There are two main elements to consider when designing an aspirating smoke detection system. The first is the design of the system itself and the second is the operation and function of the ASD system, in the situation of a reporting or response system, that commonly forms part of the overall fire alarm system.
The performance of an aspirating smoke detection system relies primarily on the design of the pipework that is used to carry air from the the protected areas to the detector. When designing an ASD system the main objective is to ensure that an equal amount of air enters each sampling hole to ensure that the system is ‘balanced’. This is dependant on the amount of air entering each hole, relative to the total flow through (and the sensitivity of) the detector.
There are a number of factors that can affect the way the system operates, it is therefore crucial that the manufacturer of the ASD system provides a procedure to establish a system design that conforms to efficiency standards. This can be accomplished through the use of design rules, tables and/or software.
Typical features of individual ASD systems are not exact. Therefore, design tools from one manufacturer should not be used to predict and/or arrange the system efficiency of a system provided by a different manufacturer.
How do Eurofyre support their customers?
Eurofyre provide expert assistance with the design of an ASD pipe network. The software we have available is compatible with Xtralis ICAM and Xtralis VESDA-E detectors and has been in circulation for more than fifteen years. Xtralis’ pipe network design software enables us to easily generate designs that meet performance specifications and allow for smooth and simple installation.
The Process
Using this software we are able to accurately blueprint pipe network designs to meet environmental performance criteria. The design can be easily adjusted to cater for obstacles such as ceiling beams and, once the layout is confirmed, the system automatically calculates sampling hole sizes to match the performance specification based on the recommended performance criteria that has been entered into the software.
Once the design is completed a Data Pack is issued, supplying the installer with all the necessary information to install the aspirating smoke detection system, guaranteeing optimum pipe network performance.
Key Features
There are many advantages to using Xtralis’ aspirating pipe network design software:
- Optimum Design
Xtralis pipe network design software ensures optimum design of VESDA-E and ICAM aspirating smoke detection systems (please note that different versions of the software are required for each system). - Accurate Design
The software accurately creates pipework designs to meet environmental performance criteria. - Reduced Design Time
Design process time is greatly reduced by automating adjustment of hole sizes. - Simplified Installation
3D schematics, reports and materials lists are generated to ease installation and client submissions.
Eurofyre are specialist suppliers of aspirating smoke detection systems to cater for any application. The systems we provide include Xtralis VESDA-E, Xtralis ICAM and Eurofyre’s own EF range. We pride ourselves on being a complete system supplier, providing exceptional customer support throughout the whole process.