Biomass One’s Journey to Improving Power Plant Fire Protection

Biomass One, a leading biomass power plant located in White City, Oregon, has continuously pushed the boundaries of the industry by embracing cutting-edge technologies. At the forefront of their mission is the unwavering commitment to enhancing safety and efficiency within their operations. One significant challenge they faced was the prevention of fires in their biomass wood piles, a critical aspect of power plant fire protection.

In this article, we delve into the success story of Biomass One and shed light on the key role played by the Intelligent Early Fire Detection (iEFD) solution provided by MoviTHERM. This innovative solution not only improved the overall safety standards but also emerged as a cost-effective alternative to manual fire watch staff.

Challenges Faced and the Need for an Efficient Solution

Biomass One faced significant challenges when it came to hiring and managing fire watch staff. These challenges resulted in operational disruptions and increased costs for the power plant. To find a more proactive approach, Biomass One turned to a handheld infrared (IR) camera for monitoring their biomass hog fuel piles. While this technology offered some benefits in detecting potential fire hazards, it still relied on manual monitoring by staff, which introduced the possibility of oversight and human error. Recognizing the limitations of these approaches, Biomass One sought a more efficient and reliable solution.

An Efficient and Cost-Effective Alternative

In their quest for a reliable and automated fire detection system, Biomass One turned to MoviTHERM and their innovative iEFD solution. This system provided continuous real-time monitoring of the biomass wood piles, eliminating the need for manual monitoring or dedicated fire watch staff. By detecting hot spots early on, the iEFD system enabled proactive intervention to prevent fires from escalating, bolstering power plant fire protection measures. In addition to enhancing safety, the iEFD solution proved to be a cost-effective alternative to hiring and managing personnel.

Fire Department’s Positive Outlook on MoviTHERM’s iEFD

Prior to purchasing the iEFD solution from MoviTHERM, Biomass One proactively engaged with the local fire department to seek their opinion on the proposed fire detection system. The fire department, being well-versed in fire prevention and detection techniques, quickly recognized the value and effectiveness of the iEFD solution. In fact, they considered it a “no brainer” due to their own use of infrared cameras for fire detection purposes. The fire department’s endorsement further solidified the credibility and reliability of the iEFD solution. Encouraged by this positive feedback and the shared enthusiasm for advanced infrared technology, Biomass One proceeded with confidence and installed the iEFD system, knowing it had the support and trust of the local fire department.

The Successful Implementation of the iEFD Solution 

Biomass One went the extra mile to ensure comprehensive safety measures by strategically integrating the iEFD system with their existing infrastructure. In a proactive move, they installed the IR cameras above their existing water cannons, allowing for immediate response in the event of a fire.

If the cameras detect a hot spot, the control room receives real-time alarms and notifications. This immediate alert system ensures that the control room personnel can promptly assess the situation and trigger the necessary actions, including activating the water cannons. The timely response and swift extinguishing of potential fires have helped Biomass One prevent the escalation of incidents and minimize any potential damage or downtime.

Since the implementation of the iEFD solution, Biomass One has experienced remarkable improvements in fire prevention. The continuous real-time monitoring and early detection capabilities of the iEFD system have significantly minimized the risk of fires in their biomass wood piles. As a result, Biomass One has not needed to call the fire department for firefighting operations since the installation of the iEFD system. This stands as a testament to the effectiveness of the solution and showcases the successful collaboration between Biomass One and the fire department.

Conlusion

Biomass One’s successful implementation of MoviTHERM’s iEFD solution revolutionized power plant fire protection, improved safety standards, and strengthened their relationship with the fire department. The collaboration with the fire department prior to installation and their approval of the iEFD system underscored its effectiveness in preventing fires. Since its installation, Biomass One has not required the assistance of the fire department, showcasing the success and reliability of the iEFD solution.

The implementation of proactive fire prevention measures and the enhanced alertness brought by the system have increased peace of mind for the entire team at Biomass One. The iEFD system has provided cost savings and operational efficiency, further enhancing the overall performance of Biomass One. Their experience sets a commendable example for the biomass power generation industry, highlighting the benefits of innovative technologies, collaborative relationships with local authorities, and the implementation of proactive fire prevention measures.

The content & opinions in this article are the author’s and do not necessarily represent the views of AltEnergyMag

MoviTHERM

MoviTHERM - Advanced Thermography Solutions is a FLIR Systems, Inc. distributor for FLIR thermal cameras and application specific thermal imaging solutions. The company offers infrared thermal imaging systems for remote monitoring, automated thermal imaging and non-destructive testing.

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