Course syllabus

Aktiva system
Fire Detection and Suppression

VBR082, 15 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2014/15
Decided by: Education Board C
Date of Decision: 2014-04-15

General Information

Compulsory for: BI3
Language of instruction: The course will be given in Swedish

Aim

The objective of the course is to provide the students with knowledge within the Active System field. By combining and applying knowledge gained from previous courses, the student is provided with insight into how this knowledge can be applied and utilised to analyse, evaluate, and design active systems.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to describe the assembly of fire detectors and detection systems, and explain how they work.
• be able to describe interference sources that can trigger fire alarms, and relate these to the choice of fire detectors and fire detection systems.
• be able to describe and identify regulations and design methods for the most common types of detection systems and extinguishing systems.
• be able to describe the most common types of extinguishing media (gas-based, water, and powder), and explain their extinguishing effect with respect to various types of fires.
• be able to describe the most common types of extinguishing systems (sprinkler, water-mist, explosion suppression systems, gas-based extinguishing systems, fire fighting foam systems and powder-based systems) and explain their function.
• be able to describe active systems for smoke control and to explain their function.

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to deside which extinguishing medium is suitable for use on different types of fires (fuel, mixture conditions, and magnitude).
• be able to determine the effect of the extinguishing medium on people, property, and the environment.
• be able to determine how combustion gases may be handled using vents, screens, ventilation systems, and pressure adjustments.
• be able to assess existing sprinkler systems and to design a simple sprinkler system.
• be able to estimate the activation time of sprinklers and fire detectors for various fire types by applying computational and computer models.
• be able to analyse the consequences and needs of active systems in a specific case based on the protection objectives of the project owner, and the risk of damage to people, property, and the environment.
• be able to apply knowledge gained from the course and earlier courses to select suitable active systems.
• be able to understand and make use of professional terminology within the field of active systems, both verbally and in writing.
• be able to describe active systems, both verbally and in writing, and explain how they work in terms understandable to both the layman and the expert.
• be able to describe fire safety engineering problems and solutions based on active systems, both verbally and in writing in terms understandable to both the layman and the expert.
• be able to deliver constructive feed-back related to a solution involving active systems.
• be able to independently search for literature and information regarding active systems.
• demonstrate the capacity for teamwork and collaboration in group work.
• demonstrate the capacity to plan and with adequate methods undertake a major project assignment focused on active systems.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• demonstrate the capability to assess extinguishing and detection systems with regard to the relevant technical, economical, and environment-related aspects.
• be able to assess engineering solutions with regard to the scientific, community-related, and ethical aspects involved.
• demonstrate the capability to identify need for further knowledge and continuously develop the competence.

Contents

The first part of the course includes lectures, which is combined with laboratory sessions and consultations with training leaders. The lectures deal with the design of active systems, detectors, extinguishing media, and extinguishing devices, sprinkler systems, water mist, and a selection of other active systems. The course section is concluded with a written examination which takes place at the beginning of the second term. During the later part of the course, a group project is carried out. The project work is based on the students going out into the community and finding an actual project case. On the basis of the project case's assumptions, the project owner's protection objectives, as well as the risks of damage to people, property, and the environment, the students will evaluate existing systems and design new active systems. The project work will be presented in a seminar at the end of the course. Present at the seminar will be the case project owner, representatives from the local Rescue Services, students, and instructors. The students will also be allowed to argue against another group's work at the concluding seminar.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH
Assessment: Successful completion is based on the written examination, laboratory work, assignments, and project assignments including examining another project assignment. The laboratory session is only conducted once a year.

Parts
Code: 0102. Name: Active Systems.
Credits: 7,5. Grading scale: TH. Assessment: Written examination and approved laboratory reports and attendance at all laboratory sessions are requirements for final certification. Contents: The first part of the course includes lectures, which is combined with laboratory sessions and consultations with training leaders. The lectures deal with the design of active systems, detectors, extinguishing media, and extinguishing devices, sprinkler systems, water misting, and a selection of other active systems. The course section is concluded with a written examination. Further information: Laboratory exercises are given once per year.
Code: 0202. Name: Special Project.
Credits: 7,5. Grading scale: UG. Assessment: Approved project assignment. Contents: The project work is based on the students going out into the community and finding an actual project case. On the basis of the project case's assumptions, the project owner's protection objectives, as well as the risks of damage to persons, property, and the environment, the students will evaluate existing systems or design new active systems.

Admission

Admission requirements:

• VBR022 Fire Chemistry and Explosions

Required prior knowledge: VBRF10 Fire Dynamics.
The number of participants is limited to: No
The course overlaps following course/s: VBR060, VBR081

Reading list

• Nilsson, D. & Holmstedt, G.: Kompendium i Aktiva system. Brandteknik LTH.
• Särdqvist, S.: Vatten och andra släckmedel. SRV, 2002, ISBN: 91-7253-145-2.
• Jensen, L.: Kompendium i Sprinkler.
• Kompletterande stenciler.

Contact and other information

Course coordinator: Bjarne Husted, bjarne.husted@brand.lth.se
Further information: Group assignments require active participation. Each group member must individually be able to account for the content of the assignment. If a group member does not fulfill the demands of the group or ignores hers/his commitment, she/he can be reassigned to another group or get a fail result.