature sensors, silo temperature measurement cables, and monitoring systems.
Reference
Safety management of biomass power generation
For information on safety measures and accident reporting, please refer to the latest updates from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and other relevant organizations.
- Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry: "Request for Thorough Safety Assurance at Biomass Power Plants and Reporting in the Event of an Accident"
- Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry: "Regarding Explosions and Fires at Biomass Power Plants and the Response to Them"
*You will be redirected to an external website. Please check the latest information regarding safety measures, accident reports, and related regulations.
I would like to consult about temperature monitoring of biomass fuels.
Depending on the items to be monitored and the installation environment, such as silos, conveying equipment, and fuel storage facilities, configuration combining thermal imaging cameras, temperature sensors, and monitoring systems can be considered.
I would like to discuss temperature monitoring.
