by Honeywell

Air Sampling Detection

(ASD) Systems
A complete guide for the fire system
specifier, designer and installer
by Honeywell

ASD Systems Guide 3

Introduction to ASD 6
Standards 10
ASD System Design 12
Applications 14
Product Range 18
The Advantages 20

Pipe Guide - Hints and Tips 23

Standards 24
Jointing Guidelines 28
Parts Available 29

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 (ASD) Systems gUIDE

What is the importance of early smoke detection?

Fire - never underestimate the danger

Experience shows that a fire can break out at virtually any time.
Just because many buildings have not experienced a fire for
decades does not mean that there is no risk of fire; rather, those
concerned are fortunate - but they could become liable for
damages in the future.

[Extract from a statement made by the Higher Administrative

Court of Münster, Germany 10 A 363/86 v. 11.12.1987]

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by Honeywell

A fire can have many causes

Now more than ever before, a fire can mean the loss of supply
availability, a drop in market share and even the collapse of a company.
High concentrations of valuables, irreplaceable assets and increasing
demand for immediate availability of goods and services therefore
require appropriate fire protection solutions. Industrial development
has created highly technical fire protection requirements in situations
where conventional fire detectors are no longer sufficient. As fire origin
statistics show, the majority of damaging fires originate as a result
of prolonged smouldering fires. While conventional detectors have
to “wait“ until the fire has reached a detectable size, more sensitive
smoke sensors identify the fire in its initial phase and therefore offer a
significant time benefit for damage limitation.

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 (ASD) Systems gUIDE

Fire causes Proportion

Faulty electric devices and installations 25.5 %
Smoking 20.0 %
Hot surfaces 8.0 % Predominantly
Welding and cutting 5.5 % smouldering
fires
Friction points 4.5 %
Spontaneous combustion 3.5 %
Radiant heat 1.0 %
Sparks and ignition equipment 3.5 %
Chemical reactions 1.0 % Smouldering
fires, open fires,
Electrostatic discharges 1.0 %
explosions
Mechanical sparks 1.0 %
Arson 17.0 %
Open flames 6.5 % Predominantly
Molten substances 1.0 % open fires
Lightning strikes 1.0 %

25.5%

68%
6.5%

Ref: Distribution of fire causes according to Bussenius

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 by Honeywell

Introduction to ASD
Early Warning Fire Detection
ASD systems can detect fires at a very early stage, often before
visible smouldering takes place, before an open fire occurs and
before intense smoke develops. This early detection is vital to
mission critical and high-risk applications.

The earliest possible fire detection brings significant time benefits, enabling a fast
response to the first signs of smoke. ASD can detect fires significantly faster than
point or beam smoke detectors.

Gent’s ASD range can also be set to a sensitivity state of a traditional point detector
providing greater control and flexibility to the user.

Operation air is then analysed for allocated the same

smoke particles and an monitored coverage
ASD systems draw air
alarm is raised if smoke as a point-type smoke
samples continuously
is present. The system detector.
from the monitored area
is active, continually
through a pipe system
fitted with sampling
drawing air samples Cumulative effect
from the risk. A cumulative effect is
holes at regular
intervals. The sampled achieved by having
Monitored area multiple sampling holes
The sampling holes in in a room. Each sample
the monitored area are hole will take in small
arranged so that the samples of smoke as
same amount of air is it spreads across the
drawn through each protected area. This
hole. Each sampling cumulative smoke is
hole is therefore therefore delivered to

6
 (ASD) Systems gUIDE

the detector as the sum

of each of the sample
holes within the risk.
This enables the ASD
system to give a much
earlier indication of a
developing fire at the
incipient stage. accessible places. inconspicuously that
This means that the they do not interfere
High false alarm monitored area does not with the aesthetics of
have to be accessed. the building interior. This
immunity There is no longer reduces the limitations
The physical separation any need to inspect on architects and
of the detection unit individual detection planners and gives
from the monitoring points under the them greater freedom of
area reduces the risk ceiling, as is the case design.
of transient faults with conventional fire
such as those caused detectors. Deterrent against
by condensation
vandalism
and electromagnetic Aesthetically
radiation. The use The virtually invisible
of filters and the
pleasing integration of the smoke
appropriate signal The smoke sampling sampling holes in the
processing also holes in the ceiling ceiling offers almost no
guarantee reliable can be installed so target for vandals.
detection in dusty
conditions.

Simple
accessibility –
minimal disruption
Maintenance and
service tasks are carried
out in central, easily
7
by Honeywell

State-of-the-art fire detection

Time benefits through increased sensitivity
The earliest possible fire detection brings significant time benefits,
which enable counter measures to be taken. Modern air sampling
smoke detection systems are able to detect fires with a thousand times
more sensitivity than point-type smoke detectors. They can also detect
fires in their early phase from just 1 gram of material combustion, unlike
point-type smoke detectors which are triggered at a much later stage.

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 (ASD) Systems gUIDE

Counter measures
Heat detectors Detection

Counter measures
Conventional smoke detectors Detection
(logarithmic scale)

Air sampling smoke system

Fire intensity

Counter measures
Detection

Ignition / Smouldering fires Flash Fully developed

Pyrolysis hover [Time]

Highly sensitive air sampling smoke detection systems compared to other technologies

Note* ASD is also often used to detect at the same sensitivity of a

conventional detector.

9
by Honeywell

Standards
The new EN54-20 European Standard
EN54 Part 20 is the new European product
standard for Aspirating Smoke Detectors (ASD).
From July 2009 all ASD systems installed in
Europe had to fully comply with this standard.
The standard encompasses both the project
design and the ASD systems installed. Since
ASD systems, like other detectors for fire
detection systems, fall under the Construction
Products Directive, compliance with EN 54 Part
20 is a prerequisite for CE marking.

Sensitivity Classes
ASD Accessories EN54-20 introduces three classes for detector
sensitivity:

Class A Very High Sensitivity – Used where very early warning fire
detection is required. Designed primarily for high-risk areas and where
high levels of air conditioning and air dilution exist.

Class B Enhanced Sensitivity - Very early fire detection for most areas
in which valuable goods and/or processes need to be protected.

Class C Normal Sensitivity – For general fire protection applications.

This sensitivity is equivalent to standard point detection.

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 (ASD) Systems gUIDE

It is vitally important that sensitivity thresholds do

not change due to long-term drift and changing Maximum
environmental conditions, as installations could coverage
become non-compliant over time.
The maximum
These Classes now define a transparency for coverage of an
designers allowing system performance to be ASD system is
properly compared. determined by the
number of point-type
detectors than can
ASD Accessories be replaced by an
The standard also dictates that all accessories such ASD device. This is
as blow back equipment for maintenance, external a crucial factor in
filters and water traps have to be tested and determining what
approved with the system. It is no longer acceptable savings can be
to design ASD systems with non-approved made by installing an
components. air sampling system.
The coverage can be
British Standards worked out simply
In addition to EN54-20, ASD systems by calculating how
should be designed and installed in many sampling holes
accordance with the FIA Code of Practice, can be installed at a
BS5839-1 and BS6266 where relevant. reasonable distance
from each other
BS5839-1 - Used when the design mimics (usually about 8 m).
that of standard detection. ASD systems
are used to directly replace point or other
conventional detection methods for
practical and/or financial reasons.

BS6266 - Used when installing ASD

systems with Electrical Equipment such as
IT/Communication suites. Again design
mimics that of conventional detection,
however the use of High Sensitivity Smoke
Detection (HSSD) systems are encouraged
and in some cases demanded. 11
by Honeywell

ASD System Design

Designing EN54-20 Compliant
Systems
If an ASD device has been correctly classified as
Class A, B or C, this does not necessarily mean
that it will satisfy the class specified in the project
design. Labelling a device with a detection class
simply indicates that a minimum project design
with a single sampling hole corresponding to the
specified class can be implemented. It is therefore
important to check that the entire project design
satisfies the desired detection class.

Fast, reliable project design

The various manufacturers of air sampling smoke detectors have
found different ways of ensuring that their systems conform to the
detection classes specified in EN 54-20. The majority of the project
design software available needs to produce detailed system plans to
be able to make a reliable statement about the conformity. It is often
the case, however, that not all project design parameters are known in
advance. Particularly in the case of future extension of a feed pipe or an
increase in the distance between two sampling holes can lead to loss of
conformity.

Gent by Honeywell’s project design software PipeXpress, on the

other hand, is designed to ensure that a reliable project design can be
achieved in minutes - including the use of accessories. The software is
based on worst-case project design and takes into account the
configuration options within the scope of the defined project design

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 (ASD) Systems gUIDE

limits. The intuitive software does not require any

specialist training and quickly gives exact, easy to
follow results. The software produces a conformity
declaration for the detection categories specified
by the selected project design in accordance with
EN 54-20.

Note* Every pipe fitted to Gent ASD systems must be

supplied with a PipeXpress conformity declaration.

Specialist accessories
There are a number of important EN54-20 approved
accessories that can be incorporated into the final
project design to aid operation and maintenance.

Blow through valves – A blow through system

is used to clean the pipe system and/or the air
sampling points in restricted areas. The deposits
which form in the pipe system in very dusty Steam trap
applications are blown through by means of
overpressure applied via nonreturn end caps
installed at the ends of sampling branches. Either
a manual or automatic system can be deployed,
depending how often the pipe system has to be
blown through.

Filters – These can be installed in the pipework to

remove dust particles from the aspirated air in order
to extend the life of the system and help prevent
false alarms.

Flame arresters – These in-line devices can be

used to create an explosion-proof ASD system for
use in hazardous areas. Conformity
declaration
Steam traps – These can be installed for the
draining of condensate from the pipe system. 13
by Honeywell

Applications

High Rack Storage Areas Industrial Production

l Pipe system can be easily l Easy layout of the pipe system

integrated into the high rack within the supporting structure of
storage construction the production area
l Better detection due to active air l Suitable for extreme applications
sampling throughout the entire with high dust and dirt
height contamination
l No interruption of operation for l Installation of the detection unit at
service and maintenance required eye level
l Easy access, therefore reduced l Maintenance and service can be
costs for maintenance and service carried out without any problems
even in high halls with multiple
ceiling conveyors

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 (ASD) Systems gUIDE

Clean Rooms Deep Freeze Storage

l Safe smoke detection, even with l Better detection of slow smoke at

forced air flow and high air speeds low temperatures due to active air
l No air contamination within the sampling
production area due to active air l Detector unit can be installed directly
sampling of the ambient air into cold stores (down to -40 ºc)
l Maintenance and service personnel do l Iced sampling points can be blown free
not need to enter the clean room no heating elements required

Electrical Cabinets Lift Shafts

l Optimum detection even with heat l Installation of the detection unit outside
cushion due to active air sampling out of the danger area
of the cabinet l No interruption during maintenance
l Possible monitoring of several cabinets required
with one air sampling smoke detection l Easy access for services and
system maintenance
l No switch-off for servicing required,
since the detection unit is located
outside the monitored area

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by Honeywell

Historic Architecture EDP Facilities

l No damage of elaborate ceilings l Ideal solution for air-conditioned

l Hidden installation of the pipe EDP devices
system l Reliable detection by air sampling
l Control unit hidden at accessible conduction to the detection unit
location l Adaptable to every cabinet and
l Individually adjustable sensitivity computer room design
for each room
l Silent running ASD provides
unobtrusive detection where low
ambient noise levels are demanded

Libraries & Archives Saunas

l Highly sensitive fire detection l Detection possible even up to

technology for very early smoke temperatures up to 110°C
detection l Reliable detection even with heat
l Staged alarms for protecting cushion under the ceiling
unique valuables l No false alarms caused by
l Almost invisible technology of the condensate of water or ethereal oils
ASD systems as the air sampling l Almost invisible fire detection
is installed at the book shelves system
l Silent running ASD provides
unobtrusive detection where
low ambient noise levels are
demanded

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 (ASD) Systems gUIDE

Conveyor Belts Paper Mills & Recycling

l Layout of the pipe system at the frame l No false alarms caused by dust or
construction of the conveying belt condensate
l Safe detection due to active air l No soiling of the detection unit
sampling throughout the entire length l No operation interruption during
l Reliable detection even with changing maintenance
ambient conditions
l Insensitive against dust, dirt and
humidity

Floor Voids Steel/Glass Architecture

l No risk of system damage during cable l Almost invisible pipes installed within
distribution in the floor void the frame elements of the ceiling
l Applicable even for small heights of the construction
floor void l Reliable detection even with heat
l System installed in accessible location cushion under the glass dome
for easy service and maintenance l Wide planning freedom for architects

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by Honeywell

Product Range
Smoke detection for any situation

The performance, flexibility and functionality of

the Gent by Honeywell ASD product range mean
they are used in a wide range of applications,
from areas where traditional point detection is
considered through to specialist installations
where only air sampling solves the fire detection
requirement.

COMPACT ASD

Compact and cost

effective ASD for
monitoring small to
medium-sized spaces
and equipment. With
optional ROOM•IDENT,
the unit can monitor up
to 5 rooms and identify
the source of the alarm.

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 (ASD) Systems gUIDE

ALL-SPEC ASD

Cost effective, universal air

sampling solution for a broad
range of applications. The
modular device can have up
to 2 independent detector
modules for double knock
detection and includes a range
of accessories.

HI-SPEC ASD

High specification, fully featured

air sampling system for a broad
range of applications. The
unit has graded alarms and a
smoke level bar graph display.
The modular device has up to
3 alarm levels, up to 2
independent detector modules
for double knock detection and a
range of accessories.

19
by Honeywell

The Advantages
Field proven ASD technology
Thanks to their outstanding reliability, sensitivity
and false alarm immunity, Gent air sampling
smoke detection systems have been tried and
tested in a wide variety of applications and are the
first choice for many fire system designers and
consultants. Advanced and unique features
across the family ensure the Gent ASD
solution is available for every smoke detection
requirement.

Innovative Detection Technology

Traditional ASD systems use an expensive laser light source to detect
smoke in the detection chamber. When smoke particles are present the
laser light scatters and detected by light receivers in the chamber. Gent
ASD products use a similar concept except that the expensive laser
replaced by a lower cost High-Power LED Light Source (HPLS). This
approach is equally as sensitive and provides high quality detection
to EN 54-20. However, cost benefits mean that ASD can be used in a
much wider range of applications.

False alarm immunity

LOGIC•SENS is an advanced signal processing technology that
analyses the smoke sample and provides the earliest possible smoke
detection whilst safely eliminating false alarms such as theatrical special
effects smoke and diesel fumes.

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 (ASD) Systems gUIDE

Reliable operation
Silent running
PIPE•GUARD is a unique monitoring system that
Gent’s HI-SPEC
detects if a sampling hole is blocked, a pipe is
and ALL-SPEC ASD
ruptured or if the air sampling unit has failed. This
products can be
feature is used in inaccessible areas where access
fitted to produce
is restricted and identification of individually blocked
a totally silent
sampling points is essential.
running system for
Wide operating temperature applications such as
domestic premises
Gent’s ASD systems are approved for use in cold and offices where
storage units at temperatures as low as -40 °C. The ambient background
upper temperature limit for installations can be as high noise is low.
as +60 °C.

Addressable smoke detection

The COMPACT ASD can be fitted with
ROOM•IDENT to provide individual
detection of up to 5 rooms or areas.
The source of the fire can be identified
providing cost effective replacement for
addressable point detection for demanding
environments and smoke detection
applications.

Discrete air sampling

Gent’s capillary sampling hole can be
mounted in a false ceiling, remotely from
the sampling pipe. This ensures that
smoke detection is discrete and does
not distract from the décor. Areas such
as detection cells also benefit from this
discrete approach where conventional
detection equipment has to be additionally
protected against vandalism.

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by Honeywell

22
 aspirating pipe gUIDE

PIPE GUIDE -
HINTS AND TIPS

23
by Honeywell

Standards Individual products

All Aspirating Pipe and Fittings supplied by are in accordance
Gent are produced under a strict quality with the appropriate
control system approved to EN ISO 9001. British Standards:

In addition, all Aspirating Pipe Products l  ittings (Metric) Din

F
have been tested by LPCB to EN 54-20 8063, Kiwa 549,
Clause 5.7, and EN 61386-1 Class 1131. ISO 727
LPCB Test Report No-TE250773.
l Pipe BS 5391 EN
61386-1
Class 1131
Material Specification and
General information l Adhesive BS 4346
Part 3
ABS Pressure Pipe Systems -
General Information Colour
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a All ABS products
homogenous material with good chemical supplied by Gent are
resistance and high impact strength. manufactured in red.

Other beneficial features are its suitability Temperature

for use at low range
temperatures (-40ºC)
and its ease of ABS is suitable for
jointing. use over a wide
temperature range
from -40ºC to 70ºC

24
Clips and Bracketing Pipe clips are adaptable and can
fixed in the normal way or be
Pipe brackets need to be made
screwed onto M6 or M8 threaded
with the inside diameter of the
bar by inserting the respective nut
bracket marginally larger than that
into the side of the clip. They can
of the pipe outer diameter. This
also be fitted to the side of M6 or
allows for free lineal movement
M8 threaded bar by utilising a rod
of the pipe, and avoids inhibiting
adaptor.
expansion or contraction. They
should also be smooth, to avoid
damage to the outer surface of
Bracket Spacing Intervals
the pipe. Plastic pipe lines require regular
support, and the spacing of clips
Plastic pipe clips meet all these or brackets depends on the pipe
requirements, and are strong, used, temperature, and density of
durable against temperature, Ultra the liquid carried.
Violet light and can also be used
in corrosive or otherwise adverse The following tables show the
environmental conditions. centre to centre measurement
between brackets.

ABS Pipe 15 Bar (217 Psi) Class E, Inch Sizes

Pipe size Bracket Spacing in Metres

Inch metric 20ºC 30ºC 40ºC 50ºC 60ºC 70ºC

3⁄ 25 1.00 0.95 0.85 0.75 0.75 0.60
4

25
by Honeywell

Joints per Litre of Cement

As a rule of thumb we estimate that 170 joints
can be made per 250ml of solvent cement when
jointing 25mm ABS fittings and pipe.

Expansion and Contraction

Expansion or contraction of plastic pipe is caused
by temperature change occurring within the pipe
wall. When the operating temperature of a pipe
is greater than when it was installed, then the
pipe will expand. If the operating temperature is
lower, then it will contract.

There are two factors to consider when calculating expansions or

contractions in pipes.

l  mbient temperature of the (air temp) environment when installing the

a
pipe
l change of temperature of pipe contents or environment

Any change of the above factors will affect the mid-wall temperature of
the pipe thus causing either expansion or contraction.

Please note that most pipework systems are installed between 5ºC and
25ºC.

26
 (ASD) Systems gUIDE

Jointing ‘Don’ts’
a) Don’t make joints in rain or wet conditions

b) Don’t use dirty brushes or cleaning rags, which are dirty

or oily.

c) Don’t use the same brushes with different solvent

cements.

d) Don’t dilute or thin solvent cements with cleaner.

e) Don’t leave solvent cement tins open. The contents

will evaporate and the cement performance will be
weakened.

f) Don’t use near naked lights, or smoke whilst jointing.

Solvents are highly inflammable.

g) Don’t make joints in a confined space. Solvents emit

hazardous vapours, which are dangerous.

27
by Honeywell

Technical - Jointing guidelines

Solvent cement is specially formulated to chemically weld pipes
and fittings together. The solvent cement chemically melts the two
surfaces to be joined, so that when they are fitted together they
form a homogenous mass, which then cures to form a weld. Note
that this is not a glued joint. It is therefore important to choose the
correct type of adhesive as another type may be detrimental to the
integrity of the system.

1) Cut the pipe at right angles to its axis, and to the required
length using the correct cutting shears.

2) D
 ry fit the pipe to the socket of the fittings. When the pipe is fully
home in the socket, draw a line around the pipe at the edge of
the socket. Where this is not possible (perhaps on larger fittings)
measure the socket depth and draw a line at the corresponding
point along the pipe. This will give a visual indication, to ensure
that the pipe is fully pushed home in the socket.

3) Apply the solvent cement with a suitably sized brush or the

brush provided in the adhesive lid. Ensure that the area of the
pipe up to the visual indicator is completely covered with an
even layer of cement. This part of the operation must be done
quickly and neatly, as the solvent must still be wet when the
pipe and fitting is pushed together.

4) Push the pipe and fittings together and hold in place for up to
30 seconds. When the joint is made, a bead of solvent cement
will form around the outer joint of the pipe and socket. This
excess cement should be wiped away leaving the outer part of
the joint clean.

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 (ASD) Systems gUIDE

Parts Available (Red 25mm ABS fittings)

90 Degree Bend RED90

90 Degree Elbow RED90ELB

45 Degree Bend RED45

Socket Union REDUN

Pipe Clip REDCLIP

Jointing Socket REDSOC

T Piece REDTP

End Cap REDENC

Pipe 3 Metres RED3MP

Flush Sampling Kit REDFSK

Conical Sampling Kit REDCSK

Discrete Sampling Kit REDDSK

Pipe Cutters REDPIPC

Cement 250ml REDCEM

Please note: All the above parts are also available in white

29
by Honeywell

Flexibility
Gent’s ASD system provides a flexible pipeline ‘topology’ giving
designers the opportunity to maximize the number of sampling points
that can be sampled by a single detector in a given area. The options
available are:
Max pipe max sampling
length points
l Pipe 100 12

A B C D E
ʃʃ

A B C D E
A B C D EE ʃʃ
U Pipe A B C D E 140 ʃʃʃʃ 20
ʃʃ
A B C D E
A B C D E ʃʃ
A B C D E ʃʃ
A B C D E ʃʃ
A B C D E
ʃʃ
A B C D E ʃʃ
A B C D E ʃʃ
A B C D E
ʃʃ
ʃʃ
M pipe A B C D E 180 21
A B C D E ʃʃ
A B C D E ʃʃ
A B C D E ʃʃ
A B C D E
A B C D E ʃʃ
ʃʃ
A B C D E ʃʃ
A B C D EE ʃʃ
A B C D
AA BB CC DD E E ʃʃʃʃ
A B C D E ʃʃ ʃʃ
ʃʃ
A B C D E
double U Pipe
A B C D E 190 ʃʃ 24
A B C D E ʃʃ
A B C D E
A B C D E ʃʃ
ʃʃ
A B C D E
ʃʃ
A B C D E ʃʃ
A B C D E
A B C D E ʃʃ
ʃʃ
A B C D E ʃʃ
A B C D E ʃʃ
A B C D E
ʃʃ
A B C D E ʃʃ
A B C D E ʃʃ
ʃʃ

Please note that the ALL-SPEC and HI-SPEC units can support two detector modules doubling the
above pipe work layout options from a single device therefore maximizing the area coverage from a
single ASD unit. Note* each pipe layout must be supported by a PipeXpress Certificate of Conformity
ensuring that the protected area meets the system classification to EN54-20 (A, B or C)

30
 (ASD) Systems gUIDE

Notes

31
by Honeywell

L i t e r a t u r e r e f: GEN114