Aspirating smoke detection unit for reducing environmental static charge and airborne pollutant dispersion

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aspirating smoke detection unit that reduces the diffusion of environmental static charges and airborne contaminants, and in particular provides an aspirating smoke detection unit (1) for limiting the diffusion of airborne contaminants. The aspirating smoke detection unit (1) comprises a smoke detector (5) for detecting the presence of smoke particles suspended in air from a monitored area, an ozone generator (7) for generating ozone from oxygen contained in air from the monitored area (20), and an ioniser (8) for ionising air molecules in air from the monitored area (20). A method of reducing the diffusion of airborne contaminants within a monitored area (20) using the aspirating smoke detection unit (1) is also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an aspirating smoke detection unit and a method for reducing the diffusion of airborne pollutants using the aspirating smoke detection unit. Background Technology

[0002] Aspirating smoke detection systems are a known type of fire detection method. These systems include a central aspirating smoke detection unit, which is arranged to draw air from the area to be monitored into the system. It typically has one or more fans to draw air into the system and move it toward the central detection unit. The central smoke detection unit is typically connected to a series of sampling tubes having multiple inlets arranged along its length to allow air to be drawn into the system from multiple locations remote from the central smoke detection unit. The central smoke detection unit includes highly sensitive smoke detectors to detect the presence of smoke particles suspended in the air, indicating the presence of a fire somewhere within the monitored area. After the air has passed through the smoke detectors, it is discharged from the system, typically back into the area being monitored.

[0003] Aspirating detection systems can also be used for other detection purposes, such as determining the presence of airborne particles or gases. For example, an aspirating detection system can be configured to detect natural gas (which can indicate a gas leak) or to detect carbon monoxide for safety purposes.

[0004] Because aspirating smoke detection systems rely on air movement, they can lead to the spread of airborne contaminants such as dust, pollen, mold spores, and pathogens (e.g., bacteria, fungi, and viruses). This effect can be exacerbated, for example, when a single aspirating smoke detection system is used to detect smoke at multiple different locations (e.g., rooms) within a monitored area. In such a system, air from different locations within the monitored area can mix within the aspirating smoke detection system before being exhausted back to those locations, allowing contaminants from one location to spread to all locations monitored by the aspirating smoke detection system.

[0005] Particulate contaminants such as dust and pollen carried in the air emitted from aspirating smoke detection systems can also become attracted to surfaces that have accumulated static charge. Airborne particles emitted from aspirating smoke detection systems can be attracted to charged surfaces via electrostatic attraction. This can be a particular problem when air is exhausted into cleanrooms, such as in manufacturing facilities where contamination is to be avoided. Electrostatic attraction can also be a problem when insulators and / or isolated (i.e., ungrounded) conductors are present and the accumulated static charge cannot be removed from objects by other means (e.g., by grounding).

[0006] Known aspirating smoke detection systems utilize foam or HEPA filters to remove dust and other particulate contaminants from the air. Other known systems (such as the one disclosed in US 9993828) employ charged surfaces, causing the air flowing through the system to undergo electrostatic precipitation, thereby attracting larger particles from the airflow via electrostatic attraction. However, small contaminants may be unaffected by these methods and may remain in the air transmitted from the aspirating smoke detection system and returned to the monitored area. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an aspirating smoke detection unit for limiting the diffusion of airborne pollutants, comprising: a smoke detector for detecting the presence of smoke particles suspended in the air from a monitored area; an ozone generator for generating ozone from oxygen contained in the air from the monitored area; and an ionizer for ionizing air molecules in the air from the monitored area.

[0008] By providing an ozone generator and an ionizer, the inhalation-type smoke detection unit of the present invention can be used to remove and / or neutralize pollutants suspended in the air. "Pollutants" herein refers to particulate pollutants (such as dust, pollen, dander, and smoke particles), microorganisms (such as fungal spores, bacteria, and other cellular pathogens), and non-cellular pathogens (such as viruses).

[0009] Ozone produced by an ozone generator can be used to kill or neutralize airborne pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. As a strong oxidizing gas, ozone acts as an oxidizing agent for the chemicals it comes into contact with and is a powerful disinfectant. When cellular pathogens such as bacteria come into contact with ozone, ozone acts as an oxidizing agent for the pathogen's cell membrane, causing the cell membrane to rupture. This causes cell disintegration and breakdown, thereby killing the cellular pathogen. The rupture in the cell membrane also allows ozone to oxidize cellular components that remain inside the cell membrane, such as enzymes, proteins, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and ribonucleic acid (RNA).

[0010] Ozone also neutralizes non-cellular pathogens such as viruses. When a virus comes into contact with ozone, the ozone reacts with the virus's protein coat, altering its three-dimensional structure and preventing the virus from anchoring itself to a host cell. Therefore, ozone can be used to neutralize the ability of viruses to infect host cells.

[0011] Ozone has also been found to eliminate odors from the air. Therefore, ozone produced by an ozone generator can improve the odor of the air by removing unpleasant and / or foul odors from it.

[0012] Ions (i.e., charged particles, atoms, or molecules) generated by an ionizer can also help remove pollutants from the air. Ions are attracted to pollutants suspended in the air, giving them a total charge. These charged pollutants can then be attracted to a grounded conductor, preventing further diffusion through the air. These pollutants can be the cause of odors. Therefore, generating ions in an aspirating smoke detection unit can also help reduce or remove odors from the air.

[0013] Therefore, it should be recognized that aspirating smoke detection units can be used to reduce or prevent the spread of pollutants in the air, which can help reduce or prevent the spread of disease and pollution caused by airborne particles. These benefits can be achieved by using an aspirating smoke detection unit alone, without the need for additional dedicated air purification modules or the like.

[0014] Inhalation smoke detection units also help reduce the spread of airborne pollutants without requiring additional filter material or layers, such as HEPA filters, to be introduced into the air path within the unit. This eliminates the need for periodic filter replacement or cleaning if filters become dirty or clogged, or if their performance is otherwise reduced. Airflow through the inhalation smoke detection unit is also not obstructed, slowed, or otherwise affected by the presence of additional filter material.

[0015] Aspirating smoke detection units may include one or more aspirators for drawing air into and moving air through the unit. For example, an aspirating smoke detection unit may include one or more blowers and / or fans. The aspirators may be configured to draw air from the monitored area into the aspirating smoke detection unit during use and to move air between the smoke detector, ozone generator, and ionizer.

[0016] The inhalation smoke detection unit is preferably arranged such that ions (i.e., charged air molecules) generated by the ionizer are expelled from the inhalation smoke detection unit. This can be achieved by generating a sufficient number or concentration of ions at the ionizer so that at least some of the ions remain suspended in the air when the air is expelled from the inhalation smoke detection unit. The ionizer may be configured to generate at least 600,000 ions / cm³. 3 Preferably at least 20x10 6 ions / cm 3 The initial ion density. Although the ion density may change and decrease as air moves and is emitted from the aspirating smoke detection unit, the initial ion density refers to the ion density in the vicinity of the ionizer (e.g., within 200 mm of the ionizer).

[0017] Ions emitted from an inhalation-type smoke detection unit can be attracted to objects with an overall charge opposite to that of the ions. For example, negative ions will be attracted to a positively charged object. This attraction can be used to reduce or eliminate charges, such as static charge, that accumulate on an object. This can be particularly useful for removing static charge that accumulates on insulators and intentionally isolated conductors, which is common in electronics manufacturing where it is difficult or impossible to remove the charge from an object by other means (e.g., by grounding the object). By reducing and / or removing the charge accumulated on an object, electrostatic discharge (which can cause sparks or damage the object) can be avoided. Therefore, inhalation-type smoke detection units can also be used as a means of electrostatic discharge control.

[0018] Using ions emitted from the aspirating smoke detection unit to reduce and / or remove the charge that accumulates on objects also helps prevent contamination of charged objects by electrostatic attraction, which could otherwise cause airborne pollutants to be attracted to charged objects.

[0019] Aspirating smoke detection units may include an inlet through which air is drawn into the aspirating smoke detection unit. Aspirating smoke detection units may also include an outlet through which air is exhausted from the aspirating smoke detection unit. One or more aspirators may be configured to draw air into the aspirating smoke detection unit via the inlet and exhaust air from the unit via the outlet during use. The inlet and outlet are preferably separate from each other.

[0020] The smoke detector, ozone generator, and ionizer are preferably arranged in an airflow loop (also called an airflow path) such that air drawn into the aspirating smoke detection unit (e.g., via the operation of the aspirator(s)) is sequentially supplied to each of the smoke detector, ozone generator, and ionizer. Preferably, one or more aspirators are configured to draw air into the aspirating smoke detection unit and move the air through the airflow loop during use. The smoke detector, ozone generator, and ionizer can be arranged in any order in the airflow path such that air can be delivered to each of the smoke detector, ozone generator, and ionizer in any order. The ozone generator can be arranged upstream of the ionizer such that the ionizer receives the air output from the ozone generator. Alternatively, the ionizer can be arranged upstream of the ozone generator such that the ozone generator receives the air output from the ionizer.

[0021] One or more of the one or more aspirators may be located upstream and / or downstream of the smoke detector.

[0022] Preferably, the ionizer and / or ozone generator is positioned downstream of the smoke detector. That is, the air drawn into the aspirating smoke detection unit (e.g., by the action of the aspirators) can be received by the smoke detector before being received or acted upon by the ozone generator and / or ionizer (and / or the aspirators). While the smoke detector may detect the presence of smoke particles in the air even if the air received at the smoke detector is turbulent, it is preferable that the airflow at the smoke detector is laminar. Turbulent air can include areas with high concentrations of airborne particles and areas with relatively low concentrations of airborne particles. This can be caused by turbulent mixing. Therefore, if turbulent air is received at the detector, this air may not fully represent the concentration of airborne particles in the monitored area. This can affect the accuracy of the smoke detector and may lead to false indications of the presence of a fire in the monitored area and / or cause the smoke detector to fail to detect a fire when one is present in the monitored area. If the air at the detector is laminar, the variation in the concentration of suspended particles in the air is likely to be smaller compared to turbulent airflow, thus improving the accuracy and sensitivity of the smoke detector. By positioning the ozone generator and / or ionizer (and / or (multiple) aspirators) downstream of the smoke detector, interruptions to the airflow upstream of the smoke detector can be reduced and / or minimized, and the aspirating smoke detection unit's ability to detect smoke particles will not be hindered.

[0023] In other arrangements, the ozone generator and / or ionizer may be positioned upstream of the smoke detector. In this case, the distance the air sample must travel between the ozone generator and / or ionizer (and / or (multiple) aspirators) upstream of the smoke detector is preferably such that the airflow is laminar when it reaches the smoke detector. For example, the distance the air sample must travel between the ozone generator and / or ionizer (and / or (multiple) aspirators) and the smoke detector may be greater than 50 mm or greater than 100 mm. As discussed above, if the air is turbulent at the smoke detector, the sensitivity of the smoke detector to the presence of smoke particles suspended in the air may change.

[0024] An inhalation-type smoke detection unit may include a controller. The controller may include a processor. The controller may be configured to control the operation of a smoke detector, multiple inhalers, an ozone generator, and / or an ionizer. For example, the controller may be configured to operate the ozone generator and / or ionizer intermittently. This can improve the efficiency of the unit. For example, the controller may be configured to operate the ozone generator and / or ionizer (continuously) for predetermined time periods separated by non-operation intervals. The non-operation intervals may be at least 30 seconds or at least 1 minute. The predetermined time period during which the ozone generator and / or ionizer may operate (continuously) may be 5 minutes or longer, or 10 minutes or longer.

[0025] The controller can be configured to cause one of the ozone generator and ionizer to operate independently of the other. The controller can also be configured to cause both the ozone generator and ionizer to operate simultaneously. The controller can be configured to receive and analyze data to determine whether one or both of the ozone generator and ionizer should operate at a given time. The data received by the controller may represent factors such as system performance, available power, time of day, and / or the detected concentration of airborne pollutants.

[0026] The controller can be configured to trigger the ozone generator and / or ionizer only when one or more of the aspirators are in operation. In this way, the ozone generator and / or ionizer may only have an effect on the air when air is actively drawn in (i.e. conveyed) through the aspirating smoke detection unit, at which time the diffusion of pollutants may be more widespread.

[0027] The controller may be configured to receive data collected by smoke detectors. The controller may be configured to analyze the data from the smoke detectors and determine whether the data indicates the presence of a fire. The controller may be configured to issue an alarm (i.e., output information indicating the possible presence of a fire in the monitored area, such as audible and / or visible alarms) if the data indicates the presence of a fire in the monitored area. For example, the controller may trigger an alarm if the concentration of smoke particles suspended in the air, as measured by the smoke detectors, exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0028] Smoke detectors may include optical smoke detectors, such as laser detection systems or turbidimeters. For example, a smoke detector may include a laser head.

[0029] An ionizer can be configured to generate ions by electrical means. An ionizer may include electrodes. Applying a high voltage to the electrodes can cause ionization of the air passing through them.

[0030] An ionizer can be arranged to provide a net negative charge to air molecules. In other words, an ionizer can be arranged to generate negative ions (i.e., anions).

[0031] Ozone generators may include corona discharge reactor units and / or UV ozone generators.

[0032] An ozone generator can be configured to produce ozone at a rate of 2.5 mg / h to 6.0 mg / h, preferably at a rate of 2.0 mg / h to 3.0 mg / h.

[0033] Aspirating smoke detection units may include electrical connection points for connecting to an external power supply, such as the main power supply in a building. Aspirating smoke detection units may be arranged to use power received from an external power source (via the electrical connection points) to power a controller, smoke detector, aspirators(s), ozone generator, and / or ionizer.

[0034] An inhalation-type smoke detection unit may include one or more high-voltage power supply devices for powering (i.e., energizing) the smoke detector,(s)or(s),or(s),or(s), and / oror(s)or(s). The one or more high-voltage power supply devices may include a direct current (DC) power source, such as a battery. The DC power source may be arranged to provide an input voltage from 3V to 15V (e.g., 5V or 12V). The high-voltage power supply device may include a power converter, such as a DC-to-DC converter, for boosting the input voltage provided to theor(s)or(s)or(s)or(s).

[0035] One or more high-voltage power supply devices may include an input power connector for receiving current from an AC power source, such as a mains power outlet. Each high-voltage power supply device may include a rectifier for converting the AC input to DC. The rectifier may be arranged between the input power connector and the smoke detector,(s) aspirator, ionizer, and / or ozone generator, such that DC power can be supplied to the smoke detector,(s) aspirator,(s) ionizer, and / or ozone generator. One or more high-voltage power supply devices may include a transformer or voltage multiplier for boosting the input voltage. Thus, the aspirating smoke detector,(s) aspirator,(s) ionizer, and ozone generator may be powered by a DC power supply device (e.g., a battery) and / or an AC power supply device (e.g., a mains power outlet).

[0036] An aspirating smoke detection unit may include a single high-voltage power supply for supplying power to one or more of the smoke detector, aspirator(s), ionizer, and ozone generator. Alternatively, the aspirating smoke detection unit may include multiple high-voltage power supply units, each arranged to supply power to one of the smoke detector, aspirator(s), ionizer, and ozone generator.

[0037] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an aspirating smoke detection system for limiting the diffusion of airborne pollutants within a monitored area, the system comprising: an aspirating smoke detection unit as described in the first aspect; one or more sampling tubes having one or more sampling inlets for allowing air to enter from the monitored area, wherein the one or more sampling tubes are fluidly connected to the aspirating smoke detection unit for delivering air from the monitored area to the aspirating smoke detection unit; and one or more exhaust pipes fluidly connected to the aspirating smoke detection unit for delivering air exhausted from the unit to the monitored area.

[0038] In this manner, air can be delivered from the monitored area to the smoke detection unit via multiple sampling tubes, where ozone and / or ions generated in the aspirating smoke detection unit remove and / or neutralize pollutants suspended in the air. The purified air can then be delivered back to the monitored area via multiple exhaust pipes.

[0039] Preferably, the aspirating smoke detection unit is configured such that ions generated by the ionizer are discharged from the aspirating smoke detection system via (multiple) exhaust pipes. In this way, the ions generated by the ionizer can be delivered to the monitored area to remove accumulated charge on the surface of the monitored area.

[0040] The second aspect of the inhalation-type smoke detection unit may include any one or more, or all, of the features discussed above with respect to the first aspect.

[0041] Aspirating smoke detection units can be located away from the monitored area. For example, an aspirating smoke detection unit can be located outside the monitored area.

[0042] The monitored area may include a building (e.g., a hospital) and / or one or more rooms within a building. The monitored area may include a cleanroom and / or one or more rooms within an electronics manufacturing plant.

[0043] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method for reducing the diffusion of airborne pollutants in a monitored area using an aspirating smoke detection unit, the method comprising: providing an aspirating smoke detection unit, wherein the aspirating smoke detection unit includes an ozone generator for generating ozone from oxygen contained in the air; conveying air from the monitored area to the aspirating smoke detection unit; using the ozone generator to generate ozone from oxygen in the air from the monitored area, wherein the generated ozone serves to kill and / or neutralize pathogens in the air and provide purified air; and conveying the purified air to the monitored area.

[0044] The aspirating smoke detection unit may include any one or more, or all, of the features discussed above with respect to the first aspect. For example, the aspirating smoke detection unit may include a smoke detector for detecting the presence of smoke particles suspended in the air and / or an ionizer for ionizing air molecules. Therefore, a third aspect is contemplated to provide a method for reducing the diffusion of airborne pollutants in a monitored area using the aspirating smoke detection unit of the first aspect described above, the method comprising: conveying air from the monitored area to the aspirating smoke detection unit; generating ozone from oxygen in the air from the monitored area using an ozone generator, wherein the generated ozone serves to kill and / or neutralize pathogens in the air and provide purified air; and conveying the purified air to the monitored area.

[0045] By interacting with ozone generated by an ozone generator, pathogens suspended in the air delivered to the aspirating smoke detection unit can be neutralized and / or killed. Consequently, the air returned to the monitored area (i.e., purified air) is disinfected, and the spread of diseases caused by these pathogens can be reduced. This can be achieved using an aspirating smoke detection unit, which can be arranged to move air within the monitored area to monitor the air for the presence of smoke particles.

[0046] The method may also include using an ionizer to ionize air molecules transported from the monitored area to the aspirating smoke detector. The resulting ions (i.e., charged air molecules) can be attracted to pollutants suspended in the air, giving the pollutants a net charge. This can cause the pollutants to be attracted to a grounded conductor, such as in the aspirating smoke detection unit or in the monitored area, thereby removing the pollutants from the air. This helps to purify the air in the monitored area.

[0047] The method may include using multiple aspirators to draw air into an aspirating smoke detection unit and move the air through the unit. The action of the multiple aspirators may cause air to be delivered from the aspirating smoke detection unit to the monitored area.

[0048] An ozone generator can only produce ozone when the aspirator is operated to deliver air to the aspirating smoke detection unit. In other words, an ozone generator can only produce ozone when air is delivered to the aspirating smoke detection system (and therefore the ozone generator) by the action of the aspirator.

[0049] Using an ozone generator may include intermittent use. Therefore, ozone can be generated intermittently. The ozone generator can operate (continuously) for periods of 5 minutes or longer, or 10 minutes or longer. These operating periods can be separated by intervals in which the ozone generator is not used to generate ozone. These intervals can be at least 30 seconds or at least 1 minute.

[0050] The method may further include delivering ions generated by an ionizer to the monitored area. The ions can be attracted to charged surfaces in the monitored area, thereby helping to reduce or remove charge buildup on the surfaces. This helps reduce contamination of surfaces and objects in the monitored area via electrostatic attraction and, as discussed above, provides a means of controlling electrostatic discharge. This can be considered an invention in itself. Therefore, in a fourth aspect, the invention provides a method for reducing the diffusion of airborne contaminants in a monitored area using an aspirating smoke detection unit, the method comprising: providing an aspirating smoke detection unit, wherein the aspirating smoke detection unit includes an ionizer for ionizing air molecules; delivering air from the monitored area to the aspirating smoke detection unit; using the ionizer to ionize air molecules in the air from the monitored area to generate ionized air; and delivering the ionized air to the monitored area to reduce and / or neutralize the charge on surfaces in the monitored area.

[0051] The inhalation smoke detection unit may include any one or more, or all, of the features discussed above with respect to the first aspect. For example, the inhalation smoke detection unit may include a smoke detector for detecting the presence of smoke particles suspended in the air and / or an ozone generator for generating ozone from oxygen contained in the air. Therefore, a fourth aspect is contemplated to provide a method for reducing the diffusion of airborne pollutants in a monitored area using the inhalation smoke detection unit of the first aspect described above, the method comprising: conveying air from the monitored area to the inhalation smoke detection unit; ionizing air molecules in the air from the monitored area using an ionizer to generate ionized air; and conveying the ionized air to the monitored area to reduce and / or neutralize the charge on surfaces in the monitored area.

[0052] Since ions will be attracted to charged surfaces via electrostatic attraction, it may not be necessary to actively direct air (including ions contained in the air) from the aspirating smoke detection unit to or onto the charged surface. In other words, delivering air to the monitored area may be sufficient to attract ions to charged surfaces within the monitored area.

[0053] The third or fourth aspect of the inhalation-type smoke detection unit may include one or more or all of the optional features mentioned above.

[0054] The following description applies to the methods in the third and fourth aspects.

[0055] (Multiple) methods may include using an aspirator to deliver air from the area of ​​interest to the aspirating smoke detection unit. The aspirator can be used to deliver air from the aspirating smoke detection unit back to the monitored area.

[0056] The ionizer can only be used to ionize air molecules when the inhaler is operated to deliver air to the inhalation smoke detection unit. That is, the ionizer can only be used to ionize air molecules when air is delivered to the inhalation smoke detection system (and therefore the ionizer) by the action of the inhaler.

[0057] The use of an ionizer may include intermittent use. The ionizer may operate (continuously) for periods of 5 minutes or longer, or 10 minutes or longer. These operating periods may be separated by intervals in which the ionizer is not used to ionize air molecules. These intervals may be at least 30 seconds or at least 1 minute.

[0058] Multiple methods may include using a smoke detector to detect the presence of smoke particles suspended in the air. This may include delivering air from the monitored area to the smoke detector to detect the presence of smoke particles in the air and / or determine the concentration of smoke particles in the air. The air may be delivered to the smoke detector before and / or after it is delivered to an ionizer and / or an ozone generator. Multiple methods may include triggering an alarm and / or alert if the concentration of smoke particles suspended in the air, as measured by the smoke detector, is higher than a predetermined threshold.

[0059] The monitored area may include a building (e.g., a hospital) and / or one or more rooms within a building. The monitored area may include a cleanroom and / or one or more rooms within an electronics manufacturing plant. Attached Figure Description

[0060] Some embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A perspective view of an aspirating smoke detector unit used in an aspirating smoke detection system is shown. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an aspirating smoke detector unit; and Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an aspirating smoke detection system is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0061] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An aspirating smoke detection unit 1 for use in an aspirating smoke detection system 10 is shown. The aspirating smoke detection unit 1 includes a housing 2 having: an inlet 3 through which air (including smoke particles and contaminants (when present)) enters the housing 2; and an outlet 4 fluidly connected to the inlet 3 to allow air to be discharged from the unit 1. An airflow path is defined within the housing 2 between the inlet and the outlet, and air can traverse the aspirating smoke detection unit 1 via the airflow path. The airflow path is defined by… Figure 1The arrow in the image indicates this.

[0062] Smoke detector 5 is positioned in the airflow path downstream of inlet 3 to detect the presence of smoke particles suspended in the air. Air drawn into the aspirating smoke detection unit 1 through inlet 3 is received by smoke detector 5. Figure 1 In the aspirating smoke detection unit 1 shown, the smoke detector 5 is an optical smoke detector, such as a laser detection system, although any known smoke detector may be used.

[0063] Fan 6 is located downstream of smoke detector 5 and fluidly connected to smoke detector 5 for receiving air output from smoke detector 5. Fan 6 is arranged to draw air into smoke detection unit 1 via inlet 3 and deliver air through smoke detection unit 1 to outlet 4 via airflow path during use.

[0064] Although Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the illustrated aspirating smoke detection unit, the fan 6 is positioned downstream of the smoke detector 5, but the aspirating smoke detection unit 1 may alternatively or additionally include a fan located upstream of the smoke detector 5. In this way, the smoke detector 5 can receive air after it has been conveyed by the fan upstream of the smoke detector 5.

[0065] like Figure 2 As shown, the inhalation smoke detection unit 1 includes an ozone generator 7 for generating ozone from oxygen contained in the air. The ozone generator 7 is positioned downstream of a fan 6 and fluidly connected to the fan 6 to receive air from it. The ozone generator 7 is arranged to use the air conveyed through the inhalation smoke detection unit 1 as a source of oxygen molecules (i.e., O2) and to decompose these oxygen molecules to form ozone (i.e., O3). In use, when air is conveyed through the ozone generator 7, the oxygen in the air is decomposed into individual oxygen atoms, which then react with other oxygen molecules to form ozone. Therefore, the ozone generator provides the inhalation smoke detection unit 1 with the ability to generate ozone from the air conveyed through it.

[0066] The ozone generator 7 may include a corona discharge reactor unit or any other suitable ozone generator, such as a UV ozone generator. A corona discharge reactor unit typically includes a pair of electrodes and dielectric plates arranged at intervals between the electrodes, creating an air gap between them. In operation, a potential difference is applied across the electrodes to create a high-energy electric field, or corona, between them. Ozone is generated when oxygen-containing air moves through the corona.

[0067] The aspirating smoke detection unit 1 also includes an air ionizer 8 for ionizing air molecules (i.e., providing a net charge to air molecules). Figure 2 In the aspirating smoke detection unit shown, an air ionizer 8 is positioned downstream of an ozone generator 7 and is fluidly connected to the ozone generator 7 to receive air output from the ozone generator 7. The air ionizer 8 is arranged to ionize air molecules using a high voltage, thereby making the air molecules negatively charged. The air ionizer 8 may include one or more discharge needles to which a high voltage can be applied to generate an electric field around the discharge needles.

[0068] Air ionizer 8 and ozone generator 7 in Figure 1 It is not visible due to being blocked by the fan.

[0069] The inhalation-type smoke detection unit 1 may include a high-voltage power supply unit (not shown) for energizing the ionizer 8 and the ozone generator 7. The high-voltage power supply unit may include a DC power source, such as a battery, for powering the air ionizer 8 and the ozone generator 7.

[0070] The aspirating smoke detection unit 1 also includes a controller (not shown) for controlling the operation of the smoke detection unit 1 and / or for processing data from the unit 1. The controller is arranged to receive data from the smoke detector 5 for further processing and is configured to issue an alarm and / or issue a warning if the data from the smoke detector 5 indicates that the concentration of smoke particles in the air is higher than a predetermined threshold indicating the presence of a fire.

[0071] The controller is also arranged to control the operation of the smoke detector 5, fan 6, ozone generator 7, and air ionizer 8. For example, the controller can provide selective operation of the smoke detector 5, fan 6, ozone generator 7, and air ionizer 8, such that each of these components can operate independently of each other by providing control over the electrical power supply to each of the smoke detector 5, fan 6, ozone generator 7, and / or air ionizer 8.

[0072] Figure 3 An aspirating smoke detection system 10, including the aforementioned aspirating smoke detection unit 1, is shown. Figure 3In the aspirating smoke detection system 10, the inlet 3 of the aspirating smoke detection unit 1 is fluidly connected to a sampling tube 11 extending into a monitored area 20 (e.g., one or more rooms in a building). The sampling tube 11 includes a plurality of sampling inlets 12 through which air can be conveyed from the monitored area 20 into the sampling tube. Thus, air from the monitored area 20 can be conveyed to the aspirating smoke detection unit 1 via the sampling tube 11. The outlet 4 of the aspirating smoke detection unit 1 is fluidly connected to an exhaust pipe 13 extending into the monitored area 20, so that air conveyed through the aspirating smoke detection unit 1 can be conveyed back into the monitored area 20. Ions generated in the aspirating smoke detection unit 1 by the operation of the air ionizer 8 can also be conveyed to the monitored area 20 via the exhaust pipe 13.

[0073] Now refer to Figures 1 to 3 Describe the operation of the aspirating smoke detection unit 1.

[0074] When fan 6 is powered on, its action causes air to be drawn into the aspirating smoke detection unit 1 through inlet 3. Smoke particles and other pollutants such as dust, pollen, bacteria, and viruses can be suspended in the air drawn into the aspirating smoke detection unit 1. Therefore, smoke particles and pollutants are forced to be drawn into the aspirating smoke detection unit 1 along with the air by the action of the fan.

[0075] like Figure 3 As shown, if the aspirating smoke detection unit 1 is arranged in situ within the aspirating smoke detection system 10, the action of the fan 6 causes air (and airborne pollutants) to be drawn from the monitored area 20 into the system 10 through the sampling inlet 12 in the sampling tube 11. Then, air (and any airborne pollutants) is drawn along the sampling tube 11 and enters the aspirating smoke detection unit 1 through the inlet 3.

[0076] Air entering the aspirating smoke detection unit 1 via inlet 3 is conveyed to smoke detector 5, which determines the concentration of smoke particles suspended in the air. Smoke detector 5 continuously monitors the air and collects information about the concentration of present smoke particles. This smoke concentration data is transmitted to the controller for further processing. If the smoke concentration data indicates that the concentration of smoke particles in the sampled air exceeds a predetermined threshold limit, the controller determines that a fire exists in the monitored area 20 and may trigger an alarm and / or alert.

[0077] The operation of fan 6 draws air from smoke detector 5 and directs it toward ozone generator 7, so that the air output from smoke detector 5 is received by ozone generator 7. When powered on, ozone generator 7 produces ozone from oxygen molecules in the air, so that the air output from ozone generator 7 contains ozone molecules. A controller can be used to adjust the power supplied to ozone generator 7 in order to regulate the concentration of ozone in the air output from ozone generator 7.

[0078] The ozone generated by ozone generator 7 can kill or neutralize pathogens carried in the air. When the ozone generated by ozone generator 7 comes into contact with cellular pathogens such as bacteria, it reacts with the cell membrane of the pathogen, killing it. Ozone can also be used to neutralize non-cellular pathogens such as viruses. When the ozone generated by ozone generator 7 comes into contact with viruses, the ozone reacts with the protein coat of the virus and prevents the virus from anchoring itself to a host cell. This renders the virus ineffective in infecting host cells.

[0079] Ozone has also been found to eliminate odors from the air. Accordingly, ozone generated by ozone generator 7 can improve the odor of the air flowing through inhalation smoke detection unit 1 and remove unpleasant and / or foul odors.

[0080] Air output from ozone generator 7 is received by air ionizer 8, which generates negatively charged ions in the air when energized. The air containing these negatively charged ions is then discharged from the aspirating smoke detection unit through outlet 4. When the outlet is connected to the exhaust pipe 13 of the aspirating smoke detection system 10, as... Figure 3 As shown, air and negatively charged ions are transported back to the monitored area 20 via exhaust pipe 13. Thus, the air emitted from the aspirating smoke detection system 10 and entering the monitored area includes negatively charged ions.

[0081] Negative ions emitted into the air can reduce or eliminate the accumulation of static charge on insulators and isolated (i.e., ungrounded) conductors within the monitored area 20. Negative ions emitted from the aspirating smoke detection system are attracted to positively charged surfaces within the monitored area 20. This positive charge can be static charge that has accumulated on the surface of an object (e.g., through electron exchange between the object's surface and air particles flowing over it). When negative ions generated by the air ionizer 8 come into contact with the positively charged surface, the charge accumulated on the surface (e.g., static charge) is reduced or removed. Therefore, ions generated by the air ionizer 8 can be used to neutralize the charge accumulated on the surfaces of objects within the monitored area 20.

[0082] Charged surfaces can attract pollutants suspended in the air through electrostatic attraction. As mentioned above, this type of pollution can be reduced or avoided by neutralizing the charge on the surface of an object. Therefore, by emitting ions that can neutralize the charge on objects in the monitored area 20, the inhalation-type smoke detection unit 1 can be used to reduce or avoid pollution caused by electrostatic attraction.

[0083] The negative ions generated by the air ionizer 8 can also be attracted to airborne pollutant particles (e.g., dust and pollen) and pathogens, giving them a total negative charge. These negatively charged particles and pathogens can then be attracted to a grounded conductor (either in the aspirating smoke detection system 10 or in the monitored area 20), thereby removing the particles and pathogens from the air. Therefore, the spread of pollutant particles and pathogens through airborne movement is reduced.

[0084] It is also known that pollutant particles suspended in the air can cause unpleasant odors and foul smells. Therefore, by removing these pollutants from the air, the aspirating smoke detection unit 1 can be used to reduce or remove such odors from the air emitted back into the monitored area.

Claims

1. An aspirating smoke detection unit (1) for limiting the diffusion of airborne pollutants, comprising: smoke Detector (5), which is used to detect the presence of smoke particles suspended in the air from the monitored area (20); An ozone generator (7) is used to generate ozone from oxygen contained in the air from the monitored area; and Ionizer (8), which is used to ionize air molecules in the air from the monitored area, The inhalation smoke detection unit is arranged such that ions generated by the ionizer are discharged from the inhalation smoke detection unit into the monitored area.

2. The aspirating smoke detection unit (1) according to claim 1, comprising one or more aspirators (6) for drawing air into the aspirating smoke detection unit and moving air through the unit.

3. The aspirating smoke detection unit (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The one or more aspirators include one or more blowers and / or fans.

4. The aspirating smoke detection unit (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The one or more aspirators (6) are configured to draw air from the monitored area into the aspirating smoke detection unit during use and to transfer the air between the smoke detector (5), the ozone generator (7) and the ionizer (8).

5. The inhalation-type smoke detection unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The ionizer (8) and / or the ozone generator (7) are located downstream of the smoke detector (5).

6. The aspirating smoke detection unit (1) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The ionizer (8) is configured to generate negative ions.

7. The aspirating smoke detection unit (1) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The ionizer (8) is configured to produce at least 600,000 ions / cm³. 3 ion density.

8. The aspirating smoke detection unit (1) according to claim 7, wherein, The ionizer (8) is configured to generate at least 20x10 6 ions / cm 3 ion density.

9. The aspirating smoke detection unit according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The ozone generator (7) includes a corona discharge reactor unit.

10. The aspirating smoke detection unit (1) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The smoke detector (5) includes an optical smoke detector.

11. The inhalation-type smoke detection unit (1) according to any one of claims 2-4, comprising a controller, wherein the controller is arranged to control the operation of the smoke detector (5), the inhaler (6), the ozone generator (7) and / or the ionizer (8).

12. The aspirating smoke detection unit (1) according to claim 11, wherein, The controller is configured to operate the ozone generator (7) and / or the ionizer (8) only when one or more of the inhalers (6) are in operation.

13. An aspirating smoke detection system (10) for limiting the diffusion of airborne pollutants within a monitored area (20), the system comprising: The aspirating smoke detection unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims; One or more sampling tubes (11) having one or more sampling inlets (12) for allowing air to enter from the monitored area, wherein the one or more sampling tubes are fluidly connected to the aspirating smoke detection unit for delivering air from the monitored area to the aspirating smoke detection unit; and One or more exhaust pipes (13) fluidly connected to the aspirating smoke detection unit for delivering air exhausted from the unit to the monitored area.

14. A method for reducing the diffusion of airborne pollutants within a monitored area (20) using an aspirating smoke detection unit (1), the method comprising: An aspirating smoke detection unit is provided, wherein the aspirating smoke detection unit includes an ozone generator (7) for generating ozone from oxygen contained in the air, and an ionizer (8) for ionizing air molecules. Air is transmitted from the monitored area to the aspirating smoke detection unit; The ozone generator is used to produce ozone from oxygen in the air from the monitored area, wherein the ozone produced kills and / or neutralizes pathogens in the air and provides purified air. The ionizer is used to ionize air molecules that are transmitted from the monitored area (20) to the aspirating smoke detection unit (1); The purified air is delivered to the monitored area; and Ions generated by the ionizer (8) are delivered to the monitored area (20) to reduce and / or neutralize the surface charge in the monitored area.

15. A method for reducing the diffusion of airborne pollutants within a monitored area (20) using an aspirating smoke detection unit (1), the method comprising: An aspirating smoke detection unit is provided, wherein the aspirating smoke detection unit includes an ionizer (8) for ionizing air molecules; Air is transmitted from the monitored area to the aspirating smoke detection unit; The ionizer (8) is used to ionize air molecules in the air from the monitored area to generate ionized air; and The ionized air is delivered to the monitored area to reduce and / or neutralize the charge on the surface of the monitored area.

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