Aspiration Smoke Detection
Positioned to be More Flexible
By Andy Kuester F
or environments where even trace amounts of smoke or water from sprinklers would be detrimental, engi- neers are incorporating highly sensitive aspiration
detectors into facilities’ overall fire and life safety systems. Fire and life safety systems have come a long way, con-
sisting of an adept mix of detectors and detection mecha- nisms integrated to safeguard life and property. Because data, computers, inventory and telecommunications sys- tems drive almost every aspect of our economy, sometimes even higher levels of protection are necessary. Aspiration smoke detectors protect the most critical assets and busi- ness operations where 24/7 continuity needs to be ensured. Aspiration detection, which identifies a fire threat at the
earliest possible stage, often prevents an actual fire and the associated damage for critical areas such as clean rooms, laboratories, telephone switching centers, computer rooms and museums or other facilities with irreplaceable assets. These very early warning fire detection systems can detect potential fires up to an hour before ignition.
Aspiration technology The primary role of an aspiration system is to give ade-
quate warning of smoldering fires, so that a fire can be extinguished before serious damage or lengthy interrup- tion of service occurs. Because it provides very early detection, a potential fire emergency can become a simple maintenance task, thus helping to avoid asset loss and business disruption, as well as water damage from acti- vated sprinklers. Aspirating smoke detectors are highly sensitive and can
detect smoke before it is even visible to the human eye. Consider the semiconductor industry, where clean rooms and photo bays have no tolerance for particle generation. “Because a fire generates large quantities of particles, such an incident would be significant to the operation and
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would potentially damage sensitive equipment and prod- uct,” says Beth Tshudy, EHS manager, Analog Devices Inc., Wilmington, Mass. “The key is that you want to find it in its early stages. An aspirating system has been known to detect a fried circuit board before anyone could even smell it.” Aspiration detection systems have traditionally been
intended for critical applications that count on catching potential fires as early as possible. Environments such as telecommunications and financial centers remain the main- stream markets for aspiration, where highly sensitive fire detection is necessary to ensure continuity. However, aspi- ration has proven beneficial for reasons other than just busi- ness continuity or asset protection.
Aspiration’s flexibility Difficult-to-reach areas and hazardous conditions present
challenges for fire protection engineers and installers. Aspiration detection systems can be designed into the fire protection mix to help solve these design challenges. Options for designing aspiration detection systems, along with, or in place of, other fire systems and detectors, can eliminate hazardous situations for maintenance personnel. Aspiration systems can provide a safer working environ- ment, eliminating the need to enter high-voltage or high- ceiling environments to test and maintain detectors. Dan Ubelhor, corporate engineering manager for
Koorsen Fire & Security in Indianapolis, designs aspiration detection into fire safety systems and appreciates the flexi- bility of aspiration, especially for testing. “Codes require testing of the detectors, but it is difficult, if not impossible, to test them if they are located in high-area environments,” he says. “Sampling pipes can be installed in any area and extended out to reachable levels where the piping can easi-
Continued on page 30 February 2011
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