Project Title:

Low Cost Imaging Hydrogen Fire Detection System

Duncan Technologies, Inc.
P.O. Box 1150
Newcastle, CA 95658

93-1  13.06   6522    __      AMOUNT REQUESTED $69,950.28

Low Cost Imaging Hydrogen Fire Detection System

Abstract:

We will develop low cost cameras to detect hydrogen fires, reducing
personnel and equipment risks for rocket engine test stands and
hydrogen storage and handling facilities. Our cameras will use two
CCD area arrays with a common objective lens. A dichroic beam
splitter will direct the near IR spectra containing radiation from
water molecules excited during hydrogen combustion to one CCD
array. A bandpass filter will remove non-water spectra. The
will visible spectra will be transmitted through the beam splitter
to a second CCD array.  Image processing techniques will overlay
hydrogen fire location and magnitude on a conventional camera
image.  Signal processing will separate hydrogen fire signatures
from lightning, arc welding, and other interference sources using
event duration and spectral content.
The hydrogen fire detection camera will be available in two
configurations, a handhold system for use by technicians working
near hydrogen and a facility mounted camera that will replace or
augment existing surveillance cameras. Our facility mounted
hydrogen detection camera will adhere to video standard for ready
integration into existing safety monitoring systems. In addition,
it will provide alarm and status data for use with automated
systems. The handhold camera will have a built-in color LCD
display.

Potential applications include hydrogen fire detection sensors for
use at chemical hydrogenation plants, hydrogen manufacturing,
storage, and transport facilities, agricultural and industrial
ammonia production facilities, and propulsion hydrogen storage and
launch facilities.

HYDROGEN FLAME DETECTION, IMAGING, CCD, LOW COST