Detectors in Chimneys

[Big_Fella]

I've just been asked a question I don't have the answer to, and wondered if anyone has a solution...

A detector for use within a chimney.

Any ideas, types of detector recommended etc?

Thanks in advance

[nearlythere]

I've just been asked a question I don't have the answer to, and wondered if anyone has a solution...

A detector for use within a chimney.

Any ideas, types of detector recommended etc?

Thanks in advance

For what reason?

[Big_Fella]

The site is a fairly old manor house, and they are worried 'something' might catch alight above the fire place in the stack, and they are after an early warning of such an instance.  Obviously the stacks should be regularly cleaned to prevent such instances but this is their request.

[Allen Higginson]

I suppose if you knew what the maximum heat was within the stack from a specific distance you could install heat detection to activate above this (set at a percentage above the ambient) but,that aside,can't think of anything alse.

[Graeme]

probe heat detector or linear?

This is the first time i have heard of this being asked.

i would however avoid a smoke detector

[GregC]

Would the budget allow for a flame detector ?

[Mr. P]

May be cheaper to line the chimney...

[Morri]

Agree with Mr P, remove the hazard if it is a genuine concern

[Allen Higginson]

Would the budget allow for a flame detector ?

Dirty enviroment and,depending where they want protection to be located,false alarms liable.

[John Webb]

I think the best solution would be industrial standard sheathed thermocouples. These can be easily monitored and with an Iconal or stainless steel sheath will resist soot, heat and other corrosive gases. We used them regularly in large fire tests to measure gas and flame temperatures and they rarely needed replacement. Not quite to BS5836 but as that doesn't quite cover this particular area anyway...