Aspire II

VESDA pipework validation software

This Aspire II training course is presented as an adjunct to the
VESDA accreditation training. The purpose is to present
VESDA pipework designers with further insight into the proper
design and installation theory of VESDA systems.
It is presumed that all potential designers have a current
VESDA certification.
Advanced ASD Design Course
Aspire II Course Content
Dimensioning
Advanced Angles
IDP Customization
Transport Time Tweaks
Detector Specifications
Scratch Pad
Branching Pipes
BOM
Things NOT in the BOM
Capillaries
Duct Detecting
Groups and Sensitivity
Battery Calculation and Power Supplies
In-cabinet Detecting
Site Survey and Layout
Commissioning Tips
Designs
Acronyms
ASD Air Sampling Device
VESDA Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus
HLI High Level Interface
A2 Aspire II
VLF Vesda Laser Focus
VLP Vesda Laser Plus
VLC-VN Vesda Laser Compact VesdaNet version
VLC-RO Vesda Laser Compact Relay-Only version
VLS Vesda Laser Scanner
SP Sample Point
FACP Fire Alarm Control Panel
BOM Bill of Materials
NFPA National Fire Protection Association
VSC VESDA System Configurator
UL Underwriters Laboratories
FM Factory Mutual
AHJ Authority Having Jurisdiction
PS Power Supply
POV Point of View
IDP Installation Data Pack
Essential Background

FvT

HVW

Foam
Install and run ASPIRE II
Please load the CD that came with your
handout package.

Execute the aspire2_1_22_03_setup
file

Reference the Aspire II Changes
handout.

DO NOT surge ahead. We should all
progress at the same speed through this
exercise.
The following slide demonstrates the suggested changes
Definitional Changes
Parameter ASPIRE2 ASPIRE
Balance
Applies to a group of sample holes. It is
the ratio of lowest sample hole flow rate
to the highest, expressed as a
percentage. Note that this definition
gives a balance in the range 0 to 100%.
The ratio of air flow in last hole over
the average flow through the rest of
the holes, expressed as a
percentage. This can in some cases
give a number greater than 100%.
Share (Pipe)
See end cap sensitivity factor a new
concept that allows for different
numbers of holes.
Share is the ratio of flow in all
sampling holes with end cap hole
excluded to that of total flow,
expressed as a percentage.
Transport Time
No Change
Group
Sensitivity
The aggregate (total) sensitivity of
a defined list (group) of sample
holes.
Groups not supported
End Cap
Sensitivity
Factor
The factor difference of the average
endcap hole(s) sensitivity to the average
of all other holes, expressed as a ratio.
The default target is 3 (which equates to
a balance of 70% with a total of 8 holes)
Concept not supported.
Functional Changes
Feature Function Rationale
3D schematics

ASPIRE2 allows display of a 3D
representation of the design and
allows inclusion of this in the IDP.
The 3D representation illustrates
the direction of pipe work and
associated pipe accessories used
in the pipe network design.
A useful feature that allows
cognitive validation of the pipe
network during design and
provides a practical guide
during pipe network installation.
BOM

ASPIRE2 uses a library of pipe
accessories to produce a bill of
material.

The BOM provides a time-
saving list of most components
required for the project.

IDP ASPIRE2 produces a report
detailing all designs aspects of
the pipe network for the
designer, client and installer.
IDP are useful reports to
discuss pipe network
alternatives with potential
clients. IDP contains helpful
information for pipe network
installation.

Groups
Groups are an advanced feature. Groups are used when there is a need to use a
different set of target sensitivities eg, a group of sample holes for a return air
grille.

A group can be added on the detector page of A2 by selecting use endcaps to
create a balanced design. This builds a new group, and puts only the endcaps
into it.

Groups can be added at will by clicking on the detector, and choosing the group
details tab. Click add.
Groups
Sensitivity A brief overview
Sensitivity (as it relates to Aspire II calcs) The amount of smoke
required at a single sample point, with clean air at all other SP, to reach
the specified fire threshold.

Sensitivity at the SP does not equal the sensitivity at the detector. This
is because the detector sensitivity is aggregate the total combined
sensitivities of all sample points.

(ALL SP combined) = detector sensitivity

Please watch ASAT demo
Dimensioning
Dimensioning is the concept of interposing exact distances and direction
into the A2 design. Before dimensioning can begin, the design perspective should
be understood.

Design PERSPECTIVE (point of view POV)
The perspective, or viewpoint for design, is imagined to be standing
behind the detector, looking into the protected space. See example:
Advanced Angles


Thru T This branch lets airflow pass through the T, and creates a branch based on
the direction input in the direction column (3). This branch becomes pipe section 1. The
thru pipe becomes section 2.

45s This elbow turns the pipe 45 degrees. Multi-directioning is also possible. E.g.
RD or LU, etc.

Bullhead This T causes the branch to split in 2 opposite directions. The quickest
and simplest way to add a Bullhead is to choose simple branch in the add pipe wizard.
This adds the bullhead and elbows.

Reducer This device will either reduce, or enlarge a section of pipe, depending upon
the diameter which you input in the pipe diameter (13) column.

Y This multi-directioning component splits the pipe into a branch with 45s (as
opposed to a branch with 90s bullhead)
T variations
Exhausting
Exhausting properly is crucial for the VESDA to breath correctly. Since
VESDAs use airflow to get smoke to the chamber, maintaining proper
airflow is critical for the detector to work properly.

The spec says to exhaust to an equal or lower pressure than is being
monitored (by the inlet pipes). If you exhaust into the same room as is
being monitored, this pressure stabilization usually takes care of itself.

For example: When detecting under a floor, exhaust under the floor.
Detecting in the ceiling, exhaust into the ceiling. Detecting in the room,
exhaust into the room, etc.
Sometimes a proper Aspire II design will not balance correctly once
installed. Aside from improper hole sizes, exhausting is probably the
greatest contributor to a system not balancing.

The general contention is to add the length of exhaust pipe (in feet)
to the inlet. This accounts for the airflow restriction placed on the
detector should you need to run the exhaust some distance.

For exhaust length over 15 consult VFS.

ALWAYS exercise caution not to exhaust classified gasses from
their classified area.
Exhausting Contd.
IDP Customization

The purpose of customizing the IDP is to present a personalized package for
review or approval. These steps require Microsoft WORD, or somesuch word
processor, and Aspire II.

Run Aspire II. With design open, choose file, generate IDP. Select appropriate
notes, views, etc. FILE <> Edit with Microsoft Word
* Please note that IE must be your default browser for the link to Word to appear.
Exercise: IDP Customization
Start Aspire II
Click add detector icon
Click add pipe icon
Click simple pipe
Click finish
Click file - generate IDP
Click select all 3d views
Click file
Select edit with Microsoft Word

Print as PDF (file, print, PDF) to prevent further alteration of IDP

Transport time tweaks



Aspirator Speed the fan speed has a great impact on Xport time. The faster the
fan, the shorter the time. Always leave some fan speed available when designing
to compensate for possible shortcomings further into the design.

Hole Sizes The hole size directly affects the Xport time as it regulates the exact
amount of air allowed into the pipe. There is a direct correlation between the
length of pipe, hole size, fan speed, and Xport time.

Pipe Length The shorter the pipe, the shorter the Xport time. Usually.

Pipe Diameter The greater the ID (up to 1.5), the more airflow within the pipe,
and the shorter the Xport time, but only if the holes are proportionally larger. This
only marginally affects the throughput, and should usually be a last consideration.

Rigid vs. Capillary In different apps, this decision may help to greatly assist
your Xport time. Experiment with both methods in tight time designs.
Effect of pipe diameter on Xport time
Choosing a detector
Please reference Usage/Detector Matrix handout.
More than 1 way to skin a cat
Detector Specs
Please refer to the Air Sampling Smoke Detection booklet
The main factors to consider when choosing a detector usually come down to a
combination of area coverage, pipe length, Xport time, cost, number of holes,
connectivity, and sometimes relay outputs.

We will look at these independently:

Area Coverage: Each detector has a maximum area (sf) that it is approved for.
VLP & VLS 20,000 sf. VLF-250 2,500 sf.
VLC 8,000 sf. VLF-500 5,000 sf
* For 60 second transport criteria, approximately half the area coverage
Detector Specs.
Pipe Length Is affected by many factors such as transport time maximums,
type of environment being protected, holes or capillaries, number of each,
airflow, type of detector, variable fan speed, etc

That said, there are typical lengths:

VLP & VLS 200 feet per pipe (x4)
VLC 240 feet (x1)
VLF-250 80 feet (x1)
VLF-500 150 feet (x1)
Detector Specs.
Transport Time is generally specified. NFPA 72 allows for 120 seconds max.
Sometimes 60 or 90 seconds is specked. This SPEC is input on the detector
choice page of A2. The A2 default is 60 seconds.

Cost is always an important consideration. A 60 second transport spec will cost
twice what a 120 second transport spec does. Roughly.

Number of Holes there are also many factors affecting this length of pipe,
area being protected, type of detector, fan speed, desired sensitivity, airflow, etc.
Again, averages apply:
VLP & VLS 25 holes per pipe 100 maximum
VLC 40 holes max although 20 is stated
VLF-250 12
VLF-500 24
Detector Specs.
Connectivity is the ability for VESDA units to speak with each other. This is
called a VesdaNet. Up to 100 detectors, (+/or) 250 nodes can be connected
together. These nodes can be up to 4,000 feet apart each. One benefit of the
VesdaNet is addressability to multiple nodes from one location.

The VLP and VLS are VesdaNet ready right out of the box, as is the VLCvn.
With the addition of the VIC-010, VLF detectors can be connected.
The VLCro does not have a VesdaNet option.

Relays are an electrical switch. They are used to signal problems to a panel, or
used to turn on or off external components. VESDAs report smoke thru relays.
VLP 7 relays standard
VLS 7 or 12 relays avail.
VLC, VLF-250, VLF-500 3 relays standard
Relays and Assignments
Relays in VESDA detectors are form C dry contact relays.
7 relay VLP
12 Relay VLS
3 Relay VLC
3 Relay VLF



A2 has the pipe design wizard which allows pre-branched pipe design. These
range from simple branches (2 branches) to H config branches (4 endcaps)
and multiple branch.

Simple: Consists of a single bullhead T and 2 elbows *1

H Config: Consists of 3 bullheads, and 0 elbows *2

Multiple: Consists of 3 bullheads, and 6 elbows *3


* Please see PP examples
Branching Pipes
Pipe Wizard
Simple Branch
H pipe
Multi-branch Wizard
Scratch Pad
Some people find that the easiest way to envision a
VESDA design is to draw a quick scratch pad of the
design. Since ASD uses spot-detector spacing to
designate SP location and spacing, by designing a spot
solution, were more than half-way done.
Draw a rough sketch of the room to be sampled.
Place dots where spots should go, according to National
spot detector spacing guidelines.
Retrieve the blank room templates from the back of the
handout package.
Draw a rectangle on the wall (representing the VESDA).
Connect the dots with an orange marker. There is your design! Now just
build it with Aspire II. There is often more than 1 way to connect the
dots, so try variations until you get the combination with the best
coverage, shortest transport time, least orphaned pipes, etc

The following examples demonstrate this concept for both a squarish
and an odd-shaped room. As an exercise, we will do both the
scratchpad, then well build the design with A2.

Experiment with this concept until you feel comfortable with it. As with
anything new, start slowly and get it down. Speed will come with
practice


Scratch Pad contd.
Helpful Hints
A quick method to identify pipe sections is to change a hole (or 2) to capillaries, and
then run the 3d view. Remember to change back to holes when done.

You CANNOT delete a branch you must delete the entire pipe.

Save often.

Design pipes from the detector towards the endcap.

You can input 8 bends max. between sample points. Each 90 elbow places approx. 3
linear feet of airflow restriction. *

Make sure that the spec. has the actual amount of detectors, which may be different
than whats on the drawing.
The ASPIRE modeling system should be used to
determine the maximum number of sampling
points per pipe run.

The designer should use national codes for Point
Detector spacing as the criteria for determining
the minimum number of sampling points.
Sample Point Spacing Guidelines
A Grid Overlaid on Construction Plans
Location of sampling point or smoke detector. This layout is using a
grid overlay concept.
Grid overlay
Sampling Points Arranged with a Grid Layout
Maximum
zone size
20,000 sq ft

Sampling pipes
Sampling points
VESDA

Detector
5ft 10ft
10ft
10ft 10ft 10ft
10ft
10ft
5ft
5ft
5ft
Grid Overlay
5 ft 10 ft 10 ft 10 ft 10 ft 5 ft
3 ft
10 ft

10 ft
10 ft
4 ft
Grid Overlay
Sampling pipes
Sampling points
VESDA

Detector
Capillaries
Capillaries are one of the most versatile aspects of VESDA ASD. The
flexible tubing allows the designer and the installer much freedom and flexibility in
getting a SP where it is needed. Caps consist of some specialized connectors, SP,
and tubing. There are also different ways of mounting them into cabinets, ceilings,
and atria.
Before we discuss specific applications, it makes sense to understand
what caps are, the different types, what were trying to accomplish by using them,
benefits and limitations.
Please note that part numbers are in orange.

Capillaries start becoming caps from the threaded T.
VP TEE FPT sold in boxes of 10.

The connector kit connects the tubing to the threaded T. Sold by each.

E700 CAP KIT (plastic) Incl. a male {1/2 threaded} & female {compression}
connector

CAP KIT (brass)

These connect to the SP itself. 2 different types of CAP SP are available:


Miniature Sampling Point E700 SP threaded neck 5/64 hole (default may
be drilled to desired size)
1 active length

Flush-Mount (flat) SP PIP-015

Tubing OD x 3/8 ID:
Tubing 250 250 tubing per roll

E700 Tube 50 tubing per roll
Capillaries, contd.
In some museums and historic structures (for example) a thin
diameter tube without any SP is possible. For specialized or
beyond-conventional installations, please check with the AHJ
prior to designing.
The idea behind capillary drops is to put a SP where you need it to be, without
having to construct a complex pipe network. Although this concept is helpful,
there are limitations.
Capillaries Uses and limitations

Caps have a maximum stated length of 26 feet. The functional length of 13
should be considered, as this allows for more than 1 drop per pipe. As a rule
of thumb, the shorter the cap length, the more caps you can have. Envision
cap drops as drinking straws on the end of a pipe. The thinner and longer the
straw, the fewer that can be supported by the available airflow.
Hole sizes on caps can be of any conventional sizes 5/64 .
A variation is a rigid drop pipe.

Protection is required inside beam pockets. Walking sticks are the most
common. This is a thru-T pointing up, with a length of straight pipe, with an
elbow & sealed endcap. The hole points down into the protected space. The
idea, again, is to get a SP where it is needed.
Exercise Walking Stick
Start A2. New design. Add detector. Add pipe. Finish.
The easiest method by far, is to change the hole in column 2, to
say capillary. Then adjust the length (in column 7) to the desired
length. Finish by setting the Cap. Diameter (column 14) to match the
pipe (.874).
Make sure to adjust the BOM:
Add the elbow, endcap & normal T.
Remove the threaded T.
Add the cap tubing to CPVC length.

By using this method, you can design for a room full of beam
pockets in about 5 minutes, instead of a couple of days!

Lab Exercise rigid drop pipe
Plenum requirements
A PLENUM SPACE is defined as an air-filled space in a structure,
especially one that receives air from a blower for distribution.

As this relates to VESDA, this can be above a ceiling, or under a floor.

Here are some generic rules regarding plenums. This is not a complete
list.

CPVC or ANY metallic tubing is approved for plenum spaces.
You cannot paint tubing in a plenum.
The tubing must be labeled as per function.
Use BRASS CAP KIT in plenum (p/n CAP-KIT)
Site Assessment

Ok, weve determined that VESDA is a good solution to our clients
needs, where do we begin?
The evaluation process is called a site assessment. This involves
looking at and evaluating the site, keeping a few things top of mind:
Site Assessment
What is the type of work being done in the area?
What are the risk factors? Fuel Load? Fuel Type?
What is the architectural configuration?
Is there high airflow?
Are there high air exchanges?
How large (ft
2
) is the area?
Will different sensitivities be involved?
Are there high ceilings?
Return air grilles?
Air handlers?
Changing environments? Hot/cold, etc?
Raised floor?
Equipment cabinets or objects requiring special attention?
Air pressure variations?
Limited access (high security / limited or no FU access)?
120, 90, 60 second specs?
Hazardous materials?

Site Survey for Atria
Pre-Design checklist:

Smoke control system?
Detector location?
Endcap location?
Maintenance access?
Hidden or Exposed protection?
Return air?
Exhausting?
Air supply?
Architectural drawings?
Level of protection?
Where to mount pipe?
Open Discussion



7 Reasons for VESDA and A2 design

Business continuity
Telco Data Clean rooms server rooms Power generation

Smoke is difficult to detect
High Airflow dilution high ceilings

Maintenance Access is difficult
a. Underfloor ductwork ceilings elevator shafts Prisons

Unobtrusive detection is required
Offices Cathedrals Museums Prisons Luxury residences

Evacuation is a problem
Malls Stadiums Hospitals Underground tunnels Nursing homes

Challenging environments
Power Gen Public transport paper & saw mills mines haz-mat

Suppression systems are present
a. server rooms Switch rooms Command stations Communication hubs
Copying a Pipe




Aspire II will allow you to copy pipes on detectors with multiple-pipe capabilities.
The procedure is relatively straightforward.

After designing a pipe, click (choose) a pipe in the tree view. Choose edit > copy.

Choose detector, and choose edit > paste.

Neither pipes nor detectors can be copied across different designs.
Bill of Materials (BOM)



The BOM is a very useful tool for the designer. It serves at least a couple of
purposes. Firstly, it acts as a guideline for the salesman to quote the job. Every
pipe, detector, elbow, reducer, pipe clip, capillary assy, label, coupler, and endcap
are specified individually for information and pricing. Exceptions will be discussed
later.

Secondly, it acts as a shopping list for the person who orders parts, so they
know which parts to have on hand to complete the job.
Running the BOM


When the design is done, simply press the $ on the icon bar of A2.

Alternately, you can select file > generate BOM
Items NOT in the BOM

Power Supply * Batteries
Programmer Cable
Display Pipe cement
HLI
Socket


*Available Power supplies for 2A. 30VDC
ANY 1481 UL approved PS
VPS-100us PS
VPS-300us PS
VPS-400us 48v PS
Battery Calculations
Cross-Zoning




Cross-zoning (double-knock) is the procedure of monitoring the same
zone with 2 or more monitoring points.

Although this is typically done to generate suppression release, it is also
done to provide exceptional coverage to highly critical areas. In power
generation, for example, the valve hall requires cross-zoned protection
for a fast valve (rectifier) switch-off.

The components are not always VESDA, and may, in fact, be spots,
beams, ProtectoWire, etc., in addition to VESDA.
All components must agree that a fire-level event is underway before action
(suppression release) is taken. Examples follow:
VESDA 1 VESDA 2 Example
1
In this example, both VESDA detectors are monitoring the same fire zone
(room). Both detectors must agree that there is a fire before suppression
is released.

This is dependant on the FACP programming. The FACP initiates release,
not the VESDAs.
This single detector uses the ACTION and FIRE2 thresholds as the double-knock.
When both conditions are met, the FACP is signaled for suppression release.
Aspire II Day 2

Review


Dimensioning Perspective
Relative Distance
Syntax

Advanced Angles Thru Ts
45s
Bullheads
Multi-directional Angling

IDP Customization Edit with WORD

Transport Time Tweaks Aspirator Speed
Hole Size
Pipe Length
Rigid vs. Capillary

Detector Specs Aspirator Speed
Networkability
Area Coverages vs. Xport time
Pressure Differentials
Review, contd.
Scratch Pad Rationale
Layout from Spot Spacing
Variations

Branching Pipes Limits for A2
Limits for Detector
Workarounds

BOM Printing and Saving
Usage
Re-Usage

Things NOT on the BOM PS Programmer Display Socket
HLI
Cross-Zoning Concept
Practical Practices
Examples

Copying Pipe Method

Capillaries Flex vs. Rigid
Kits and p/n
Length vs. Quantity
Flush-mount and ramifications
Walking sticks & Beam pockets
Review, Contd.
Return Air and Grilles
Duct Detecting

In a fire event, ducts can convey smoke, and therefore
should be monitored. They also may supply air which aids
combustion in the fire location. The effective management of
smoke control, such as dampers and shutters to contain smoke
spread and fire growth is essential for life safety.

The VLC or VLF are recommended for duct applications.

The inlet and exhaust pipes should be the same length, and
sealed at the end with an end cap. This is to balance the system.
There are different viewpoints on how to ASPIRE the exhaust, or if it needs to be
done at all.
The AHJ
Every designer at some point will run across an AHJ who has definite
ideas about how ASD should be designed, installed, and tested.
Sometimes these ideas are different than the designer had in mind.
The best advice to designers is to contact the AHJ early on in the design
process. Introduce yourself and your company briefly, and describe briefly
the job youd like to design. Explain that you plan to follow standard ASD
procedures for design. If there are obvious differences between what you
had in mind, and what hes thinking, this is the time to flush them out. Its a
lot easier to discuss theoreticals than it is to redesign or re-install a
system.
Always be courteous, humble, and brief.
Pressure vs. Smoke Testing
The reason for testing the SP is to verify airflow.
As the manufacturer, VFS can declare the preferred method of system
testing. We prefer smoke testing as opposed to pressure testing. The
transport times that A2 computes will be fairly close to the actual
measured.
The computed pressure (by A2) may be far off of the measured. Typically,
pressure over 25 pascals means a good SP. It might help to ask the AHJ
up front which method of testing he will use, and any criteria he has. Test
the system a couple of times using his method, and verify it will pass,
before he shows up with his clip board.
The AHJ has the final say, so know what youre up against early on.
Groups
On the detector choice page, the Endcap Usage chooser has two options. The
first is create a balanced design. This opens the endcaps and tries to achieve
hole balance by having the endcap hole be the same size (by default) as all of
the other holes.
The second option, use endcaps to reduce transport time puts all of the
endcaps into their own group. This allows Aspire II to measure the end cap's
sensitivity against itself, excluding them from the computation of the rest of the
design.
As soon as you add a detector, click on group details, you will see the second
group which A2 has added for the endcaps. You will note that each group has
adjustable parameters at the top of the column. More on those later.
Group Exercise 4 multi-branches
Open the balance this design
To avoid dilution, only monitor 1 air handler per pipe
Dilution
1-24 1 pipe
25-48 2 pipes
49-72 3 pipes
Typical 8 spacing
Return-Air grille
Exhaust probe from detector
Intake probe to detector
AIR
FLOW
In-Duct pipe and hole orientation
B
Exhaust
Inlet
The ASPIRE modeling system should be used to
determine the maximum number of sampling
points per pipe run.

The designer should use national codes for Point
Detector spacing as the criteria for determining
the minimum number of sampling points.
Sample Point Spacing Guidelines