10 Detector Activation Time

CHAPTER 11.
ESTIMATING SMOKE DETECTOR RESPONSE TIME

Version 1805.0
The following calculations estimate smoke detector response time.
Parameters should be specified ONLY IN THE YELLOW INPUT PARAMETER BOXES.
All subsequent output values are calculated by the spreadsheet and based on values specified in the input
parameters. This spreadsheet is protected and secure to avoid errors due to a wrong entry in a cell(s).
The chapter in the NUREG should be read before an analysis is made.
INPUT PARAMETERS
Heat Release Rate of the Fire (Q) (Steady State)
Radial Distance to the Detector (r) **never more than 0.707 or 1/22 of the listed spacing**
Height of Ceiling above Top of Fuel (H)
Activation Temperature of the Smoke Detector (T activation)
Smoke Detector Response Time Index (RTI)
Ambient Air Temperature (Ta)
Convective Heat Release Rate Fraction c)
Plume Leg Time Constant (Cpl) (Experimentally Determined)
Ceiling Jet Lag Time Constant (Ccj) (Experimentally Determined)
Temperature Rise of Gases Under the Ceiling (Tc)
for Smoke Detector to Activate
r/H =
0.77
ESTIMATING SMOKE DETECTOR RESPONSE TIME

METHOD OF ALPERT
Reference: NFPA Fire Protection Handbook, 19th Edition, 2003, Page 3-140.
tactivation = (RTI/(ujet)) (ln (Tjet - Ta)/(Tjet - Tactivation))

This method assume smoke detector is a low RTI device with a fixed activation temperature
tactivation = detector activation time (sec)
Where
RTI = detector response time index (m-sec)1/2
ujet = ceiling jet velocity (m/sec)
Tjet = ceiling jet temperature (C)
Ta = ambient air temperature (C)
Tactivation = activation temperature of detector (C)
Ceiling Jet Temperature Calculation
Tjet - Ta = 16.9 (Qc)2/3/H5/3
Tjet - Ta = 5.38 (Qc/r)2/3/H
Where

Qc = convective portion of the heat release rate (kW)
H = height of ceiling above top of fuel (m)

r = radial distance from the plume centerline to the detector (m)
Convective Heat Release Rate Calculation
Q c = c Q
Q = heat release rate of the fire (kW)
c = convective heat release rate fraction
Where
Qc =
700 kW
Radial Distance to Ceiling Height Ratio Calculation

r/H =
0.77 r/H > 0.15
>0.15
Tjet - Ta =
50.92
<0.15
5.38 ((Qc/r)^2/3)/H
Tjet - Ta =
50.92
Tjet =
75.92 (C)
Ceiling Jet Velocity Calculation

ujet = 0.96 (Q/H)1/3
ujet = (0.195 Q1/3 H1/2)/r5/6
Where

r/H =
0.77 r/H > 0.15
>0.15
1.53
<0.15
ujet =
(0.195 Q^1/3 H^1/2)/r^(5/6)
ujet =
1.533
m/sec
Smoke Detector Response Time Calculation

tactivation =
0.42 sec
NOTE: If tactivation = "NUM" Detector does not activate

METHOD OF MOWRER
References: Mowrer, F., "Lag Times Associated With Fire Detection and Suppression," Fire Technology, August 1990, p. 244.
tactivation = tpl + tcj

Where

tpl = transport lag time of plume (sec)
tcj = transport lag time of ceiling jet (sec)

Transport Lag Time of Plume Calculation
tpl = Cpl (H)4/3/(Q)1/3
Where
tpl = transport lag time of plume (sec)

Cpl = plume lag time constant
tpl =
0.42 sec
Transport Lag Time of Ceiling Jet Calculation

tcj = (r)11/6/(Ccj) (Q)1/3 (H)1/2
Where
tcj = transport lag time of ceiling jet (sec)

Ccj = ceiling jet lag time constant
tcj =
0.32 sec

tactivation = tpl + tcj
tactivation =
0.74 sec
METHOD OF MILKE
References: Milke, J., "Smoke Management for Covered Malls and Atria," Fire Technology, August 1990, p. 223.
NFPA 92B, "Guide for Smoke Management Systems in Mall, Atria, and Large Areas," 2000 Edition, Section A.3.4.
tactivation = X H4/3/Q1/3
Where

X = 4.6 10-4 Y2 + 2.7 10-15 Y6
H = height of ceiling above top of fuel (ft)
Q = heat release rate from steady fire (Btu/sec)
Where
Y = Tc H5/3 / Q2/3
Tc = temperature rise of gases under the ceiling for smoke detector to activate (F)
Before estimating smoke detector response time, stratification effects can be calculated.
NFPA 92B, 2000 Edition, Section A.3.4 provides following correlation to estimate smoke
stratification in a compartment.
Hmax = 74 Qc2/5 / Tf->c3/5
Where
Hmax = the maximum ceiling clearance to which a plume can rise (ft)
Qc = convective portion of the heat release rate (Btu/sec)

Tf->c = difference in temperature due to fire between the fuel location and ceiling level (F)
Q c = Q c
Where

Q = heat release rate of the fire (Btu/sec)
c = convective heat releas rate fraction
Qc =
663.47
Btu/sec
Difference in Temperature Due to Fire Between the Fuel Location and Ceiling Level
Tf->c = 1300 Qc2/3 / H5/3
Where
Tf->c = difference in temperature due to fire between the fuel location and ceiling level (F)
H = ceiling height above the fire source (ft)
Tf->c =
1375.90 F
Smoke Stratification Effects

Hmax = 74 Qc2/5 / Tf->c3/5
Hmax =
13.03 ft
In this case the highest point of smoke rise is estimated to be

Thus, the smoke would be expected to reach the ceiling mounted smoke detector.
Y = Tc H5/3 / Q2/3
Y=
13.41
X = 4.6 10-4 Y2 + 2.7 10-15 Y6

X=
0.08
tactivation = X H4/3/Q1/3
tactivation =
0.26 sec
Summary of Results
Calculation Method
METHOD OF ALPERT
METHOD OF MOWRER
METHOD OF MILKE
Smoke Detector Response Time (sec)

0.42
0.74
0.26
NOTE
The above calculations are based on principles developed in the NFPA Fire Protection Handbook 19
2003, method described in Fire Technology, 1990, and NFPA 92B, "Guide for Smoke Management Systems in
Atria, and Large Areas," 2000 Edition, Section A.3.4. Calculations are based on certain assumptions and
have inherent limitations. The results of such calculations may or may not have reasonable predictive capabil
for a given situationsand, and should only be interpreted by an informed user.
Although each calculation in the spreadsheet has been verified with the results of hand calculation,
there is no absolute guarantee of the accuracy of these calculations.
Any questions, comments, concerns, and suggestions, or to report an error(s) in the spreadsheet,
please send an email to nxi@nrc.gov or mxs3@nrc.gov.
Prepared by:
Date
Checked by:
Date
Additional Information
Revision Log
1805.0
Description of Revision
Original issue with final text.
SPONSE TIME
ER BOXES.
values specified in the input
a wrong entry in a cell(s).
1000.00
r 1/22 of the listed spacing**
kW
947.82 Btu/sec
10.00
ft
3.05 m
13.00
ft
3.96 m
86.00
5.00
30.00 C
77.00
(m-sec)1/2
25.00 C
298.00 K
0.70
0.67
1.2
18.00 F
Calculate
a fixed activation temperature
for r/H 0.18

for r/H > 0.18
10 C
o the detector (m)
134.28
for r/H 0.15

for r/H > 0.15
o the detector (m)
6.07
Answer
pression," Fire Technology, August 1990, p. 244.
o the detector (m)
Answer
e Technology, August 1990, p. 223.
e Areas," 2000 Edition, Section A.3.4.
ing for smoke detector to activate (F)
cation effects can be calculated.

correlation to estimate smoke
h a plume can rise (ft)
etween the fuel location and ceiling level (F)
Location and Ceiling Level
etween the fuel location and ceiling level (F)
13.03 ft
mounted smoke detector.
Answer
the NFPA Fire Protection Handbook 19 th Edition,

92B, "Guide for Smoke Management Systems in Malls,
tions are based on certain assumptions and
ay or may not have reasonable predictive capabilities

n informed user.
ed with the results of hand calculation,
eport an error(s) in the spreadsheet,
Organization
Organization
Date
January 2005
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Division of Systems Safety and Analysis
Plant Systems Branch
Fire Protection Engineering and Special Projects Section
CHAPTER 10. ESTIMATING SPRINKLER RESPONSE TIME

Version 1805.0
The following calculations estimate sprinkler activation time.
Parameters in YELLOW CELLS are Entered by the User.
Parameters in GREEN CELLS are Automatically Selected from the DROP DOWN MENU for the Sprinkler Selected.
INPUT PARAMETERS
Sprinkler Response Time Index (RTI)
Activation Temperature of the Sprinkler (T activation)
Radial Distance to the Detector (r) **never more than 0.707 or 1/22
Convective Heat Release Rate Fraction c)
r/H =
1.00
GENERIC SPRINKLER RESPONSE TIME INDEX (RTI)*

Common Sprinkler Type
Generic Response
Standard response bulb

Standard response link
Quick response bulb
Quick response link
User Specified Value
Time Index (RTI) (m-sec)1/2

235
130
42
34
Enter Value
Reference: Madrzykowski, D., "Evaluation of Sprinkler Activation Prediction Methods"

ASIAFLAM'95, International Conference on Fire Science and Engineering, 1 st Proceeding,
March 15-16, 1995, Kowloon, Hong Kong, pp. 211-218.
*Note: The actual RTI should be used when the value is available.
GENERIC SPRINKLER TEMPERATURE RATING (Tactivation)*

Temperature Classification
Ordinary
Intermediate
High
Extra high
Very extra high
Ultra high
Ultra high
Range of Temperature
Ratings (F)
135 to 170
175 to 225
250 to 300
325 to 375
400 to 475
500 to 575
650
Reference: Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook, 6th Edition, National Fire Protection
19

Association, Quincy, Massachusetts, 1994, Page 67.
*Note: The actual temperature rating should be used when the value is available.
ESTIMATING SPRINKLER RESPONSE TIME


Where
tactivation = sprinkler activation response time (sec)

RTI = sprinkler response time index (m-sec)1/2
Tactivation = activation temperature of sprinkler (C)

Tjet - Ta = 16.9 (Qc)2/3/H5/3
Tjet - Ta = 5.38 (Qc/r)2/3/H
Where

r = radial distance from the plume centerline to the sprinkler (m)

Q c = c Q
Where

c = convective heat release rate fraction
Qc =
700 kW

r/H =
1.00 r/H > 0.15
Tjet - Ta =
{5.38 (Qc/r)^2/3}/H
Tjet - Ta =
68.46
Tjet =
93.46 (C)

ujet = 0.96 (Q/H)1/3
ujet = (0.195 Q1/3 H1/2)/r5/6
Where

r = radial distance from the plume centerline to the sprinkler (m)

r/H =
1.00 r/H > 0.15
20

ujet =
(0.195 Q^1/3 H^1/2)/r^5/6
ujet =
1.354
m/sec
Sprinkler Activation Time Calculation

tactivation =
139.89 sec
The sprinkler will respond in approximately
NOTE: If tactivation = "NUM" Sprinkler does not activate

NOTE
The above calculations are based on principles developed in the NFPA Fire Protection Handbook
19th Edition, 2003. Calculations are based on certain assumptions and have inherent limitations.
The results of such calculations may or may not have reasonable predictive capabilities for a given
situation, and should only be interpreted by an informed user.
Prepared by:
Date
Checked by:
Date
21

Revision Log
1805.0
22

RESPONSE TIME
from the DROP DOWN MENU for the Sprinkler Selected.

et and based on values specified in the input
d errors due to a wrong entry in a cell(s).
1000.00
130
e than 0.707 or 1/22 of the listed spacing**
kW
(m-sec)1/2
165
9.80
9.80
73.89 C
ft
2.99 m
ft
2.99 m
77.00
25.00 C
298.00 K
0.70
Calculate
Select Type of Sprinkler

Scroll to desired sprinkler type then Click on selection
vation Prediction Methods"
nd Engineering, 1 st Proceeding,
the value is available.

Generic Temperature
Ratings (F)
165
212
275
350
450
550
550
Enter Value
Select Sprinkler Classification

Scroll to desired sprinkler class
then Click on selection
dition, National Fire Protection
23

d be used when the value is available.
for r/H 0.18

for r/H > 0.18
release rate (kW)
centerline to the sprinkler (m)
release rate (kW)
for r/H 0.15

for r/H > 0.15
centerline to the sprinkler (m)
24

2.33 minutes
Answer
oes not activate
s developed in the NFPA Fire Protection Handbook

certain assumptions and have inherent limitations.
ot have reasonable predictive capabilities for a given
has been verified with the results of hand calculation,

of these calculations.
gestions, or to report an error(s) in the spreadsheet,
Organization
Organization
25

Date
January 2005
26

CHAPTER 12. ESTIMATING HEAT DETECTOR RESPONSE TIME

Version 1805.0
The following calculations estimate fixed temperature heat detector activation time.
Parameters in YELLOW CELLS are Entered by the User.
Parameters in GREEN CELLS are Automatically Selected from the DROP DOWN MENU for the Detector Selected.
INPUT PARAMETERS
Radial Distance to the Detector (r) **never more than 0.707 or 1/22 of the listed spacing**
Activation Temperature of the Fixed Temperature Heat Detector (T
Detector Response Time Index (RTI)
Convective Heat Release Fraction c)
r/H =
0.20
INPUT DATA FOR ESTIMATING HEAT DETECTOR RESPONSE TIME

Activation
Temperature Tactivation
T= 128
F
UL Listed Spacing
Response Time Index
r (ft)
10
15
20
25
30
40
50
70
RTI (m-sec)1/2
490
306
325
152
116
87
72
44
Enter Value
UL Listed Spacing
Response Time Index
10
15
20
25
30
40
50
70
RTI (m-sec)1/2
404
233
165
123
98
70
54
20
T= 135 F r (ft)
41

User Specified Value Enter Value
T= 145 F
T= 160 F
UL Listed Spacing
Response Time Index
r (ft)
10
15
20
25
30
40
50
70
RTI (m-sec)1/2
321
191
129
96
75
50
37
11
Enter Value
UL Listed Spacing
Response Time Index
r (ft)
10
RTI (m-sec)1/2
239
15
20
25
30
40
135
86
59
44
22
Enter Value
UL Listed Spacing
Response Time Index
T= 170 F r (ft)
RTI (m-sec)1/2
10
196
15
109
20
64
25
39
30
27
T= 196 F
UL Listed Spacing
Response Time Index
r (ft)
10
15
20
RTI (m-sec)1/2
119
55
21

Reference: NFPA Standard 72, National Fire Alarm Code, Appendix B, Table B-3.2.5.1, 1999, Edition.
ESTIMATING FIXED TEMPERATURE HEAT DETECTOR RESPONSE TIME

tactivation = ( RTI/(ujet)) (ln (Tjet - Ta)/(Tjet - Tactivation))

Where

RTI = detector response time index (m-sec)1/2
41

activation
= activation temperature of detector (C)

Tjet - Ta = 16.9 (Qc)2/3/H5/3
Tjet - Ta = 5.38 (Qc/r)2/3/H
Where

Q c = c Q
Qc = convective heat release rate (kW)
Where

c = convective heat release fraction
Qc =
4004 kW

r/H =
0.20 r/H > 0.15
>0.15
Tjet - Ta =
194.99
<0.15
5.38 ((Qc/r)^2/3)/H
Tjet - Ta =
194.99
Tjet =
219.99 (C)

ujet = 0.96 (Q/H)1/3
ujet = (0.195 Q1/3 H1/2)/r5/6
Where


r/H =
0.20 r/H > 0.15
ujet =
(0.195 Q^1/3 H^1/2)/r^(5/6)
ujet =
7.300
m/sec
Detector Activation Time Calculation

tactivation = ( RTI/(ujet)) (ln (Tjet - Ta)/(Tjet - Tactivation))
tactivation =
27.01 sec
The detector will respond in approximately
NOTE: If tactivation = "NUM" Detector does not activate

NOTE
41

NOTE
The above calculations are based on principles developed in the NFPA Fire Protection Handbook 19
2003. Calculations are based on certain assumptions and have inherent limitations.
The results of such calculations may or may not have reasonable predictive capabilities for a given situation,
and should only be interpreted by an informed user.
Prepared by:
Date
Checked by:
Date
Revision Lo
1805.0
41

41

CTOR RESPONSE TIME
detector activation time.
d from the DROP DOWN MENU for the Detector Selected.

heet and based on values specified in the input
void errors due to a wrong entry in a cell(s).
5720.00
e than 0.707 or 1/22 of the listed spacing**

ure Heat Detector (T activation)
4.00
kW
ft
1.22 m
135
404.00
20.00
57.22 C
77.00
(m-sec)1/2
ft
6.10 m
25.00 C
298.00 K
0.70
Calculate
RESPONSE TIME
Activation
Temperature (F)
128
128
128
128
128
128
128
128
Enter Value
Select Detector Spacing

Scroll to desired spacing then
Click on selection
Activation
Temperature (F)
135
135
135
135
135
135
135
135

Click on selection
41

Enter Value
Activation
Temperature (F)
145
145
145
145
145
145
145
145
Enter Value

Click on selection
Activation
Temperature (F)
160
160
160
160
160
160
Enter Value

Click on selection
Activation
Temperature (F)
170
170
170
170
170
Enter Value

Click on selection
Activation
Temperature (F)
196
196
196
Enter Value
Click on selection
Appendix B, Table B-3.2.5.1, 1999, Edition.
ECTOR RESPONSE TIME
41

e of detector (C)
for r/H 0.18

for r/H > 0.18
heat release rate (kW)
me centerline to the detector (m)
209.48
for r/H 0.15

for r/H > 0.15
me centerline to the detector (m)
0.45 minutes
Answer
oes not activate
41

s developed in the NFPA Fire Protection Handbook 19 th Edition,

mptions and have inherent limitations.
ot have reasonable predictive capabilities for a given situation,
has been verified with the results of hand calculation,

of these calculations.
gestions, or to report an error(s) in the spreadsheet,
Organization
Organization
Date
January 2005
41

41

41

41

41

41

41

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CHAPTER 11.

ESTIMATING SMOKE DETECTOR RESPONSE TIME

ESTIMATING SMOKE DETECTOR RESPONSE TIME

tactivation = (RTI/(ujet)) (ln (Tjet - Ta)/(Tjet - Tactivation))

Tjet = ceiling jet temperature (C)

H = height of ceiling above top of fuel (m)

Radial Distance to Ceiling Height Ratio Calculation

Ceiling Jet Velocity Calculation

Q = heat release rate of the fire (kW)

(0.195 Q^1/3 H^1/2)/r^(5/6)

Smoke Detector Response Time Calculation

NOTE: If tactivation = "NUM" Detector does not activate

tactivation = tpl + tcj

tactivation = detector activation time (sec)

tcj = transport lag time of ceiling jet (sec)

tpl = transport lag time of plume (sec)

Transport Lag Time of Ceiling Jet Calculation

tcj = transport lag time of ceiling jet (sec)

Smoke Detector Response Time Calculation

tactivation = detector activation time (sec)

Qc = convective portion of the heat release rate (Btu/sec)

Qc = convective portion of the heat release rate (Btu/sec)

Smoke Stratification Effects

In this case the highest point of smoke rise is estimated to be

X = 4.6 10-4 Y2 + 2.7 10-15 Y6

Smoke Detector Response Time (sec)

r 1/22 of the listed spacing**

a fixed activation temperature

for r/H 0.18

o the detector (m)

for r/H 0.15

o the detector (m)

pression," Fire Technology, August 1990, p. 244.

o the detector (m)

e Technology, August 1990, p. 223.

e Areas," 2000 Edition, Section A.3.4.

ing for smoke detector to activate (F)

cation effects can be calculated.

h a plume can rise (ft)

etween the fuel location and ceiling level (F)

Location and Ceiling Level

etween the fuel location and ceiling level (F)

mounted smoke detector.

the NFPA Fire Protection Handbook 19 th Edition,

ay or may not have reasonable predictive capabilities

eport an error(s) in the spreadsheet,

Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

CHAPTER 10. ESTIMATING SPRINKLER RESPONSE TIME

GENERIC SPRINKLER RESPONSE TIME INDEX (RTI)*

Standard response bulb

Time Index (RTI) (m-sec)1/2

Reference: Madrzykowski, D., "Evaluation of Sprinkler Activation Prediction Methods"

GENERIC SPRINKLER TEMPERATURE RATING (Tactivation)*

Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Association, Quincy, Massachusetts, 1994, Page 67.

ESTIMATING SPRINKLER RESPONSE TIME

tactivation = (RTI/(ujet)) (ln (Tjet - Ta)/(Tjet - Tactivation))

tactivation = sprinkler activation response time (sec)

Ceiling Jet Temperature Calculation

Tjet = ceiling jet temperature (C)

Convective Heat Release Rate Calculation

Qc = convective portion of the heat release rate (kW)

Radial Distance to Ceiling Height Ratio Calculation

Ceiling Jet Velocity Calculation