Smoke Detection Principles

A fire suppression system, must comprise of at least two fire zones and at least two smoke detectors. Traditionally a mix of Ionisation smoke detectors and Optical (Photoelectric) smoke detectors were used to detect a wider range of smoke particles. With todays advanced technology, most optical smoke detectors will cover this and provide more stability of than ionisation detectors, particularly in high airflow streams. Alternatively, enhanced fire detection can be achieved with the use of VESDA air sampling systems. Using VESDA smoke detection can provide conclusive detection with accurate testing and measurement principles. Interrogation can also be achieved by looking at extensive event logging, which will paint a picture of events occurring prior to a fire suppression discharge! VESDA air sampling technology is extremely effective in Hot Aisle and Cold Aisle environments and is highly recommended when this type of cooling is used.

System Operation:The fire suppression system uses tw o modes:-

MANUAL FIRE SUPPRESSION MODE

This is based on Human intervention, the operation of a gas release call point or manual actuator w ill discharge the fire suppression agent. The Fire Suppression system w ill not deploy the system automatically.

AUTOMATIC FIRE SUPPRESSION MODE

Tw o zones or tw o devices are needed to prove a coincidence. This coincidence is confirmation that there is smoke present and the fire suppression system w ill deploy the fire suppression agent. The delay from the first stage alarm (first detector activated) to the second stage alarm is variable, depending on how fast the detectors are responding. Once the second detector is activated that system normally incorporates a 30 second delay from alarm to fire suppression release!