Setting up E2 for Vape Detection

In this article we will discuss things to consider when setting up the E2 for vape detection.

• Considerations
• Examples
• Mounting
• Coverage

Considerations

In some cases, vape can be difficult to detect. There are several variables that must be taken into consideration:

1. The variety of available products being used
2. How large of a puff is taken?
3. Which direction is the vape blown at?
4. What distance is the user or source from the sensor?
5. What other vapor producing products are in the vicinity?
6. Is air stagnant or flowing through the room?
7. If flowing, is the air moving away or towards the sensor?

Keeping those variables in mind, vape detection can still be accomplished with a high degree of effectiveness. In short, vapor must reach the sensor to some degree in order to be detected. Even the most accurate sensors cannot detect vape unless a change in microscopic particulate matter is recorded.

Given the variety of environments a sensor can be placed in, this could present multiple challenges. When installing an E2, one must consider the whole environment and the factors listed above

Another consideration is the amount of time it might take for slow moving vapor to reach the sensor. This can a moment depending on how far away the vapor source was from the sensor. For instance, a vape cloud 10 ft from a sensor might take 30 seconds or longer to drift over. This all depends on how the air flow pushes the vapor along.

Note: The minimal Particulate Matter (PM) reading required for vape detection is 10 µg/m³. Readings below this amount are not guaranteed to produce a positive vape capture.

Examples

See how our sensor is setup below:

Below are some examples of vape tests that we have done in house:

Detected (Facing the sensor, 10ft away from the sensor)

Below is a GIF of the console corresponding to the above test:

Not Detected (Facing the wall, 10ft away from the sensor)

Below is a GIF of the console corresponding to the above test:

Not detected (Facing away, 10ft away from the sensor)

Detected (small stall, 9ft away from sensor)

Detected (middle of the bathroom facing the mirror, 5ft away from the sensor)

Not detected (facing away through the shirt, 10ft away from the sensor)

Note: To prevent false positives from occurring, try keeping any kind of air fresheners, odor sprays, or perfumes away from the sensor and ensure nothing is spraying directly toward the sensor.

Mounting

The sensor should ideally be mounted as close to head height as possible to capture vape sources directly, without being placed in obvious places to avoid tampering. It's also important to note that the E2 has built-in tamper detection and will alert if tampered. 

Coverage

While this largely depends on how large the room is and airflow, one sensor will cover a zone approximately 12x12 = 144 square feet in size.

If you have any further questions please reach out to our Rhombus Support at help@rhombus.com. If you would like to talk to a Rhombus Sales Representative please reach out to sales@rhombus.com.