Air Aspirating Smoke Detection Devices

What is ASD (Aspirating Smoke Detection)? In our latest mini video we break down the process of ASD and the benefits of this early detection technology.

Esscoe chooses ModuLaser Detection from Edwards Safety as their trusted Air Aspirating Smoke Detection device. Some details of this device are:

• UL 268 7th Edition Listed – reduction of nuisance alarms
• Four alarm levels (Alert, Action, Fire 1 and Fire 2)
• Sensitivity range: 0.00914 to 7.62% obscuration /ft
• Adjustable fan speed (1 to 16)
• 2 programmable inputs
• 3 programmable outputs
• General fault relays are fail-safe
• Event log – 20,000 events per module

A sample of air is constantly drawn from a protected area through a network of sampling pipes or ports, which is then passed through a high sensitivity laser detection chamber. This detection provides increased alerts over regular spot-type smoke detection. Only a small portion of the air drawn in passes through the filter into a chamber, roughly 10%. The remainder of air goes through a patented duct system known as a Wastegate. Once exhausted out of the detector, the air path is 100% sealed.

Smoke entering the chamber is illuminated by a laser. Light will shine onto the reflective plane and re-focus onto the light receiver. The amount of light scattered increases with a greater quantity of smoke particulate present. The detector measures the concentration of smoke and issues one of four sensitivity levels.

ASD devices are not just for data centers! These devices can be beneficial in elevator hoistways, dirty environments, and more. For example, in elevator hoistways, ASD can be used to properly detect smoke in elevator shafts while still allowing testing of the elevator recall sequence without placing workers in dangerous hoistways. The ASD detector is located outside of the hoistway where it can be tested, serviced or replaced without entering the hoistway. For dirty environments, sometimes spot-type detectors can be better protected by ASD because it uses active filtration and air transport to capture the particles of combustion. This can indicate fire conditions as well as filter out contaminants and decrease instances of nuisance alarms. Contaminants are filtered out using particle filters, and nuisance alarms are avoided using sophisticated algorithms and optical light scattering of particles.

Some common applications include data centers, power plants, paper mills, and other explosive dust environments where stratification is likely and early warning is needed.

Contact an Esscoe representative today to learn more.