SIK511 Smoke and Value Protection Systems

Contents and structure

This course is two-fold; first, it concerns smoke and combustion products, which constitute the majority of the curriculum. Secondly, it concerns systems for the protection of values, e.g., life, material, and production.

Part 1: Fire-related deaths often involve smoke inhalation. Hence, an essential part of fire safety engineering involves knowledge of smoke production, composition, toxicity, and behaviour, all of which depend on the particular fuel and surrounding environment (scenario). The course shall provide in-depth knowledge of essential combustion products from typical fuels and smoke behaviour. In particular, the methods available to engineers for estimating the yields of combustion products from fire are introduced. The species yield is used in the conservation equations to predict the resulting species concentration. The experimental methods used to measure combustion product yields and concentrations are introduced. The course will pay extra attention to particle-laden smoke as its behaviour differs from gaseous species. The smoke formation process and its modelling methods are discussed. The smoke properties which influence smoke movement are addressed. The behaviour of smoke within a building or open space will be described, and smoke control systems in these large-scale enclosures are discussed.

Part 2: Early detection and early intervention are essential in fire safety. Knowledge regarding the different principles of detection and extinguishing systems is important for fire engineers. This part of the course shall give the candidates an overview of the different physical phenomena that are the basis for the detection and extinguishment of a fire. In addition, actual standards and regulations are presented.

Active fire protection with regard to different fire suppression systems and fire alarm systems will be presented. Focus is on the advantages and disadvantages of different protection measures in relation to health and environment, and protection of assets.

Learning Outcome

After completing the course, the student has the following learning outcome:

Knowledge

The student…

• has an in-depth understanding of the terms and concepts necessary for estimating the yield of a species
• has a thorough knowledge of the smoke formation process and smoke properties related to smoke movement and visibility(smoke dynamics)
• has in-depth knowledge of toxicity based on typical fuels
• has knowledge of general measures for smoke control
• has advanced knowledge of active fire protection measures in different construction phases. Including requirements related to operators and documentation
• has a thorough knowledge of standards for planning and execution of active fire protection measures
• has in-depth knowledge of fire detection and alarm systems
• has a thorough knowledge of the structure of fire suppression systems using water, gas and foam.
• has a thorough knowledge of the correlation between detection and suppression systems, including an assessment of overall reliability

Skills

The student…

• can estimate species yield in compartment fires from experimental data
• can explain the terms in the species conservation equation that involves species yield and movement
• can explain the toxic effect of combustion products in terms of human safety
• can describe the smoke movement and discuss improvements in smoke control systems
• can discuss the smoke movement within large-scale enclosures and in the open space both from a theoretical and modelling perspective
• can write an assessment, by means of technical considerations and calculations to advise on preferred fire detection and fire suppression and/or extinguishment system.
• can design an inert gas system according to a acknowledged standards and suppliers DIOM

General competence

The student…

• can write and structure an academic report
• can reflect on his / her own work and take an active role when working in groups
• can work individually to gain new knowledge
• can communicate their professional work, written and verbally.
• can make use of research to support findings and statements.
• can use computer tools to perform design of active systems.
• can identify solutions to problems in his field and contribute to discussion related to importance and impact of the solutions.
• can assess knowledge in the field.

Entry requirements

Successful completion of SIK506 Modelling of Fire Safety and SIK507 Evacuation, Theory and Modelling.

Recommended previous knowledge

Fire dynamics

Teaching methods

Asynchronous/synchronous digital lectures, including exercises, demonstrations. Group Work and self-guidance are also used. The latter is essential in a digital course as part of a web-based master's degree.

Compulsory learning activities

None

Assessment

Part 1: Portfolio assessment, accounts for 50 % of the final mark.

Part 2: Oral exam, 30 minutes, accounts for 50 % of the final mark.

The students must pass both parts to receive a course grade.

Graded scale from A to E for pass, and F for fail.

Examination support material

Portfolio: All aids available

Oral exam: No aids available

More about examination support material