SMOKE DETECTION AND ALARM SYSTEMS

INTRODUCTION:

Fire is detected by having sensors that detect the by-products of fire, typically heat and smoke but also ultraviolet & infra-red radiation. Detection of heat has long been the only method of automatically detecting a fire. This is because it could be implemented relatively easily using mechanical detection means, and the effects of heating and heat transfer were fairly well known. However since the electronic advancements in the 1940s, smoke detection has also been available. However it was not until the last couple of decades that smoke detection has become reliable and cost effective to be used widely, yet this may not always be the most appropriate detection method.

Smoke detectors are a much newer technology, having gained wide usage during the 1970's and 1980's in residential and life safety applications. As the name implies, these devices are designed to identify a fire while in its smoldering or early flame stages, replicating the human sense of smell. The most common smoke detectors are spot type units, that are placed along ceilings or high on walls in a manner similar to spot thermal units. They operate on either an ionization or photoelectric principle, with each type having advantages in different applications. For large open spaces such as galleries and atria, a frequently used smoke detector is a projected beam unit. This detector consists of two components, a light transmitter and a receiver, that are mounted at some distance (up to 300 ft/100m) apart. As smoke migrates between the two components, the transmitted light beam becomes obstructed and the receiver is no longer able to see the full beam intensity. This is interpreted as a smoke condition, and the alarm activation signal is transmitted to the fire alarm panel.

Importance of smoke detectors:

Smoke detectors are one of the most important safety devices one can have in the home. They should be installed in the hallways and in the bedrooms. Smoke detectors provide early warning in the event of a fire, and enable emergency action in the event of a fire. They are inexpensive, easy to install, unobtrusive, and require very little maintenance, and no home should be without them.

Most experts agree that smoke is responsible for approximately 80 percent of the fatalities caused by fires. This fact of life has triggered the phenomenal growth in popularity of residential-type smoke detectors. In many communities, legislation has been passed requiring the installation of smoke detectors in houses and apartments. And the dramatic rise in residential smoke detector popularity is spilling over into industry not only as life-saving devices, but also as a key part of fire protection systems for buildings and equipment.

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) in its Standards Publication SB 9 defines a smoke detector as "a device which detects visible or invisible particles of combustion." The publication points out that the real value of such a device lies in its ability to detect a fire even before flame and large quantities of heat develop . All smoke detectors depend on various combinations of minute liquid or solid particles suspended in a gaseous dispersion agent for their operation. Particle characteristics that affect detection thresholds include diameter, shape, internal structure, optical properties, and concentration.

How Good Are Smoke Detectors?

The common home smoke detector cost around $10 and will detect smoke in very small concentrations in the home. Smoke emission occurs during the early stages of a fire, so smoke detectors in the ceilings of the home will provide plenty of early warning in the event of fire. The key advantage of smoke detectors is their ability to identify a fire while it is still in its incipient. As such, they provide added opportunity for emergency personnel to respond and control the developing fire before severe damage occurs. They are usually the preferred detection method in life safety and high content value applications.

Evolution of smoke from fire:

When a nice fire is going, and it has burned down to the point where a collection of hot "glowing embers is seen." The fire is still producing a lot of heat, but it is producing no smoke at all. If a piece of wood is tossed, or even a sheet of paper, onto this fire, it is noticed that the new fuel produces a lot of smoke as it heats up. Then, all of a sudden (often with a small pop), it bursts into flame and the smoke disappears.

When a fresh piece of wood or paper is put on a hot fire, the smoke that is seen are volatile hydrocarbons evaporating from the wood. They start vaporizing at a temperature of about 300 degrees F (149 degrees Celsius). If the temperature gets high enough, these compounds burst into flame. Once they start burning, there is no smoke because the hydrocarbons are turned into carbon dioxide and water (both invisible) when they burn. . Coke is coal that has been heated in the absence of oxygen to drive off the

organics. The smoke that this process produces is actually very valuable .It contains coal tar, coal gas, alcohols, formaldehyde and ammonia, among other things. And all of these compounds can be distilled out of the smoke for use. Methanol (a form of alcohol) referred to as "wood alcohol. is used to be produced by distilling out of wood.

Detector operating times - Smoke detectors

At present there are no models or calculations to predict the operation time of smoke detectors. There are, however, a number of methods used to predict the operation of the detector. The first method is to generate an "equivalent" thermal detector that has an activation temperature of 10-200C above the ambient and a low RTI value. This is then used in the thermal detector calculations as an indication of the response of the smoke detector. This method however is only an estimation and generally considered as a "rule of thumb" rather than an accurate measure. The other method of determining the detector response is by using the smoke transport models. There are two types of models available, the zone model and the field models. The field models are considered to give a more accurate picture of what actually happens though they aren't combined with simple detector operating time functions and take much longer to run. Hence, generally the zone models are used when considering detector operation. The zone model typically divides the fire compartment into two zones, the upper layer and the lower layer. The upper layer is the location of the smoke and gases and the detector. The zone model calculates the volume, smoke density, temperature size and other factors for the upper layer at discrete time intervals from the fire initiation. As the optical density of the smoke is calculated at various 4

points in time the fire engineer can make an evaluation as to when the detector will activate based on the sensitivity of the detector. Smoke detection: The future of performance based design lies largely with smoke detection as the production of smoke is usually the first combustion product to be released, hence if it can be detected then we will achieve a faster detection time and therefore longer escape time. The general modeling procedure was to run the zone model and work out values for the optical smoke density at the upper layer at various points in time. When the optical density reached the rating of the detector then one could assume that the detector would operate. However in real life there are a number of factors why this is an invalid scenario. One of the main reasons is the same as for thermal detectors in that an exact activation optical density is not know, rather a range. Smoke detectors are grouped into 3 sensitivity groups Normal, High and Very High. Each of these groups has a nominated sensitivity range that the detector must fall in. However the foremost reason why a direct relation between the expected optical density of smoke produced and the actual detector performance cannot be produced is due to the actual operation of the detector. In general smoke detectors do not measure smoke obscuration directly, rather some other factor related to smoke obscuration. Thus the operation of each of the different types of smoke detectors needs to be considered to see where the problems lie in the performance of the various types.

Different types of smoke detectors and their operation:

Not all fires are alike. Some are slow burning and smoky, some are fast burning, producing high heat but less smoke. Each type of fire requires an appropriate technology.

The various types of smoke detectors are: Photoelectric smoke detectors. Ionization smoke detectors. Laser technology smoke detectors. Detectors based on air sampling technology. Infrared beam smoke detectors. Video smoke detectors

Photoelectric Detectors:

Photoelectric detectors are better at sensing smoky fires, such as a smoldering fires .Occasionally, when we walk into a store and a bell will go off as we cross the threshold. If we look, we will often notice that a photo beam detector is being used. Near the door on one side of the store is a light (either a white light and a lens or a low-power laser), and on the other side is a photodetector that can "see" the light. When we cross the beam of light, we block it. The photodetector senses the lack of light and triggers a bell. In a similar way, this same type of sensor could act as a smoke detector. This is known Photo-optical detectors obviously use a light source to measure smoke density but rather than measure how much the intensity of the light is reduced due to the smoke they measure how much light is reflected by the smoke.This is known as the light scatter principle.

In one type of photoelectric device, smoke can block a light beam. In this case, the reduction in light reaching a photocell sets off the alarm. In the most common type of photoelectric unit, however, light is scattered by smoke particles onto a photocell, initiating an alarm. In this type of detector there is a T-shaped chamber with a lightemitting diode (LED) that shoots a beam of light across the horizontal bar of the T. A photocell, positioned at the bottom of the vertical base of the T, generates a current when it is exposed to light. Under smoke-free conditions, the light beam crosses the top of the T in an uninterrupted straight line, not striking the photocell positioned at a right angle below the beam. When smoke is present, the light is scattered by smoke particles, and some of the light is directed down the vertical part of the T to strike the photocell. When sufficient light hits the cell, the current triggers the alarm. The sensor then sets off the horn in the smoke detector. . The diagram below illustrates how the technology works. Under normal, smokefree conditions, the LED beam moves in a straight line, through the chamber without striking the photo cell. When smoke enters the chamber, smoke particles deflect some of the light rays, scattering them in all directions. Some of it reaches the photocell. When enough light rays hit the photocell, they activate it. The activated photocell generates a current. The current powers the alarm, and the smoke alarm has done its job.

Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Technology

smoke

free

chamber smoke

particles

in

chamber

light beam travels straight through Light emitting diode no light reaches photoelectric cell

deflect some light rays

activated photocell powers alarm deflected activate photocell light rays

But there are two problems here: 1) It's a pretty big smoke detector, and 2) it is not very sensitive. The main problem with this is that the detector is only generally sensitive to particle sizes around the size of the wavelength of the light used. Thus it would be possible for smoke, with an optical density greater than the rated activation sensitivity, that consisted of small unreflective particles to be present and not cause activation of the detector. Photoelectric detectors look for the presence of visible by-products of combustion in the detection chamber. When a sufficient density of visible combustibles fill the detection chamber, the detector sounds an alarm condition.

Ionization smoke detectors:

Ionising smoke detectors are approved by the Swedish Institute of Radiation Protection and contain radioactive sources. The advantage of ionization detector is that the smoke can be invisible to the human eye, while remaining very much visible to the ionization detector. In the conventional devices , the material is nearly destroyed before alarm comes as they are triggered only when sufficient smoke or heat is evolved .On the other hand , the Ionization detectors sense these particles at the incipient stage by monitoring 8

the electrical change which occurs when the particles reach the charged space in the detector.

Ionization technology is faster at reacting to fast flaming fires that give off little smoke. . Ionization smoke detectors feature a harmless radioactive source within a dual detection chamber. They operate by sensing for a change in the electrical conductivity across the detection chamber. . This type of smoke detector is more common because it is inexpensive and better at detecting the smaller amounts of smoke produced by flaming fires. Ionization chamber is very simple. It consists of two plates with a voltage across them, along with a radioactive source of ionizing radiation , a small amount (perhaps 1/5000th of a gram) of americium-241 to detect the smoke. The radioactive element americium has a half-life of 432 years, and is a good source of alpha particles. . Typical detector contains 0.9 microcurie of americium-241. A curie is a unit of measure for nuclear material. The amount of radiation in a smoke detector is extremely small. It is also predominantly alpha radiation. Alpha radiation cannot penetrate a sheet of paper, and it is blocked by several centimeters of air. The americium in the smoke detector could only pose a danger if you were to inhale it.

In this chamber, the americium is embedded in a gold foil matrix within an ionization chamber. The matrix is made by rolling gold and americium oxide gets together to form a foil approximately one micrometer thick. This thin gold-americium foil is then sandwiched between a thicker (~0.25 millimeter) silver backing and a 2 micron thick palladium laminate. This is thick enough to completely retain the radioactive material, but thin enough to allow the alpha particles to pass.

Americium: The vital ingredient of household smoke detectors is a very small

quantity (<35 kBq) of americium-241 (Am-241). This element was discovered in 1945 during the Manhattan Project in USA. The first sample of americium was produced by bombarding plutonium with neutrons in a nuclear reactor at the University of Chicago. Americium is a silvery metal, which tarnishes slowly in air and is soluble in acid. Its atomic number is 95. Its most stable isotope, Am-243, has a half-life of over 7500 years, although Am-241, with a half-life of 432 years, was the first isotope to be isolated.Americium oxide, AmO2, was first offered for sale by the US Atomic Energy Commission in 1962 and the price of US$ 1500 per gram has remained virtually unchanged since. One gram of americium oxide provides enough active material for more than 5000 household smoke detectors. Americium (in combination with beryllium) is also used as a neutron source in non-destructive testing of machinery and equipment, and as a thickness gauge in the glass industry. However, its most common application is as an ionisation source in smoke detectors, and most of the several kilograms of americium made each year is used in this way. Formation of Americium Plutonium-241, which is about 12% of the one percent content of plutonium in typical spent fuel from a power reactor, has a half life of only 14 years, decaying to Am-241 through emission of beta particles. Am-241 has a half life of 432 years, emitting alpha particles (see above) to become neptunium-237. The plutonium 241 is formed in any nuclear reactor by neutron capture ultimately from uranium (actually U-238), such as supplied on the world market for electricity generation. The detailed steps are: U-238 + neutron => U-239, U-239 by beta decay => Np-239, Np-239 by beta decay =>Pu-239, Pu-239 + neutron => Pu-240, Pu-240 + neutron => Pu-241. This will decay (emitting a beta particle) both in the reactor and subsequently.

Principle of operation:
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The alpha particles generated by the americium have the following property: They ionize the oxygen and nitrogen atoms of the air in the chamber. To "ionize" means to "knock an electron off of." When you knock an electron off of an atom, you end up with a free electron (with a negative charge) and an atom missing one electron (with a positive charge).. The positive atoms flow toward the negative plate, as the negative electrons flow toward the positive plate. The movement of the electrons registers as a small but steady flow of current. When smoke enters the ionization chamber, the current is disrupted as the smoke particles attach to the charged ions and restore them to a neutral electrical state. This reduces the flow of electricity between the two plates in the ionization chamber hat these electrons and ions moving toward the plates represent. The electronics in the smoke detector sense the small amount of electrical current. . When the electric current drops below a certain threshold, the alarm is triggered.

Chemical reactions in the Ionisation smoke detector:

It is more a physical reaction than a chemical reaction. the americium in the smoke detector is high speed alpha particles (helium nuclei).the particles hit molecules in air and knock off electron.

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o2+he(+2)o2(+1)+e(-1)+he(+2). Working:

The working of the fire alert ionization chamber detector is shown in the fig:

FIG (1)

The detector is basically a simple series resistance , capacitance (RC) Circuit . The charging current to charge the capacitor is supplied by the ionised air in the sample chamber , which constitutes the resistance R. The charge carriers are a mixture of electrons and positive ions produced by high velocity alpha particles.The positive ions enter the sample chamber . The circuit works in a cycle with the voltage(E+) on the capacitor(C) being an exponential function of time . Under normal conditions the capacitor (C) will be allowed to build up a charge ( CE) determined by the integration

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timer (T).If at the integration cycle time the capacitor C has received adequate charge to trigger the charge detector (Q) it will set for (RC+2) seconds. When this occurs both timers (T) and (T+2) will repeat the above cycle. If the

positive ions of the products of combustion are introduced into the sample chamber , the resistance of the chamber is increased and the capacitance (C) does not fully charge in the time constant established by the integration timer(T). Under this condition the charge detector (Q) will not reset both timers .If the alarm timer (T+2) is not reset it will complete its cycle and cause the alarm relay to lock in indicating the alarm condition. The circuit is infinitely adjustable for cycling timer by the presetter and the sensitivity variable resistors .The maximum allowable cycle time represents minimum sensitivityand the minimum allowable cycle time represents the maximum sensitivity .When set for maximum sensitivity, it exhibits extreme sensitivity with the ability to detect even the electrical short circuit or overload conditions .When set for minimum sensitivity it provides an alarm with test fires with an established sensitivity to monitor 360 sq .m. of area .The detector is stable at any sensitivity and is not adversely affected by air velocity ,humidity or temperature from -10C to 65C.

This principle of working of this detector could be better understood by the actual relay circuitry shown in the fig (2):

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In the fig , TDR1 is a time delay relay which closes a normally open contact 1 TDR1 aft r some time delay . This time delay is set such that after this time, under normal atmospheric conditions the charge built up across the capacitor C will be sufficient to energise the relay Q , which otherwise will not pick up before this voltage . 1Q&2Q are the normally closed contacts of the relay Q and these contacts open out when the relay Q is energized . TDR2 is another timer which I set at time equal to 2seconds more than the time for which TDR1 is set and ITDR2 is its normally open contact which initiates the alarm . Under normal atmospheric conditions i.e when there is no fire , the charge built up across capacitor after time T is equal to E which can energise relay Q .Also after time T i.e , for which relay TDR1has been set the contact 1 TDR1 makes and the relay Q is thus energized. Due to its energisation the timers TDR1&TDR2 cease to get supply and are reset .

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Incase fire is there , then the resistance (R)of the circuit is increased and the exponential curve is modified as shown in the fig 3.

Under this condition , after time T , the contact ITDR1 makes but relay Q cant be energized because voltage across the capacitor is only E which is less than E and hence not sufficient to energise relay Q . As a result the timer TDR1 &TDR2 are not reset and after time (T+2)seconds the contact ITDR2 makes and initiates the alarm.

Special features:
1> This device operates at 24 V DC(full wave rectified )thus giving a safe and simple operation and consumes only 3 to 4 watts. 2> It is capable of operating in fast moving air and is impervious to moisture and corrosion . 3> A lamp is incorporated in the unit to give visual indication when detector operates and a separate lamp can be provided to give remote indication also.

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4> No

expensive equipment is required to provide stand by supply in the event of

mains failure . 5> Its operation is not effected by transients in supply or normal voltage fluctuations. 6> I t is capable of operating at sub zero temperatures and elevated temperatures with no change in operations.

Inside a ionisation Smoke Detector

. Here is the smoke detector:

When we take off the cover we find that a smoke detector is pretty simple. This one consists of a printed circuit board ,an ionization chamber (the silver cylinder toward the top right in the following picture) and an electronic horn (the brass cylinder toward the bottom right in the following picture):

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Here is a close-up of the board:

and the underside of the board:

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Amount of radiation in Ionisation smoke detectors:

The radiation source in an ionization chamber detector is a very small disc, about 3 to 5 millimeters in diameter, weighing about 0.5 gram. It is a composite of americium-241 in a gold matrix. The average activity in a smoke detector source is about one microcurie, 1 millionth of a curie.

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Americium emits alpha particles and low energy gamma rays. It has a half-life of about 432 years. The long half-life means that americium decays very slowly, emitting very little radiation. At the end of the 10 year useful life of the smoke detector, it retains essentially all its original activity. How much radiation exposure will be got from a smoke detector? As long as the radiation source stays in the detector, exposures would be negligible (less than about 1/100 of a million per year), since alpha particles cannot travel very far or penetrate even a single sheet of paper, and the gamma rays emitted by americium are relatively weak.

HIGH SENSITIVITY SMOKE DETECTOR USING LASER TECHNOLOGY Features:

Unique smoke particle counting technology Fast detection of incipient fire Smoke detection capability from 0.005% to 0.4% obscuration per meter Calibrated by using smoke-like particulate Immune to contamination and dust levels reducing false alarms Minimal periodic maintenance Low susceptibility to environmental conditions Senses smoke even in high air flow design No filter required No re-calibration required Incorporates military proven state-of-the-art laser technology Established laser design ensures long-term stability and accuracy Long life under-run key electronic components Can be fitted into existing fire detection and alarm system

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Description:
The HART high sensitivity smoke detector assembly consists of a metal fan box and the HART HSSD detection sensor. The fan box is a robust airtight enclosure which houses a high efficiency centrifugal fan, superior to an axial fan, producing a greater static pressure necessary to draw air into the detector. The air passes without filtration straight through the detection chamber. This design ensures elimination of filter maintenance (with the inherent possibility of filtration of smoke particulate) and no flow restriction to the incoming air. The detector's unique patented optical system focuses a 100 micron laser beam through the detector chamber. The detection device detects the presence of individual particles of smoke as they traverse the laser beam in the moving air stream. Smoke concentration is determined by counting these discrete events. This particle count is converted to an analogue signal whose level is exactly proportional to the smoke concentration, the output of which is available for transmission to the control panel. Changes in flow do not affect the measured value of smoke concentration. The HART HSSD is essentially a particle counter set up to discriminate between smoke and other potentially confusing particulate It requires no filter and is immune to the normal levels of airborne dust and to contamination of the chamber walls. In large other very early smoke detectors, particles such as dust give "false" alarm signals; but the HART detector incorporates an adjustable particle size discriminator (in addition to the particle counting circuitry) which ensures that the HART HSSD provides output only to smoke itself. Its unrestricted airflow design ensures that the sensor truly sees the room air environment. The laser deployed in the HART HSSD is the same type as that used in CD players. Refined by Japanese engineering, this type of laser provides a long-term stable output.

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Any changes in laser intensity due to temperature, component ageing or dirt build-up are automatically compensated for electronically - in the detector itself without reliance on control software.

Circuits supervise the operation of critical components in the system. Failure of, or an out of tolerance situation in the illuminating or receiving optics, will result in a detector FAULT signal being transmitted to the control panel. Air flow is monitored with a special temperature sensor, cooled by air passing through the detection chamber. An analogue signal proportional to flow is made available to the control panel so that it can initiate a fault condition, should the air flow vary or drop during normal operation.

The HART detector is available in different versions each with a sensitivity to suit different applications and area of protected space. HART detectors are assembled into standard packages for use in a wide range of applications:

HART 100 - the most sensitive detector available from 0.05% to 0.2% obscuration per meter at full scale, it can be supplied in the approved HART fan box, UniLaser 100 & 1000, LocaLaser, Smoke Seeker and EExd versions. HART 200 - has a sensitivity of nominally 0.4% obscuration per meter and is available in the basic HART fan box and UniLaser 200 & 2000 versions. The HART packaged options include Display Control Card (DCC) and HART

detector in fan box (available in HART 100 and HART200 versions). Controls packaged as a single or up to 4 zone unit mounted separate to HART detector enclosed with integral fan in fan box. UniLaser 100 and UniLaser 200 - single station HSSD Controls, detector and fan in a single enclosure. Functionally identical to the DCC and HART detector.

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UniLaser 1000 and UniLaser 2000 - single station HSSD Controls, detector, fan, and power supply with space for up to 24 hours of standby in a single enclosure. Functionally identical to the DCC and HART detector with the added feature of an integral power supply SMART HART HSSD in fan box Direct communication to any analogue addressable panel fitted with suitable software and operating on the Apollo series 90 protocol. LocaLaser - multi-zone HSSD Based on the UniLaser concept but with the ability to identify smoke in up to 4 separate zoned areas of sampling. Smoke Seeker - multi-point HSSD Specialized smoke sampling to identify the location of smoke from up to 8 separate points of sampling. Ideal fo EExd Fully certified HSSD unit for applications of Zone 1 areas of hazardous protection. Used in combination with a Display Control Card, or alternatively as a SMART version. Ideal for cabinet detection.

Laser Particle Counting Technology : Laser Particle Counting technology provides the leap forward. Instead of illuminating the whole sampling chamber, lasers afford the ability to illuminate just a discrete volume element in the center of the sampling chamber.In this way, the detector becomes essentially immune to any contamination of the chamber walls. More important is the fact that HART High Sensitivity Smoke Detectors are set up as single particle counters.

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HSSD as Single Particle Counters: As the smoke particulate passes into the sampling element, the sensor electronically counts each particle. Particle counting HSSD devices are thus much more sensitive to the prevailing concentration of small particulate (the tell tale sign of early combustion) than are conventional HSSD devices. Although larger particulate such as dust does not significantly affect the signal recorded (number of particles) from either a background or a prevailing smoke environment, the HART laser HSSD goes one step further. Most particulate with a diameter less than 10 micrometers is electronically recognized and thus not added to the smoke count register.

AIR SAMPLING SMOKE DETECTORS Aspirating Smoke Detectors Introduction :

Aspirating smoke detection is a system that uses an aspirating fan to draw air from the protected area via a network of sampling pipes and sampling holes.The sampled air is then passed through a high sensitivity precision detector that analyses the air and generates warning signals when appropriate. This system has a number of benefits, particularly in the areas of performance, installation cost and routine maintenance. The two main types of system are:

Primary Sampling System:

The system is designed to work in conjunction with any air handling systems and will not provide optimum performance when these are inoperative. The major advantage is the detection of cool smoke from a minor problem that does not rise to the ceiling, which would be the conventional location.

Secondary sampling system: : The system is designed with sampling holes in the
same positions as normal point detectors to an appropriate standard.These sampling pipes may be designed and installed to achieve one of three levels of sensitivity:

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_ Normal Sensitivity: the same sensitivity as normal point detectors typically at 3% 5% obscuration per metre. _ Enhanced Sensitivity:responding to smoke at concentrations of between 2% and 0.8% obscuration per metre. _ High Sensitivity: responding to smoke at concentrations of less than 0.8% obscuration per metre. It is important to note that the detector sensitivity is shared over the network of sampling points associated with it. In other words, if a system having a detector registering a Fire signal when the smoke density within it reached 0.05% obscuration per metre was connected to a pipe network with 20 sampling holes the mean system sensitivity at each hole would be 1.0% (0.05% x 20). This sensitivity is calculated on the basis smoke only enters one of the twenty holes. If the same density of smoke entered two holes the mean sensitivity would double. Normally, smoke will enter from the majority of sampling holes, in which case system sensitivity can be very high indeed.

Types of Detectors:
There are currently three types of technology used in commercially available aspirating smoke detectors: Light Scatter: A stream of sampled air is continually passed through a detection chamber in which a high-energy light source is pulsed. This light would be scattered by any smoke particles in the sample and the quantity of scattered light is analysed by a solid state light receiver. The quantity of scattered light is proportional to the level of smoke pollution. Light scatter systems are sensitive to smouldering fires and particles given off by overloaded electrical cables and are therefore particularly useful where early warning is required. They can be vulnerable to dust however, which is why most detectors incorporate sophisticated filters and/or electronic dust rejection.

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Cloud Chamber: A stream of sampled air is continually passed through a detection chamber that contains water vapour.Any very small particles cause the vapour to condense around them to form larger droplets of equal size. The number of these droplets is regularly measured optically using a pulsed LED. Because cloud chambers consume water they require regular maintenance. Cloud chamber detectors are resistant to dust. In comparative field tests, cloud chamber detectors have shown very good response in detecting the particles released by flaming fires, but poor response in detecting the particles common to smouldering fires and are therefore of limited use for early warning. Particle Counting: A stream of sampled air is continually drawn through a focused laser beam and light scattered from each particle is measured. This provides an output relative to the number of particles that have traversed the laser beam. Particle counting systems are sensitive to smouldering fires and overloaded cables but need to have their air flow vigorously regulated as their output is proportional to the flow rate. Particle counting systems are generally resistant to dust but fibres seen end on or large volumes of dust have been known to cause unwanted alarms.

Signal processing:
How signals are processed is fundamental to the reliability of an aspirating detection system.Provision should be made to accommodate changes resulting from a drift in detector calibration, contamination of filters or changing environmental conditions within the protected area, thus ensuring a consistent level of protection.Early aspirating detection systems were of fixed sensitivity where the detector was calibrated to a known value and the alarm thresholds fixed at pre-determined points depending on the site conditions measured during commissioning. These systems were unable to accommodate fluctuation in site conditions and this rapidly led to a perception that high sensitivity automatically meant a high incidence of unwanted (false) alarms. All fixed sensitivity detectors require annual recalibrating in addition to normal maintenance test procedures.To overcome this problem, a modern aspirating system uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to maintain a known probability of alarm by varying the sensitivity of the detector to match variations in site conditions. This type of system also 25

automatically compensates for component drift or detector contamination, thus ensuring optimum performance is always achieved. General Design Aspirating smoke detectors are often used where early warning is required and higher than normal sensitivity is needed. They are also suitable for many other applications where there are problems using conventional forms of detection. This could be because: _ there is an access or maintenance problem _ the protected area is too high and/or may suffer from smoke stratification problems _ an invisible installation is required _ the environmental conditions are extreme (hot, cold, dirty, etc) When specifying or designing an aspirating smoke detection system it is essential to define the performance required from the system.

System sensitivity:
System sensitivity should be appropriate and realistic.High sensitivity and rapid response can be achieved from a single detector in a small computer room. Normal sensitivity and response would be more appropriate when protecting 2000m2 of warehouse space where height and volume dissipate and dilute the smoke sample. The total allowable number of sampling points varies for each manufacturer and the sensitivity at each hole is a function of 'detector' sensitivity and the number of sampling holes. The more sensitive the detector, the more sampling holes can be drilled in the pipe network. These systems are based on the assumption that 'any smoke in the protected area will end up going through the air handling system'. Sampling points are therefore arranged across the inlet grilles to the air handling units. As high sensitivity is often required in a high airflow and therefore high dilution area, a reasonable guideline is to allow for one detector per 1500m3.It is good practice to use a separate sampling pipe for each air handling unit to balance out as many pressure variations as possible.If it is necessary to mount the aspirating smoke 26

detector outside of the protected area the detector exhaust should always be piped back to the protected area. This will prevent the sampled air, and perhaps smoke, contaminating other areas and balance any pressure variations between the protected area and the detector location Because many air handling units add a percentage of fresh air, a Reference Detector should be considered to prevent false alarms caused by external pollution entering with the fresh air. The Reference Detector monitors the incoming fresh air and offsets the alarm thresholds of other Detectors if polluted air is detected. This will help prevent false alarms occurring from this source.

Secondary sampling systems generally have sampling points positioned in the same locations and using the same design criteria as normal detectors . Where enhanced or high sensitivity systems are required the normal area coverage per detector (sampling point) should be reduced .Because more heat is required to lift smoke to great heights the amount of smoke that can reach high level areas can be minimal if the fire is small .Where protection is provided to high level racking it may be necessary to install multiple levels of sampling points to achieve best performance as smouldering fires produce a relatively small amount of heat. Where the aspirating detection system is the sole form of protection in any given area, it is inappropriate to use a sequential sampling system (as adjacent areas would lose their protection while the system sequences through its cycle). Modern intelligent aspirating detection systems are often used in adverse environments where site conditions cause unusual effects. Many diverse areas can be protected as hot air can be cooled down, cold air warmed up, dusty air filtered, dirty air recognised as part of normal operating conditions and contaminated air returned back to where it was sampled from. In such applications it is important to site the detector in a more environmentally friendly area and ensure that the sampling pipe network is constructed from a suitable material.

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Aspirating smoke detection is a very effective method of smoke detection. It may be useful to note the following points when protecting unusual areas: _ Atria / High Areas: Atria have stratification layers that vary with seasonal temperatures, making it difficult to predict the optimum level(s) for best detection. This type of area often benefits from a 3D approach with vertical sampling in addition to the normal area coverage. This vertical sampling should be at 3m or 2C intervals. At each vertical sampling position an attempt should also be made to maintain coverage in the horizontal plane.

_ Restricted Access / Containment Areas: Some areas may be difficult to gain normal access to, either because of high security or because the protected area is a health hazard. Such areas can often be protected with aspirating systems where the detector is sited outside the problem area. This minimises any required maintenance access into the protected area. It is important to pipe the detector exhaust back to the protected area to prevent contamination _ Dusty Areas: These areas can be protected by detectors that contain dust recognition systems and/or filter out dust particles. Contaminated filters reduce the performance of the system and provision should be made to ensure a consistent level of protection _ Hot Areas: Most aspirating smoke detectors are designed to operate below 60C.If the air sample is above this temperature, the detector may be sited remotely and the air sample cooled by either extending the pipe length or running it through a heat exchanger (water jacket).

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Size of the sampling holes: The size of sampling holes will vary for each system and can be optimised using the manufacturers computer software modelling packages. approaches to take with regard to sampling point hole sizing: _ Identical sampling hole sizes This makes it easy for site engineers as all holes are the same, but means that each sampling point will have a different sensitivity.This is because the air-flow through each sampling hole will be affected by the pressure gradient down the main pipe run(s). The holes closest to the detector will draw most air and therefore be more sensitive. The sensitivity of each sampling point is proportional to the amount of air-flow through it and there are two

_ Varying sampling hole sizes This requires additional care from site engineers, but also means that each sampling point will draw similar quantities of air and therefore have a similar sensitivity. Most aspirating smoke detectors have multiple alarm levels and consideration should be given to best utilizing them.

VESDA Air Sampling System:

The VESDA system uses a Xenon tube as the light source to bounce light, off fire byproducts in the detection chamber. The VESDA air sampling fire detection system detects the invisible byproducts of materials as they degrade during the pre-combustion stages of an incipient fire. And, by actively and continuously sampling air, the system operates independently of air movements.

Operation:
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Air samples are continuously drawn from the monitored environment, typically through a sampling pipe network with the aid of a high efficiency aspirator. On the way to the fire detector the air samples pass through a filter assembly to screen out large airborne dust particles. Once inside the air sampling detector the samples are exposed to a highintensity and broad-spectrum light source. The incident light scattered from smoke particles in the air sample passes through a series of optical components to a solid state light receiver. The light is converted to an electronic signal and passed to the control system. At the control module the signal is processed and presented on an analog bar graph to visually indicate the level of smoke present in the monitored area. Depending upon smoke levels and the preprogrammed alarm levels, the appropriate output signals are generated.

The first of the three staged alarm levels (ALERT) may simply indicate that the system has detected something out of the ordinary that should be investigated. The second level (ACTION) indicates that a potential fire exists and that emergency procedures should begin. The third level (FIRE) signifies an actual fire condition.

AIR SAMPLING SYSTEMS USING LASER TECHNOLOGY:

1. Analaser air sampling system. 2.Stratos-Micra

AnaLASER Air Sampling System

Early detection means catching a fire in its incipient stages. That's enough time to Analyze the situation Alert personnel Shut down equipment Remove the source of the fire Control the activation of the fire 30

suppression system

ANALASER is used where Early Warning is Critical to Protect High-value Assets such as:

Telecommunications Computer Rooms . Today's sophisticated telecommunications, computer, and business

systems are so vital that even a minor interruption in their operation, or loss of data, could create serious or even crippling financial losses or life safety dangers. The electronic hardware found in such installations is highly vulnerable to fire and can be seriously affected by increases in temperature or contamination from smoke or corrosive gases. in these and other areas such as museums, electronic manufacturing facilities, or anechoic chambers where high-value property is present, AnaLASER Advanced Technology Smoke Detection provides the early warning signs that can spell the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major catastrophe. When Conventional Detectors Won't Work Properly in

Clean Rooms Atriums High-Bay Warehouses Nuclear Facilities In order for a smoke detector to work properly, smoke in a concentration

sufficient to trigger an alarm must get to the detector. In many cases, this may take so long and involve a fire of such magnitude that conventional detectors are virtually useless. High-bay warehouses, where detectors are physically far removed from sources of combustion, clean room with laminar airflow and rapid air changes that dilute smoke, atriums, and other areas where conventional detectors may be rendered inoperable by damage or vandalism, require the high-sensitivity and active air sampling of AnaLASER Advanced Technology Smoke Detection.

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Features of Analaser:
Active System:- Continually Draws Air Unlike conventional smoke detectors that passively wait for smoke to reach them, the AnaLASER System continuously draws air from the protected area through a piping network to the detection chamber. The pipe diameter and hole size in the piping are optimized using the proprietary Factory Mutual-approved "SNIFF" computer program to achieve equal sensitivity at all sampling points and minimum air transport time. Designed to Eliminate False Alarms: With conventional, flashing Xenon tube, high-sensitivity devices, large particles such as dust give "false" alarm signals if a filter is not used. The AnaLASER Detector incorporates a particle size discriminator which eliminates such false indications and allows the device to react only to those particles which fall into the predetermined size ranges of smoke. In addition to this ability to discriminate between particle sizes, the AnaLASER built-in data logger gathers information on minimum and maximum ambient particle concentrations for accurate setting of the system's three independently programmable alarm levels. Up to 1000X More Sensitive Than Conventional Smoke Detectors: AnaLASER Advanced Technology Smoke Detection will detect highly diluted smoke and other overheat by-products at concentrations as low as 0.003% obscuration per foot (0.01% obscuration per meter) compared to 3.0% obscuration per foot for conventional smoke detectors. The combination of the ability to detect the smallest smoke particles and the active airflow sampling network provides the earliest possible recognition of an incipient fire.

Earliest Detection of Overheat Conditions:

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Studies have shown that as electrical or electronic wire begins to overheat, it releases specific materials as the temperature increases. AnaLASER has been proven to detect the "plasticizers commonly released from PVC wire in the very early phases of heat buildup even before hydrogen Chloride (HCl) or pyrolysed byproducts. It is precisely this ability to detect plasticizers that gives AnaLASER the capability to provide earliest possible detection of an overheat situation. Avoid Unnecessary Release of Suppression Agent The ability to set three independently programmable alarm levels , ALARM,ALERT,FIRE allows time for preventative actions . The level three alarm would indicate an actual fire may exist and initiate any number of actions from notification of authorities to release of suppression agents. It is this series of alarm levels that allows preventative action and avoid unnecessary release of agents. Laser Detection

Laser Particle Counter No Filter No Expensive Refurbishing Discriminates No Degradation

The Analaser uses a laser beam and a particle discriminator to detect fire and reject false alarms. Operation: The AnaLASER Detector consists of three main components; an air plenum chamber with a centrifugal fan, a detection chamber with a focused 100 micron diameter laser beam, and a single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) sensor. A powerful high-efficiency centrifugal fan draws air continuously from the protected area into the piping network and through the detection chamber without filtration or flow restriction.A laser beam bounces light off small particles released by the combusting materials in the protected area As a result, filter maintenance and loss of sensitivity due to filter plugging are eliminated. 33

The SPAD photon sensor detects individual particles of smoke as they pass through the laser beam. Smoke concentration is determined by counting the number of discrete particles detected, in a given time period. The system converts this digital particle count to an analog signal directly proportional to the smoke concentration and transmits this signal to the Display Control Panel. The detector incorporates a particle size discriminator that provides outputs only from particles in the size range of smoke while virtually eliminating outputs from dust or other airborne contaminants. The laser used in the AnaLASER System is designed to provide a minimum 10-year life and produce a long-term, stable output. Changes in laser intensity resulting from temperature fluctuations, component aging, or contaminant buildup are compensated for electronically. Supervisory circuits monitor the operation of all critical components. The system also monitors airflow. in the event of a component malfunction or variation in airflow, a FAULT signal is automatically transmitted to the Display Control Panel. This technology creates a high sensitivity smoke detection system up to 1000 times more sensitive than conventional ionization or photoelectric type smoke detectors.

STRATOS MICRA 25 AND 100

Stratos-Micras are air sampling smoke detectors. Stratos-Micra uses the detector chamber from the Stratos-HSSD 2 to provide the same sensitivity levels. Stratos-Micra 25 is the smallest high sensitivity aspirating smoke detector available. Stratos-Micra embodies innovative features which depart from accepted techniques for detectors which operate at very high sensitivity. Perhaps the most important feature of the system is the adoption of a patented Perceptive 'Artificial Intelligence' known as ClassiFire-3D. This controls all aspects of the system operation. ClassiFire-3D ensures that Stratos-Micra operates at maximum SAFE sensitivity to give warning of problems earlier than 34 previously considered possible.

The picture below shows a Stratos-HSSD 2 with a Stratos-Micra 25 and a Stratos-Micra 100 for size comparison

ClassiFire-3D is the most comprehensive intelligence found in a smoke detection system to date. Not only does it determine the maximum reliable sensitivity for the environment, but it also controls the dust separator monitoring for maximum efficiency. The detection principle used in Stratos-Micra is known as ' forward light scattering' where the laser beam is diffracted by a small angle by smoke particles. This principle not only offers high sensitivity, but sensitivity to a wide range of Particle sizes. A patented feature of the system is that compensation is made for any contamination in electronic circuitry or hardware, ensuring a long and trouble free life.

The Stratos range of detectors are the only high sensitivity systems which are routinely applied to the protection of very dirty and dusty environments. This is achieved by using Laser Dust Discrimination (LDD) with a patented dust management and separator system. These features have greatly extended separator life service intervals. At the other extreme, Stratos-Micra 25 is capable of providing the very highest levels of sensitivity in environments such as computer and clean rooms. In

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these applications it is able to sense the very smallest amounts of smoke. Use of the latest semiconductor laser, electronic components and manufacturing techniques enable the Stratos-Micra 25 system to be supplied and installed with a significantly lower whole-life cost then alternative high sensitivity systems. Design Limitations: Stratos-Micra 25 is intended to provide LOCALISED incipient fire detection only. This means that it is suitable for the substantial range of applications typified by; small noncompartmentalised rooms, warehouse racking, or pieces of electronic or electromechanical equipment where it is desirable to achieve individual incipient fire reporting. In compartmentalised rooms, each compartment would normally use individual Stratos-Micra 25 detectors. This product employs a very low-power aspirator and the aspirating capability of the Stratos-Micra 25 detector is limited accordingly. Stratos-Micra 25 is NOT intended to protect large areas, or to sample from areas where there may be any difference in airflow rates or pressure differentials. Application of Stratos-Micra 25 in these circumstances is not recommended. If detection in environments conforming to these descriptions is required, alternative versions of Stratos products should be used. It is recommended that a maximum sampling pipe length of 25 metres to be used on the Stratos-Micra 25. Maximum single length of sampling pipe to be used on the Stratos-Micra 100 detector is 100 metres in STILL AIR with 10 sampling holes (or Capillary Remote Sampling Points). This will provide a transport time from the end of the sampling pipe within 120 seconds. If the protected area has airflow present the maximum permitted sampling pipe length will be reduced. In areas or applications where the airflow rate exceeds 1 metre per second, maximum sampling pipe length is reduced to 10 metres. Stratos-Micra 100 has two pipe inlets and supports a maximum of 100 metres of sampling pipe. Stratos-Micra is available with an optional Piped Exhaust type Docking Station. This is primarily intended to allow the Stratos-Micra detector to sample from areas which may be at different air pressure to the detector location..

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Stratos-Micra provides four alarm level outputs and a fault output to the fire alarm panel. Relays for Fire 1 and Fault are fitted as standard. When an addressable panel is used the Addressable Protocol Interface Card (APIC) is used to communicate using the addressable protocol. Using the APIC means that the alarm and fault relays can be used for other purposes. Specifications of Stratos-Micra 25:

Supply voltage: 21.6 - 26.4 Volts DC. Current consumption: 250mA at 24 Volts DC. Size: 135W x 175H x 80D. Weight: 1.01 kg. Operating temperature -10 to +60 deg. range: Operating range: Sensitivity range(Obsc/m): Particle sensitivity range: Sampling pipe length: Cabinet rating: Centigrade. humidity 0-90% R.H. condensing. Min = 25% Max = 0.03%. 0.003 to 10 microns. 50 metres max. 25 metres recommended IP50. non

PINNACLE THE ULTRA HIGH SENSITIVE LASER SMOKE DETECTOR

Pinnacle, from System Sensor is an intelligent, addressable spot type smoke detector, which is a laser-based and microprocessor controlled detector, achieving the highest sensitivity and stability possible .

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Laser Systems employing Pinnacle can be extremely flexible and cost effective. Only critical areas that actually require ultra high sensitivity smoke detection will use Pinnacle. Non-critical areas can simply use standard photoelectric or ionization smoke detectors. But, regardless of type, all of the detectors install in the same mounting bases. No special equipment is needed in order to install Pinnacle. Pinnacle supercedes the performance of aspirated smoke detection systems: In many ways, Pinnacle supercedes the performance of aspirated smoke detection systems, traditionally the only way to achieve high sensitivity smoke detection. Aspirated systems operate by drawing air and smoke through a network of pipe or tubing that is routed throughout the protected space. Because of the nature of detecting smoke in this way, aspirated systems are subject to the effects of dilution. During an actual fire, smoke is drawn into the pipe through one of its sampling ports. Unfortunately, the other sampling ports continue to draw clean air into the pipe from areas that the smoke has not reached. This means that the smoke sensor in an aspirated system must be set more sensitive to offset the effects of dilution. Because Pinnacle is a spot-type smoke detector, it is not susceptible to dilution. It is able to provide the exact location of the fire by identifying the address of the detector sensing the smoke. This can greatly reduce response time in a real fire situation since smoke at such low levels is not visible to the human eye. In addition, each detector in a Pinnacle smoke detection system is fully supervised.

The main parts in a Pinnacle are: Laser Diode Optical Amplifier Photo Receiver Laser Beam

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The working of Pinnacle: The principles of laser detection are similar to those of photoelectric technology. In a photoelectric smoke detector, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) emits light into a sensing chamber that is designed to completely restrict ambient light while allowing smoke to enter. Any particles of smoke entering the chamber will scatter the light and trigger the photodiode sensor. Pinnacle works on the same light-scattering principle, but with 100 times greater sensitivity. This ultra-sensitivity is due to the laser itself, which is literally amplified light (the word laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation). Using an extremely bright, controlled laser diode, the laser beam is transmitted through the chamber to a light trap that eliminates any reflection.If a particle of smoke (or dust) enters the chamber, light from the laser is scattered and the detector, using patented algorithms, verifies the nature of the scattered light to determine whether the source is dust or smoke. If a determination of smoke is made, the alarm is signaled. Smoke particles, especially those by-products of an early fire, are extremely small, hence the need for the high sensitivity of the laser. Pinnacle Specifications Voltage Range : 15 32 volts DC peak

Standby Current (max. avg.) : 230 A @ 24 VDC (without communication) 330 A @ 24 VDC (one communication every 5 sec) LED Current (max.) : 6.5 mA @ 24 VDC (on)

Operating Temperature Range : 32 to 100F (0 to 38C)

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Velocity Range Relative Humidity Smoke Sensitivity (9 levels)

: 0 4000 fpm (0 to 20.3 m/s) : 10% 93% noncondensing :0.02, 0.03, 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.50, 1.00, 1.50, 2.00%/ feet obscuration. (0.06, 0.10, 0.16, 0.33, 0.66, 1.65, 3.24, 4.85, 6.41 %/m obscuration.

MULTICRITERIA SMOKE DETECTOR ESM12251TEM

ESM1225TEM is a true multicriteria detector with microprocessor at its heart . There is a combination of optical smoke sensing chamber and thermal sensing element in the detector . Detector issues an addressable fire alarm , prewarning , fault warning and maintainence warning. Special algorithms Drift compensation and smoothing element nuisance alarms provide a consistent progressive alarm sensitivity threshold .The first feature compensates automatically for the build up of contaminants in the sensing chamber keeping the sensitivity constant up to a defined maximum level. Smoothing takes into account short term environmental noise effects. When detector needs cleaning , it will give an addressable service alarm. Two LEDs provide information of alarms and are visible to all directions.Detector has 2 rotary switches for addressing of the detector.Detector is easy to install, it is placed into its base and turned into position.

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Technical specifications: Dimensions Operating temperature Humidity Operating voltage Standby current 102x43mm -30C-+60C 10-93+/-2% 15-32V DC 250-300microAmp

Infra-Red BeamMaster-H Smoke Detector

The Chubb BeamMaster-H Smoke Beam Detector consists of a wall mounted emitter and receiver pair incorporating a near infra-red beam to detect smoke using the light obscuration method. The Chubb BeamMaster-H Smoke Detector is designed for detection of smoke in large spaces such as halls, warehouses, museums, theatres etc., where point detection is impractical or more costly. The unit detects smoke linearly over the protected range enabling early detection before the fire spreads. Operation : The emitter projects a near Infra-red beam which is detected by the receiver . The beam is pulsed to reduce the overall current consumption and improve the noise rejection characteristics. Powered directly from the Zonemaster conventional zone without the need for an external supply , when the zone is reset , the detector is automatically reset. The emitter and receiver are synchronised via a direct 2 wire link which also supplies power to the emitter. All other field wiring is connected to the interface on the receiver. If smoke obscures the beam the receiver detects this and indicates a fire. Any gradual reduction in received light through environmental contamination is automatically compensated for within the detector. In normal operation two status LEDs indicate a fire or fault condition, these are viewed through a unique lens that allows good visibility from any viewing angle

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particularly from beneath the unit. An output is also provided from the receiver for a remote fire indication. The unit indicates a fault on the zone under the following conditions: Compensation limit exceeded Total Obscuration of Beam (Under this condition a fire signal will also be generated following a pre-defined time delay.) Receiver cover left open Receiver unit removed from zone

Line smoke detector Fireray 1401 based on infrared beam:

Line smoke detectors are used mainly in premises with high ceilings such as shopping centres, atriums in hotels, churches, hangars, etc., and in rooms in which detectors cannot or may not be mounted on the ceiling , for example in historical buildings and museums. The line smoke detector consists of a transmitter that transmits a modulated infra-red light beam to a receiver , along with a control unit for power supply and signal conversion. The received light beam is analysed , and if smoke is present for more than five seconds, the fire alarm is activated. Transmitter and receiver should be positioned so that the beam of light runs parallel with the ceiling at a distance of 0.3 to 0.6 metres. The maximum range is 100m and coverage is 7m on either side of the beam. . Fireay 1401 consists of one transmitter and one receiver in aluminium enclosures of the dimensions, 128x90x85mm and a 250x200x148mm control unit.

Video Smoke Detection:

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Due to the size and environmental conditions in some locations , detecting small amounts of smoke using standard methods of detection may prove inadequate.A video based fire and smoke detection system will detect fire in the very early stages in such environments thereby providing the ideal detection solution. Features And Benefits: Upto 8 cameras per system and it can utilise existing CCTV surveillance cameras. 10 independent alarm zones per camera . Automatic checking for video signal loss,obscuration, low level light and low contrast level 5000 event log . Relays for interfacing with other equipment. Flexible configuration between camera zones and alarm outputs. In cavernous environments such as a turbine hall or exhibition halls , detecting smoke quickly using standard methods of detection can be inadequate.Point type or beam type detectors may prove to be too slow. Similarly in such environments a fire may be well under way before being detected by a heat detector. In such conditions video based smoke detection offers an ideal detection solution. The Chubb video smoke detection system consists of a standard closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras linked to a self contained processing system which is capable of recognizing small amounts of smoke , within the video image. The system uses highly complex algorithms to process video information for up to eight cameras simultaneously. Following detection the system operator is alerted both at the processor and by a variety of remote outputs. The system can be divided into ten independent alarm zones per camera, giving 80 detection zones per system. The system also has sixteen opto - isolated alarm outputs that may be individually assigned to any combination of zones and sectors. These system outputs can be easily interfaced on to our Controlmaster range of analogue addressable control panels.

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Video smoke detection can be installed in a variety of applications, such electrical power generating stations , toxic waste plants , cement works , paper mills , aircraft hangers , road and rail tunnels and historic buildings.

Alarm output devices:

Upon receiving an alarm notification, the fire alarm control panel must now tell someone that an emergency is underway. This is the primary function of the alarm output aspect of a system. Occupant signaling components include various audible and visual alerting components, and are the primary alarm output devices. Bells are the most common and familiar alarm sounding device, and are appropriate for most building applications. Horns are another option, and are especially well suited to areas where a loud signal is needed such as library stacks, and architecturally sensitive buildings where devices need partial concealment. Chimes may be used where a soft alarm tone is preferred, such as health care facilities and theaters. Speakers are the fourth alarm sounding option, which sound a reproducible signal such as a recorded voice message. They are often ideally suited for large, multistory or other similar buildings where phased evacuation is preferred. Speakers also offer the added flexibility of emergency public address announcements. With respect to visual alert, there are a number of strobe and flashing light devices. Visual alerting is required in spaces where ambient noise levels are high enough to preclude hearing sounding equipment, and where hearing impaired occupants may be found.. Another key function of the output function is emergency response notification. The most common arrangement is an automatic telephone or radio signal that is communicated to a constantly staffed monitoring center. Upon receiving the alert, the center will then contact the appropriate fire department, providing information about the location of alarm. In some instances, the monitoring station may be the police or fire departments, or a 911 center. In other instances it will be a private monitoring company

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that is under contract to the organization. In many cultural properties, the building's inhouse security service may serve as the monitoring center. Other output functions include shutting down electrical equipment such as computers, shutting off air handling fans to prevent smoke migration, and shutting down operations such as chemical movement through piping in the alarmed area. They may also activate fans to extract smoke, which is a common function in large atria spaces. These systems can also activate discharge of gaseous fire or preaction sprinkler systems.

Smoke Alarm Response:

Smoke alarm response was measured by direct recording of the voltage signal from both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms arranged for analog output, instead of the more common alarm threshold. By recording analog output, the performance of smoke alarms at any desired threshold setting as well as the potential use of algorithms that reduce nuisance alarms can be evaluated. The analog signal was calibrated against unmodified alarms purchased in local, retail outlets, in the laboratory to verify that the modifications did not affect the alarm performance. Alarms were located in typical, code-required locations, as well as in the room of origin, in order to determine the effectiveness of alternative siting rules. In the room of fire origin, three unmodified alarms were used to avoid destruction of the limited supply of analog-modified alarms

Interconnecting Smoke Detectors:

Battery-powered smoke detectors are stand-alone units. Home smoke detectors should be interconnected. This means that an alarm in one smoke detector will cause all others in the home to go into alarm. Typically the

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detectors are connected by a pair of wires to transfer an alarm signal from one detector to all the others in the chain

This sort of wiring guarantees that if one alarm in the house goes off, they all go off. Even if the fire starts and is detected in the basement, people asleep upstairs will hear the alarm because of this safety feature -- every alarm in the house goes off. If we buy an AC-powered smoke detector today, it will have three wires -black, white and red. Black accepts 120 volts AC, white is neutral, and red is the intercommunication wire. All of the alarms operate off the same circuit from the fuse box and are normally connected using normal wire for three-way switches this wiring contains black, white and red wires in a Romex casing.The red wire is run from alarm to alarm to interconnect them. When any alarm detects a fire, it sends a 9-volt signal on the red wire. Any alarm that detects a 9-volt signal on the red wire will begin sounding its alarm immediately. Most alarms can handle about a dozen units intercommunicating on the same red wire. It's a very simple and a very effective system.

Working of three way switches:

This is explained by looking at how a normal light is wired for residential wiring of a light switch. The figure below shows the simplest possible configuration

In this diagram, the black wire is "hot." That is, it carries the 120-volt AC current. The white wire is neutral. In the figure the current runs through the switch. The switch simply opens (off) or closes (on) the connection between the two terminals on the switch. When the switch is on, current flows along the black wire through the switch to the light, and then returns to ground through the white wire to complete the circuit.

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To run power from the fuse box to the switches and outlets in the house ,a romex wire is normally used. A piece of Romex is shown here:

Romex consists of an outer plastic sheath (white in this picture) with three wires inside. The black and white wires are insulated, while a bare, third wire acts as the grounding wire for the circuit. Most normal household applications use 12- or 14gauge Romex.

Installation of smoke detectors:

Any smoke detector that should be installed should have a test button. When the button is depressed, the audible alarm sounds the warning signal. If there is a hearing impaired person in the house, consider the installation of a hearing impaired smoke detector. These are special units that feature a powerful strobe light to alert the hearing impaired in the event of a fire. Smoke detectors should be wired directly to the 120VAC electrical circuits. Units that depend on batteries as their sole source of power should be avoided.

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References: 1. Mechanical and Industrial Measurements By R.K.Jain.

2. www.msnsearch.com\ smoke detection systems. 3. www.google.com\ laser beam smoke detectors

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