Silent Knight Introduces FAAST Aspiration Smoke Detection
Silent Knight by Honeywell has introduced a new aspiration sensing system to provide highly accurate, very early warning smoke detection. The FAAST ™ (Fire Alarm Aspiration Sensing Technology) detector from System Sensor utilizes two optical sensing technologies and advanced algorithms to deliver more rapid, precise protection for high-value, high-security and mission critical facilities, even in the most challenging environments.
As an integral component of a Farenhyt fire alarm system from Silent Knight, FAAST detectors have already been put to use in a number of critical facilities throughout the US. Mike Griffis of Aegis Fire & Integrated Services, a Farenhyt Engineered Systems Distributor in Orange Park, Fla., identified two highly-critical applications needing more advanced detection.
"We just tied two FAAST detectors to an IFP-2000 system in a switch gear room at a power plant," says Griffis. "That's a very harsh environment, containing a lot of high-voltage equipment. A fire there, even a small one, could be catastrophic."
The FAAST aspiration detector draws air samples into its sensor through a pipe network. Its exclusive dual source sensing technology uses a highly sensitive blue LED (light-emitting diode) to sense smoke, while an infrared laser quickly distinguishes other airborne particulates from smoke. A series of complex algorithms are then used to interpret signals from both sources, to warn of smoke up to 60 minutes prior to combustion while preventing nuisance alarms and the false discharge of connected suppression systems.
"A false discharge in something like a server room could be a huge liability. We're in the process of installing more FAAST units in a nearby data center that serves a number of high-profile clients," says Griffis. "They need both the speed and accuracy these special detectors provide."
Five programmable alarm levels, the most offered by any aspiration system, allow optimum flexibility in setting system sensitivity and warnings for site-specific requirements. An exclusive Acclimate Mode feature automatically regulates system settings to stay within pre-specified parameters to adjust to current conditions and further reduce false alarms.
The FAAST detector's ability to trigger advanced smoke warnings at different stages of a fire is essential for commercial properties intent on minimizing downtime, preventing data loss and avoiding damage from smoke, fire and water. Silent Knight's Farenhyt systems utilizing FAAST can also protect facilities that pose evacuation difficulties, such as hospitals, prisons and stadiums. Unlike most aspiration systems, FAAST is just as effective in environments involving high air velocities, extreme temperature fluctuations and other unstable conditions.
An integrated communications package unique to FAAST can provide e-mail notifications of specific alarm levels, fault levels and other isolated conditions to multiple e-mail addresses. Utilizing an Ethernet connection, authorized users can also monitor the system remotely via a secure Internet connection.