SMOKE DETECTOR

INTRODUCTION

A smoke detector is a device that detects smoke, typically as an indicator of fire.

Commercial, industrial, and mass residential devices issue a signal to a fire alarm system,
while household detectors, known as smoke alarms, generally issue a local audible and/or
visual alarm from the detector itself.

Smoke detectors are typically housed in a disk-shaped plastic enclosure about

150 millimetres (6 in) in diameter and 25 millimetres (1 in) thick, but the shape can vary by
manufacturer or product line. Most smoke detectors work either by optical detection
(photoelectric) or by physical process (ionization), while others use both detection methods to
increase sensitivity to smoke. Sensitive alarms can be used to detect, and thus deter, smoking
in areas where it is banned such as toilets and schools. Smoke detectors in large commercial,
industrial, and residential buildings are usually powered by a central fire alarm system, which
is powered by the building power with a battery backup. However, in many single family
detached and smaller multiple family housings, a smoke alarm is often powered only by a
single disposable battery.

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BLOCK DIAGRAM

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WORKING

• An infrared (IR) diode and IR receiver are used inside a smoke chamber to detect the
presence of smoke. The IR diode is pulsed periodically, and the IR receiver signal is
examined to determine if smoke is present in the chamber. An operational amplifier is
used to magnify the IR receiver current as a transimpedance amplifier, so it can be
sampled by the ADC in the MSP430. Between sampling periods, the operational
amplifier and IR circuitry are shut down, and the microcontroller is in a standby mode,
consuming less then 1-mA current.

• When selecting an external operational amplifier for the application, it is important to

balance cost vs. settling-time performance, while minimizing current consumption.
Settling time is important in allowing the detector to provide multiple reports of a
smoke event in a short period of time, so as to minimize any false alarms. To further
reduce current consumption of external components, some may be powered directly
from an MSP430 port pin, even though it has a shutdown feature. This will take the
current consumption of the amplifier to zero, when the MSP430 is in a standby state,
significantly increasing the battery run time of this application.

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DESIGN & TYPES

Optical Smoke Detector

Optical Smoke Detector with the cover removed. Optical Smoke Detector

1: Optical chamber
2: Cover
3: Case moulding
4: Photodiode (detector)
5: Infrared LED

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An optical detector is a light sensor. When used as a smoke detector, it includes a light
source (incandescent bulb or infrared LED), a lens to collimate the light into a beam, and a
photodiode or other photoelectric sensor at an angle to the beam as a light detector. In the
absence of smoke, the light passes in front of the detector in a straight line. When smoke
enters the optical chamber across the path of the light beam, some light is scattered by the
smoke particles, directing it at the sensor and thus triggering the alarm.

Also seen in large rooms, such as a gymnasium or an auditorium, are devices to detect a
projected beam. A unit on the wall sends out a beam, which is either received by a receiver or
reflected back via a mirror. When the beam is less visible to the "eye" of the sensor, it sends
an alarm signal to the fire alarm control panel.

Optical smoke detectors are quick in detecting particulate (smoke) generated by smoldering
(cool, smoky) fires. Many independent tests indicate that optical smoke detectors typically
detect particulates (smoke) from hot, flaming fires approximately 30 seconds later than
ionization smoke alarms.

They are less sensitive to false alarms from steam or cooking fumes generated in kitchen or
steam from the bathroom than are ionization smoke alarms. For the aforementioned reason,
they are often referred to as 'toast proof' smoke alarms.

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Ionization Smoke Detector

Ionization detectors have an ionization chamber and a source of ionizing

radiation. The source of ionizing radiation is a minute quantity of americium-241 (perhaps
1/5000th of a gram), which is a source of alpha particles (helium nuclei). The ionization
chamber consists of two plates separated by about a centimeter. The battery applies a voltage
to the plates, charging one plate positive and the other plate negative. Alpha particles
constantly released by the americium knock electrons off of the atoms in the air, ionizing the
oxygen and nitrogen atoms in the chamber. The positively-charged oxygen and nitrogen
atoms are attracted to the negative plate and the electrons are attracted to the positive plate,
generating a small, continuous electric current. When smoke enters the ionization chamber,
the smoke particles attach to the ions and neutralize them, so they do not reach the plate. The
drop in current between the plates triggers the alarm.

System Sensor with 300 series

Plug - in smoke detectors offer superb performance and reliability in a profile which is
just 1.6" (4.2 Cm) deep. Model 1151 (ionization sensor) and model 2351 (photo electronic
sensor) share the same sleek low - profile design and can be used with a variety of different
adapter bases in several wiring configurations different adapter bases in several wiring
configurations and voltages. Other features include : low current draw, stable performance in
high air velocities, built in tamper resistant base design, remote led option, removable cover,
and built - in test switch.

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HOW SMOKE DETECTOR MADE

The production of a smoke detector consists of two major steps. One is fabrication of
the Am-241 into a form (typically a foil) that can be installed into the sensing and reference
chambers. The other is assembly of the entire ICSD, beginning either with all of the
individual components or with prefabricated sensing and reference chambers obtained from
the manufacturer of the radioactive source material. The following description covers all
steps, even though some may be done by different manufacturers. Tests and inspections at
several stages of the assembly process ensure a reliable product.

Radioactive source

• 1 The process begins with the compound AmO 2 , an oxide of Am-241. This substance
is thoroughly mixed with gold, shaped into a briquette, and fused by pressure and heat
at over 1470°F (800°C). A backing of silver and a front covering of gold or gold alloy
are applied to the briquette and sealed by hot forging. The briquette is then processed
through several stages of cold rolling to achieve the desired thickness and levels of
radiation emission. The final thickness is about 0.008 inches (0.2 mm), with the gold
cover representing about one percent of the thickness. The resulting foil strip, which is
about 0.8 inches (20 mm) wide, is cut into sections 39 inches (1 meter) long.
• 2 Circular ICSD source elements are punched out of the foil strip. Each disc, which is
about 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter, is mounted in a metal holder. A thin metal rim
on the holder is rolled over to completely seal the cut edge around the disc.

The sensing and reference chambers

• 3 One disc of source material is mounted in the sensing chamber and another is
mounted in the adjacent reference chamber. The electrodes are installed in both
chambers and connected to external leads which project out of the bottoms of the
chambers.

The circuit board

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• 4 Printed circuit boards are prepared from design schematics by punching holes for the
component leads and by laying a copper trace on the back to form the paths for
electric currents. On the assembly line, the various electronic components (diodes,
capacitors, resistors, etc.) are inserted into the proper holes on the board. Leads
extending out the back of the board are trimmed.

• 5 The sensing chamber, reference chamber, and an alarm horn are installed on the
printed circuit board.
• 6 The board then passes over a wave solder machine, which solders the electronic
components into place.

Housing

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• 7 The plastic housing consists of a mounting base and a cover. Both are made by
injection molding process in which powdered plastic and molding pigments are mixed,
heated, forced into a mold under pressure, then cooled to form the final pieces.

Final Assembly

• 8 The circuit board is seated on the plastic mounting base. A test button is installed so
the device can be tested periodically after installation in the home. A mounting bracket
is added to the base, and the cover is added to complete the assembly.

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ADVANTAGES

 Low Power consumption(below 12.5 w)

 Long periods of time on a battery
 Low-cost
 high-accuracy
 low-supply current
 easy to install

APPLICATIONS

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 For resdential applications

 smoke detectors shall be installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the
immediate vicinity of the bedrooms and on each additional story of the family living
unit
 more than one smoke detector shall be installed in a hallway if it is more than 30 feet

long.

LIMITATIONS

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• The amount of “smoke” present may be insufficient to alarmsmoke detectors. Smoke

detectors are designed to alarm at various levels of smoke density. If such density
levels are not created by a developing fire at the location of detectors, the detectors
will not go into alarm.

• Smoke detectors are subject to false alarms and nuisance alarms.For example, a smoke
detector located in or near a kitchen maygo into nuisance alarm during normal
operation of kitchen appliances.In addition, dusty or steamy environments may cause a
smoke detector to falsely alarm. If the location of a smoke detector causes an
abundance of false alarms or nuisance alarms, do not disconnect the smoke detector;
call a professional to analyze the situation and recommend a solution.

• System components, though designed to last many years, can fail at any time. As a
precautionary measure, it is recommended thatsmoke detectors be checked,
maintained, and replaced permanufacturer’s recommendations.

• System components will not work without electrical power. If system batteries are not
serviced or replaced regularly, they may not provide battery backup when AC power
fails.

• Environments with high air velocity or that are dusty or dirty require more frequent
maintenance. In general, fire alarm systems and devices will not work without power
and will not function properly unless they are maintained and tested regularly. While
installing a fire alarm system may make the owner eligible for a lower insurance rate,
an alarm system is not a substitute for insurance. Property owners should continue to
act prudently in protecting the premises and the people in the premises and should
properly insure life and property and buy it in sufficient amount .

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CONCLUSION

Smoke alarms are designed to provide the earliest possible warning of fire and smoke
at reasonable cost. Early warning can mean the difference between a safe escape and no
escape at all. While smoke alarms can provide invaluable protection for you and
your family.

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REFERENCES

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoke_detector
 http://howstuffworks.com/smokedetector
 http://answers.com/smokedetector
 http://focus.ti.com/docs/solution/folders/print/334.html
 http://chemistry.about.com/cs/howthingswork/a/aa071401a.html
 http://www.hometips.com/articleimages/smoke_detector

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