阅读说明：本技术 监控颗粒温度趋势 (Monitoring particle temperature trends ) 是由 L·琼森 于 2019-01-21 设计创作，主要内容包括：根据本文的一个或多个实施例,提供一种用于监控沿着从第一位置到第二位置的运动路径(150)运动的颗粒(160)的温度趋势的系统(100)。系统(100)包括传感器布置(120),其视场布置在颗粒(160)的运动路径(150)中,以检测与运动通过所述视场的颗粒(160)的温度有关的信号。传感器布置包括检测从颗粒(160)发出的辐射的至少一组感测元件(140),每组包括至少两个感测元件,其布置成与沿着颗粒(160)的运动路径(150)的相互分离的感测区域配合。系统还包括至少一个处理设备(180),该处理设备(180)布置成：从传感器布置(120)接收信号；当颗粒(160)运动通过传感器布置(120)的视场时,将来自至少一组感测元件(140)的信号形成至少一个脉冲序列；并基于该至少一个脉冲序列,通过监控从颗粒(160)发出的辐射的波长分布随时间的变化,监控运动通过传感器布置(120)的视场的颗粒(160)的温度随时间的变化。(According to one or more embodiments herein, a system (100) for monitoring a temperature trend of a particle (160) moving along a movement path (150) from a first location to a second location is provided. The system (100) comprises a sensor arrangement (120) with a field of view arranged in a movement path (150) of particles (160) to detect a signal related to a temperature of the particles (160) moving through the field of view. The sensor arrangement comprises at least one set of sensing elements (140) detecting radiation emitted from the particles (160), each set comprising at least two sensing elements arranged to cooperate with mutually separated sensing regions along a movement path (150) of the particles (160). The system further comprises at least one processing device (180), the processing device (180) being arranged to: receiving a signal from a sensor arrangement (120); forming signals from at least one set of sensing elements (140) into at least one pulse sequence as the particles (160) move through the field of view of the sensor arrangement (120); and monitoring the temperature of the particles (160) moving through the field of view of the sensor arrangement (120) over time by monitoring the wavelength distribution of the radiation emitted from the particles (160) over time based on the at least one pulse sequence.)

1. A system (100) for monitoring a temperature trend of particles (160) moving along a movement path (150) from a first location to a second location, the system (100) comprising:

a sensor arrangement (120) having a field of view arranged in a movement path (150) of the particles (160) to detect signals related to a temperature of the particles (160) moving through the field of view, the sensor arrangement (120) comprising at least one set of sensing elements (140) detecting radiation emitted from the particles (160), each set comprising at least two sensing elements (140) arranged to cooperate with mutually separated sensing areas along the movement path (150) of the particles (160); and

at least one processing device (180) arranged to:

receiving a signal from a sensor arrangement (120);

forming signals from at least one set of sensing elements (140) into at least one pulse sequence as the particles (160) move through the field of view of the sensor arrangement (120); and

monitoring a change over time of a temperature of the particles (160) moving through a field of view of the sensor arrangement (120) by monitoring a change over time of a wavelength distribution of radiation emitted from the particles (160) based on the at least one pulse sequence.

2. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor arrangement (120) comprises a first set of sensing elements and a second set of sensing elements (140), wherein the first set of sensing elements (140) detects radiation of wavelengths in a first wavelength range and the second set of sensing elements (140) detects radiation of wavelengths in a second wavelength range, wherein the second wavelength range is different from the first wavelength range, and the at least one processing device (180) is arranged to determine a relation between signal strengths of the signals detected by the first set of sensing elements and the second set of sensing elements (140) and to monitor a change in a wavelength distribution of the radiation emitted from the particles (160) over time based on this relation.

3. The system (100) according to claim 2, wherein the first and second sets of sensing elements (140) are arranged in first and second sensors (130), wherein the first and second sensors (130) are arranged side by side and/or in parallel to each other along the movement path (150) of the particles (160).

4. A system (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein sensing elements from more than one group of sensing elements (140) are arranged to cooperate with the same sensing area.

5. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor arrangement (120) comprises a first wavelength filter arrangement and a second wavelength filter arrangement, wherein the first wavelength filter arrangement causes the sensor arrangement (120) to detect radiation of wavelengths in a first wavelength range and the second wavelength filter arrangement causes the sensor arrangement (120) to detect radiation of wavelengths in a second wavelength range, wherein the second wavelength range is different from the first wavelength range, and the at least one processing device (180) is arranged to determine a relation between signal strengths of signals detected by the sensor arrangement (120) through the first wavelength filter arrangement and the second wavelength filter arrangement, and to monitor a change over time of a wavelength distribution of radiation emitted from the particles (160) based on this relation.

6. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the at least one processing device (180) is further arranged to determine a temperature of particles (160) moving through a field of view of the sensor arrangement (120).

7. The system (100) according to claim 6, wherein the at least one processing device (180) is arranged to determine how close the temperature of particles (160) moving through the field of view of the sensor arrangement (120) are to the ignition temperature of the particle type of particles moving along the movement path (150) from the first position to the second position.

8. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one processing device (180) is arranged to determine a rate of change of temperature of particles (160) moving through a field of view of the sensor arrangement (120).

9. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one processing device (180) is arranged to determine whether a temperature of particles (160) moving through a field of view of the sensor arrangement (120) has changed by more than a predetermined threshold amount.

10. The system (100) according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one processing device (180) is arranged to communicate information about temperature trends of particles (160) moving through a field of view of the sensor arrangement (120) to at least one operator and/or a control system.

11. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the at least one processing device (180) is arranged to also monitor the energy content of particles (160) moving through the field of view of the sensor arrangement (120) over time.

12. A method (600) for monitoring a temperature trend of a particle (160) moving along a movement path (150) from a first location to a second location, the method (600) comprising:

detecting (610) a signal related to a temperature of particles (160) moving through a field of view of a sensor arrangement (120), the field of view being arranged in a movement path (150) of the particles (160), the sensor arrangement (120) comprising at least one set of sensing elements (140) detecting radiation emitted from the particles (160), each set comprising at least two sensing elements (140) arranged to cooperate with mutually separated sensing areas along the movement path (150) of the particles (160);

forming (620) signals from at least one set of sensing elements (140) into at least one pulse sequence as the particles (160) move through a field of view of the sensor arrangement (120); and

monitoring (630) a change over time of a temperature of the particles (160) moving through a field of view of the sensor arrangement (120) by monitoring a change over time of a wavelength distribution of radiation emitted from the particles (160) based on the at least one pulse sequence.

13. The method (600) according to claim 12, wherein the sensor arrangement (120) comprises a first set of sensing elements and a second set of sensing elements (140), wherein the first set of sensing elements (140) detects radiation of wavelengths in a first wavelength range and the second set of sensing elements (140) detects radiation of wavelengths in a second wavelength range, wherein the second wavelength range is different from the first wavelength range, wherein monitoring (630) further comprises determining a relation between signal intensities of signals detected by the first set of sensing elements and the second set of sensing elements (140) and monitoring a wavelength distribution of radiation emitted from the particles (160) over time based on this relation.

14. The method (600) according to claim 13, wherein the first and second sets of sensing elements (140) are arranged in first and second sensors (130), the first and second sensors (130) being arranged side by side and/or parallel to each other along the movement path (150) of the particles (160).

15. The method (600) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein sensing elements from more than one group of sensing elements (140) are arranged to cooperate with the same sensing area.

16. The method (600) according to claim 12, wherein the sensor arrangement (120) comprises a first filter arrangement and a second filter arrangement, wherein the first filter arrangement causes the sensor arrangement (120) to detect radiation of wavelengths in a first wavelength range and the second filter arrangement causes the sensor arrangement (120) to detect radiation of wavelengths in a second wavelength range, wherein the second wavelength range is different from the first wavelength range, wherein the monitoring (630) further comprises determining a relation between signal strengths of signals detected by the sensor arrangement (120) through the first filter arrangement and the second filter arrangement and, based on this relation, monitoring the wavelength distribution of radiation emitted from the particles (160) over time.

17. The method (600) according to any one of claims 12-16, further comprising determining (640) a temperature of particles (160) moving through a field of view of the sensor arrangement (120).

18. The method (600) of claim 17, further comprising determining (650) how close a temperature of the particles (160) moving through the field of view of the sensor arrangement (120) is to an ignition temperature of a particle type of the particles moving along the movement path (150) from the first location to the second location.

19. The method (600) according to any one of claims 12 to 18, further comprising determining (660) a rate of change of temperature of particles (160) moving through a field of view of the sensor arrangement (120).

20. The method (600) of any of claims 12-19, further comprising determining (670) whether a temperature of particles (160) moving through a field of view of the sensor arrangement (120) has changed by more than a predetermined threshold amount.

21. The method (600) according to any one of claims 12-20, further comprising sending (680) information about temperature trends of particles (160) moving through a field of view of the sensor arrangement (120) to at least one operator and/or a control system.

22. The method (600) according to any of claims 12 to 21, further comprising monitoring (690) a change over time of an energy content of particles (160) moving through a field of view of the sensor arrangement (120).

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for monitoring temperature trends of particles moving along a motion path from a first location to a second location.

Background

A large number of particles may be moved around in different types of production facilities, such as e.g. processing plants, e.g. in connection with pneumatic transport of particles. The material is generally loosely formed and transported by or in a gas or in a gaseous mixture (e.g., air) in which the material particles are discrete from one another. The material particles can be, for example, very fine, dust-like particles, powdery materials, granulated particles, Wood chips (Wood chips), pellets (pellets) or straw. The processing plant may be a recycling plant, a sawmill or a different type of production plant, for example, with respect to various types of food, diapers, pulp or paper. The particles may become so hot before or during such transport that they can form hot particles, glowing embers or sparks that can initiate a fire or explosion in a hazardous area. If burning or glowing particles can be detected, the hazardous area can be isolated prior to a fire or explosion, or a means of extinguishing or blocking is provided.

US3824392 describes a transducer which can be used to detect burning or glowing particles in connection with the transport of the particles. The transducer has at least two mutually separated sensing regions in which a light sensitive sensing element cooperating with each region receives light during movement of a light emitting particle, such as a spark or fire flake, through the field of view of the transducer. When the luminescent particles pass the transducer, the signal sent from the transducer will thus be in the form of a pulse train. This eliminates false alarms due to light changes caused by, for example, the turning on of the lamp. The process may be interrupted when burning or glowing particles are detected, or a fire extinguishing means may be provided.

US5740867 describes a preventative safety system which may be applied in the following process: loosely formed material is produced in the first unit and transported to the second unit through the indication area and the fire suppression area. If dangerous high temperature particles are detected in the indication area, fire extinguishing agent may be delivered, for example, in the extinguishing area.

US5749420 describes a preventative safety system which may be used in the following processes: in which loosely formed material is produced in a first unit and then transported to a second unit, and in which the sensed intensity is used to calculate the propensity of the particles to initiate a fire and/or explosion.

Disclosure of Invention

The claimed system solves the above problem by monitoring the temperature trend of particles moving along a movement path from a first position to a second position. The system may comprise a sensor arrangement having a field of view arranged in a path of movement of the particles to detect a signal related to a temperature of the particles moving through said field of view. The sensor arrangement may comprise at least one set of sensing elements detecting radiation emitted from the particles, each set comprising at least two sensing elements arranged to cooperate with sensing regions mutually separated along a movement path of the particles. The system may further comprise at least one processing device arranged to: receiving a signal from a sensor arrangement; forming signals from at least one set of sensing elements into at least one pulse sequence as the particles move through the field of view of the sensor arrangement; and monitoring the temperature of the particles moving through the field of view of the sensor arrangement over time by monitoring the wavelength distribution of the radiation emitted from the particles over time based on the at least one pulse sequence. Such a system allows for accurate monitoring of the temperature trend of particles moving along a movement path from a first position to a second position.

The above problem is solved by the claimed method for monitoring the temperature trend of particles moving along a movement path from a first position to a second position. The method can comprise the following steps: detecting a signal related to a temperature of a particle moving through a field of view of a sensor arrangement, the field of view being arranged in a path of movement of the particle, the sensor arrangement comprising: at least one set of sensing elements that detect radiation emitted from the particles, each set comprising at least two sensing elements arranged to cooperate with sensing regions that are mutually separated along a path of motion of the particles; forming signals from at least one set of sensing elements into at least one pulse sequence as the particles move through the field of view of the sensor arrangement; and monitoring the temperature of the particles moving through the field of view of the sensor arrangement over time by monitoring the wavelength distribution of the radiation emitted from the particles over time based on the at least one pulse sequence. This method allows for accurate monitoring of the temperature trend of particles moving along a movement path from a first position to a second position.

In an embodiment, the sensor arrangement comprises a first set of sensing elements and a second set of sensing elements, wherein the first set of sensing elements detects radiation of wavelengths in a first wavelength range and the second set of sensing elements detects radiation of wavelengths in a second wavelength range, wherein the second wavelength range is different from the first wavelength range. A relationship between the signal strengths of the signals detected by the first and second sets of sensing elements may be determined, and based on the relationship, the wavelength distribution of the radiation emitted from the particles may be monitored over time. This is a convenient way of accurately monitoring the temperature trend of particles moving along a path of movement from a first position to a second position.

In an embodiment, the first and second sensing elements are arranged in first and second sensors arranged side by side and/or parallel to each other along the movement path of the particles. This is a straightforward way to create a sensor arrangement.

In an embodiment, sensing elements from more than one set of sensing elements are arranged to cooperate with the same sensing region. For example there may be one sensing element from each group of sensing elements cooperating with each sensing region.

In an embodiment, the sensor arrangement comprises a first wavelength filter arrangement and a second wavelength filter arrangement, wherein the first wavelength filter arrangement causes the sensor arrangement to detect radiation of wavelengths in a first wavelength range, and the second wavelength filter arrangement causes the sensor arrangement to detect radiation of wavelengths in a second wavelength range, wherein the second wavelength range is different from the first wavelength range. A relationship between the signal strengths of the signals detected by the sensor arrangement through the first and second wavelength filter arrangements may be determined, and based on the relationship, the wavelength distribution of the radiation emitted from the particles may be monitored over time. This is another convenient way of accurately monitoring the temperature trend of particles moving along a movement path from a first position to a second position.

In an embodiment, the temperature of particles moving through the field of view of the sensor arrangement may be determined. It is also possible to determine how close the temperature of particles moving through the field of view of the sensor arrangement is to the ignition temperature of the particle type of particles moving along the movement path from the first position to the second position.

In an embodiment, a rate of change of temperature of particles moving through a field of view of the sensor arrangement may be determined. This may be used, for example, to determine if the temperature is increasing rapidly.

In an embodiment, it may be determined whether the temperature of particles moving through the field of view of the sensor arrangement has changed by more than a predetermined threshold amount. This may be used, for example, to set a warning or alarm in the event of a rapid rise in temperature.

In an embodiment, information about the temperature trend of particles moving through the field of view of the sensor arrangement may be sent to at least one operator and/or a control system. This may be done to send a warning or message type of "alarm" in the event of, for example, an increase in temperature, so that corrective action may be taken before the particle temperature has reached a level at which the system generates an "actual" alarm. Temperature trend analysis may also optimize the process being monitored.

In an embodiment, the energy content of particles moving through the field of view of the sensor arrangement is also monitored over time. An increase in energy content may indicate an imminent danger if the temperature of the particles approaches or reaches or is above the ignition temperature of a particular type of particles.

The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, which are incorporated into this section by reference. A more complete understanding of embodiments of the present invention will be afforded to those skilled in the art, as well as a realization of additional advantages thereof, by a consideration of the following detailed description of one or more embodiments. Reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which will first be described briefly.

Drawings

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a sensor arrangement according to one or more embodiments described herein.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a sensor arrangement according to one or more embodiments described herein.

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a system for monitoring temperature trends of particles moving along a motion path from a first location to a second location, according to one or more embodiments described herein.

Figure 4 is a table showing the explosion characteristics of dust of different particle types.

Figure 5 shows optical radiation at different temperatures for a suitable sensing element.

Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a method for monitoring temperature trends of particles moving along a motion path from a first location to a second location, according to one or more embodiments described herein.

Embodiments of the present disclosure and their advantages are best understood by referring to the detailed description that follows. It should be appreciated that like reference numerals are used to identify like elements illustrated in one or more of the figures.

Detailed Description

Different types of particles have different ignition temperatures and ignition energies. Figure 4 is a table showing the explosion characteristics of dust of different particle types. The ignition temperature of the cloud sugar powder was 370 deg.c, while the ignition temperature of the cloud fully roasted coffee was 720 deg.c. The ignition temperature (510 ℃) of the cloudy rice is quite similar to the ignition temperature (520 ℃) of the cloudy cotton, but the ignition energy is quite different (0.1J for rice and 1.92J for cotton). Thus, the prior art way of determining the risk level based on the signal strength of the detector (depending on the temperature and energy content of the particles) which normally captures the heat-generated radiation, may give a false alarm to the lint or fail to give a warning when the rice temperature rises dangerously, even if the ignition temperature is the same. In order to determine the risk level in a system transporting a particular type of particles, it is therefore advantageous to first determine the temperature of the particles. If the temperature is much lower than the ignition temperature, the risk is low even if the energy content is high. Therefore, it is important to monitor the temperature of the particles.

This requires the use of a sensor arrangement that can detect the temperature difference. One option is of course to use conventional temperature sensors. It is important, however, that it is indeed the temperature of the moving particles that is determined. Since a convenient way of distinguishing radiation emitted by a moving particle from ambient radiation is to use a sensor arrangement comprising a set of at least two sensing elements arranged to cooperate with mutually separated sensing regions along the path of movement of the particle, as described in US3824392, a number of such sets of sensing elements may be used to monitor the temperature of the particle, each set comprising sensing elements detecting radiation of a wavelength within a range of wavelengths. Since the radiation emitted by an object at a certain temperature has a certain wavelength distribution according to Planck's law of radiation, the relationship between the signal strengths of the signals detected by the sensing element group will determine the temperature.

Figure 5 shows light irradiation of a typical particle at different temperatures. As can be seen from fig. 5, if the relationship between the signal intensities from different sets of sensing elements, each sensing element detecting wavelength radiation within a certain wavelength range, is e.g. linear, the signal intensity will increase slightly at longer wavelengths, while the temperature is relatively low. Conversely, if the signal strength has a peak at a certain wavelength, for example, and decreases at a higher wavelength, the temperature is high.

It is not necessary to actually determine the temperature from the relationships as long as the temperature trend can be monitored by determining whether the relationship between the signal strengths from the sensing elements changes over time. This may be done, for example, by determining whether the relationship changes from approximately linear to having a peak at a certain wavelength.

Interesting trends may be temperature trends and energy content trends. If the signal intensity increases at all wavelengths, the total energy content in the particle increases. An increase in energy content may indicate an imminent danger if the temperature of the particles is near or above the ignition temperature of a particular type of particle.

Analysis of the temperature trend allows a warning or informational type of "alarm" to be sent to the operator and/or control system of the system, for example, in the event of a temperature increase, so that corrective action can be taken before the particle temperature has reached a level at which the system generates an "actual" alarm. Temperature trend analysis may also optimize the process being monitored.

The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for monitoring temperature trends of particles moving along a motion path from a first location to a second location. The movement of the particles along the movement path from the first position to the second position can be achieved in many different ways, such as using pneumatic transport (suction or blowing), squeezing or simply dropping the particles by gravity (if there is a vertical difference between the first and second positions). Embodiments of the disclosed solution are presented in more detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a sensor arrangement 120 according to one or more embodiments described herein. The sensor arrangement 120 shown in fig. 1 comprises three mutually separated sensing regions, and a set of three sensing elements 140 detecting radiation emitted from particles 160, each sensing element being arranged to cooperate with one of the sensing regions. There may also be other sets of sensing elements 140, each sensing element detecting radiation of a wavelength within a range of wavelengths, arranged to cooperate with the same sensing region. For example, if there are three groups of sensing elements, there may be three sensing elements 140, one from each group of sensing elements, arranged to cooperate with each sensing region.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a sensor arrangement 120 according to one or more embodiments described herein. Each set of sensing elements 140 in the sensor arrangement 120 may be arranged in a sensor 130, and the sensor arrangement 120 may comprise any number of sensors 130, each sensor 130 detecting radiation of a wavelength within a range of wavelengths. Each of the three sensors 130 shown in fig. 2 comprises a set of three sensing elements 140, wherein the three sensing elements 140 of each set are arranged to cooperate with three mutually separated sensing regions along the movement path 150 of the particle 160. The sensor arrangement 120 may be arranged to detect a signal related to the temperature of particles 160 moving in front of it and through its field of view, preferably with a sensing angle of up to 180 degrees. The at least one processing device 180 may be arranged to receive signals from each sensor 130 and form the signals from each group of sensing elements 140 into a pulse sequence.

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a system 100 for monitoring temperature trends of particles 160 moving along a movement path 150 from a first location to a second location, according to one or more embodiments described herein. The system 100 comprises a sensor arrangement 120 and at least one processing device 180, the field of view of the sensor arrangement 120 being arranged in a movement path 150 of particles 160 moving through said field of view. The sensor arrangement 120 may be arranged to detect a signal related to the temperature of particles 160 in front of it and moving through its field of view. The sensor arrangement 120 shown in fig. 3 comprises at least one set of sensing elements 140, each set of sensing elements comprising three sensing elements 140, said sensing elements 140 being arranged to cooperate with three mutually separated sensing regions along the movement path 150 of the particles 160.

The sensor arrangement 120 shown in fig. 1-3 is arranged in the movement path 150 of the particle 160, but the sensor arrangement 120 may also or alternatively be arranged near the movement path 150 of the particle 160 as long as the field of view of the sensor arrangement 120 is arranged in the movement path 150 of the particle 160. In fig. 1-3, the path of motion 150 is shown as horizontal, but it may have any orientation. A vertical orientation may be preferred if gravity is intended to be used to drop the particles 160 through the sensor arrangement 120.

The sensing element 140 is preferably a sensing element having a well-defined temperature-dependent response over a temperature range covering the ignition temperature of particles 160 moving along the movement path 150 from the first position to the second position. Such a sensing element is for example a lead sulphide battery, which is preferably used for detecting radiation with a wavelength between 1 and 3 μm. As shown in fig. 5, the shape of the temperature curve varies significantly for different temperatures over this wavelength range, covering the ignition temperatures of many common particles, as listed in the table of fig. 4.

The at least one processing means 180 may be arranged to receive signals from the sensor arrangement 120 and form the signals from the at least one group of sensing elements 140 into at least one pulse sequence. Then, based on the at least one pulse sequence, the at least one processing device 180 may monitor the temperature of the particles 160 moving through the field of view of the sensor arrangement 120 over time, preferably by monitoring the change in the wavelength distribution of the radiation emitted from the particles 160 over time. The at least one processing device 180 may further be arranged to determine a relationship between signal strengths of signals detected by different groups of sensing elements 140 or detected by the same group of sensing elements 140 using different wavelength filters.

The sensor arrangement 120 shown in fig. 1 comprises: a sensor 130 comprising three mutually separated sensing regions along a movement path 150 of a particle 160; and three sensing elements 140, each sensing element 140 cooperating with one of the sensing regions.

A simple way to accurately monitor the temperature trend of particles 160 moving along the movement path 150 from the first position to the second position is to include several groups of sensing elements 140 in the sensor arrangement 120, each group of sensing elements comprising sensing elements 140 that detect radiation of a wavelength within a range of wavelengths. Such sets of sensing elements 140 may be arranged in only one sensor 130, or in a plurality of different sensors 130. The wavelength of radiation to which the sensing element 140 is sensitive may depend on, for example, the material of the sensing element 140.

Another way to accurately monitor the temperature trend of particles 160 moving along the movement path 150 from the first position to the second position is to use several different wavelength filters in the sensor arrangement 120, each wavelength filter causing the sensing element 140 to detect radiation of a wavelength within a range of wavelengths.

The at least one processing device 180 may be arranged to determine a relationship between the signal strengths of the signals detected by the different sets of sensing elements 140 or by the different wavelength filters and to monitor the temperature of the particles 16 moving through the field of view of the sensor arrangement 120 over time based on the relationship.

Fig. 2 shows three sets of sensing elements 140, each set being arranged in a sensor 130. The three sensors 130 shown in fig. 2 are arranged alongside each other along the movement path 150 of the particle 160, which means that the particle 160 will pass one sensor 130 after another sensor 130. In such an arrangement, the signals from the sensors 130 (i.e., the sets of sensing elements 140) will be phase shifted relative to each other. If only one particle 160 passes the sensor arrangement 120 at a time, the signals from the groups of sensing elements 140 may be correlated, e.g. based on a phase shift. However, if many particles 160 pass the sensor arrangement 120 at the same time, the sensor arrangement 120 will output an average value of the particles 160. In this case, the exact phase shift may be less important.

In an alternative embodiment, the sensors 130 are instead arranged in parallel along the movement path 150 of the particles 160, such that the particles 160 pass all sensors 130, i.e. all groups of sensing elements 140, simultaneously. Combinations are also possible such that multiple sets of sensing elements 140 arranged in parallel are arranged alongside one another along the path of motion 150 of the particle 160. For example, a plurality of different sensing elements 140 may be arranged in each sensing region such that the sensor arrangement 120 comprises at least two sensing regions separated from each other, wherein in each sensing region a plurality of different sensing elements 140 are arranged, each of which detects radiation of a wavelength within a range of wavelengths. Thus, sensing elements 140 from more than one set of sensing elements may be arranged to cooperate with the same sensing region. For example, there may be one sensing element 140 from each group of sensing elements cooperating with each sensing region.

Instead of only monitoring the temperature of the particles 160 moving along the movement path 150 from the first position to the second position over time, it is also possible to determine the temperature of the particles 160 moving through the field of view of the sensor arrangement 120. This enables the at least one processing device 180 to determine how close the temperature of the particles 160 is to the ignition temperature (for the particle type of the particles moving along the movement path 150 from the first location to the second location), so that the risk level can be determined very accurately. If the temperature of the particles 160 is well below the ignition temperature (for the particle type of particles moving along the movement path 150 from the first position to the second position), the risk is low even if the energy content of the particles 160 would be high, but if the temperature of the particles 160 is above the ignition temperature (for the particle type of particles moving along the movement path 150 from the first position to the second position), even a relatively low energy content may become dangerous.

The type of particle 160 is one way to describe different inherent aspects of a particle. The type of particles depends on the material of the particles 160, but also on, for example, the size of the particles 160. For example, wood chips are considered to be of a different particle type than wood chips, even though the wood chips may be from the same type of wood as the wood chips. Different treatments of the particles 160 also affect the particle type. For example, fully roasted coffee is considered a different particle type than regular coffee beans. Various coatings on the particles 160 may affect the ignition temperature and the ignition energy.

In some cases, not all of the particles 160 are of the same particle type. During transport of one particle type along the path of motion 150 from the first position to the second position, the other particle types may also be transported, typically in the form of contamination (pollutants) or contamination (contaminants). For example, the hot metal flakes may have been sheared from the processing equipment at a processing stage prior to shipping the particles 160. Since it is particularly desirable to avoid the risk of such foil igniting the surrounding particles 160, the temperature of the foil should be compared to the ignition temperature of the surrounding particles, rather than to the ignition temperature of the metal in question.

The at least one processing device 180 may be arranged to determine a rate of change of temperature of particles 160 moving through the field of view of the sensor arrangement 120. Slow temperature changes may for example be caused by overload in the process being monitored. This does not necessarily increase the risk of fire or explosion, but information about such overloads may for example be used to optimize the monitored process.

If the rate of change of the temperature of the particles 160 moving through the field of view of the sensor arrangement 120 is above a predetermined threshold, the rate of change may be determined to be fast. This may be due to contamination or contamination in the system, for example, and it is therefore preferable to send an alarm in this case.

Thus, information about the temperature trend of the particles 160 moving through the field of view of the sensor arrangement 120 may be sent to at least one operator and/or control system. This information can be sent, for example, as an alarm, information type "alarm", warning, instruction to set a flag in the control system or pure data. The average temperature of particles 160 moving through the field of view of the sensor arrangement 120 may fluctuate, for example depending on the type of treatment the particles 160 have been subjected to or the amount of particles 160. Certain fluctuations may be normal, and it may therefore be desirable to adapt the temperature threshold to the average temperature of the particles 160, provided that this remains within a predetermined acceptable fluctuation level. If the fluctuation is greater than a predetermined acceptable fluctuation level, information may be sent to at least one operator and/or control system.

The predetermined acceptable level of fluctuation may depend, for example, on the type of treatment that the particles 160 have been subjected to. For example, when monitoring a processing plant for manufacturing particle board, monitoring the average temperature of the wood particles may reveal information about the process of sawing the particle board. After the saw starts sawing the particle board, the average temperature of the wood particles will rise, but in normal circumstances, once the particle board has been sawn through, it returns to the average temperature before sawing. If the average temperature instead increases over time, this may for example indicate for each sawing through the particle board that the work of extracting wood chips from the saw is not normal, for example due to a clogged pipe. If the average temperature increases during sawing of the particle board, this may for example mean that the saw blade becomes dull. Thus, information about how the average temperature of the particles 160 fluctuates can be used to optimize the process, for example, by replacing the saw blade when monitoring shows that they become dull.

Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a method 600 for monitoring temperature trends of particles 160 moving along a movement path 150 from a first location to a second location, according to one or more embodiments described herein. The method 600 may include:

step 610: detecting a signal related to a temperature of the particle 160 moving through a field of view of the sensor arrangement 120, the field of view being arranged in the movement path 150 of the particle 160, the sensor arrangement 120 comprising at least one set of sensing elements 140 detecting radiation emitted from the particle 160, each set comprising at least two sensing elements 140 arranged to cooperate with mutually separated sensing regions along the movement path 150 of the particle 160.

Step 620: as the particles 160 move through the field of view of the sensor arrangement 120, the signals from at least one set of sensing elements 140 are formed into at least one pulse sequence.

Step 630: based on the at least one pulse sequence, the temperature of the particles 160 moving through the field of view of the sensor arrangement 120 is monitored over time by monitoring the wavelength distribution of the radiation emitted from the particles over time.

The use of the method 600 allows for accurate monitoring of the temperature of the particles 160 moving along the path of movement 150 from the first location to the second location.

The sensor arrangement 120 may comprise a first set of sensing elements and a second set of sensing elements 140, wherein the first set of sensing elements 140 detects radiation of wavelengths in a first wavelength range and the second set of sensing elements 140 detects radiation of wavelengths in a second wavelength range, wherein the second wavelength range is different from the first wavelength range. Monitoring 630 may further include determining a relationship between signal strengths of signals detected by the first and second sets of sensing elements 140 and, based on the relationship, monitoring a change in wavelength distribution of radiation emitted from the particle 160 over time.

The first and second sets of sensing elements 140 may be arranged in first and second sensors 130, the first and second sensors 130 being arranged side-by-side and/or parallel to each other along a movement path 150 of the particle 160.

Sensing elements from more than one set of sensing elements 140 may be arranged to cooperate with the same sensing region.

The sensor arrangement 120 may also or alternatively comprise a first wavelength filter arrangement and a second wavelength filter arrangement, wherein the first wavelength filter arrangement causes the sensor arrangement 120 to detect radiation of wavelengths within a first wavelength range, and the second wavelength filter arrangement causes the sensor arrangement 120 to detect radiation of wavelengths within a second wavelength range, wherein the second wavelength range is different from the first wavelength range. Monitoring 630 may further comprise determining a relationship between signal strengths of signals detected by the sensor arrangement 120 through the first and second wavelength filter arrangements and, based on the relationship, monitoring a change over time in a wavelength distribution of radiation emitted from the particle 160.

The method 600 may further include one or more of the following steps:

step 640: the temperature of the particles 160 moving through the field of view of the sensor arrangement 120 is determined.

Step 650: it is determined how close the temperature of the particles 160 moving through the field of view of the sensor arrangement 120 is to the ignition temperature of the particle type.

Step 660: the rate of change of temperature of the particles 160 moving through the field of view of the sensor arrangement 120 is determined.

Step 670: it is determined whether the temperature of the particles 160 moving through the field of view of the sensor arrangement 120 have changed by more than a predetermined threshold amount.

Step 680: information regarding the temperature trend of the particles 160 moving through the field of view of the sensor arrangement 120 is sent to at least one operator and/or a control system.

Step 690: the energy content of particles 160 moving through the field of view of the sensor arrangement 120 is also monitored over time.

The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the invention to the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. It is contemplated that various alternative embodiments and/or modifications to the present invention are possible in light of the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein. For example, the sensing elements 140 may be any type of sensing elements capable of individually detecting radiation, e.g., any number of sensing elements 140 may be arranged on the same substrate. In a pixellated radiation sensor, the sensing element may for example be a group of pixels, or even a single pixel. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims.