There are a number of industrial applications that have fire risks in areas where there is constant vibration. This vibration can be caused by equipment and machinery within the area and can affect the reliability of an aspirating smoke detection (ASD) system. While there is a variety of processes that can cause vibration, it is typically associated with: machinery or mobile plant; processing equipment; and conveyors.
These are just a few examples of instances where constant vibration may be present. Direct or referred vibration can cause damage to aspirating smoke detectors affecting their performance and limiting the system’s life. Therefore, when designing an aspirating smoke detection system for any industrial application, it is important to factor in sources of vibration and take measures to avoid any negative effects.
Conveyor Environments
Conveyors running through galleries or tunnels are known to cause considerable vibration. This situation is particularly common in mining, power generation, steel manufacturing and food processing industries.
Mobile Plant
ASD is most commonly installed in fixed applications. However, ASD can also be used to protect large mining equipment and other mobile plants from fire. In particular, ASD has been successfully installed on:
- Drag Lines
- Shovels
- Hauler Trucks
- Agricultural Equipment
Some mobile plants have higher vibration levels than others depending on the type and size of the machinery and the activity that is being undertaken. This means that each situation should be assessed and vibration levels considered in the fire system design.
Detector Mounting
ASD is used to provide early smoke detection for areas that have a significant risk of fire. Therefore, the location and positioning of the detector is important to minimise the effects of vibration.
Whether the detector is installed in a building or on mobile plant, they should be mounted on a solid and rigid foundation, ideally using backing struts or board. Both the backing struts, or board, and the detector must also have suitable rubber vibration mounts that will absorb and minimise vibration to the detector.
Pipe Networks
Consideration should also be given to the fixing of aspirating pipe in vibration areas. Sampling pipes should be well glued and mounted at closer intervals than they would typically be installed in standard applications. It is also recommended that expansion joints are used and that pipe saddle fixing should be well secured while allowing for expansion and contraction.
Choosing the Best Detector
It is essential that the detector chosen for high vibration areas is fit for purpose and has undergone meticulous testing to ensure they can withstand the rigours of the application.
VESDA VLI industrial aspirating smoke detectors have undergone specific testing and conditions to an “IK” rating. An IK rating demonstrates a degree of impact protection and is covered in standards such as EN 54-20, and UL based on IEC 62262.
The VLI is submitted according to EN 54-20 clause 6.11 (Impact Operational) to an impact energy of 0.5 J which is similar to the IEC 62262 requirements.
Eurofyre
Eurofyre is a complete system supplier and has been a major Xtralis technical wholesaler since 2007. This means we can offer expert advice and supply all aspects of fire detection including aspirating smoke detection systems, conventional and addressable fire alarm control panels and linear heat detection.
For more information about using aspirating smoke detection in high vibration areas, or to discuss any of the other products that Eurofyre has to offer, please feel free to get in touch either by phone on +44 (0) 1329 835 024, by email to [email protected] or via the online enquiry form situated on our contact page.
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