Duct Smoke Detectors: The Impact Research Proposal

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This significant difference in the findings was attributed to the fact that smoke particles tend to coagulate together into larger particulates as they age. According to Lougheed, "This suggests that the aging of smoke occurs more rapidly than might be expected; in ductwork it occurs predominantly within the first few metres" (p. 3).

The analysis of the HVAC air filters indicated that there were some specific considerations that should be taken into account when selecting air filter types and in their placement to avoid adversely affecting the efficacy of the duct-mounted smoke detectors. In this regard, Lougheed concludes that the placement of air filters in return air ducts is not a concern; however, the author emphasizes that, On the supply side, the duct smoke detector is placed after the fresh air inlet, the filter, the conditioning area, and the fan. In this case, the filters would have an impact on the detection of fires (other than a fire in the filter itself), as they can reduce the smoke to a level at which it is not a concern" (p. 4). Notwithstanding this latter constraint, Lougheed suggests that based on the overall study findings, duct-mounted smoke detectors will provide warnings in those cases where the smoke concentrations in the HVAC system reach those levels established for safe building evacuation.

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In addition, other experiments conducted by the researchers at UMD determined that sampling tubes were effective across the range of velocities that are generally found in HVAC systems.

Finally, the survey of the 65 commercial buildings in the Baltimore/Washington area determined that just two of the HVAC systems generated air velocities that exceeded the maximum air velocities established by the standard test.

Limited and Justifiable Conclusions

In sum, Lougheed reports that (a) the requirement to turn off the HVAC system during fire events is justified because it "will reduce smoke movement through the HVAC system"; (b) the effectiveness of duct-mounted air detectors is not affected by smoke dilution and smoke aging; (c) air filter types have an impact on the effectiveness of duct-mounted smoke detectors, particularly photoelectric detectors because they are not as sensitive to smaller diameter particulates contained in smoke; (d) safe building evacuation can be accomplished by using smoke detectors in either the return system or the supply system. Beyond the foregoing, Lougheed also notes that the study's findings provide useful information concerning where duct-mounted smoke detectors should be located and how well the duct-inserted sampling tubes….....

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"Duct Smoke Detectors The Impact" (2009, December 19) Retrieved June 9, 2025, from
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