Determination of dynamic model parameters of smoke detectors

A simple model for the dynamic response of point-type smoke detectors is described. The model is based on two independent parameters: the characteristic length and the static response threshold. Experimentally determined values of the parameters for six commonly used point-type smoke detectors are reported. In the tests the free stream flow velocity was varied in the range of 0.2-0.8 m/s and the rate of rise of smoke density in the range of 0.1-2 dB/ms. The model parameters were determined from the experimental data by using the least squares fitting with regularisation. The characteristic length was found to vary in the range of 2-10 in indicating a smoke entry time constant in the range of 10-50 s at a flow rate of 0.2 m/s typical of smouldering fires, The response of photoelectric detectors was described by the model reasonably well. In the case of ionisation detectors, significant deviations were found. A method of using the model in fire safety engineering calculations is also presented. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.