Hart Mini Pipe Design Guide

Hart Mini
Pre-Engineered
Pipe Design
Guide
Manual No: TM0086

It is important to select suitable pipework for the environment requiring protection.

This must be designed and installed specifically for each site condition to meet the
performance specification that is required.

Kidde Fire Protection recommends and supplies Red ABS SnifferPipe and fittings.
Other pipe types may also be used dependant upon the type of application being
monitored.
 Hart Mini Pipe Design Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Para Page

1 Aspirating Pipework Design

1.1 Pipework Layout
1.1.1 Response Time
1.1.2 Ventilation of the Area
1.2 Air Sampling Systems
1.2.1 Duct Sampling
1.2.2 Installation of a duct sampling pipe system
1.2.3 Air Handling Unit Sampling
1.2.4 Installation of Air Handling Unit (AHU) Sampling Pipework
1.2.5 Distributed Air Sampling
1.2.6 Closed Ended (Balanced) Distributed Pipework Systems
1.2.7 Hole Sensitivity Of Balanced Systems
1.2.8 Pipework Junctions
1.2.9 Remote Sample Points

2 Special Design Considerations

2.1 Elutriator
2.2 Stratification
2.3 Pressure Differentials

3 System Examples
3.1 System Design D
3.2 System Design I

4 Installation
4.1 Pipe Warning Label
4.2 Sample Point Labels
4.3 Mini Sample Point Label

Appendices

A1 Hole Size Drill Guide (BS6266)

A2 Hole Size Drill Guide (BS5839)

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

FIGURE TITLE Page

1-1 Single Pipe System 2-1
1-2 Two Pipe System 2-2
1-3 Four Pipe System 2-2
1-4 Duct Sampling 2-4
1-5 Duct Sampling Installation 2-5
1-6 Air Handling Unit Sampling 2-6
1-7 AHU Installation 2-7
1-8 AHU Typical Installation 2-8
1-9 Distributed Air Sampling 2-9
1-10 Remote sample points 2-11
2-1 Elutriator 3-1
2-2 Stratification 3-2
3-1 System Design D 5-1
3-2 System Design I 5-2
3-3 Alternative System Design I 5-3
4-1 Sampling Pipe Support 6-1
 Hart Mini Pipe Design Guide
1. ASPIRATING PIPEWORK DESIGN

HART Mini has been designed to provide many years of service with minimal
maintenance. However, an HSSD system is only effective if the sampling pipework
has been designed and installed correctly.

1.1 PIPEWORK LAYOUT

The sampling pipe network is the most crucial aspect of the design of an HSSD
system and there are two important factors to consider: -

• Response time
• Ventilation of the area.

1.1.1 Response Time

The response time of the detector is the means by which the overall HSSD system is
assessed. It is affected by the environmental conditions and the design of the pipe
network.

The response time is separated into two parts - the time allowed for the smoke to
reach the sampling point and the transport time, which is the maximum time for
smoke to be carried from the furthest sampling point to the detector. For systems
designed to BFPSA code of practice for design, commissioning, installation &
maintenance of HSSD systems, the transport time should be within 120 seconds.
The maximum transport time can be directly affected by the installed pipe design
(see figures 1-1, 1-2 and 1-3). The 4 pipe branch design will provide the shortest
transport time (fig 1-3).

Detection
Unit

Sample
Pipe

Figure 1-1 Single Pipe

Detection
Unit

Sample
Pipe

Issue 1 Page 6-1

 Hart Mini Pipe Design Guide
Figure 1-2 Two-Pipe System

Detection
Unit

Sample
Pipe

Figure 1-3 Four Pipe System

Note: Should the transport time be greater than 120 seconds, an acceptable time
should be agreed with the client prior to commissioning.

1.1.2 Ventilation of the Area

The ventilation of the protected area affects the time it takes for smoke to reach the
sample points. In applications without ventilation detection can be carried out at
ceiling level using the Secondary Detection principle, ie the air sampling points are
sited and spaced to satisfy BS5839 part 1 or BS6266 requirements.

In areas with forced ventilation, air handling units (AHUs) or some other form of air
extraction system, smoke may be prevented from reaching ceiling level sample
points. In this instance it is recommended that Primary Detection be used, ie the
pipework and air sampling points are mounted directly in the airflow. This type of
system is usually regarded as supplementary to other forms of detection due to its
limited response capability once the air movement ceases.

1.2 AIR SAMPLING SYSTEMS

There are three basic types of sampling system design:

1. Duct Sampling (Primary Detection).

2. Air handling unit sampling (Primary Detection).
3. Distributed air sampling (Secondary Detection).

1.2.1 Duct Sampling

Within this type of application there are a number of issues to be considered in

designing the HSSD system. These being:

• Pressure equalisation
• Maintenance accessibility (eg flexible joints to allow the pipe to be removed)
• Monitoring upstream or downstream of filters

Duct detection is considered as primary detection. However, the area should also be
monitored by secondary detection to provide protection in the event of the duct
airflow shutting down. Monitoring is achieved by installing sample pipe within the

Issue 1 Page 6-2

 Hart Mini Pipe Design Guide
duct. To maintain the pressure balance, the exhaust air is returned to the duct
downstream of the monitoring sample pipe.

The use of a union socket is recommended to allow easy access for commissioning
and maintenance purposes. Typically, as ducts have different pressures, it is
recommended that only a single HART Mini is used to monitor a single duct.

Where possible the sampling pipe should be installed in the centre of the airflow and
away from bends. It should also be installed close to inspection hatches for
maintenance purposes. Due to the use of high efficiency particle filters within HVAC
systems, it is recommended that monitoring be carried out before the filter as it may
remove smoke particles.

Return
Air Pipe

Sampling
Airflow
Pipe
Detection
Unit

Fig. 1-4 Duct Sampling

1.2.2 Installation of a duct sampling pipe system

1. The sampling pipe must be inserted approximately half of the height into the
duct and should be supported and sealed. It should penetrate at least 80% of
the width of the duct.

2. In order to be able to maintain and test the HART Mini, the sample pipe
should span the width of the duct, protrude the opposite side and be closed-
off using a removable end cap.

3. The sample points should be positioned at an angel of 45O off centre in the
airflow. There should be one sample point for each 0.4m2 of the duct’s cross
sectional area.

Issue 1 Page 6-3

 Hart Mini Pipe Design Guide
4. Exhaust air from the HART Mini should be returned to the duct by fitting the
outlet adaptor, which is supplied as standard with the detector.

5. The return holes into the duct should face downstream and be inserted at
least 1 metre downstream of the sampling pipe and be positioned at 1/3
height of the duct.

Fig 1-5 shows the set-up required for duct sampling.

End Cap

Sample Hole

Direction of Direction of
Airflow Airflow

Grommet
Seal

Union
Socket
Sample Return
Pipe Pipe

Fig. 1-5 Duct Sampling Installation

Issue 1 Page 6-4

 Hart Mini Pipe Design Guide
1.2.3 Air Handling Unit Sampling

For applications that include AHUs, a number of issues to be considered in designing

the HSSD system. These are;

• High Airflow
• Lack of smoke energy
• Resultant low smoke temperature
• Dilution caused by airflow velocities
• Addition of clean air by ventilation systems

Sampling the air inlets of AHUs is a highly effective way of detecting small levels of
smoke quickly. Fig 1-6 shows an example.

When monitoring AHUs:

1. Ensure that external air velocities are less than 6 metres per second to
prevent venturi effects occurring at the sampling holes.

2. Sample only over the air inlets, as many AHU's have HEPA filters which will
remove smoke particles.

3. A maximum of 2 AHU's (dependent upon air movement and size) can be

covered by one HART Mini.

Sampling
Pipe

Detection
Unit

Fig. 1-6 Air Handling Unit Sampling

Issue 1 Page 6-5

 Hart Mini Pipe Design Guide
1.2.4 Installation of Air Handling Unit (AHU) sampling pipework.

When the pipework is to be installed to monitor an AHU:

1. The sampling pipe should be fitted across the middle of the air grille.

2. There should be one sample point for each 0.4m2 of the grille’s area.

3. The sample points should be positioned in the airflow at an angel of 45O off
centre.

4. A union socket should be used to allow easy access for maintenance.

Fig. 1-7 AHU Installation

Issue 1 Page 6-6

 Hart Mini Pipe Design Guide

Union

False Floor

Fig. 1-8 AHU Typical Installation

1.2.5 Distributed Air Sampling

A distributed sampling system consists of a pipe network throughout the area - see
fig 1-9. This is typically combined with AHU sampling to provide extra cover in the
event of failure in the AHU by providing secondary detection. In small areas a single
detector is capable of providing both primary and secondary detection.

Ceiling and floor void monitoring should also be considered. The system should be
designed so that the sample point spacing meets the design requirements of
BS5839 part 1 or BS6266 or any other local requirements, depending upon the
application.

Sampling
Pipe

Detectio
n

Fig. 1-9 Distributed Air Sampling

Issue 1 Page 6-7

 Hart Mini Pipe Design Guide
1.2.6 Balanced (Closed Ended) Distributed Pipe Work Systems

A balanced system is one in which the sampling points are sized such that they all
provide the same airflow. The sampling pipe network may be configured to match
environmental conditions, holes may be spaced at critical intervals and at uneven
spacing. This will provide maximum protection at risk locations. If necessary different
pipe diameters may be combined to decrease transport time and so increase the
response of the system. All pipe segments should be capped. Typically the last
sampling point will be within 150mm from the end cap.

The pipe designs provided in the appendices have been pre-engineered to produce
a balanced system.

1.2.7 Hole Sensitivity of Balanced System

In a balanced system design the sensitivity at each sample point hole is the same.
The effective sensitivity can be determined by multiplying the sensitivity of the
detector by the number of sampling holes in the system.

Example: - The Relative sensitivity of a sample point with a detector head

sensitivity setting of 0.1%/m, which is connected to a sampling pipe
network using 40 sampling points can be calculated as follows:

0.1%/m x 40 = 4% relative sensitivity per hole

1.2.8 Pipework Junctions

HART Mini has an air inlet for a single pipe connection. For systems requiring more
than one branch to the pipework the network can incorporate Tee pieces and bends.
The pre-engineered systems in the appendices have been designed specifically
using a maximum of 2 branches. If more than two branches are needed, please
contact Kidde Fire Protection.

1.2.9 Remote Sample Points

If the area being protected has ceiling voids or false ceilings, run the main pipe
network within the voids out of sight. To do this, drop a small length of pipe through
the ceiling into the protected area with the sampling hole drilled in the end cap or
sampling point. These are known as extended sampling points and varying
diameters of pipe can be used, e.g. from 10mm capillary to 25mm OD pipe.

The type of extension would depend upon application requirements. Figure 1-10
shows typical examples.

Issue 1 Page 6-8

 Hart Mini Pipe Design Guide

Flush Mini Sample End Capped

Sample Point Point Sample Point

Fig 1-10 Remote sample points

2. SPECIAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

2.1 ELUTRIATOR

The HART Mini has been specifically designed to operate in most environments from
clean rooms to underground railway stations. However, in areas where the detector
may be subjected to large particles such as dust or fibres or to atomised liquids or
steam, a build up of contamination can occur in the detector or false alarms may
occur.

The Elutriator is an optional item and can be used if the protected area is expected
to have heavy amounts of non-combustion particulate. An Elutriator should be
installed to prevent build-up of material within the Detector. The Elutriator is an
inertial particle separator that allows air to flow freely through it while separating out
large particulate by allowing them to accumulate on an impact plate. It has an
optional foam insert that can be fitted in place of the impact plate and screens for
applications where if the detector is likely to be exposed to any atomised liquids or
steam.

The airflow travels into the Elutriator and hits the impactor momentarily slowing the
airflow. This slowing of the airflow causes the larger, heavier particles to drop out
allowing the smaller, lighter smoke particles to travel through the slots to the
detector.

Issue 1 Page 6-9

 Hart Mini Pipe Design Guide

Fig 2-1 Elutriator (union adaptors omitted for clarity)

The main benefit of the Elutriator is to allow the HART Mini to operate within areas
where background contamination may be a problem. It should be checked and
cleaned regularly to ensure correct operation.

2.2 STRATIFICATION

Stratification is an important issue, which needs to be considered when designing the

pipework layout. It occurs were there are differing temperature gradients within a
protected area and it is commonly associated with high ceiling rooms, atria or
warehouses - particularly where above ground heating or sky lighting are installed.

The air temperature within the area increases with height and this can create a
thermal barrier preventing the smoke rising up to the sampling point. Aspirating
systems can compensate for this by sampling at various levels within the room. This
is done by dropping vertical sample pipes, having sample points spaced at 3 metres,
see figure 2-2.

Consideration needs to be given to the practical installation of vertical pipework.

Ideally sample pipe should be within the racking. Care needs to be taken to ensure
the pipework is not obstructed or damaged. Alternatively, horizontal pipes can be run
at different heights within the racking.

Issue 1 Page 6-10

 Hart Mini Pipe Design Guide

Fig 2-2 Stratification

2.3 PRESSURE DIFFERENTIALS

It is important when installing a HART Mini to take the pressure within the protected
area into consideration particularly where the unit is installed outside of the area of
protection or where more than one area is covered by one detector.

The HART Mini unit should always be installed in an area where the pressure is the
same or negative with respect to the protected area. Where the unit is located in a
positive air pressure relative to the protected area, the detector should be exhausted
back into the protected area.

3. SYSTEM EXAMPLES

This manual has covered the design information and applications for the HART Mini
HSSD system. This chapter details examples of typical system designs. The
examples used here are taken from the pre-engineered designs shown in appendix
A.

3.1 System Design ‘D’

System D is a typical standard sampling pipe network used in ceilings and roof and
floor void applications. The example design has been configured using a single pipe
design with three sampling points.

Issue 1 Page 6-11

 Hart Mini Pipe Design Guide

5M

Detection
Unit

2.5M
1
5M

2
5M

3
2.5M

Sampling Pipe
Sample Point Location

Fig 3-1 System Design D

Sample Sample
Point Point size
Location
1 6mm
2 7mm
3 7mm

NOTE

• For ceiling, roof and floor void sampling, the sample holes need to be positioned
facing down.
• All sampling pipe and sample points should be identified using an appropriate
label such as provided in Kidde Fire Protection’s SnifferPipe range.

3.2 System Design ‘I’

System I is based on a double pipe design complete with 3 sampling holes on each
sample pipe run covering an area of 150m².

Issue 1 Page 6-12

 Hart Mini Pipe Design Guide

1 2 3

2.5 5M 5M 2.5
M M

2.5

Detection
Unit 5M

2.5

Sampling Pipe
Sample Point Location

Fig 3-2 System Design I

Sample Sample
Point Point size
Location
1 6mm
2 7mm
3 7mm

NOTE

• For ceiling, roof and floor void sampling, sampling holes need to be positioned
facing down.
• All sampling pipe and sample points should be identified using an appropriate
label such as provided in Kidde Fire Protection’s SnifferPipe range.

Alternatively a two pipe system design, such as System I, can be used to cover a
room and a floor void, as shown below.

Issue 1 Page 6-13

 Hart Mini Pipe Design Guide
5M

Detection
2.5 Unit
1 M
5
2
5
3 M
2.5

Floor Void

Sampling
Sampling Pipe in Floor Void
Sample Point Location

Fig 3-3 Alternative System Design I

4. INSTALLATION

The sampling pipe network is an arrangement of pipes within the protected area
through which air is drawn back to the HART Mini to be sampled. Piping may be
metallic or non-metallic. The designs provided within this design guide are based on
using 25mm pipe such as Kidde Fire Protection’s red ABS SnifferPipe, fittings and
accessories. Pipe and fittings in 32mm ABS are also available.

It is important to ensure that all joints are airtight and cemented to prevent any
leakage, as this would affect system performance. Joint integrity is greatly reduced if
surfaces are not properly prepared and absolutely clean before cementing.

The pipework must be supported by appropriate pipe clips. The supports must be
spaced to give adequate support to the pipework and long, straight sections must be
supported at least every 1.5 metres. Short straight lengths of pipes between bends
must be supported at least once. Pipework supports must not penetrate the pipe
wall.

Issue 1 Page 6-14

 Hart Mini Pipe Design Guide

1.5 Metres

Sample Pipe

Pipe Clip Pipe Socket Pipe Clip

Figure 4-1 Sampling Pipe Support

4.1 Warning Labels

All sampling pipe and sample points should be identified using appropriate labels,
such as provided in Kidde Fire Protection’s SnifferPipe range. If the pipe is not
already pre-printed, identification labels should be applied every 2 to 3 Metres. A
sample point warning label should be attached at each sample point.

Issue 1 Page 6-15

 Pre-Engineered Pipe Design
Guide

APPENDIX A

Total No
Single or Sample
of Pipe 1 Hole number and size (mm) at 5m spacing Pipe 2 Hole number and size (mm) at 5m spacing
SYSTEM Double holes /
Sample
Pipe pipe
Holes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
A 1 S 1 8.5
B 2 S 2 7.0 7.0
C 2 D 1+1 7.0 7.0
D 3 S 3 6.0 7.0 7.0
E 4 S 4 5.5 6.0 7.0 7.0
F 4 D 2+2 7.0 7.0 7.0 7.0
G 5 S 5 4.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0
H 6 S 6 4.0 4.0 5.0 5.5 6.5 7.0
I 6 D 3+3 6.0 7.0 7.0 6.0 7.0 7.0
J 7 S 7 3.0 4.0 4.0 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5
K 8 S 8 3.0 3.0 3.0 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0
L 8 D 4+4 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0
M 9 S 9 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.0 4.0 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.0
N 10 S 10 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 4.0 4.0 4.5 5.0
O 10 D 5+5 4.0 5.0 6.0 6.0 6.5 4.0 5.0 6.0 6.0 6.5
P 11 S 11 2.5 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.5
Q 12 S 12 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.0 4.5
R 12 D 6+6 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 6.0 6.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 6.0 6.0
S 13 S 13 2.0 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.5 3.5 4.0 4.5
T 14 S 14 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.5 3.5 4.5
U 14 D 7+7 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5
V 15 S 15 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.5 4.5
W 16 S 16 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 4.5
X 16 D 8+8 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.0 4.5 5.0 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.0 4.5 5.0
Y 18 D 9+9 2.0 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.5 2.0 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.5
Z 20 D 10+10 2.5 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 2.5 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 4.0 4.0 4.0

Note: This is based upon using BS6266 system design requirements (e.g. 5 metre spacing)
 Total No
Single or Sample Pipe 2 Hole
of Pipe 1 Hole number and size
Double holes / number and
Sample (mm)
Pipe pipe size (mm)
Holes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4
1 S 1 8.5
2 S 2 8.0 8.5
2 D 1+1 7.0 7.0
3 S 3 6.0 8.0 8.5
3 D 2+1 6.5 7.0 7.0
4 S 4 5.0 6.0 7.5 8.0
4 D 3+1 5.5 6.5 7.0 4.5
4 D 2+2 6.5 7.0 6.5 7.0
5 S 5 4.0 4.5 5.5 6.5 7.5
5 D 4+1 4.5 5.5 6.0 7.0 3.5
5 D 3+2 5.5 6.5 7.0 4.5.55.0
6 S 6 3.0 4.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 6.5
6 D 5+1 3.5 4.0 5.0 6.0 6.5 3.0
6 D 4+2 5.5 6.5 7.0 8.0 5.0 5.0
6 D 3+3 5.5 6.5 7.0 5.5 6.5 7.0
7 S 7 3.0 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 6.0
7 D 6+1 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.5 6.0 3.0
7 D 5+2 4.5 5.0 6.0 7.0 7.5 4.0 4.0
7 D 3+4 4.5 5.5 6.0 7.0 4.5 5.5 6.0 7.0
8 S 8 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.0 4.5 5.0
8 D 7+1 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.5 3.0
8 D 6+2 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 7.0 3.5 3.5
8 D 5+3 4.5 5.0 6.0 7.0 7.5 4.0 4.0 4.5
8 D 4+4 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0

Note: Based on using BS5839 system design requirements (e.g. 10 metre spacing).