BKFRSPDS.RVW 20080923 "Fire Suppression and Detection Systems", John L. Bryan, 1993, 0-02-315990-1 %A John L. Bryan %C One Lake St., Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 %D 1993 %G 0-02-315990-1 %I Prentice Hall %O 800-576-3800, 416-293-3621, +1-201-236-7139 fax: +1-201-236-7131 %O http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0023159901/robsladesinterne http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0023159901/robsladesinte-21 %O http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/0023159901/robsladesin03-20 %O Audience i+ Tech 3 Writing 2 (see revfaq.htm for explanation) %P 595 p. %T "Fire Suppression and Detection Systems" The preface states that the book outlines the basic principles of fire detection and suppression systems found in most buildings. The text does, in fact, go a good bit beyond this, providing a solidly based range of information that is of considerable use in understanding and planning fire protection systems. Chapter one starts with fundamental concepts of fire, demonstrating not only the common fire triangle, but also the fire life cycle, and the more useful fire tetrahedron. The data on portable fire extinguishers, in chapter two, supports their use, and also the importance of staff training. A range of technologies and materials are covered, although not all ratings are fully explained. Foam systems, and the factors for proper equipment and water supply, are covered in chapter three, with fixed installation foam systems described in four. Chapter five examines carbon dioxide systems, and the issues and concerns surrounding personnel safety and room closure systems for area flooding are applicable to other gas discharge setups as well. Dry chemical agents and systems are dealt with in chapter six. Halon variants are in seven, and there is some mention of the Montreal Protocol restrictions. Chapter eight notes the explosion suppression systems in fuel vapour or dust environments, where detection and agent dispersal must occur within milliseconds. Other specialized suppression systems are described in chapter nine. Although chapter ten is entitled "Fire Detection Systems," much of the material focusses on alarms. An interesting table outlines the sensitivity of differing types of detection technologies to the A, B, and C classes of fires, demonstrating that no one detector type is suitable for all types of fires. (Particulate matter detectors do seem to fare well in all classes.) Residential detectors are considered in chapter eleven. The data, intriguingly, points out very little advantage in reducing property damage, but does show significant reduction in injury and death. (This, despite the fact that another table points out that most people install the detectors incorrectly.) Factors for placement and effectiveness of thermal detectors are noted in chapter twelve. Various types of smoke detectors are covered in chapter thirteen. Chapter fourteen closes with flame detectors of both infrared and ultraviolet types, and technologies for reducing false positive alarms. There are limitations in the work. The book could certainly do with some re-ordering and structuring of the material (as well as a review to present the material at a more consistent level and depth), but as a serious introductory guide it is very valuable. In this facsimile edition details of figures and illustrations are lost, and thus their utility is considerably reduced. However, most fire protection literature is aimed at the specialist professional: fire fighters, fire investigators, or building engineers. This volume is dense, has little detail in some areas and great depth in others, and requires application (it is not an easy read), but provides a broad background for the non-specialist manager, security professional, or other interested party. copyright Robert M. Slade, 2008 BKFRSPDS.RVW 20080923