Reduction of response time of fire detection and containment systems in compartments

Abstract

Bench tests were performed on promising sensors used in fire safety systems in compartments. Activation delay times of fire sensors and systems were analyzed during the thermal decomposition and suppression of burning construction and interior design materials typical of compartments: wood, particle board, fiberboard, linoleum, cardboard, different types of wallpaper, paper and plastic. The thermal decomposition and ignition characteristics were identified using commercially available fire detectors of different types and designs (thermal, smoke and flame detectors), contact and non-contact temperature measurement instruments, a gas detection system and video recording equipment. Devices with the highest efficiency in terms of response time and detection reliability were determined that are necessary and sufficient to identify the thermal decomposition of construction and interior design materials at an early stage of fire. When generalizing the experimental data, mathematical equations were derived to predict the integral characteristics of the processes under study. Promising methods of reducing the response time of fire sensors and systems in general were determined. Guidelines were proposed on upgrading the existing systems of fire prevention in buildings and developing new automatic ones to significantly accelerate the detection of fires in buildings and optimize their containment and suppression.