Abstract
The 2017 Phillip J. DiNenno Prize was awarded to the innovators of the VESDA smoke detection system. The initial technology was invented and patented by David Packham and Len Gibson, who worked with John Petersen on prototype development, field trials, and applications engineering. Dr. Martin Cole was responsible for the successful commercial development and many further patented technical developments. The VESDA technology and its pre-eminent role in the introduction of aspirated smoke detection (ASD) internationally has led to a major global impact on public safety.The recipients of the 2017 Philip J. DiNenno Prize are David Packham, John Petersen, and Dr. Martin Cole. Ample commendation is given to their deceased co-inventor and passionate advocate Len Gibson. Other important contributions are noted, including technical and other staff from IEI, CSIRO, SSL and Telecom Australia.
Highlights
The development of the first Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus (VESDA) prototypes made by Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) and later in the Post-Master Generals’ Department (PMG) Workshops in Melbourne was led scientifically by Packham, who understood the mechanisms of smoke particle physics, scattering coefficients, the importance of multi-wavelength white light on particle detection, and the operation of photo-multiplier sensors (Gibson and Packham 1971)
Other contributions by Packham was the design of measures for VESDA calibration with gases of known scattering coefficients, the design of extended field trials for improved statistical understanding of setting alarm levels based on background monitoring, (Hamilton et al, 1976), and helping with design of experiments on the use of small bore piping for installations where HVAC systems might be turned off
Telstra staff The PMG, when it de-merged into Telecom Australia and Australia Post, had a number of key fire safety officers who continued the work of Gibson and Petersen in promoting VESDA and trialing it in existing telephone exchanges or installing Integrated Electronic Industries (IEI) systems in new facilities
Summary
After nearly a decade of huge frustrations for the innovators, and Government false starts down the path of commercialization though ineptitude and lack of commercial interest at CSIRO and PMG ( Telecom Australia), only the passion, persistence and belief in the potential of this VESDA technology of Packham, Gibson and Petersen led to them teaming up with a relatively small Melbourne electronics company, IEI Pty Ltd. and their Managing Director Martin Cole in 1978. Development of the first laboratory test and approval standards in Australia, well as modification of Australian Standards and later internationally recognized standards such as NFPA for fire protection of IT equipment and NFPA for fire protection of telecommunications facilities to allow for ASD systems, greatly helped the demand for and acceptance of this very high sensitivity VESDA smoke detection.
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