Method and test device for testing the functionality of a suction particle detecting system
The method addresses the inefficiencies of existing suction particle detection system verification by measuring and comparing actual exit times of a test fluid against predefined targets, enhancing accuracy and reducing time and cost while detecting system impairments.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- WAGNER GROUP GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2021-12-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-24
AI Technical Summary
Existing methods for verifying the functionality of suction particle detection systems, such as aspirating fire detection systems, are time-consuming and costly, often requiring manual inspection of individual intake openings and limited to checking the last intake opening, reducing the method's informative value.
A method involving directing a test fluid flow from a generator towards multiple intake openings, measuring actual exit times, and comparing them with predefined target times to verify the functionality of the system, allowing for comprehensive verification with reduced time and cost.
Enables precise verification of the suction particle detection system's components, including filters and intake openings, with increased predictive power and reduced time expenditure, detecting impairments like leaks and blockages.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a method for verifying the functionality of a suction particle detection system, in particular a suction fire detection system for detecting and / or locating a fire and / or its ignition, which suction particle detection system comprises a fluid line system with at least one pipe and / or hose line that leads via one or more suction openings for the respective extraction of a fluid sample into one or more monitoring areas, wherein in a first method step a test fluid is provided, in particular generated, by means of a test fluid generator, which is fluidly connected or connectable to the fluid line system via a test fluid line and / or a test fluid connection, and in a second method step the test fluid is introduced into the fluid line system via the test fluid line and / or the test fluid connection.wherein a test fluid flow is generated within the at least one pipe and / or hose line via a flow medium.
[0002] The invention further relates to an aspirating particle detection system, in particular an aspirating fire detection system for detecting and / or locating a fire and / or its initiation, comprising an integrated test device and a fluid line system with at least one pipe and / or hose line leading via one or more suction openings for the respective extraction of a fluid sample into one or more monitoring areas, a detection unit for detecting test particles contained in the respective extracted fluid samples, in particular smoke particles, a flow medium for generating a fluid sample flow within the at least one pipe and / or hose line, wherein the fluid sample flow is directed from the one or more suction openings towards the detection unit, and a programmable computing unit for evaluating signals transmitted by the detection unit.as well as a test fluid generator for providing a test fluid, which is or can be connected to the fluid piping system via a test fluid line and / or a test fluid connection.
[0003] Aspirating particle detection systems are often used for fire detection or monitoring for fire initiation. An aspirating particle detection system comprises a fluid piping system with at least one pipe and / or hose, also referred to in technical jargon as a "branch" or "pipe branch," along which multiple sampling openings are arranged in series or "connected." In addition to aspirating particle detection systems with only one pipe branch, designs with branching pipe and / or hose lines are also used, i.e., with two or more "branches" or "pipe branches," whose respective sampling openings are then "connected" in parallel to the sampling openings of another branch or pipe branch. The sampling openings are each assigned to one or more so-called monitoring areas and connect the fluid piping system to the corresponding monitoring area via the respective pipe and / or hose.A fluid sample flow is generated within one or more pipes and / or hoses via a flow medium or suction device. This flow carries fluid samples (air samples) taken from the monitored areas towards a detection unit, which is usually located centrally. The detection unit identifies test particles contained in the fluid samples, such as smoke particles or smoke aerosols, which can be generated by a fire or fire hazard in the monitored area. The detection unit is connected to a programmable processing unit, which evaluates the signals transmitted by the detection unit, for example, to detect a fire or fire hazard.
[0004] In principle, a monitoring area is understood to be an area to which the fluid piping system of the aspirating particle detection system is fluidly connected via at least one sampling port and which is monitored by the continuous sampling of fluid samples, particularly air samples. The prior art discloses both the monitoring of buildings and building complexes using aspirating particle detection systems, as well as the monitoring of devices and / or apparatus. For example, DE 10 2005 052 777 A1 discloses a device for fire detection in control cabinets. The device has a sampling pipe system with a single pipe or pipe section that connects a multitude of adjacent control cabinets. The sampling pipe system communicates with the individual control cabinets to be monitored via a sampling port. In this context, a monitoring area corresponds to a control cabinet.
[0005] A similar fire detection device for detecting and locating a fire is known from DE 103 48 565 A1 in connection with building monitoring. In building monitoring, a monitoring area is generally understood to be a single room of the building to be monitored, or, in the case of monitoring larger halls and building complexes, corresponding sub-areas of rooms. The fire detection device described in DE 103 48 565 A1, also referred to as an aspirative fire detection device, has a sampling pipe system with a single pipe or pipe section that communicates with each individual monitoring area or room via at least one sampling opening.A blower, designed as a suction device, generates a fluid sample flow within the pipeline towards a central detector, transporting air samples drawn from the individual monitoring chambers to the detector. Once at least one fire characteristic has been detected, the air samples in the suction pipe system are blown out to pinpoint the fire location. The blower has a reversing function for this purpose, thus simultaneously acting as a blow-out device. Following the blow-out, new air samples are taken from the individual monitoring chambers. The transit time, also known as transport time, is measured: this is the time from when the air sample is drawn in through the respective suction opening until it reaches the detector or until the detector detects another fire characteristic. Based on the transport time, the suction opening corresponding to the fire characteristic, and thus the fire location, can be determined.
[0006] To adjust and check the intake particle detection system before commissioning, DE 103 48 565 A1 also suggests positioning a smoke generator, which can artificially generate a fire characteristic, near an intake opening. It is also generally common practice to check the functionality of the intake particle detection system before commissioning or for maintenance. This functionality depends to a large extent on whether the fluid piping system, including the pipe cross-section, roughness, and diameter of the intake openings, as well as the associated pipe accessories such as fittings and filters, and the distances between the respective components, have been correctly assembled or installed according to the specifications. Even during operation of the intake particle detection system, limitations in functionality or changes to the target state of the fluid piping system can occur.These problems can be caused by blockages, constrictions of the flow cross-section, especially pinching, and / or leakage. To verify this, artificially generated smoke or a smoke aerosol is introduced as a test fluid through the intake openings using a smoke generator. The transit time required for the smoke or smoke aerosol to travel from each intake opening to the detector or its sensor unit is then measured for each individual intake opening. The measured transit times must fall within a predefined tolerance range. Performing such transit time measurements is particularly complex at high ceilings and often requires specialized equipment such as a telescopic work platform.
[0007] For reasons of economy, in practice, only the travel time of the "last" intake opening of each pipe branch—that is, the intake opening with the longest pipe run to the detector—is often used to check the pipe system. US 8,434,343 B2, for example, discloses a solution in which a particle generator is positioned at the end of each pipe branch of a pipe system. The particle generator is located adjacent to or near the last intake opening of the corresponding pipe branch and is mounted there. By drawing in the particles produced by the particle generator through the last intake openings of the individual pipe branches, the functionality of the pipe system can be checked based on the respective travel times, as described above. However, limiting the travel time measurement to the last intake openings of the pipe branches significantly reduces the informative value of the test.
[0008] Suitable particle or smoke generators for testing aspirating particle detection systems are known from the prior art. For example, US 740,650 A discloses a smoke machine that generates smoke and collects it within a smoke chamber. A continuous stream of smoke can be provided via an outlet and introduced into a pipe system connected to the outlet.
[0009] US 10,302,522 B2 discloses a method for testing a particle detection system in which a smoke generator is connected to the system's pipework. The smoke generator is positioned downstream of the pipes containing the intake openings and upstream of the intake device with respect to the fluid sample flow. To test the functionality of the particle detector, the smoke generator produces a test fluid, in particular smoke. A flow is created via the intake device from the smoke generator toward the particle detector to supply the smoke to its detection chamber. A malfunction of the particle detector is detected if the smoke is not detected. For testing the pipework, US 10,302,522 B2 proposes an alternative procedure in which air is blown into the pipework instead of using the smoke generator.The intake device can initiate a reversal of the flow direction within the intake pipe system, directing airflow from the intake device towards the intake openings. Each intake opening is equipped with a valve for testing purposes; this valve switches from an open to a closed position when the airflow is reversed. Blockages and / or leaks can be detected by measuring the volume flow or pressure within the pipe system. The proposed method aims to eliminate the need for time-consuming manual inspection of each individual intake opening. However, a disadvantage is the requirement to equip the intake openings with valves, which not only increases the overall system costs but also its susceptibility to malfunctions, such as valve jamming.
[0010] Finally, WO 2015 / 054749 A1 discloses an intake particle detection system with a pipeline and several intake openings. A test smoke-generating test apparatus is to be used for conducting smoke tests. To feed the test smoke sequentially into the individual intake openings, some of which are located at different heights, the test apparatus has a telescopic pipeline.
[0011] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved method and test device for verifying the functionality of an intake particle detection system, compared to the prior art. In particular, the aim is to reduce the time and cost expenditure while simultaneously enabling precise verification with unrestricted validity for individual intake openings.
[0012] The problem is solved by a method for verifying the functionality of an intake particle detection system according to claim 1 and an intake particle detection system according to claim 6.
[0013] A method for verifying the functionality of an intake particle detection system of the type described above is characterized by the fact that the test fluid flow within the at least one pipe and / or hose line, originating from the test fluid generator, is directed towards one or more intake openings in such a way that the test fluid enters the fluid line system from the test fluid generator via the test fluid line and / or the test fluid connection and exits from one or more intake openings, wherein in a third process step the respective actual exit times from the introduction and / or entry of the test fluid into the fluid line system until the exit of the test fluid from a respective intake opening are recorded by means of a timer, and in a fourth process step the recorded actual exit times are combined with a data set stored, in particular on a data carrier.The target discharge times and / or target discharge time ranges assigned to the respective intake openings are compared.
[0014] According to the invention, a test fluid is introduced into the fluid piping system of the intake particle detection system via a test fluid generator. For this purpose, a test fluid flow is generated by a suitable flow medium, e.g., a fan or blower, originating from the test fluid generator and directed towards the intake openings, so that the test fluid exits each intake opening after a specific runtime. The runtime specific to each intake opening, which the test fluid requires from introduction and / or entry into the fluid piping system until exiting the corresponding intake opening, is measured by means of a timer and recorded as the respective actual exit time. The timer, in particular a timer or stopwatch, can be implemented as software or a program application on a programmable computing unit, e.g., a PC.The timer for the intake particle detection system is stored and is preferably started globally for all intake ports when the test fluid is introduced and / or stopped locally when it exits the respective intake port. In its simplest form, the timer can also be started and / or stopped manually by a user.
[0015] The actual discharge times recorded for each intake opening are then compared with the corresponding target discharge times and / or target discharge time ranges. These are stored as a data set on a data carrier. This data carrier could be, for example, a storage medium of the programmable logic unit (PLC), in which case the comparison of the actual discharge times with the target discharge times and / or ranges can be performed automatically by the PLC. However, printed materials such as a user manual or handwritten tables are also suitable as data carriers. In this case, the data set containing the target discharge times and / or ranges is stored, for example, in tabular form and is manually compared by the user with the recorded actual discharge times.
[0016] The method according to the invention enables the complete verification of the functionality of various components of a suction particle detection system, in particular its fluid piping system, including filters, fittings, pipe connections and similar components, as well as individual, multiple or all suction openings and the (intermediate) pipe sections of the at least one pipe and / or hose line, with a reduced time expenditure compared to the prior art. For example, by recording the actual emission times at multiple or all suction openings in only a single process pass, i.e., by introducing test fluid into the fluid piping system only once, the time expenditure can be significantly reduced.At the same time, the predictive power of the method is increased by checking different components of the intake particle detection system, in particular several intake openings and the corresponding pipe sections, compared to methods known from the prior art, resulting in a particularly economical method overall.
[0017] The execution of the method according to the invention can be based on various test scenarios. Preferably, a distinction is made between three basic test scenarios: a check during (initial) commissioning of the intake particle detection system, a regular or routine check during operation of the intake particle detection system, and an (unscheduled) check upon detection of a fault, e.g., if a deviation in the total fluid sample flow expected in the detection unit is detected. Each test scenario can, in turn, be assigned corresponding data sets with relevant target discharge times. Preferably, the target discharge times and / or ranges associated with the commissioning check are calculated using engineering software, whereas the target discharge times and / or ranges for the routine or unscheduled commissioning check can be measured.Based on the calculated and / or measured target exit times in one or more process passes, a target exit time range can be defined within which the recorded actual exit times should be.
[0018] In an advantageous continuation of the process, impairments to the functionality of the intake particle detection system, in particular deviations from planning to installation, leaks, squashing and / or blockages of the fluid piping system, are detected in a fifth process step, provided that at least one of the recorded actual discharge times deviates from the respective assigned target discharge time and / or the target discharge time range.
[0019] A distinction is made between a negative deviation, i.e., the recorded actual discharge time is shorter than the assigned target discharge time or lies below the predefined target discharge time range, and a positive deviation, i.e., the recorded actual discharge time is longer than the assigned target discharge time or lies above the predefined target discharge time range. Depending on the test scenario, but also on the individual design of the fluid piping system, e.g., the pipe length and resulting pressure differences, the positioning of the intake openings along a pipe and / or hose line, and / or the distance between a respective intake opening and the test fluid generator, a positive or negative deviation of the actual discharge times from the target discharge times and / or ranges can indicate different causes or functional impairments.During commissioning, installation errors or deviations from the planning phase are particularly likely, e.g., due to variations in the number of fittings used, differing pipe lengths, etc., which are attributable to the specific local installation conditions. During operational checks, leaks, breaks, constrictions (reduction of the flow cross-section), and / or blockages (complete obstruction of the flow cross-section) may occur in the fluid piping system, especially at the intake openings. Furthermore, malfunctions of the flow devices, such as fans or blowers, may also be detected.
[0020] Advantageously, deviations between target discharge times and / or ranges and actual discharge times can be correlated with potential functional impairments based on the flow characteristics of the intake particle detection system. This correlation can be determined, in particular, using engineering software and / or experimentally. An example correlation for the test scenarios described above is shown below. Such a correlation can preferably be stored digitally or as a printed document on the data carrier as part of the data set. Verification during commissioning of the intake particle detection system Determination of the target exit times: Calculation using engineering software Test fluid exit times: Actual > Target Deviations from the planned installation and / or leaks in the fluid piping system Actual = Target no impairment Is < Should Deviation from planning to installation Routine check of the intake particle detection system Determination of the target exit times: Measurement during commissioning or after installation Exit times of the test fluid: Actual > Target Crushing, breaking and / or blockage in the fluid piping system Actual = Target no impairment Is < Should Blockage in the fluid piping system Verification in case of deviations in the fluid sample flow in the detection unit Determination of the target exit times: Measurement during commissioning or after installation Case 1: Total fluid sample flow too high Exit times of the test fluid: Actual > Target Leakage in the fluid piping system Actual = Target no impairment Is < Should Blockage in the fluid piping system Case 2: Total fluid sample flow too low Exit times of the test fluid: Actual > Target no impairment Actual = Target Impairment of the functionality of the flow medium Is < Should Crushing and / or blockage in the fluid piping system
[0021] According to an advantageous method variant, the exit of the test fluid from one or more intake openings is recorded optically, manually by a user and / or by means of optical sensors to record the respective actual exit times.
[0022] To detect leaking test fluid, one or more users can manually monitor the intake openings of one or more pipes and / or hoses, measuring and manually recording the actual leakage times, for example, using a stopwatch. These recorded leakage times can then be manually compared with the corresponding target leakage times and / or ranges. Manual monitoring of the intake openings also allows for the localization of breaks or leaks if test fluid is observed escaping from a point on a pipe and / or hose where no intake opening is provided. Alternatively or additionally, leakage of test fluid from one or more intake openings can also be detected using optical sensors, such as laser scanners or camera-based detection. InIn both cases, manual and sensor-based optical detection, one or more light sources can be directed at the fluid piping system, particularly at the intake openings, to improve the detectability of escaping test fluid. Detection using optical sensors is particularly suitable for automated execution of the procedure.
[0023] According to an advantageous method variant, the recorded actual exit times of the test fluid at one or more of the intake openings are compared with the target exit times and / or target exit time ranges assigned to the respective intake openings by means of software and / or programming, wherein the data set containing the target exit times and / or target exit time ranges is stored digitally on a storage medium of a programmable computing unit.
[0024] In particular, before the test fluid is introduced into the fluid line system of the intake particle detection system via the test fluid line and / or the test fluid connection, it can be cleaned in a cleaning step, by blowing out and / or using compressed air, according to optional process design.
[0025] Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning step can also be carried out after an impairment of the functionality of the intake particle detection system has been detected, for example to eliminate blockages in the fluid line system, especially in the area of the at least one pipe and / or hose line and / or the intake openings.
[0026] Especially in the case of already installed and commissioned intake particle detection systems, the data set, which includes the target discharge times and / or target discharge time ranges assigned to the respective intake openings, can be determined and stored on the data carrier using one or more discharge time measurements and / or run-on time measurements for retrofitting according to an advantageous method variant.
[0027] To determine the target exit times and / or ranges required for the inventive method, the actual exit times required by the test fluid from its introduction into the fluid piping system until its exit at the respective intake openings can be measured once or several times. Based on the measured exit times, the transport times or transit times typically stored for aspirated particle detection systems—times required by a fluid sample from entering the respective intake opening until reaching the detection unit and used to locate the fire during fire detection—can then be verified. Conversely, it is also conceivable to use existing transport times as a basis for determining the target exit times and / or ranges.
[0028] To ensure comparability of the respective transit times of the test fluid flow, from the test fluid generator to the outlet of the intake port, and of the fluid sample flow, from the inlet of the intake port to the detection unit, it is advantageous to create similar or identical conditions. In a further development of this method variant, it is therefore provided that the flow characteristics of the test fluid flow, in particular its volumetric flow rate and / or flow velocity and / or mass flow rate, are adjusted as needed via the fluid, whereby one or more of the adjusted flow characteristics of the test fluid flow correspond to the respective flow characteristics underlying the outlet time measurements and / or the transport time measurements.To adjust the flow characteristics and to generate the test fluid flow itself, the fan or blower already installed in the intake particle detection system can preferably be used, thereby reducing the number of additional components required to carry out the procedure.
[0029] A test device of the intake particle detection system described below comprises a test fluid generator for generating and / or providing a test fluid, which is fluidly connected to the intake particle detection system via a test fluid line and / or a test fluid connection of the fluid line system, as well as a data set, in particular stored on a data carrier, which includes target exit times and / or target exit time ranges assigned to the respective intake openings.
[0030] In its simplest form, the test device comprises only the test fluid generator and a data set containing target release times and / or ranges. The test fluid generator can, for example, be designed as a smoke or aerosol generator or cartridge and generate or provide a preferably constant quantity of test fluid. The test fluid is introduced into the fluid piping system of the aspirating particle detection system via a test fluid line or connection. Preferably, the test fluid can be introduced directly into the fluid piping system without any escape of test fluid into the environment or monitoring areas. For this purpose, for example, both the test fluid line or connection and the test fluid generator each have complementary coupling elements, such as threads or quick connectors, which enable a (gas-tight) fluid-conducting connection between the test fluid generator and the fluid piping system.
[0031] The target emission times and / or ranges required for testing are contained in a data set and assigned to the respective intake openings of the particulate matter detection system under test. This data set can be stored on a data carrier, which in its simplest form could be a user manual or written table, but could also be a digital storage medium.
[0032] In principle, it is conceivable to record the actual exit times using a timer already integrated into the intake particle detection system. However, in an advantageous embodiment, the test device has its own dedicated timer to determine the respective actual exit times from the introduction and / or entry of the test fluid into the fluid line system of the intake particle detection system until the test fluid exits a given intake opening.
[0033] Likewise, the required test fluid flow, which enables the transport of the test fluid from the test fluid generator to the respective intake openings, can be generated by a flow medium of the intake particle detection system itself. In particular, by reversing the direction of rotation of a fan or blower, the test fluid generated or supplied by the test fluid generator could be drawn into the fluid piping system. Preferably, however, according to an alternative embodiment, the test device itself also comprises one or more flow media for generating a test fluid flow within the at least one pipe and / or hose line and / or for adjusting the flow characteristics of the test fluid flow, in particular the volume flow rate and / or the flow velocity and / or the mass flow rate.
[0034] The test device's one or more flow agents, such as a fan, blower, or pump, facilitate the adjustment of a constant test fluid volume flow rate to improve the reproducibility of the test procedure. Aerosols, such as smoke, are preferably used as the test fluid and are transported to the respective intake openings via air or a gas mixture as a carrier flow. Adjusting the flow characteristics using the flow agents allows for adaptation to different fluid piping systems and various intake particle detection systems. Furthermore, the detectability of the test fluid exiting the intake openings, in particular, can be improved by adjusting the carrier flow rate and the proportion of liquid or solid particles, especially smoke, through control of the volume flow rate, flow velocity, and / or mass flow rate.
[0035] To further improve detectability, the test device may, according to another optional embodiment, include one or more light sources and / or one or more optical sensors, each for detecting the escape of test fluid at one or more of the intake openings.
[0036] The light sources are preferably directed towards the respective intake openings and facilitate both the manual detection of escaping test fluid by an observer and the automated detection using optical sensors.
[0037] For a manual or at least partially manual execution of the procedure, the test device, according to an advantageous variant, has an input and / or output device for inputting the recorded actual exit times of the test fluid and / or for outputting the target exit times and / or target exit time ranges assigned to the respective intake openings.
[0038] This allows both the timing of the test fluid's introduction and / or entry into the fluid piping system, as well as the actual discharge times at the respective intake ports, to be recorded manually by a user and transmitted to the input and / or output device via a control element or touchscreen. Previously recorded actual discharge times, particularly those recorded manually, can also be stored on the input and / or output device via the control element or touchscreen. Conversely, the input and / or output device can be configured to output visual and / or audible signals, for example, via a touchscreen, speakers, or lights, indicating the respective target discharge times and / or target discharge time ranges for the corresponding intake ports.
[0039] For a partially or fully automated verification of the intake particle detection system, the test device includes a programmable computing unit with a data carrier, in particular a storage medium, on which the data set is digitally stored, as well as software and / or programming for comparing recorded actual exit times with the target exit times and / or target exit time ranges assigned to the respective intake openings.
[0040] The data carrier can contain both the data set containing the target exit times and / or target exit time ranges, as well as the software and / or programming for comparison with the actual exit times. The latter are either manually entered by a user, as described above, and transmitted to the programmable processing unit, particularly via a control element of the input and / or output device, or automatically captured and forwarded using optical sensors.
[0041] Alternatively, a programmable processing unit of the intake particle detection system could be used to compare the stored target discharge times and / or target discharge time ranges with the recorded actual discharge times. According to an optional embodiment, the test device therefore has a digital interface for data and signal transmission to the intake particle detection system, in particular to a programmable processing unit of the intake particle detection system. The data set, contained in particular on the data carrier of the test device, can also be transferred directly to a storage medium of the intake particle detection system via the digital interface, thus significantly simplifying the retrofitting of already installed and commissioned intake particle detection systems.
[0042] Finally, an intake particle detection system is also part of the invention. This system has an integrated test device comprising a test fluid generator for providing a test fluid and a flow medium for generating a test fluid flow, wherein the test fluid generator for providing the test fluid is fluidly connected to the fluid line system of the intake particle detection system via a test fluid line and / or a test fluid connection.
[0043] According to the invention, the flow medium for generating the test fluid flow is connected to the at least one pipe and / or hose line in such a fluid-conducting manner that the test fluid can be introduced into the pipe and / or hose system and transported within the at least one pipe and / or hose line by means of the test fluid flow in the direction of one or more intake openings, so that the test fluid enters the fluid line system from the test fluid generator via the test fluid line and / or the test fluid connection, and exits from one or more intake openings.A data set, preferably stored on a data carrier, a storage medium of the programmable computing unit, comprises target discharge times and / or target discharge time ranges assigned to each of the intake openings, which are required for the transport of the test fluid, from the introduction and / or entry into the fluid piping system until exiting from a respective intake opening.
[0044] The flow medium for generating the test fluid flow can either be the flow medium of the intake particle detection system itself by reversing the direction of rotation, or one or more additional flow media, in particular as part of the test fluid generator, can be provided.
[0045] The test fluid generator is permanently integrated or fixed into the fluid piping system of the intake particle detection system or permanently connected to it.
[0046] Particularly in the latter case, it may be advantageous to install a ball valve and / or a valve between the test fluid generator and the test fluid line and / or the test fluid connection in order to be able to disconnect the fluid-conducting connection of the test fluid generator with the fluid line system as required.
[0047] According to an advantageous design of the intake particle detection system, the test fluid line and / or the test fluid connection leads into a central line section of the fluid line system, which fluidly connects the one or more pipe and / or hose lines as well as the detection unit.
[0048] This configuration is particularly suitable for testing a multi-branch intake particle detection system. By feeding the test fluid into a central pipe section via the test fluid line and / or the test fluid connection, the pipes and / or hoses downstream of the central pipe section, as well as the respective intake openings, can be tested simultaneously using the same test fluid generator.
[0049] Another alternative design variant provides that the test fluid line and / or the test fluid connection leads into a local section of the fluid line system, in particular into the at least one pipe and / or hose line, wherein the test fluid line and / or the test fluid connection connects to a rear end of the at least one pipe and / or hose line, away from the detection unit.
[0050] Preferably, the test fluid line and / or test fluid connection opens upstream of the fluid sample flow to the "rearmost" intake port, i.e., the one with the greatest line length to the detection unit, into the respective pipe and / or hose. In this case, the test fluid line and / or test fluid connection is an extension of the respective pipe and / or hose. Alternatively, the test fluid line and / or test fluid connection can also be located between two adjacent intake ports.
[0051] To check several branches of a suction particle detection system, it is also conceivable to connect a test fluid generator (simultaneously) locally to a pipe and / or hose line.
[0052] Further details, features, combinations of features, advantages, and effects based on the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and the drawings. These show in Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a first exemplary embodiment of an intake particle detection system according to the invention, wherein a fluid sample flow is generated in normal operation, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the intake particle detection system Figure 1 , wherein a test fluid flow is generated to carry out the method according to the invention, Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a second exemplary embodiment of an intake particle detection system according to the invention, wherein a test fluid flow is generated to carry out the method according to the invention, Fig. 4a schematic, perspective representation of an exemplary embodiment of a test device of the inventive particle detection system and Fig. 5 a flowchart of an exemplary sequence of the process according to the invention.
[0053] The figures are merely illustrative and serve only to explain the invention. The same elements are identified by the same reference symbols and are generally explained only once.
[0054] The schematic representation of the Figure 1A first exemplary embodiment of an aspirating particle detection system 100 according to the invention can be found in the following. The aspirating particle detection system 100 shown here comprises, in an exemplary embodiment, a fluid line system 110, 120, 130 having two branches, i.e., a first pipe and / or hose line 110 (first branch) and a second pipe and / or hose line 120 (second branch). The pipe and / or hose lines 110, 120 open via respective intake openings A, B, C, ... X into respective monitoring areas 300. For example, the monitoring areas 300 are two separate rooms of a building, each room being traversed by one of the pipe and / or hose lines 110, 120. The rear ends 111, 121 of the lines, facing away from the detection unit, are sealed. The pipe and / or hose lines 110, 120 lead into a central detection unit 180 via a common, central line section 131.To detect and / or locate a fire and / or its origin, fluid samples are continuously drawn from the monitored areas 300 via the intake openings A, B, C, ...X and fed to the detection unit 180 during the normal operation of the intake particle detection system 100 as described here. For this purpose, a fluid sample flow 310 is generated within the pipe and / or hose lines 110, 120 by a flow medium 140 of the intake particle detection system 100, e.g., an intake device, a fan, or a blower. This flow is directed from the intake openings A, B, C, ...X towards the detection unit 180. The detection unit 180 detects particles contained in the fluid samples, in particular smoke particles. The detected signals are then transmitted to a programmable computing unit 170 of the intake particle detection system 100 for the detection of a fire and / or the onset of a fire and evaluated there.
[0055] A test fluid line 130, to which a test fluid generator 230 of a test device 200 is connected, opens into the central line section 131 via a ball valve. Depending on the position of the ball valve, test fluid 210 generated or supplied by the test fluid generator 230 can be introduced into the fluid line system 110, 120, 130 via the test fluid line 130. In the normal operation of the aspirating particle detection system 100 shown here, the fluid-conducting connection between the test fluid line 130 and the central line section 131 is preferably closed by the ball valve. The test device 200 also includes a data set 261, which, in the embodiment shown here, is stored on a data carrier 160 of the aspirating particle detection system 100, in particular a digital storage medium of the programmable computing unit 170.
[0056] The Figure 2shows a schematic representation of the intake particle detection system 100. Figure 2 , wherein, to carry out the method according to the invention, a test fluid flow 220 is generated within the pipe and / or hose lines 110, 120. For this purpose, for example, the direction of rotation of the flow medium 140 can be reversed and the ball valve opened, so that, in this first embodiment, a test fluid flow 220 is generated that is directed opposite to the fluid sample flow 310. The test fluid flow 220 is always directed from the test fluid generator 230 towards the intake openings A, B, C, ...X, so that the test fluid 210 is introduced or "drawn in" via the test fluid line 130 into the fluid line system 110, 120, 130 and is transported inside the pipe and / or hose lines 110, 120 by means of the test fluid flow 220 towards the intake openings A, B, C, ...X.
[0057] Data set 261 contains the target discharge times and / or target discharge time ranges ttarget,A, ttarget,B, ttarget,C, ..., ttarget,X assigned to each of the intake openings A, B, C, ... X. These times and ranges are required for the transport of the test fluid 210 from its introduction and / or entry into the fluid piping system 110, 120, 130, specifically into the central piping section 131, until it exits the corresponding intake opening A, B, C, ... X. The intake openings A, B, C, ... X are arranged sequentially along the respective pipe and / or hose line 110, 120, or are "connected in series" with respect to the test fluid flow 220, so that each intake opening A, B, C, ... X has a specific discharge time. In the case of the branched fluid piping system 110, 120, 130 shown here with two branches, for example, the following are also possible:The intake openings A and C of the first pipe and / or hose line 110 exhibit a similar or identical discharge time, or are within the same discharge time range, as the intake openings A and C of the second pipe and / or hose line 120, which are "connected in parallel" with respect to the test fluid flow 220. The target discharge times and / or target discharge time ranges contained in the data set 261 are compared with the actual discharge times tactual,A, tactual,B, tactual,C, ... tactual,X assigned to the respective intake openings A, B, C, ... X, which are recorded either manually or automatically, in order to verify the functionality of the intake particle detection system 100. For example, a timer 150 of the intake particle detection system can be used to record the actual discharge times tactual,A, tactual,B, tactual,C, ... tactual,X.In the case of automated evaluation, a corresponding message can be displayed acoustically or visually via a screen, in particular a touchscreen.
[0058] A second embodiment of an intake particle detection system 100 according to the invention is the Figure 3The schematic representation can be seen here. The embodiment shown here differs from the first embodiment in that the intake particle detection system 100 has only one branch or pipe and / or hose 110, and the test fluid generator 230 opens via a test fluid line 130 into the rear end 111 of the first pipe and / or hose 110, the end furthest from the detection unit 180. A test fluid flow 220 is generated within the pipe and / or hose 110 by a flow medium 240, in particular a pump, a fan, or a blower, of the test device 200. This flow originates from the test fluid generator 230 and is directed towards the intake openings A, B, C, ...X, and, in this second embodiment, along the fluid sample flow 310.Naturally, in this embodiment as well, the flow medium 140 of the intake particle detection system 100 can be used to generate the test fluid flow 220. Test fluid 210, which has not already escaped through one of the intake openings A, B, C, ...X or due to a leak from the pipe and / or hose line 110 during the procedure for verifying the functionality of the intake particle detection system 100, is discharged from the fluid line system 110, 130 by means of the ball valve before reaching the detection unit 180.
[0059] A schematic perspective representation of a test device 200 of the inventive intake particle detection system is shown in the Figure 4The test device 200 comprises as essential components a test fluid generator 230 and a data set 261. The test fluid generator 230 is designed to generate and / or provide a test fluid 210, in particular it can be a smoke generator or a smoke cartridge. The generated test fluid 210 is introduced into the fluid line system 110, 120, 130 of a suction particle detection system 100 via a test fluid line and / or a test fluid connection 130 (not shown here). This system is indicated here by way of an example of a pipe and / or hose line 110, 120. An optional flow medium 240 of the test device 200, e.g. a pump, a blower or a fan, can be used to generate a test fluid flow 220 from the test fluid generator 230 towards the intake openings A, B, C,... arranged along the pipe and / or hose line 110, 120.X, are generated so that the test fluid 210 exits from the intake openings A, B, C, ...X or, due to leaks, from intermediate pipe sections of the pipe and / or hose 110, 120 within a respective runtime. The respective runtime, i.e., the actual exit time tactual,A, tactual,B, tactual,C, ... tactual,X assigned to the individual intake openings A, B, C, ...X, can be measured by means of a timer 250 of the test device 200 by monitoring the exit of the test fluid 210 manually or automatically using optical sensors 280. In the present embodiment, a laser scanner is installed as the optical sensor 280 in the monitoring chamber 300, which is directed at the intake openings A, B, C, ...X leading into the monitoring chamber 300. The laser scanner also acts as a light source 281 and thus facilitates both manual and automated detection of escaping test fluid 210.
[0060] The respective recorded actual discharge times tactual,A, tactual,B, tactual,C, ... tactual,X are compared with assigned target discharge times and / or target discharge time ranges ttarget,A, ttarget,B, ttarget,C, ... ttarget,X to verify the functionality of the intake particle detection system 100. The target discharge times and / or target discharge time ranges ttarget,A, ttarget,B, ttarget,C, ... ttarget,X are predefined, e.g., using engineering software or through practical measurements, and then compiled into a data set 261. Data set 261 assigns a specific target discharge time and / or target discharge time range ttarget,A, ttarget,B, ttarget,C, ... ttarget,X to the intake openings A, B, C, ... X. Data set 261 can be stored on a data carrier 260 of the test device 200. The data carrier 260, for example.A storage medium can in turn be a component of a programmable computing unit 270 of the test device 200. Using software and / or programming stored on the programmable computing unit 270, the comparison of the stored target release times and / or target release time ranges ttarget,A, ttarget,B, ttarget,C, ... ttarget,X with the measured actual release times tactual,A, tactual,B, tactual,C, ... tactual,X, which is necessary for verifying the functionality of the intake particle detection system 100, can be carried out. Preferably, the timer 250, the data carrier 260, and the programmable computing unit 270 are housed in a common enclosure, an input and / or output device 290, a so-called service tool or service device.
[0061] The input and / or output device 290 is used, on the one hand, to input the recorded actual discharge times tactual,A, tactual,B, tactual,C, ... tactual,X, for example, manually via a control element such as a touchscreen or by means of a signal-conducting connection to the optical sensors 280. On the other hand, messages, e.g., the detection of a malfunction of the intake particle detection system 100, or information such as the stored target discharge times and / or target discharge time ranges ttarget,A, ttarget,B, ttarget,C, ... ttarget,X, can be output acoustically and / or visually, in particular also via the touchscreen. The test device 200 can be connected to the intake particle detection system 100, preferably to its programmable computing unit 170, by means of a digital interface 291, in particular a cable connection or a wireless (radio) connection, such as a network, for data and / or signal transmission.In this way, components of the intake particle detection system 100, such as its flow medium 140 or timer 150, can be used to carry out the procedure for checking the functionality of the intake particle detection system 100.
[0062] Finally, an exemplary sequence or process of a method according to the invention for verifying the functionality of an intake particle detection system 100 is the Figure 5This can be seen from a flowchart. Such a check can be carried out during commissioning, routinely, or when a fluid sample malfunction is detected. The respective check can be based on the test scenarios described above together with a corresponding data set 261. In a first process step V1, a test fluid 210 is generated and / or provided by a test fluid generator 230 of a test device 200. The test fluid generator 230 is connected to the fluid line system 110, 120, 130 of the intake particle detection system 100 to be checked via a test fluid line and / or a test fluid connection 130. In a second process step V2, the test fluid 210 is introduced into the fluid line system 110, 120, 130 via the test fluid line and / or the test fluid connection 130.For this purpose, a test fluid flow 220 is generated within at least one pipe and / or hose line 110, 120 of the intake particle detection system 100 by means of a flow medium 140, 240. The test fluid flow 220 is directed from the test fluid generator 230 towards the intake openings A, B, C,... X arranged along the pipe and / or hose line 110, 120. In a third process step V3, the respective actual exit times tactual,A, tactual,B, tactual,C,... tactual,X, which the test fluid 210 requires from being introduced and / or entering the fluid line system 110, 120, 130 until exiting the corresponding intake opening A, B, C,... X, are recorded. A timer 150, 250 is used for this purpose.
[0063] In a fourth process step V4, the recorded actual exit times tactual,A, tactual,B, tactual,C, ... tactual,X are compared with the target exit times and / or target exit time ranges ttarget,A, ttarget,B, ttarget,C, ... ttarget,X assigned to the respective intake openings A, B, C, ... ttarget,X. If the compared exit times are identical or the recorded actual exit times tactual,A, tactual,B, tactual,C, ... tactual,X lie within the defined target exit time ranges ttarget,A, ttarget,B, ttarget,C, ... ttarget,X (=Yes), the process flow can be terminated or a process run completed, depending on the underlying test scenario. For the next check, the process is restarted from the first process step V1.
[0064] If, in the fourth process step V4, a deviation of the recorded actual discharge times tactual,A, tactual,B, tactual,C, ... tactual,X from the respective assigned target discharge time and / or the target discharge time range ttarget,A, ttarget,B, ttarget,C, ... ttarget,X is detected (=No), an impairment of the functionality of the intake particle detection system 100 is detected in a fifth process step V5. This again depends on the underlying test scenario, e.g., deviations from planning to installation, leaks, pinching, and / or blockages of the fluid line system 110, 120, 130.
[0065] Between the individual process runs, either before the first process step V1, i.e., before the test fluid 210 is introduced, or after the fifth process step V5, i.e., if an impairment has been detected, a cleaning step can be carried out in which the fluid line system 110, 120, 130 is cleaned by blowing and / or using compressed air. This improves the reproducibility of the process and eliminates any detected impairments to functionality, such as blockages. Reference symbol list
[0066] 100 Intake particle detection system 110 First pipe and / or hose line 111 Rear end of line 120 Second pipe and / or hose line 121 Rear end of line 130 Test fluid line and / or test fluid connection 131 Central line section 140 Flow medium of the intake particle detection system 150 Timer of the intake particle detection system 160 Data carrier of the intake particle detection system 170 Programmable processing unit of the intake particle detection system 180 Detection unit 200 Test device 210 Test fluid 220 Test fluid flow 230 Test fluid generator 240 Test device flow medium 250 Test device timer 260 Test device data carrier 261 Data record 270 Test device programmable computing unit 280 Optical sensor 281 Light source 290 Input and / or output device 291 Interface 300 Monitoring area 310 Fluid sample flow A, B, C, ...X Intake openings V1 first process step V2 second process step V3 third process step V4 fourth process step V5 fifth process step tactual,A, tactual,B, tactual,C, ... tactual,X Actual exit times ttarget,A, ttarget,B, ttarget,C, ... ttarget,X Target exit times and / or target exit time ranges
Claims
1. A method for verifying the functionality of an intake particle detection system (100), in particular an intake fire detection system for detecting and / or localizing a fire and / or the source of a fire, which intake particle detection system (100) has a fluid conduction system (110, 120, 130) with at least one pipe and / or hose line (110, 120) which opens out via one or more intake openings (A, B, C, ... X) for respectively removing a fluid sample into one or more monitoring regions (300), wherein - in a first method step (V1), a test fluid (210) is generated and / or provided by means of a test fluid generator (230), which is connected or connectable to the fluid conduction system (110, 120, 130) in a fluidically conductive manner via a test fluid line and / or a test fluid connection (130) of said system, - in a second method step (V2), the test fluid (210) is introduced into the fluid conduction system (110, 120, 130) via the test fluid line and / or the test fluid connection (130), wherein a test fluid flow (220) is generated via a flow means (140, 240) within the at least one pipe and / or hose line (110, 120), characterized in that the test fluid flow (220) within the at least one pipe and / or hose line (110, 120) is directed from the test fluid generator (230) in the direction of the one or more intake openings (A, B, C, ... X) in such a way that - the test fluid (210) enters the fluid conduction system (110, 120, 130) from the test fluid generator (230) via the test fluid line and / or the test fluid connection (130) and - exits from the one or each of the more intake openings (A, B, C, ... X), wherein - in a third method step (V3), respective actual exit times ((tactual,A, tactual,B, tactual,C, ... tactual,X) from the introduction and / or entry of the test fluid (210) into the fluid conduction system (110 , 120, 130) until the test fluid (210) exits from the respective intake opening (A, B, C,... X) are recorded by means of a chronometer (150, 250), and - in a fourth method step (V4), the recorded actual exit times (tactual,A, tactual,B, tactual,C, ... tactual,X) are compared with a data set (261) stored on a data carrier (160, 260), which data set includes the target exit times and / or target exit time ranges (ttarget,A , ttarget,B , ttarget,C, ... ttarget,X) associated with the respective intake openings (A, B, C, ...X).
2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that in a fifth method step (V5), impairments in the functionality of the intake particle detection system (100), in particular deviations from planning to installation, leaks, crushing, and / or blockages in the fluid conduction system (110, 120, 130) are detected if at least one of the recorded actual exit times (tactual,A, tactual,B, tactual,C, ... tactual,X) deviates from the associated target exit time and / or the target exit time range (ttarget,A, ttarget,B, ttarget,C, ... ttarget,X).
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the exit of the test fluid (210) from the one or more intake openings (A, B, C, ... X) to record the respective actual exit times (tactual,A, tactual, B, tactual, C, ... tactual ,X) is recorded optically, manually by a user, and / or by means of optical sensors (280).
4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data set (261) is stored digitally on a data carrier (160, 260), in particular a storage medium of a programmable computing unit (170, 270), and the recorded actual exit times (tactual,A, tactual,B, tactual,C, ... tactual,X) of the test fluid (210) are compared at one or more of the intake openings (A, B, C, ... X) with the respective target exit times and / or target exit time ranges (ttarget,A, ttarget,B, ttarget,C, ... ttarget,X) associated with the intake openings (A, B, C, ... X) by means of software and / or programming.
5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid conduction system (110, 120, 130) of the intake particle detection system (100) is cleaned by blowing it out and / or by means of compressed air in a cleaning step, in particular before the test fluid (210) is introduced into it via the test fluid line and / or the test fluid connection (130).
6. An intake particle detection system (100), in particular intake fire detection system for detecting and / or localizing a fire and / or the source of a fire, with an integrated test device (200) comprising a test fluid generator (230) for providing of a test fluid (210) and a flow means (140, 240) for generating a test fluid flow (220) , the intake particle detection system (100) having: - a fluid conduction system (110, 120, 130) with at least one pipe and / or hose line (110, 120) which opens into one or more monitoring regions (300) via one or more intake openings (A, B, C, ... X) for the respective removal of a fluid sample, - a detection unit (180) for detecting test particles contained in the fluid samples respectively taken, in particular smoke particles, - a flow means (140, 240) for generating a fluid sample flow (310) within the at least one pipe and / or hose line (110, 120), wherein the fluid sample flow (310), starting from the one or more intake openings (A, B, C , ... X), is directed in the direction of the detection unit (180), - a programmable computing unit (170) for evaluating signals transmitted by the detection unit (180), whereby - said test fluid generator (230) for providing a test fluid (210) is connected to the fluid conduction system (110, 120, 130) in a fluid-conducting manner via a test fluid line and / or a test fluid connection (130), characterized in that - said flow means (140, 240) for generating a test fluid flow (220) is connected in a fluid-conducting manner to the at least one pipe and / or hose line (110, 120), such that the test fluid (210) can be introduced into the fluid conduction system (110, 120, 130) and transported within the at least one pipe and / or hose line (110, 120) by means of the test fluid flow (220) in the direction of the one or more intake openings (A, B, C, ... X), so that - said test fluid (210) enters from the test fluid generator (230) via the test fluid line and / or the test fluid connection (130) into the fluid conduction system (110, 120, 130), and - exits from the one or each of the more intake openings (A, B, C, ... X), wherein - a data set (261), which is preferably stored on a data carrier (160), in particular a storage medium of the programmable computing unit (170), comprises target exit times and / or target exit time ranges (ttarget,A, ttarget,B, ttarget,C, ... ttarget,X) respectively associated with the intake openings (A, B, C, ... X), which times / time ranges are required for transporting the test fluid (210) from its introduction or entry into the fluid conduction system (110, 120, 130) until exiting from the respective intake opening (A, B, C, ... X).
7. The intake particle detection system (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the test fluid line and / or the test fluid connection (130) opens into a central pipe section (131) of the fluid conduction system (110, 120, 130),said central pipe section (131) connecting the one or more pipes and / or hose lines (110, 120) and the detection unit (180) with each other in a fluid-conducting manner.
8. The intake particle detection system (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the test fluid line and / or the test fluid connection (130) opens into a local pipe section of the fluid conduction system (110, 120, 130), in particular into the at least one pipe and / or hose line (110, 120), wherein the test fluid line and / or the test fluid connection (130) connects to a rear pipe end (111, 121) of the at least one pipe and / or hose line (110, 120) facing away from the detection unit (180).