Installations in environments over 20m in height are part of the special challenges to which linear beam detection is needed to ensure maximum safety in any environment. This technology helps to solve problems in high structures such as shipyards, airports, logistics warehousing, high bay production halls etc. with prompt and complete coverage in big areas.
Linear beam detection provides protection from possible fire in production departments with high ceilings and is particularly appropriate where there are possible environmental disturbances such as suspended dust and heat and the possibility of fires at height too.
For example, in a shipyard, linear smoke detectors monitor the presence of smoke in production departments that have heights of up to 19m. Before installation, at the request of the Department of Construction, a fire test was carried out that impressively confirmed the functionality and promptness of intervention of this special system ensuring safe detection even in very difficult conditions.
At the top of the ceiling there are mainly disturbances due to direct sunlight and the heat that stagnates at such heights; also, a further problem is given by the fibreglass dust and smoke from welding that remains in continuous suspension, which can certainly disturb the detection and create problems in maintenance times reducing the useful life of the equipment.
The specific solution also considered the overhead crane
Another factor to consider in some departments is disturbance to the optical beam due to the movement of overhead cranes. In these departments, depending on the possibilities of the installation position, the necessary measures have been taken to avoid interference in the detection.
Through the controller mounted at ground level, used for programming, we can test the detector to manage the delay times for the blinding of the beams due to the passage of the crane, thus eliminating continuous signs of failure in the control panel when the crane is in use. After the passage of the crane, the detector returns immediately to normal function without any need of reset by the panel.
Where the overhead crane stops for a long time on the detection line, it has been ensured that there is an automatic disabling and enabling of the equipment at the end of the operation, with consequent central signalling of exclusion of the area.
The ‘Trial of Fire’ was successful
Before the fire detection system came into operation, a full-scale test was carried out in two production halls, at the request of the Construction Department and with the presence of the Fire Brigade.
This test ensures that the detectors respond reliably, both in a basic department and in the department 19m in height, with only one level of beam detectors installed. As the recordings made in a total of eight fire tests show, the results obtained were excellent: The goal was to demonstrate how the beam detection system is as reliable as possible in these environments that can quickly detect in the event of a fire, while avoiding any false alarms; the goal has been significantly achieved.
Conclusions
The client and designer were satisfied and the latter reiterates that also in this case: ‘I am satisfied with the reliability of the detection in this plant: The operation of the fire detection system with linear beam detectors corresponds to our good experiences made in several installations with this special fire detection system.’
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About the Author
Paolo Borloni joined Setronic in 2003 after 20 years’ experience in fire and security. He is responsible for research and development and the certification of detectors, and assists the project engineer in the choice and correct installation of the beam detectors. He is also a member of Standard Italian organization and CEN TC72.
