Case Study - Flame Detection - Paper Manufacturing

Paper, grease, and sparks – a combination that can lead to a costly disaster in a paper manufacturing plant.

At Pabco Paper plant in Vernon , California they manufacture specialty surfacing papers used for gypsum wallboard products, bakery boxes and other paper types. In their process steam heated drums are used that treat speciality paper are turned by very large gears that are greased by hand. Periodically these gears will create a spark and ignite the grease which in turn ignites the paper being treated and creates major damage to the builiding. The paper treating process is automated and was not always carefully monitored so a fire can create major damage to the building and equipment before being detected.

Pabco wanted to be able to quickly and automatically detect the presence of any fire in the process areas so that personnel could be alerted to help reduce the damage. Sierra Monitor suggested that flame detectors be installed in various stages of the process to detect any flame that may develop in the areas of concern. The Sierra Monitor 3100 flame detectors were installed along the process and connecting them to a control center which would shut down the process and alarm personnel that a fire had developed.

Sierra Monitor listened to the customers initial concerns and problems so that we could make suggestions that seemlessly fit with his daily processes and routines. Working with Paul Jordon we were able to provide him an economic solution that integrated nicely with his layout and process controls.

Key factors in the decision process was the Model 3100 flame detector's long detection range and wide 120o cone of vision. This capability helped limit the cost of the installation by reducing the overall number of sensors required. The Flame detectors high reliability in an industrial environment prevented false alarms and thus enable the personnel to trust the information provided.

Paul Jordon, Plant Manager of Pabco Paper states, "The first fire after the SMC Flame Detectors were installed was quickly detected saving us several hundred thousand dollars in building damage, lost product and down time that we use to experience without them."