Active Air Sampling Detectors, Special Fire Detection Systems:
Active air-sampling detectors are commonly used in high-volume warehouses, atriums (preferably), telecommunications rooms, information technology rooms, electrical panel rooms, cable tunnels, transformer rooms, dusty and/or humid areas, historical buildings, museums, and similar spaces. These detectors have the highest sensitivity to detect even the smallest amount of smoke, and their false alarm risk is very low. However, they are quite expensive and are only installed in special and mandatory use areas. This type of detector is also known as an active air-sampling smoke detector or active air-suction smoke detector.
Active air-sampling detectors are special fire detection devices with high detection sensitivity. The working principle is based on the installation of perforated pipes that are connected to the detector and are placed in the area where fire detection is required. The pipes constantly draw air from the room through the perforations, which is then analyzed by the detector to detect any signs of fire.
There are active air-sampling detectors with 1, 2, or 4 pipes, depending on their brand, model, and features. For example, if we consider a 4-pipe active air-sampling detector, four perforated pipes are mounted on the ceiling of the room, with each pipe not exceeding a distance of 50 meters. The air drawn through these pipes is analyzed by sensitive detection units. The air coming from the active air-sampling detector is cleaned from dust by a filter located at the detector inlet. To draw air from the protected room, active air-sampling detectors use powerful fans. These systems have their own design criteria. For instance, in this system, it is necessary to make the pipes as short and as straight as possible to ensure faster detection.
Active air-sampling detectors have been used in areas where fire safety is of utmost importance for a long time. Such fire detection systems are especially crucial security solutions for industrial facilities. We can say that air-sampling smoke detectors are the fastest fire detection solution today. At the same time, in important historical buildings where detectors are not wanted to be seen with the naked eye from an aesthetic perspective, active air-sampling detector systems are preferred with special solutions. An example application in this regard is shown below.
Active air-sampling detectors analyze the air drawn in through a series of algorithms and highly sensitive detection elements. Thanks to their unique abilities, active air-sampling detectors can detect smoke in the drawn-in air before it is visible to the human eye. The false fire alarm rate in this system is at its lowest level. We can say that almost no false alarms are triggered. These systems are therefore highly reliable and can be safely used in areas with dirt, humidity, and high temperatures. In addition, the maintenance costs of air-sampling smoke detection systems are quite low.
Active air-sampling detector systems operate on their own, but typically integrate with fire alarm systems to receive external alarms. The system outputs are monitored through fire alarm modules and alarms are triggered via the central fire detection system. Many system applications are designed in this way.
The active air-sampling fire detection system is a system designed and engineered according to its own program. The necessary pipe length, hole distances, and hole diameters are determined based on the drawing in each system’s program, and the application is carried out accordingly.
We have detailed the importance of early detection in many of our articles on fire detection systems. This detection system has a very important place in fire safety with its fast fire detection capability. As seen in the table below, active air-sampling detection systems must be preferred in cases where very early or early detection is required. For normal detection requirements, point-type or beam-type smoke detection systems can be preferred. The faster and more accurately we can detect a fire, the more we can intervene and extinguish it before there is loss of life or property damage. Because a fire situation grows exponentially, not linearly. For example, many fires become impossible to extinguish without fire department intervention after the 5th minute.
Active air sampling detection is a special type of detector used in fire alarm systems. These detectors have sensors that detect the possible presence of a fire along with air flow and trigger an alarm.
Active air sampling detection is an important component of fire alarm systems and is usually used in enclosed spaces. The working principle of these detectors is the transportation of small particles in the air indicating the possibility of a fire along with air flow. The detectors detect these particles, detect the fire hazard and trigger the alarm system.
Compared to other fire detectors, active air sampling detectors have advantages such as earlier and more accurate fire detection, fewer false alarms, and easier maintenance. However, installation can be more difficult and their costs can be higher compared to other detectors.
Active air sampling fire detection is used especially in industrial facilities, high-ceilinged buildings, and areas with air flow. Proper selection and placement of these detectors can help in the early detection of fire hazards, leading to faster and more effective extinguishing of fires.
How is Active Air Sampling Detection used in Fire Detection Systems?”
Active air sampling detection is widely used in fire detection systems in large volume spaces. These detectors collect air from the environment through air channels, detect combustible gases and particles in the air, and transmit this information to the central control panel of the fire detection system.
Compared to passive detectors, active air sampling detectors detect fires faster and more effectively. This is because passive detectors can only detect fires in a specific area, whereas active air sampling detectors can detect fires in a wider area by taking samples from all over the air.
Active air sampling detectors play an important role in fire detection systems used in large structures such as industrial facilities, shopping centers, airports, and similar large buildings.
Active air sampling fire detection system holds a significant place in fire detection systems. These detectors perform fire detection by utilizing the air flow occurring in the environment during a fire.
The active air sampling fire detection system draws air from the environment with the help of a fan, and this air is analyzed in a special room. If there is a fire in the environment, the smoke emitted by the fire is detected in the room where the absorbed air is analyzed, together with the rising of the heated air. In this way, the fire alarm is triggered, and the relevant teams can intervene in the fire quickly.
Active air sampling detectors have many advantages. They are particularly recommended to be used in large spaces, high-ceilinged spaces, or spaces with ventilation systems. Additionally, these detectors can detect many different types of fires, including fires without smoke and high-temperature fires.
They are a crucial element for fire detection systems. Therefore, the installation and maintenance of active air sampling detectors should be performed by experts. Additionally, they need to be maintained and tested at regular intervals. In this way, you can ensure that they will work correctly in case of a fire.
