Cygnus SmartNet-Pro wireless fire detection system installed at Heysham Power Station

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProjects

SmartNet-Pro deployed at Heysham Power Station

Cygnus has installed its 100% wireless and EN 54 certified SmartNet-Pro fire detection and alarm system at the Contractor’s Village at Heysham Power Station 1 in Lancashire.

This installation provides reliable fire protection equipment in a challenging industrial setting, as reported by Cygnus.

Marlowe Fire & Security, based in Manchester, partnered with Equans for this project.

The decision to use Cygnus’ SmartNet-Pro solution was influenced by Marlowe’s positive experience on previous projects with the Cygnus team.

Overcoming installation challenges

The Contractor’s Village, consisting of twenty cabins, is now equipped with Detectors and Manual Call Points, all connected to a SmartNet-Pro Control Panel situated in one of the nearest cabins to the main site.

This setup also includes an interface for signalling to the main site.

Simon Hilton, Systems Account Manager at Marlowe Fire & Security, explained: “We chose SmartNet-Pro thanks to its proven reliability, robustness, and impressive installation speed.

“This project presented quite a challenge due to the amount of metal in the cabin construction, which would cause issues if installing a wired system, and means we needed a product with robust signal strength.

“Thanks to SmartNet’s 100% wireless capabilities, it ensured minimal disruption to the site and was quickly deployable.

“We’ve used Cygnus products before in similar settings and we’ve always been impressed with the outcome and this project was no exception.”

Ensuring continuous safety during maintenance

Heysham Power Station 1, which experiences intermittent maintenance outages, now benefits from SmartNet’s wireless radio devices that form a robust, self-forming, and self-healing mesh network.

This network allows nodes to connect dynamically, providing efficient and reliable network performance.

This feature ensures that the SmartNet fire detection and alarm system remains operational during outages, maintaining continuous on-site safety for workers.

The wireless nature of SmartNet eliminates the cabling complexities that would be problematic in metal structures and offers a scalable solution for future needs.

Advantages of a wireless system

The wireless design of the SmartNet-Pro system facilitates an easy installation process with minimal disruption, which is particularly valuable in industrial environments such as Heysham Power Station 1.

The self-healing mesh network technology enhances the system’s reliability, ensuring consistent protection even during maintenance periods.

SmartNet-Pro’s scalability makes it a viable option for sites with evolving safety requirements.

Euralarm welcomes Safety Technology International to its fire section

by Featured NewsFire Detection

New Euralarm member announcement

As reported by Euralarm, Safety Technology International has been welcomed as a new member following a decision by its Board.

The company will join the Fire Section of Euralarm, which is dedicated to monitoring and analysing technological developments and their impacts.

This membership will provide Safety Technology International with insights into European markets, opportunities, and the expertise of EU policies.

Euralarm acts as a guide, helping members understand topics and their impact while prioritising actions regarding standardisation and certification.

Benefits of membership

Companies that join Euralarm gain unique access to European market developments and opportunities.

Members benefit from the expertise and understanding of EU policy, as well as making personal connections with technical and policy-making experts and potential business partners.

Euralarm members, including Safety Technology International, have a voice in Brussels and can influence standardisation and legislative processes.

This membership enhances their ability to gain expertise in standardisation and engage with European institutions and standardisation organisations.

Safety Technology International’s advantages

Safety Technology International will now benefit from Euralarm’s representation services towards European institutions and standardisation organisations.

This includes monitoring legislative and standardisation issues relevant to the industry, such as the energy transition and chemicals regulation.

The new membership will also provide Safety Technology International with access to Euralarm’s extended network of national associations and major companies in the electronic fire safety and security sectors.

This partnership creates opportunities for both sides and strengthens the association.

Fire safety maintenance expansion at Canary Wharf by Telent

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProjects

Fire safety upgrade at Canary Wharf Elizabeth line station

Fire safety capabilities at the Canary Wharf Elizabeth line station are set for enhancement as reported by Telent.

Transport for London (TfL) awarded a contract to Telent, a specialist in critical national infrastructure, which is now in its fifth month.

Telent, working for Rail for London Infrastructure (RfLI), is tasked with upgrading the existing fire detection and alarm system.

This involves removing redundant components and simplifying the system to improve user-friendliness.

The project will also facilitate future asset upgrades.

Collaboration and progress on the project

Reg Cook, Telent’s Director of Asset Management, stated: “This is a really exciting opportunity for Telent to demonstrate to TfL, our capability in fire safety maintenance, apply our expertise and experience of working on the Elizabeth line, and grow our extensive relationship with TfL even further.

“We’re proud to have made good progress on the project so far and look forward to developing our fire business further with TfL.”

Telent’s responsibilities include verifying and decommissioning unnecessary third-party interfaces.

This collaborative effort across multiple disciplines with TfL aims to make maintenance operations more straightforward at Canary Wharf.

The station, which opened in 2022, is a key hub connecting Canary Wharf with the National Rail network.

Telent’s ongoing commitments

Previously, Telent has been involved in designing and implementing the Remote Fire Isolation Project (RFIP), which allows for safe engineering work without triggering evacuation alarms due to dust or smoke.

Additionally, Telent manages over 250,000 security and access assets across TfL’s estate, including 270 underground stations and depots, as well as more than 80 bus stations and stands.

These assets include 16,000 CCTV cameras, 30,000 public address speakers, and over 3,000 customer interfaces such as help points and information displays.

Long-standing partnership with TfL

Telent has a long-standing relationship with TfL, dating back to 1996.

The company has worked extensively on the Elizabeth line, including maintaining the Driver Only Operation (DOO) CCTV system, which ensures the safe departure of trains.

Telent’s projects also include the Traffic Technology Contract and support for the King’s Coronation with traffic signals work.

London Fire Brigade to change response to automatic fire alarms in non-residential buildings during daytime

by Featured NewsFire Detection

Policy change to reduce false fire alarm responses

As reported by the London Fire Brigade, the Brigade will implement a new policy starting in October 2024.

The Brigade will cease attending automatic fire alarms in most non-residential buildings, such as office blocks and industrial estates, during daytime hours unless a call is also received from a person reporting a fire.

Between April 2023 and March 2024, the Brigade responded to approximately 52,000 false alarms generated by automatic fire alarms.

The policy aligns with practices of almost all other UK fire and rescue services, aiming to utilise firefighters’ time more effectively to enhance community safety.

The Brigade will continue to respond to all automatic fire alarms in residential buildings, schools, nurseries, hospitals, care homes, heritage sites, and other exempt premises.

Additionally, the policy will apply only between 7am and 8.30pm, with responses to all alarms resuming outside these hours.

Consultation and stakeholder engagement

The changes follow a comprehensive consultation last year involving the public, businesses, partners, firefighters, and other Brigade staff.

The consultation’s feedback led to adjustments, including an expanded list of exempt premises.

Deputy Commissioner Charlie Pugsley stated: “Following a consultation with key stakeholders, it is clear that support for the new policy recognises the benefits these changes will have on our service for Londoners.”

Ahead of the policy rollout, the Brigade will work closely with stakeholders, businesses, community groups, and Londoners to ensure they understand the changes, prepare accordingly, and maintain the safety of their buildings and occupants.

Pugsley added: “We are here to keep London’s communities safe, and we want to do this as effectively as possible.”

Impact on firefighter training and community safety

Less than 1% of automatic fire alarms signal genuine fires, with the remaining 99% being false alarms, which burden the Brigade’s resources.

The time spent attending these false alarms will instead be used to improve operational training for firefighters and enhance fire prevention and safety in local communities.

The National Fire Chiefs Council and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services support efforts to reduce false alarm attendances.

The Brigade emphasises the importance of managing and maintaining automatic alarm systems to minimise false alarms.

Common causes include poor alarm design or maintenance, dust inside detectors, or steam.

Businesses experiencing recurring false alarms are urged to investigate each occurrence and contact their alarm system company to resolve issues.

Reasons for false alarms

False alarms occur due to various reasons such as poor alarm design or maintenance, dust in detectors, or steam.

Ensuring automatic alarm systems are correctly managed and maintained is crucial to minimise false alarms.

Additionally, staff in businesses should be suitably trained to understand their responsibilities under fire safety law.

Recurring false alarms can often be resolved quickly and easily.

Deputy Commissioner Charlie Pugsley explained: “As outlined in our Community Risk Management Plan, reducing our attendance at false alarms will give firefighters more time to focus on preventative activity, such as visiting our most vulnerable residents and communities, fire safety checks, as well as operational training.”

What is an Ionization Fire Detector?

by Building ManagementFire DetectionFire Detection

In fire safety, fire detection plays a crucial role in early warning systems. 

Among these detectors, ionization fire detectors are one of the most common. 

But what exactly are ionization fire detectors, and how do they work? 

This article should give you the information on everything about ionization fire detectors, including their advantages and disadvantages, and how they stack up against other types of fire detectors.

What is an Ionization Fire Detector?

ionization fire detector image

An ionization fire detector is a type of fire alarm device designed to detect the presence of smoke particles in the air. 

It operates on the principle of ionization, utilising a small amount of radioactive material to ionize the air within the detector. 

When smoke enters the detector, it disrupts the ionization process, triggering the alarm.

Walter Jaeger, a Swiss physicist, is frequently attributed with the creation of the inaugural functional ionization smoke detector in 1943.

How Does an Ionization Fire Detector Work?

how ionization fire detector works

An ionization fire detector operates on a simple yet effective principle to detect the presence of smoke particles in the air. 

It utilises the process of ionization, facilitated by a small amount of radioactive material, typically Americium-241. 

The detector consists of an ionization chamber, a hollow enclosure containing two electrodes and a small radioactive source. 

The radioactive material emits alpha particles, which ionize the air within the chamber.

When alpha particles emitted by the radioactive source collide with air molecules in the chamber, they ionize them, creating positively and negatively charged ions. 

This process generates a small electric current between the electrodes.

Under normal conditions, the ionization process maintains a stable electric current between the electrodes. 

This current serves as a baseline for the detector’s operation.

When smoke enters the ionization chamber, it disrupts the ionization process. 

Smoke particles interfere with the movement of ions, causing a decrease in the electric current between the electrodes.

The drop in electric current triggers the alarm mechanism of the detector. 

The alarm may emit a loud sound, flash lights, or activate a connected fire alarm system, alerting occupants to the presence of smoke and potential fire.

What are the Benefits to an Ionization Fire Detector?

ionization fire detector benefits

Ionization fire detectors offer several benefits that make them valuable components of fire detection systems:

Fast-Flaming Fires 

Ionization detectors are highly sensitive to small smoke particles produced by fast-flaming fires, such as those caused by burning paper or flammable liquids. 

This sensitivity allows them to provide early warning in the critical early stages of a fire, giving occupants more time to evacuate safely and firefighters a better chance to contain the blaze.

Quick Response Time

Ionization detectors have a rapid response time, triggering the alarm promptly when smoke particles enter the ionization chamber and disrupt the electric current. 

This quick response is essential in emergency situations, helping to minimize the spread of fire and reduce property damage.

Availability and Affordability 

Ionization fire detectors are widely available and relatively affordable, making them accessible to homeowners, businesses, and organizations of all sizes. 

Their affordability allows for widespread deployment in residential and commercial buildings, enhancing overall fire safety.

Compatibility

Ionization detectors are compatible with standard fire alarm systems, allowing them to integrate seamlessly into existing fire protection infrastructure. 

They can be interconnected with other detectors, sirens, and monitoring systems to provide comprehensive coverage and centralized control.

Simple Installation and Maintenance

Ionization detectors are easy to install and require minimal maintenance. 

They can be mounted on walls or ceilings using simple hardware and do not require complex wiring or configuration. 

Routine maintenance typically involves periodic testing and battery replacement to ensure proper operation.

Effectiveness in Various Environments

Ionization detectors are effective in a wide range of environments, including residential homes, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities. 

They can detect smoke particles in open spaces, hallways, and enclosed rooms, making them versatile solutions for diverse fire detection needs.

What are the Downsides to an Ionization Fire Detector?

ionization fire detector downsides

While ionization fire detectors offer several advantages, they also have some downsides that should be considered:

Slow-Smouldering Fires

Ionization detectors are less sensitive to larger smoke particles produced by slow-smouldering fires, such as those caused by overheated electrical wiring or smouldering upholstery. 

These types of fires may produce less visible smoke and take longer to generate enough smoke to trigger an ionization detector, potentially delaying the alarm and increasing the risk of injury or property damage.

False Alarms

Ionization detectors are prone to false alarms, particularly in environments with high levels of dust, steam, or cooking fumes. 

These environmental factors can disrupt the ionization process and trigger false alarms, leading to nuisance alarms and potential complacency among occupants.

Radioactive Material

Ionization detectors contain a small amount of radioactive material, which is used to facilitate the ionization process. 

While the amount of radioactive material is minimal and considered safe for use in consumer products, some individuals may have concerns about the presence of radioactive material in their homes or workplaces.

Environmental Impact

The manufacturing and disposal of ionization detectors may have environmental implications due to the radioactive material they contain. 

Proper disposal of ionization detectors is necessary to prevent environmental contamination and ensure compliance with regulations governing the disposal of radioactive waste.

Limited Coverage Area

Ionization detectors are most effective at detecting smoke particles in open spaces and may have limited coverage in enclosed areas or rooms with obstructions. 

Supplementing ionization detectors with other types of detectors, such as photoelectric or heat detectors, can help overcome this limitation and provide more comprehensive fire detection coverage.

Incompatibility with Certain Environments 

Ionization detectors may not be suitable for certain environments with high levels of airborne contaminants or extreme temperatures, as these conditions can affect their performance and reliability.

What Other Types of Fire Detectors are Available?

fire detector types

In addition to ionization fire detectors, several other types of fire or smokes detectors are available, each offering unique advantages and capabilities:

Photoelectric Fire Detectors

Photoelectric fire detectors operate on the principle of light scattering. 

They contain a light source and a photosensitive receiver. 

When smoke enters the detector chamber, it scatters the light, triggering the alarm. 

Photoelectric detectors are highly sensitive to slow-smouldering fires and are less prone to false alarms from steam or cooking fumes.

Heat Detectors

Heat detectors are designed to detect changes in temperature rather than smoke particles. 

They are ideal for environments where smoke detection may be less effective, such as kitchens or garages. 

Heat detectors are available in fixed temperature and rate-of-rise models, which activate when the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold or rises rapidly.

Dual Sensor Detectors

Dual sensor detectors combine the capabilities of ionization and photoelectric detectors into a single device. 

By integrating both sensing technologies, dual sensor detectors can provide comprehensive fire detection coverage, detecting both fast-flaming and slow-smouldering fires while minimising false alarms.

Air Aspiration Systems

Air aspiration systems use a network of pipes and sampling points to continuously draw air samples from the protected area. 

These samples are analyzed for the presence of smoke particles using sophisticated detection algorithms. 

Air aspiration systems offer highly sensitive and early detection of fires, making them suitable for high-value assets and critical infrastructure.

Flame Detectors

Flame detectors are designed to detect the presence of flames or combustion sources, such as those produced by gas or oil fires. 

They use optical sensors to detect the characteristic flicker of flames and can provide rapid detection in environments where smoke detection may be ineffective or impractical.

Ionization vs Photoelectric Fire Detectors

ionization vs photoelectric fire detector

Ionization and photoelectric fire detectors are two distinct types of smoke detectors, each offering unique advantages and capabilities. 

Ionization detectors excel at detecting fast-flaming fires, thanks to their high sensitivity to small smoke particles. 

They operate based on ionization, using a radioactive material to ionize the air within the detector chamber. 

However, ionization detectors may be less effective at detecting slow-smouldering fires, as they are less sensitive to larger smoke particles.

In contrast, photoelectric detectors are highly sensitive to larger smoke particles and are particularly effective at detecting smouldering fires. 

They work based on light scattering, utilising a light source and photosensitive receiver to detect changes in light patterns caused by smoke particles. 

While photoelectric detectors may have a slower response time to fast-flaming fires compared to ionization detectors, they are less prone to false alarms from environmental factors such as dust or cooking fumes.

Ultimately, the choice between ionization and photoelectric detectors depends on the specific fire detection needs and environment. 

Combining both types of detectors can provide comprehensive fire detection coverage, ensuring effective early warning in a variety of fire scenarios.

Ionization vs Heat Fire Detectors

ionization vs heat fire detector

Ionization, photoelectric, and heat fire detectors are three primary types of fire detection devices, each offering unique strengths and capabilities.

Ionization detectors are highly sensitive to small smoke particles produced by fast-flaming fires, making them effective at providing early warning in such situations. 

They operate based on ionization, using a small amount of radioactive material to ionize the air within the detector chamber. 

However, they may be less effective at detecting smouldering fires, as they are less sensitive to larger smoke particles.

Heat detectors are designed to detect changes in temperature rather than smoke particles. 

They are ideal for environments where smoke detection may be less effective, such as kitchens or garages. 

Heat detectors are available in fixed temperature and rate-of-rise models, which activate when the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold or rises rapidly.

Conclusion

Ionization fire detectors serve as vital components of fire detection systems, offering early warning capabilities in the event of a fire. 

While they excel at detecting fast-flaming fires, they may have limitations in detecting slow-smouldering fires. 

By understanding their strengths and weaknesses, users can make informed decisions about incorporating ionization detectors into their fire safety plans, ensuring comprehensive protection against the threat of fire.

Kentec Electronics appoints Mike Estall as senior specification development manager

by Featured NewsFire DetectionPeople

Mike Estall joins Kentec Electronics

Kentec Electronics, a manufacturer of life safety solutions, has appointed Mike Estall as Senior Specification Development Manager, as reported by Kentec.

Mike Estall has over 25 years of experience in building solutions, fire systems, and integration with other building platforms.

He will be sharing his knowledge through a series of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses for Kentec customers and partners.

The first session will be delivered at the NAHFO conference in June.

Extensive industry experience

Prior to joining Kentec, Estall worked as the Director of Fire Engineering at the TenBroeke Engineering Company and Specification Development Director at BBC Fire — Marlow Fire & Security.

His extensive experience includes designing fire alarm and safety systems, developing detailed site surveys, writing comprehensive specifications in line with UK standards, and conducting fire risk assessments.

He is also a member of the Institute of Fire Engineers (IFE) and the Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM).

Kentec Electronics’ expectations

Derrick Hall, Director of Sales & Marketing at Kentec Electronics, expressed his anticipation of Estall’s contributions: “Mike’s appointment comes at a time of increased complexity within the industry, so his insights will be invaluable to our specifiers, consultants, partners and end-users.”

Estall shared his enthusiasm for his new role: “I am delighted to be joining Kentec Electronics at a key point in its growth, to share my knowledge of fire safety and Current British Standards with consultants and end-users who are using Kentec Electronic Solutions.”

Upcoming CPD session at NAHFO conference

Estall will be delivering a CPD session on BS7273-4 at the NAHFO conference from June 3-5.

This session is part of Kentec’s initiative to enhance industry knowledge and compliance with fire safety standards.

Unity Theatre in Liverpool enhances fire safety with new emergency lighting system

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProjects

Unity Theatre embraces new fire safety technology

Unity Theatre in Liverpool, known for its dedication to new writing, social justice, and community engagement, has enhanced its fire safety with the installation of the FIREscape Nepto system.

The theatre, located on Hope Street in a former synagogue, relies heavily on private benefactors and arts funding to maintain its operations.

As reported by Hochiki Europe, the need for an upgrade to the emergency lighting system was identified by Technical Manager Xenia Bayer.

Facing financial constraints, Bayer discovered the FIREscape Nepto system through the Association of British Theatre Technicians.

The system’s intelligent, self-sufficient, and energy-efficient features were deemed perfect for the theatre’s needs.

Hochiki and Grainger Fire and Security collaboration

Hochiki Europe, in collaboration with Grainger Fire and Security, facilitated the installation of the FIREscape Nepto system.

David Wardman, Managing Director of Grainger Fire and Security, expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting their longstanding relationship with Hochiki products.

Will Taylor, who led the installation project, noted the ease of installing the new system.

“Hochiki products are famously easy to install, and FIREscape Nepto was no different.

“We initially scoped 5 to 6 days for the installation plus commission, but it only took 4 days plus a day for commissioning,” Taylor said.

The team was able to retrofit the system using much of the old cabling, further enhancing the project’s efficiency.

Benefits of the new system

The new system has significantly improved the theatre’s operational efficiency and aesthetics.

Bayer praised the communication and cooperation with both the Grainger team and Hochiki.

“The new system is so much more aesthetically pleasing and saves so much space compared to the previous bulky system,” Bayer said.

“The energy savings are substantial, with projected savings of nearly £900 a year.

“The Unity Theatre anticipates that these savings will be reinvested into the theatre’s various projects, benefitting the local and wider theatrical communities.

“The FIREscape Nepto system not only enhances safety but also contributes to the theatre’s financial sustainability.

Positive impact on the community

The installation of the FIREscape Nepto system marks a significant improvement for the Unity Theatre.

The theatre can now continue its mission of fostering community engagement and supporting the arts with a reliable and efficient emergency lighting system.

Overjoyed with the outcome, Bayer expressed gratitude to Hochiki and Grainger Fire and Security: “This new system won’t just replace our old one – it will transform our day-to-day operations and ensure we can continue to shine a light on the arts for years to come, thanks to Hochiki – the show can go on.”

Fire Detection Shop partners with WisuAlarm for fire safety products

by Featured NewsFire Detection

WisuAlarm expands presence in UK with new stockist

WisuAlarm has announced that Fire Detection Shop will now stock its latest range of fire safety products, including smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as interconnected solutions.

As reported by WisuAlarm, the brand prides itself on designing, manufacturing, fulfilling, and supporting its products all under one roof, ensuring peace of mind for customers.

This comprehensive approach is supported by principles of intelligence, innovation, responsibility, and quality.

Statements from company representatives

Steve Boggis, Sales Director at WisuAlarm, expressed excitement about the brand’s growing presence in the UK and Ireland: “The WisuAlarm brand is starting to gain traction in the UK and Ireland market, and we are excited by the opportunities to bring our manufacturing capabilities and technical expertise to this market.

“Having our products available through Fire Detection Shop is an excellent step forward and makes them easily accessible to professional electricians and fire safety engineers in the UK. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership.”

Nicholas Heap, Managing Director of Fire Detection Shop, also commented on the new partnership: “We are excited by the new brand WisuAlarm and the potential they bring to the market.

“Their fully certified and feature-rich products present a great opportunity to deliver more value and choice for our customers.”

About WisuAlarm Technology

WisuAlarm Technology UK & Ireland, a subsidiary of Dahua Technology, is dedicated to providing advanced fire protection products and solutions.

Based in Maidenhead, Berkshire, the company focuses on offering seamless service and support to clients across the United Kingdom and Ireland.

WisuAlarm utilises technological advancements in video analysis, cloud computing, big data, and intelligent IoT to provide fire prevention and extinguishing services.

The company ensures that all products meet or exceed BSI, CE, and UKCPA standards.

About Fire Detection Shop

Fire Detection Shop has been supplying and servicing fire alarm equipment for over 20 years.

Specialising in fire detection, from alarms to fire door furniture, they offer a wide range of products that allow customers to find everything they need on one website.

Fire Detection Shop provides products, commissioning of equipment, servicing, system design, and installation across the UK via their innovative e-commerce platform.

Detectortesters expands portfolio with acquisition of Hose Monster Company

by Featured NewsFire Detection

Acquisition announcement by Detectortesters

Detectortesters has acquired The Hose Monster Company, an Illinois-based manufacturer of flow testing equipment.

Detectortesters, a portfolio company of Inflexion Private Equity Partners, aims to integrate Hose Monster’s innovative technology into its existing product lines.

The Hose Monster Company, founded in 1993 and headquartered in Lake Zurich, Illinois, is renowned for its fire pump, standpipe, and fire hydrant testing solutions.

The company has developed a strong reputation for products that ensure water-based fire protection systems perform effectively during emergencies.

The recent launch of The Smart Monster line marks a significant advancement in digital flow testing technology.

Leadership comments on the acquisition

Robert Campbell, CEO of Detectortesters, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition: “We are excited to welcome The Hose Monster Company into the Detectortesters Group.

Throughout their 30 years in business, they have been constant innovators who have sought to improve standards within the industry.

Their ambitions and values match strongly with those of our own, and we are very much looking forward to collaborating with the talented team in Illinois to strengthen the business even further.”

Mike Tobey, CEO of Hose Monster, highlighted the benefits of the partnership: “The partnership with Detectortesters is a hugely positive development for everyone connected with The Hose Monster Company.

This partnership will enable us to reach the global fire protection community in a way we could not before – bringing our reliable, accurate, and efficient flow testing products to new corners of our planet and in the process making the world a safer place.”

Future prospects and potential developments

The acquisition is Detectortesters’ third in recent years, reflecting its strategy to enhance its product offerings.

Campbell indicated that more acquisitions could follow to further expand the company’s capabilities and customer reach.

Tobey also noted the potential for significant advancements in their product line: “I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish for our customers with the addition of Detectortesters’ advanced engineering and technical development expertise.

They are well-positioned to take what we have done with the new Smart Monster line and supercharge its capabilities.”

IFSJ Comment

The acquisition of The Hose Monster Company by Detectortesters represents a strategic move to enhance its portfolio with advanced flow testing solutions.

This partnership aligns with Detectortesters’ ongoing efforts to innovate and improve safety standards within the fire protection industry.

The combination of Hose Monster’s products and Detectortesters’ technical expertise is expected to bring substantial benefits to their global customer base.

Both companies share a commitment to advancing fire safety technologies, which is crucial for ensuring effective emergency responses.

Exploring Dryad Networks’ digital forest that is changing the face of early wildfire detection

by Breaking NewsFire DetectionWildland Fire

Dryad Networks, led by CEO and co-founder Carsten Brinkschulte, is using advanced sensor technology and IoT to pioneer early wildfire detection

The inspiration for Dryad Networks came to Carsten Brinkschulte CEO and co-founder in 2019 during a particularly intense period of wildfires which received widespread coverage in the news.

After selling a previous company, he found himself at a crossroads, and so decided to utilise his background in telecommunications and technology to address this global issue

Wildfires contribute to up to 20% of global CO2 emissions, equal to the emissions from all vehicular traffic annually.

By mitigating wildfires, Brinkschulte says Dryad’s aim is to substantially reduce carbon emissions, but we can also safeguard biodiversity and minimise financial losses, which range from £180 billion to £900 billion annually.

Silvanet

Silvanet is Dryad’s complete solution for early wildfire detection, along with forest management, growth and health and monitoring.

Derived from the Latin word for ‘forest network,’ it represents Dryad’s foundational technology.

“We are essentially constructing a network within forests to host various applications, the primary one being wildfire detection,” Brinkschulte explains.

“This network utilises sensors capable of detecting the earliest stages of a fire and then communicates the exact location of the fire via geo-coordinates to firefighters.”

The backbone of this system is a large-scale low power, wide area network, which operates similarly to Wi-Fi but is designed for expansive outdoor environments.

It has the enhanced capability to establish a mesh network using robotics, allowing for the creation of extensive IoT networks within forested areas.

These devices are solar-powered and mounted on trees, creating a communications bubble approximately one to two kilometres in radius around each gateway.

“Within this network, we deploy sensors that are specifically designed to detect the presence of a fire by sensing the gases emitted,” he elaborates.

“This integration of advanced sensor technology with IoT infrastructure significantly enhances our ability to detect forest fires swiftly and accurately.”

IoT

Traditional forest fire detection methods predominantly rely on human observation, either by individuals spotting fires from nearby locations and alerting emergency services, or by personnel using binoculars in lookout towers to watch for smoke.

There are also technical methods such as cameras that replicate this visual scanning for smoke plumes above the tree canopy, and satellites that can detect fires from space.

Silvanet represents a new approach by employing gas sensors embedded directly in the forest.

“The sensors detect the specific gases produced by organic combustion, offering an advantage in early fire detection,” says Brinkschulte.

“Traditional satellite technology, while providing an excellent overview for tracking and predicting fire paths, is less effective for detecting small fires due to its high altitude or infrequent passes.

“Cameras, although useful over large areas, cannot detect fires that are concealed under the tree canopy and are less effective at night.”

Dryad’s gas sensors, on the other hand, are positioned close to potential ignition points on the forest floor—such as near paths, campsites, and along power lines—where human activity might spark fires.

“This proximity allows them to detect nascent fires long before they grow large enough to be visible to cameras or satellites,” he explains.

“This early detection capability is crucial for enabling quick response, which is vital for controlling fires while they are still manageable.”

Reliable data

Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of fire detection via IoT sensors, particularly when using gas sensors, presents challenges, primarily due to the complexity of distinguishing genuine fire signatures from other similar signals.

To tackle this issue, Dryad has employed machine learning technology directly within the sensors: “The AI is designed to determine whether the detected gases are indeed indicative of a fire or merely other common but unrelated elements, such as exhaust from a passing diesel truck,” says Brinkschulte.

This use of AI at the sensor level, also known as edge computing, is crucial for Dryad’s system.

“Since our network operates on a narrowband technology, it cannot support the transmission of large volumes of data,” he clarifies.

“By processing data locally within the sensors, we can maintain high accuracy and significantly reduce the likelihood of false positives.

“This method ensures that our fire detection system is both reliable and effective in real-world conditions.”

Proximity

The effective range of one of Dryad’s sensors for detecting a fire is approximately 100 metres in radius, roughly the size of a football field.

This range, says Brinkschulte, allows for early detection, which is crucial in preventing the escalation of fires.

The ability of a sensor to detect a fire within this range depends on several environmental factors such as the volume of combustible material, wind speed and direction, and temperature.

“While our sensors can detect fires beyond this range, the fire would need to grow larger and emit more gases to be detectable at greater distances,” says Brinkschulte.

“That is why our focus is primarily on early detection within high-risk and high-value areas, particularly in the wildland-urban interface, where accurate and early detection is most critical.”

This is achieved this with low-cost, easy-to-install sensors that are designed for longevity and do not require batteries, reducing the risk of introducing potential ignition sources into the forest.

The sensors are compact, about the size of the palm of a hand.

The installation process involves simply drilling a small hole into a tree trunk and securing the sensor with a wooden nail – a method designed to minimise impact on the tree and allow the sensor to remain securely in place for up to ten years.

“We use solar power and supercapacitors for energy,” he tells, explaining that the design philosophy ensures that even though each sensor covers a limited area, they are deployed strategically to maximise coverage and resolution.

Environmental focus

Brinkschulte takes the environmental impact of deploying IoT devices in natural habitats very seriously.

“Our sensors and gateways are designed to be as non-invasive as possible, crucially excluding batteries to eliminate the risk of fire hazards,” he stresses.

“Instead, we utilise supercapacitors and solar panels to power these devices, which negates the introduction of potentially hazardous materials into the forest.”

The primary goal of the detection devices is to mitigate wildfires, particularly those that are human-induced and occur at the wildland-urban interface where property and infrastructure are most at risk.

“By focusing on early detection and prevention, we aim to reduce both the environmental and economic impacts of wildfires,” says Brinkschulte.

Looking ahead

Dryad’s vision is to expand the capabilities of IoT in environmental monitoring well beyond the focus on fire detection.

Future applications include the development of fuel moisture sensors, which will help us assess and manage fire risks by measuring ground moisture.

Additionally, the company has plans to monitor other crucial ecological metrics, such as tree growth, soil moisture levels, and even the water flow within tree stems.

These advancements will utilise the existing Silvanet network infrastructure, essentially turning it into a ‘nervous system’ for the forest, broadening its impact on global sustainability.

Brinkschulte shares Dryad’s most ambitious goal, what has calls their ‘moonshot: To develop an autonomous system for extinguishing fires.

“This project hinges on securing the necessary funding, but if successful, we plan to spend the next three years creating an autonomous drone that can actively extinguish fires detected by our network,” he reveals.

“This innovation could significantly enhance our ability to respond to and manage forest fires, marking a significant milestone in the integration of IoT technology with environmental preservation and sustainability efforts.”

This article was originally published in the May 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.