Building Protection Systems, Inc. (BPSI)

Why did traditional airborne toxin detection systems fail in real-world environments?

In the wake of 9/11, countless airborne toxin detection systems costing millions of dollars were deployed across global facility and critical infrastructure. Most relied on laboratory-grade instruments designed for controlled spaces, not every day real world environments. Diesel exhaust, cigarette smoke and household cleaning chemicals caused these systems to false alarm. Over time, these false alarms caused severe operational disruption that led to systems being decommissioned or abandoned.

Building Protection Systems, Inc. (BPSI) took a different approach. Rather than adapting failed laboratory equipment, it engineered The Sentry One Family of Products from the ground up for one purpose and one purpose only: “to protect human life in real-world HVAC environments in the absence of false alarms”. BPSI’s Sentry One Family of Products was rigorously tested by the Department of Homeland Security and then awarded the prestigious “SAFETY Act Designation” as a Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology.

Within a building for example, 24/7/365 continuous sampling of the supply and return air through strategically positioned sensor arrays allows “the system” to accurately detect for toxins and upon detection, the Building Sentry One communicates with the resident building management system (BMS) to automatically shut down air handlers and dampers within seconds. Once the toxin is isolated, the remote monitoring center can alert first responders with real-time toxin identification and location data, enabling rapid intervention that protects occupants and accelerates safe building recovery.

“HVAC systems become the transport vehicle for airborne toxins in enclosed environments. Amid today’s increasingly complex threat environment, detection is only valuable if there is a system and means to halt the toxins before reaching the intended human targets. That’s exactly what our system is designed to do,” says Greg Eiler, president and CEO.

Three Million Instrument Operating Hours, Zero False Positive or Negative Alarms
How does zero false alarm performance impact operational reliability and risk management?

Sentry One System’s performance record is unmatched within the global threat detection equipment market. It has reported zero false positives and zero false negatives across more than three million instrument operating hours in active deployments to date. Not a single other system can match this world class operational excellence.

This performance advantage translates directly into operational and financial value for clients. In one incident, an underground electrical transformer fire occurred near the air intake of a large insurance building on the U.S. East Coast protected by a Building Sentry One. Toxic smoke was pulled toward the HVAC system and within half a second, the Building Sentry One immediately detected the toxin and shut down the air handlers and dampers via the building’s BMS. The facility avoided widespread contamination, complete evacuation, lawsuits and media coverage. A post-incident financial review concluded that the avoided evacuation and business interruption offset the full cost of the system in that single event.

For commercial buildings, data centers, transit systems and critical infrastructure, avoiding unnecessary shutdowns is critical to maintaining business continuity. Sentry One Systems operate 24/7 without human intervention, requires only annual calibration and delivers long-term, dependable performance.

Modular by Design, Flexible by Necessity

How does modular system design enable scalable deployment across diverse environments?

Sentry One’s modular engineered design allows it to adapt to buildings of any size and architecture, underground transit facilities, open air environments, critical infrastructure, and high-risk events. BPSI also offers a mobile version of the system, Mobile Sentry One, designed for special security events and perimeter protection. Total cost of ownership remains significantly lower than competing detection equipment.

A soon-to-be-launched plug-and-play version will reduce installation time and slash system costs by well over half. Designed to integrate seamlessly with any BMS, it will create adoption opportunities for facilities previously constrained by budget or infrastructure limitations.

Behind the BPSI technology stands an expert team of professionals from HVAC, automation, mechanical services, nuclear and radiological detection and control systems engineering. Rather than centralizing talent geographically, BPSI operates as a distributed organization, sourcing best-in-class specialists regardless of location. It boasts well over a century of combined experience across critical disciplines in airborne threat mitigation.

Why is airborne threat mitigation becoming essential for critical infrastructure globally?

Discussions with security agencies and international partners indicate growing concern around CBRN risks, which is driving global interest in proven, commercially viable and proven protection systems like the Sentry One. Much like fire suppression systems before building codes required them, airborne threat mitigation is moving from an optional precaution toward an operational necessity. With scalable manufacturing capacity capable of increasing output fifteen to twentyfold without new facilities, BPSI is prepared to meet the growing demand.