WO2008111895A1 - Apparatus for generating gas and/or smoke - Google Patents

Apparatus for generating gas and/or smoke Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008111895A1
WO2008111895A1 PCT/SE2008/000193 SE2008000193W WO2008111895A1 WO 2008111895 A1 WO2008111895 A1 WO 2008111895A1 SE 2008000193 W SE2008000193 W SE 2008000193W WO 2008111895 A1 WO2008111895 A1 WO 2008111895A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
smoke
gas
container
per
detector
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/SE2008/000193
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Torbjörn Fredriksson
Original Assignee
Björnax AB
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Björnax AB filed Critical Björnax AB
Priority to GB0916196A priority Critical patent/GB2459818A/en
Publication of WO2008111895A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008111895A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B29/00—Checking or monitoring of signalling or alarm systems; Prevention or correction of operating errors, e.g. preventing unauthorised operation
    • G08B29/12—Checking intermittently signalling or alarm systems
    • G08B29/14—Checking intermittently signalling or alarm systems checking the detection circuits
    • G08B29/145—Checking intermittently signalling or alarm systems checking the detection circuits of fire detection circuits
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B17/00—Fire alarms; Alarms responsive to explosion
    • G08B17/10—Actuation by presence of smoke or gases, e.g. automatic alarm devices for analysing flowing fluid materials by the use of optical means

Definitions

  • the purposes of this invention are that it should make air flows visible and test the function of smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors. Air flows can be made visible by observing how smoke behaves on leaving the opening in the apparatus.
  • the smoke unit mentioned in this description has two functions. One is to generate visible smoke, which is used for observing air flows. The latter is necessary for the optimum siting of smoke and gas detectors.
  • the second function in addition to generating smoke for testing smoke detectors, is that the smoke unit generates carbon monoxide for also testing detectors used to detect this gas.
  • Smoke unit here designates a smoke and/or gas generating unit of a pyrotechnic nature. When it burns, it generates both smoke and carbon monoxide. The design of the smoke unit can give different amounts of either smoke or gas.
  • the simulated smoke generated by pressurised aerosols is more or less invisible when used in air. This makes it entirely unsuitable for siting checks.
  • a further disadvantage is that the simulated smoke generated by pressurised aerosols is short lived. This means that pressurised aerosols cannot be used to test the function of smoke detectors of the so-called sampling type.
  • These sampling systems comprise a main unit that houses the smoke sensor. Attached to the main unit are one or more tubular transport hoses that, via negative pressure, can lead fumes a long way to the main unit. Testing the function of a sampling system requires a smoke particle with a very long life and good light reflection.
  • the weight and the designs of the applications are further disadvantages of testing the function of smoke detectors by using simulated smoke from pressurised aerosols in purpose-oriented containers.
  • simulated smoke from pressurised aerosols in purpose-oriented containers For it to be possible to activate said aerosol containers above a smoke detector, an unnecessarily complicated design is required This drastically increases the weight, which is yet a further disadvantage when one of the purpose-oriented containers is mounted on a long extension shaft for testing high up in a roof.
  • Present systems for testing the function of carbon monoxide detectors comprise a pressurised container (containing carbon monoxide) and a sealed container. At testing, the carbon monoxide detector is dismounted and placed inside said sealed container. The gas is then introduced. As testing time is altogether too long, this is not considered to be a commercially viable design.
  • aerosol container and the pressurised liquids themselves are that these aerosols are mostly mixtures of an oil with one or more types of alcohols. From an environmental point of view, production of the packaging requires a lot of energy and most of the raw materials are finite resources. On top of this, being pressurised containers, aerosol packagings are surrounded by transport restrictions.
  • Figure 1 shows one design of an apparatus with a smoke/gas unit in a small lower container.
  • Figure 2 shows a side view of another design of an apparatus with a smoke/gas unit.
  • Figure 3 shows another view of a design as per figure 2.
  • Figure 4 shows smoke in a container as per figure 1.
  • Figure 5 shows a variant of the mounting of the smoke/gas unit with a fan (17) and lighting (18).
  • Figure 6 shows a different view of the variant in figure 5.
  • Container that concentrates the test smoke (gas) around the detector and protects the test from external influences such as air flows from, for example, ventilation systems.
  • the diameter can vary depending on the test object.
  • Locking device e.g. locking screw
  • Lower air hole supplying oxygen to the smoke/gas unit in order to set up circulation of the gas/smoke through container 2 and out through upper evacuation hole 5.
  • the number and diameters of lower air holes can vary.
  • the upper evacuation hole ensures that the smoke flows through container 2. It also provides an outlet for the smoke.
  • the number and diameters of upper air holes can vary. 6. Sealing ring for better sealing to the detector's mounting surface.
  • Handle that can be equipped with a mount for an extension shaft.
  • Container for smoke/gas unit 8. Container for smoke/gas unit. 9. Mounting plate for smoke/gas unit or universal holder for a product called smoke pen.
  • Mounting yoke that enables the angling of the unit through: undoing locking screws 3; positioning container 2 at a predetermined angle; and, doing up the screws at this angle.
  • a small container (8) for a smoke/gas unit At the bottom of this container (2), there is a small container (8) for a smoke/gas unit.
  • the small container is mounted with its opening upwards.
  • the container (8) may have an air hole (4) for the supply of air.
  • the large container (2) can be equipped with a mounting yoke (10) that, via the undoing/tightening of a locking device, e.g.
  • the large container (2) may have an air hole (5).
  • Figure 4 shows how smoke/gas is generated by combustion of/in the smoke/gas unit (11).
  • Figures 2 and 3 show an alternative mounting between the handle (7) and the bottom of the container (2).
  • rubber cushions are mounted between handle (7) and container (2), said cushions making it possible to angle the container when so required.
  • a fan (17) that can be operated independently of, or together with, a light (18) that can be either integrated into the fan or kept separate in the container, the purpose of the light being to more easily find and orientate with a test object in poor lighting.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Fire-Detection Mechanisms (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analysing Materials By Optical Means (AREA)

Abstract

The invention is based on an apparatus to generate smoke and gas. The smoke and the gas can be used to study air or gas flows in a space. Said smoke and gas can also be used to test the function of detectors intended to detect any of the aforementioned substances.

Description

APPARATUS FOR GENERATING GAS AND / OR SMOKE
TECHNICAL AREA OF THE INVENTION
The purposes of this invention are that it should make air flows visible and test the function of smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors. Air flows can be made visible by observing how smoke behaves on leaving the opening in the apparatus.
The smoke unit mentioned in this description has two functions. One is to generate visible smoke, which is used for observing air flows. The latter is necessary for the optimum siting of smoke and gas detectors. The second function, in addition to generating smoke for testing smoke detectors, is that the smoke unit generates carbon monoxide for also testing detectors used to detect this gas.
"Smoke unit" here designates a smoke and/or gas generating unit of a pyrotechnic nature. When it burns, it generates both smoke and carbon monoxide. The design of the smoke unit can give different amounts of either smoke or gas.
THE INVENTION'S BACKGROUND
Previously, various types of pressurised aerosols or gases in various types of purpose-oriented containers have been used to test smoke detectors. These pressurised aerosols generate simulated smoke in the form of liquid particles. One of the disadvantages of these known devices is that the generated liquid particles reflect light poorly and thus give inferior results when testing smoke detectors with optical sensors. Furthermore, good light reflection is important when checking the siting of all types of smoke detectors. "Siting check" here means checking the interaction between a smoke detector and ventilation equipment that is already installed or is in the process of installation. It also extends to similar checking in relation to installations of doors, windows or other units that can have an impact on a smoke detector's ability to detect fumes generated in a fire. The simulated smoke generated by pressurised aerosols is more or less invisible when used in air. This makes it entirely unsuitable for siting checks. A further disadvantage is that the simulated smoke generated by pressurised aerosols is short lived. This means that pressurised aerosols cannot be used to test the function of smoke detectors of the so-called sampling type. These sampling systems comprise a main unit that houses the smoke sensor. Attached to the main unit are one or more tubular transport hoses that, via negative pressure, can lead fumes a long way to the main unit. Testing the function of a sampling system requires a smoke particle with a very long life and good light reflection.
The weight and the designs of the applications are further disadvantages of testing the function of smoke detectors by using simulated smoke from pressurised aerosols in purpose-oriented containers. For it to be possible to activate said aerosol containers above a smoke detector, an unnecessarily complicated design is required This drastically increases the weight, which is yet a further disadvantage when one of the purpose-oriented containers is mounted on a long extension shaft for testing high up in a roof.
Yet another disadvantage is that simulated smoke via pressurised aerosols cannot be used to test the function of carbon monoxide type detectors. To carry out a function test of a detector that is sensitive to carbon monoxide, said gas must itself be used. The existing pressurised aerosols produced for testing smoke detectors do not contain carbon monoxide.
Present systems for testing the function of carbon monoxide detectors comprise a pressurised container (containing carbon monoxide) and a sealed container. At testing, the carbon monoxide detector is dismounted and placed inside said sealed container. The gas is then introduced. As testing time is altogether too long, this is not considered to be a commercially viable design.
More disadvantages of the aerosol container and the pressurised liquids themselves are that these aerosols are mostly mixtures of an oil with one or more types of alcohols. From an environmental point of view, production of the packaging requires a lot of energy and most of the raw materials are finite resources. On top of this, being pressurised containers, aerosol packagings are surrounded by transport restrictions.
SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Figure 1 shows one design of an apparatus with a smoke/gas unit in a small lower container.
Figure 2 shows a side view of another design of an apparatus with a smoke/gas unit.
Figure 3 shows another view of a design as per figure 2.
Figure 4 shows smoke in a container as per figure 1.
Figure 5 shows a variant of the mounting of the smoke/gas unit with a fan (17) and lighting (18). Figure 6 shows a different view of the variant in figure 5.
Explanation of drawings with reference numbers:
1. Smoke detector.
2. Container that concentrates the test smoke (gas) around the detector and protects the test from external influences such as air flows from, for example, ventilation systems. The diameter can vary depending on the test object.
3. Locking device (e.g. locking screw) for locking mounting yoke 10.
4. Lower air hole supplying oxygen to the smoke/gas unit in order to set up circulation of the gas/smoke through container 2 and out through upper evacuation hole 5. The number and diameters of lower air holes can vary.
5. The upper evacuation hole ensures that the smoke flows through container 2. It also provides an outlet for the smoke. The number and diameters of upper air holes can vary. 6. Sealing ring for better sealing to the detector's mounting surface.
7. Handle that can be equipped with a mount for an extension shaft.
8. Container for smoke/gas unit. 9. Mounting plate for smoke/gas unit or universal holder for a product called smoke pen.
10. Mounting yoke that enables the angling of the unit through: undoing locking screws 3; positioning container 2 at a predetermined angle; and, doing up the screws at this angle.
11. Smoke/gas unit.
12. Two rubber cushions (fitted in line as per the sketch) enable container 2 to be angled in the direction of the arrows (13).
13. Direction arrows showing the angling possibilities for the container. 14. Inner mounting plate.
15. Outer mounting plate.
16. Smoke/gas
PREFERRED DESIGN
A container (2) as per figure 1 designed with an opening towards the top where a sealing ring (6) may be provided for a better seal against the detector (1). At the bottom of this container (2), there is a small container (8) for a smoke/gas unit. The small container is mounted with its opening upwards. At the bottom of the small container, there is a mounting plate for a smoke/gas unit or for a universal holder for a smoke pen. The container (8) may have an air hole (4) for the supply of air. The large container (2) can be equipped with a mounting yoke (10) that, via the undoing/tightening of a locking device, e.g. locking screws (3), enables angling of the unit and the free selection of any angle between the container (2) and the mounting yoke (10). To provide the possibility of generating a through flow of air mixed with the smoke or gas generated by the smoke/gas unit, the large container (2) may have an air hole (5).
Figure 4 shows how smoke/gas is generated by combustion of/in the smoke/gas unit (11).
Figures 2 and 3 show an alternative mounting between the handle (7) and the bottom of the container (2). In this case, rubber cushions are mounted between handle (7) and container (2), said cushions making it possible to angle the container when so required.
To more quickly evacuate smoke and gas from the container (2), there is a fan (17) that can be operated independently of, or together with, a light (18) that can be either integrated into the fan or kept separate in the container, the purpose of the light being to more easily find and orientate with a test object in poor lighting.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS
1. Apparatus to generate gas and smoke to make air flows visible and to test the function of smoke and/or gas detectors such as carbon monoxide detectors, said apparatus being characterised by a smoke and/or gas generating unit (11) of a pyrotechnic nature being mounted in a container (2) that concentrates the test smoke/gas towards an opening (an outlet) for said smoke/gas, it being possible to optically see how the test smoke/gas moves above said opening and it being possible for said holder (2) to be provided with a handle that can itself be provided with an extension shaft.
2. Apparatus as per patent claim 1 above, characterised by a smoke and/or gas generating unit (11) of a pyrotechnic nature being mounted in a container (2) that concentrates the test smoke/gas in said container which, when testing a smoke or a gas detector, is held over and around the detector (1), the container (2) thereby, during this operation, protecting the tested detector (1) from external influences such as air flows.
3. Apparatus as per one or more of the preceding patent claims, characterised by it being possible to select the smoke and/or gas generating unit (11) - also referred to as "gas wick" - depending on the desired effect, it also being possible to ignite said unit/wick in the container (2) or before it is introduced into said container.
4. Apparatus as per one or more of the preceding patent claims, characterised by it being possible for the aforementioned smoke and/or gas generating unit (11) - the gas wick - to be designed as a homogenous unit if, primarily, it is smoke that is to be generated.
5. Apparatus as per one or more of the preceding patent claims, characterised by it being possible for the aforementioned smoke and/or gas generating unit (11) - the gas wick - to be designed as a tube if, primarily, it is gas such as carbon monoxide that is to be generated.
6. Apparatus as per one or more of the preceding patent claims, characterised by it being possible to provide the container with a mounting yoke that enables fixed or free angling of the unit via locking devices, rubber cushions or equivalent solutions that enable such functionality.
7. Apparatus as per one or more of the preceding patent claims, characterised by the container being provided with an electric fan and/or lighting, the fan for evacuation of residual smoke or gas between tests, the lighting to facilitate orientation during the work that is being carried out, it being possible, via an operating control, to start and stop said fan and/or lighting.
8. Method, using apparatus as per one or more of the preceding patent claims, of testing how air flows or behaves in a space, said method being characterised by the container being held in the area where it is desired to study air flows and the aforementioned smoke, which is visible to the eye, showing how the air is moving.
9. Method, using apparatus as per one or more of the preceding patent claims, of testing how gas flows or behaves in a space, said method being characterised by the container being held in the area where it is desired to study gas flows, and the aforementioned smoke, which is visible to the eye, showing how the gas is moving.
10. Method, using apparatus as per one or more of the preceding patent claims, of testing whether smoke and/or gas detectors are working, said method being characterised by it being possible to hold the container in such a way that it covers the detector that is to be tested and said detector can be mounted anywhere - ceiling, wall or other place, it also being possible to use an extension shaft, if necessary, to make the detector easily accessible.
PCT/SE2008/000193 2007-03-12 2008-03-12 Apparatus for generating gas and/or smoke WO2008111895A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0916196A GB2459818A (en) 2007-03-12 2008-03-12 Apparatus for generating gas and/or smoke

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE0700589A SE0700589L (en) 2007-03-12 2007-03-12 Apparatus and method for visualizing air currents, as well as for function testing detectors
SE0700589-5 2007-03-12

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008111895A1 true WO2008111895A1 (en) 2008-09-18

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SE (1) SE0700589L (en)
WO (1) WO2008111895A1 (en)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN103093590A (en) * 2011-11-02 2013-05-08 无锡华润上华科技有限公司 Smoke sensing tester used in purification room
US8500039B2 (en) 2011-07-25 2013-08-06 Arthur L Allen, Jr. Remote actuation device for spray cans
WO2013116602A1 (en) * 2012-02-04 2013-08-08 Hsi Fire & Safety Group, Llc Detector cleaner and/or tester and method of using same
US11650152B2 (en) 2018-12-11 2023-05-16 Carrier Corporation Calibration of an optical detector
US11662302B2 (en) 2018-12-11 2023-05-30 Carrier Corporation Calibration of optical detector
US11879840B2 (en) 2018-12-11 2024-01-23 Carrier Corporation Calibration of an optical detector using a micro-flow chamber

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN109935058A (en) * 2019-04-30 2019-06-25 上海外高桥造船有限公司 A kind of fire alarm smoke sensor testing tool
CN110796822B (en) * 2019-09-15 2021-07-20 杭州拓深科技有限公司 Method for prejudging fire point direction based on improved smoke alarm

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4271693A (en) * 1979-12-10 1981-06-09 Bute Donald R Device for testing smoke detector alarms
US4306575A (en) * 1979-08-06 1981-12-22 Minozzi Jr Michael F Smoke detector tester
JPH06309577A (en) * 1993-04-20 1994-11-04 Matsushita Electric Works Ltd Smoke applying tester
EP0910055A2 (en) * 1997-10-14 1999-04-21 No Climb Products Limited Test apparatus for testing detectors
DE19926773A1 (en) * 1999-06-11 2000-12-14 Brandschutz Consult Igenieurgm Procedure for testing the operation of fire warning and reporting devices together with smoke extraction plants in buildings by generation of a hot gas and injection of smoke particles and frozen air into the flow
US6198399B1 (en) * 2000-03-09 2001-03-06 Martin P. Mattis Smoke detector test device and method for manufacture
WO2004086329A1 (en) * 2003-03-24 2004-10-07 Björnax AB Device for determining flows of gaseous media
GB2409319A (en) * 2003-12-16 2005-06-22 Sata Ltd Synthetic smoke generator and smoke detector tester

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4306575A (en) * 1979-08-06 1981-12-22 Minozzi Jr Michael F Smoke detector tester
US4271693A (en) * 1979-12-10 1981-06-09 Bute Donald R Device for testing smoke detector alarms
JPH06309577A (en) * 1993-04-20 1994-11-04 Matsushita Electric Works Ltd Smoke applying tester
EP0910055A2 (en) * 1997-10-14 1999-04-21 No Climb Products Limited Test apparatus for testing detectors
DE19926773A1 (en) * 1999-06-11 2000-12-14 Brandschutz Consult Igenieurgm Procedure for testing the operation of fire warning and reporting devices together with smoke extraction plants in buildings by generation of a hot gas and injection of smoke particles and frozen air into the flow
US6198399B1 (en) * 2000-03-09 2001-03-06 Martin P. Mattis Smoke detector test device and method for manufacture
WO2004086329A1 (en) * 2003-03-24 2004-10-07 Björnax AB Device for determining flows of gaseous media
GB2409319A (en) * 2003-12-16 2005-06-22 Sata Ltd Synthetic smoke generator and smoke detector tester

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8500039B2 (en) 2011-07-25 2013-08-06 Arthur L Allen, Jr. Remote actuation device for spray cans
CN103093590A (en) * 2011-11-02 2013-05-08 无锡华润上华科技有限公司 Smoke sensing tester used in purification room
WO2013116602A1 (en) * 2012-02-04 2013-08-08 Hsi Fire & Safety Group, Llc Detector cleaner and/or tester and method of using same
US8973211B2 (en) 2012-02-04 2015-03-10 Hsi Fire & Safety Group, Llc Detector cleaner and/or tester and method of using same
US11650152B2 (en) 2018-12-11 2023-05-16 Carrier Corporation Calibration of an optical detector
US11662302B2 (en) 2018-12-11 2023-05-30 Carrier Corporation Calibration of optical detector
US11879840B2 (en) 2018-12-11 2024-01-23 Carrier Corporation Calibration of an optical detector using a micro-flow chamber

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0916196D0 (en) 2009-10-28
GB2459818A (en) 2009-11-11
SE0700589L (en) 2008-09-13

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