Bucher Automation Tettnang unveiled its Fire Detection System (FDS) at this year’s Glasstec, which can automatically respond to potential fire hazards in the hot end of glass plants.

The FDS is a fire detection device developed for use at the hot end of container glass production.

It uses infrared cameras to continuously monitor heat development on IS machines and in their immediate surroundings.

The system automatically identifies even the tiniest fire sources in real time.

It interprets the local temperature rise as a deviation from the typical target thermal signature for the area in question.

If defined values are exceeded, its countermeasures are automatically set in motion.

The system first of all sounds the alarm and alerts machine operators to the impending fire situation.

The IS machine is simultaneously shut down in several steps.

In the first step, the gob distributor is stopped, and the individual sections and conveyor belts are run empty.

All oxidising substances can additionally be switched off, such as the cooling air supply or the lubrication and hydraulic systems.

In the second step, a safe emergency stop is activated for all connected systems.

As an option, the FDS disconnects the complete power supply to the production machine and activates the automatic extinguishing devices in the vicinity.

Florian Pawlowski, Product Manager at Bucher Automation Tettnang, said: “Things can get very hot in a glassmaking factory – it’s part and parcel.

“Small fires on or around IS machines are nothing particularly unusual.”

Such fires can often be caused by falling bottles, and oils or lubricants too can easily catch fire.

FDS can detect the outbreak of fire at an early stage, before it has a chance to become dangerous and inflict damage.

Until now, machine operators have had to keep a watchful eye to detect fires in time.

The new system does this for them by responding completely autonomously and automatically to fire hazards and taking all necessary measures to protect people and material.

Mr Pawlowski said: “The FDS makes a substantial contribution towards greater safety in the production environment – for machines and operators alike”.

The FDS is a standalone solution that is simple to connect, not only to control and drive products from Bucher Automation Tettnang but also to third-party systems.

It can also be customised to meet specific requirements.