Description:

This article provides the basics of smoke control technology with a list of typical preparatory actions for the design of these systems and a list of common design tasks.

Fundamentals of designing smoke exhaust systems

C. E. Magdanz, Project Development Manager, Alvin and Associates, Omaha, Nebraska, USA

Professional firefighters calculate the time for evacuating people from a burning building in seconds. The fire flares up quickly, and the smoke - also a very serious danger - spreads faster than the fire. The natural reaction to a fire is to flee. However, it is difficult to quickly escape from large or high-rise buildings, tunnels, and underground structures. Escape from a fire is impossible for physically helpless people, some hospital patients (critically ill or undergoing surgery), prisoners. For such cases, smoke extraction systems provide the necessary protection.

This article provides the basics of smoke control technology with a list of typical preparatory actions for the design of these systems and a list of common design tasks.

Terminology

The term "" is used here in a broad sense, since this process involves the use of the physical properties of materials and structures, equipment and various methods (singly or in combination with each other) to control the spread of smoke and to remove it. Physical parameters are passive characteristics, such as, for example, the smoke permeability of structures. Equipment - fans, openable windows and smoke detectors. Methods - design solutions, such as room insulation, smoke exhaust aeration, mechanical smoke exhaust system. Insulation of rooms is based on the use of the physical properties of structures designed to prevent the spread of smoke by isolating the source of ignition. The smoke exhaust aeration system uses separate devices, not connected to the duct system, designed to remove smoke due to the natural pressure difference inside and outside the building. A mechanical smoke extraction system uses equipment (fans, ducts, valves, detectors) to control the movement of smoke by creating the necessary pressure differences by mechanical means. The normal operation of mechanical smoke exhaust systems depends on the physical properties of building structures.

Closely related to smoke extraction is the task of firefighting, which uses the physical properties of structures (fire-resistant barriers), equipment (sprinklers) and methods (room insulation). The placement of fire-resistant partitions and sprinkler systems is regulated by various regulatory documents, and these documents do not require mutual agreement. Thus, fire and smoke barriers are often inconsistent with sprinkler system zoning. An example of an object with coordination of fire extinguishing and smoke exhaust systems is a building project with an atrium, in which the signal to turn on the mechanical smoke exhaust system is the flow of water in the pipes of the sprinkler system.

Purpose of smoke exhaust systems

The purpose of smoke exhaust systems is as follows:

Preventing the spread of smoke from an ignition source.

Prevention of smoke ingress on evacuation routes (ensuring acceptable conditions for people evacuating from the building).

Ensuring a microclimate outside the source of fire, allowing the fire extinguishing personnel to work normally.

Protecting people's lives.

Protecting property from damage.

This list does not include the creation of normal conditions in the room where the source of fire is located, nor does it specify the condition that the ways and means of evacuation must be clearly defined and securely separated from other areas of the building.

Development of smoke control systems

The concept of smoke removal is quite ancient. As soon as a man first built a hearth in his dwelling, he immediately realized the need for an opening for the release of smoke.

The modern practice of smoke control dates back to the 1940s, when it became apparent that smoke spreads through the ducts of ventilation systems far beyond the fire. This predetermined the appearance of fire dampers and static smoke protection systems.

Smoke dampers and dynamic smoke extraction systems began to appear in the 1970s when it became clear that shutting off smoke paths in a static smoke control system conflicted with the need to supply fresh air to hospital operating rooms. In operating rooms, supplying clean air to the patient is the first line of defense against infection. When an operation is in progress, it is unacceptable to cut off the supply of clean air, especially when the neighboring rooms are filled with smoke. For this reason, many operating theater air conditioners have been designed to supply 100% outside air (assuming no smoky outside air).

With certain standards in place, equipment manufacturers will be able to specify fan performance at both normal and elevated temperatures in the specifications. This will allow designers to select fans based on their characteristics both in normal operation and in smoke extraction mode.

A useful tool used in the design of smoke extraction systems is computer simulation of aerodynamics. The essence of the numerical modeling method is that the volume of the room is represented as a certain (finite) number of "thin" zones. The ignition source occupies a relatively small number of such zones. A computer is used to solve a set of aerodynamic equations describing the jet stream on a time scale, thus simulating the spread of smoke. The correctness of the simulation was tested in the course of full-scale field studies. The test confirmed the high accuracy of computer modeling, its usefulness and applicability were recognized. However, since computer simulation is quite complex, it requires appropriate qualifications to perform it. The most suitable area for the application of computer models are non-standard buildings of complex configuration.

Research is also carried out in related areas. So, for example, the optimal placement of smoke sensors in rooms and air ducts is determined, the phenomenon of “jumper” is studied when atriums are smoked (when, at a certain placement of exhaust openings, clean air flows through a layer of smoke), the reliability of protection against smoke in staircases by creating excess pressure is studied.

Concerning the prospects for further research, one can point out the problem of maintaining the system's operability. For example, now there is no provision for any protection by means of smoke removal of places where communications are laid. Another problem is the strength and reliability of smoke protection structures (see sidebar “Smoke protection structures”).

Smoke removal methods

Smoke protection and extraction systems can be either static or dynamic. In the presence of smoke in the building, the static method involves stopping all fans, as a result of which the spread of smoke slows down due to the isolation of the premises when air exchange is stopped (the basic method of combating smoke).

In a dynamic system, when smoke occurs, all or certain fans continue to operate in normal or special mode, creating overpressure areas in accordance with the smoke control scenario. Fans in dynamic systems can be separate to remove smoke and supply clean air for pressurization, or both in sequence.

Dynamic smoke extraction systems can be used alone or in combination with smoke barriers. An example of a separate dynamic smoke exhaust system is an air curtain that creates an air flow as a barrier to the spread of smoke. More common are smoke exhaust systems, the effectiveness of which depends on the reliability of smoke protection structures. Examples include an atrium with an exhaust hood (Fig. 1), a pressurized stairwell (see the sidebar “Creating overpressure in stairwells”), pressurizing elevator shafts and shelters, creating overpressure in “sandwich” zones (Fig. 2). In typical sandwich systems, the fire floor is in the exhaust zone, and one or two floors above and one floor below is in the overpressure zone. Zoning smoke exhaust systems with a single supply unit for all zones are very complex. To simplify installation, commissioning and long-term operation, designers must provide a separate ventilation unit for each zone.

All smoke exhaust systems interact with other engineering equipment of the building, with the greatest importance being the power grid and the fire safety system. Since smoke dampers close on a fire signal, it is permitted not to install these dampers in the air ducts of the smoke exhaust system, since this system must work during a fire. However, this exception does not apply to fire dampers, which must be installed in the ducts of the smoke exhaust system at the points of passage through fire-resistant partitions.

At the same time, it should be noted that many elements related to smoke protection are not controlled by the HVAC engineer.

It is very important for the designer of a mechanical smoke extraction system to coordinate with other specialists to make sure that the protective barriers are secure and properly placed, to check the power supply of the equipment, the connection with the fire alarm and the fire extinguishing system. The correct functioning of the gaseous fire extinguishing system can be impaired by the operation of the smoke exhaust system, since the movement of air necessary for smoke removal can lead to a decrease in gas concentration to a level insufficient to extinguish the fire.

Equipment for smoke exhaust systems

Equipment for smoke exhaust systems can be both special and general purpose. Special equipment is used only in the presence of smoke. General purpose equipment is typically used for other HVAC needs and also serves to remove smoke in the event of a fire.

Special smoke extraction equipment, as a rule, is not replaced during the life of the building, it is always operated in the same way, in accordance with its intended purpose. Special equipment is relatively easy to operate as it serves a single purpose. However, such equipment requires a special place and regular maintenance, as its reliability depends on it. Fans for pressurizing stairwells and for extracting smoke from atriums are examples of special equipment.

The frequency of maintenance of general purpose equipment is determined by its daily use; there is no need to take up extra space in the building, because the same equipment is used for different purposes. At the same time, there are a number of disadvantages - the complication of regulation due to multifunctionality, the possibility of accidental damage to the smoke exhaust system during the reconstruction or renovation of HVAC systems. An example of the use of HVAC equipment for smoke exhaust systems is the supply fan of an air conditioner to create excess pressure in zones in a “sandwich” system.

Buildings in which smoke exhaust systems are commonly used are high-rise buildings, prisons, hospitals, covered markets, underground structures, transit tunnels. Premises inside buildings with the need to install these systems - atriums, evacuation stairs, elevator shafts, shelters, theater stages, smoking rooms.

Preparation for design

1. Familiarize yourself with the requirements of regulatory documents and the wishes of the customer, which determine the need for installing smoke exhaust systems. The regulations provide the minimum requirements. Customers sometimes make demands beyond the required minimum, especially when it comes to protecting property.

2. If a smoke extraction system is expected to be required in the facility, check with regulations. (If you think an alternative solution is possible, be prepared to discuss the issue.) Regulations generally allow for different design approaches. Once the need for a smoke exhaust system has been determined, select the appropriate options and options.

3. After choosing the design principle, check it against the normative documents and discuss the procedure for acceptance tests. Sometimes the acceptance test method can influence the choice of design solution.

4. When designing a system, strive for its possible simplification. In the future, the customer will have to maintain it as vital to the building.

5. Remember that system testing and fire drills will be the first load on the system. Consider weather conditions when considering drill scenarios. If the heat exchanger freezes during a real fire, this is not a problem, but during a drill it is unacceptable.

6. Do not forget that the purpose of regulatory documents is to protect people, and the designer has a wider task. The project requires the development of an economical system that meets both customer and regulatory requirements. For the designer, this can be a compromise task.

7. Keep minutes of all discussions and decisions made. Using all project documentation, draw up a diagram of the interaction of the smoke exhaust system with other HVAC systems.

Design issues

Since the placement of fire-resistant partitions has a significant impact on the layout of the ducts, they are placed before drawing up a detailed ventilation scheme. Changing the location of these baffles later can be a very big problem for the designer of the smoke exhaust system. An example is the situation with a "sandwich" system, where a fireproof partition separates rooms on the same floor. Relocation of baffles may entail alteration of the air distribution, especially if a separate supply unit is used for each smoke zone.

The only reliable way to field test a smoke exhaust system is to create a source of hot smoke. Since this is practically impossible, cold smoke is usually used in tests. Thus, the real test of the effectiveness of the smoke extraction system is delayed until the event of a fire, which, fortunately, is rare. And because of the rare opportunity for field testing, the improvement in smoke extraction systems, backed by strong arguments in favor of new technology, lags behind HVAC systems for everyday use (heating and cooling).

Since the design principles for smoke exhaust systems vary and the opportunity to actually test them is infrequent, educating standards officials, planners, architects and building owners in this area is a major challenge that is not easy to accomplish. And since HVAC engineers are the leading developers of smoke exhaust systems, they should also become leaders in the process of training other specialists.

Smoke-tight structures

The integrity of smoke-tight structures may not be ensured in the following difficult situations:

1. Building codes often do not explicitly state when smoke-tight ceilings (smoke barriers) must be installed. There are only indirect indications of this - the requirement to install smoke dampers.

2. If there is an indication in the regulations for the installation of smoke barriers, this most often coincides with the requirement for the installation of fire-resistant partitions (fire barriers). However, the developmental production of flame retardant devices with independent test labs usually provides certification for fire resistance and temperature only. Even if one of the manufacturers in their laboratory tests these devices for leaks, building codes do not currently require or recognize certification of smoke barriers for this indicator.

3. Ducts passing through fire-resistant partitions usually require the installation of fire dampers (although there are some exceptions). However, if this fire barrier must also be smoke-tight, few manufacturers can provide complete fire/smoke dampers that have a leak-certified perimeter seal. In fact, many valve specifications do not specify a perimeter seal, as the seal can interfere with thermal expansion of the valves. However, many local regulators require contractors to seal valves despite being out of specification.

4. Flame retardant devices are tested under laboratory conditions, which often do not correspond to reality. For example, some piping systems experience significant thermal elongation (displacement) and all piping is subject to seismic displacement. In tests by independent testing laboratories, pipelines are rigidly attached to fire barriers; this means that in real life the pipelines must be rigidly attached to each crossed fire barrier. When a valve manufacturer is asked if a seal is elastic, the answer is yes. When asked how elastic it is, he answers "more than 25%." When asked about the thickness of the sealant layer, he answers "1 cm". Thus, the physical value of the allowable displacement within the elasticity of the seal is 3 mm, which is less than the normal elongation of a steam line of not very long length. If each steam or condensate line is not rigidly attached to each fire barrier, the first time the system is used, either the pipe insulation or the flame retardant device will be damaged. Some specialty industries (for example, the manufacture of computer chips) use their own ideas, such as rubber gaskets (the same type that are found on the gear levers of front-wheel drive cars), to protect against smoke penetration through fireproof partitions.

Creating excess pressure in the stairwells

Although a detailed explanation of the technique for pressurizing stairwells is not provided in this article, it must still be pointed out that for multi-story buildings with many doors leading to stairs, pressurization is a problem.

An overpressure of 12 Pa gives a load on a 0.9 x 2 m door of about 2 kg. During a fire and smoke, the position of the doors leading to the stairwell differs from the usual one. A good design should determine how much pressure to maintain for smoke protection separately for "most doors closed" and "most doors open" situations, and how the excess pressure will affect the force required to open the doors. Assuming that the automatic control is working properly, a uniform overpressure in a high stairwell can be ensured by supplying air in several places. Do not forget to provide a place for wiring ducts to a variety of supply devices.

Some local codes allow simpler solutions instead of pressurizing stairwells. These include natural ventilation or smoke-proof ventilated shelters.

Reprinted with abridgements from ASHRAE magazine.

Translation from English by O. P. Bulycheva.

The answer is simple - they are designed to clean the atmosphere in the premises from combustion products for the safe evacuation of people.

Which rooms need smoke extraction systems?

It may seem that smoke exhaust systems are a tribute to the times, and there is no urgent need for them. However, it is not. There are public buildings and premises where such systems cannot be dispensed with in the event of an emergency.

This:

• · catering establishments (canteens, bars, etc.);
• administrative buildings with a large staff;
• entertainment and shopping centers;
• premises that gather a huge audience.

In all of the above places you can not do without equipment from VOSStroy. The company's professionals carry out the design of a smoke exhaust system and turnkey installation.

What is the difference between conventional hood and smoke extraction systems?

To fully clean the air inside the room, conventional air ducts are not enough. They are usually made from materials that do not withstand elevated temperatures. Components melt, adding gas content. If a separate segment of the ventilation system fails, its function will be impaired.

Another danger is the spread of fire. This occurs during the burnout of individual sections of ventilation. That is why the air ducts of smoke exhaust systems are made of steel with a refractory layer. It withstands extreme internal temperatures without burning through external fire.

The smoke exhaust system does not use a duct fan. There are several reasons for this:

1. The fan is not resistant to fire, like ordinary ventilation systems;
2. The fan motor is located inside the box. At high temperatures, it fails;
3. A banal fan is not able to remove smoke from rooms equipped with air ducts.

Only special centrifugal fans, called "smoke exhaust fans", are capable of fully extracting smoke. Their level of operating noise exceeds the performance of analogues. But there is no alternative to them.

Creation of smoke exhaust systems

Getting started is a project.

The creation of a smoke removal system takes place in the following steps:

1. Obtaining an order for the execution of the project (terms of reference).

2. Implementation of design activities.

Specialists receive complete data on the premises, examine them, and look for the possibility of installing the system. This determines how feasible the task is in a particular building. After all, the cross-sectional area of ​​\u200b\u200bcommunications should be unchanged over the entire length. The thickness of the duct wall and the insulation layer must be taken into account. Therefore, the system design process is carried out on an individual basis in order to optimally place the pipe in a given room.

3. Direct installation of the system.

This is the final stage.

It comes from the moment the project documentation is prepared and the necessary approvals are received.

The specificity of air ducts is a solid mass. It is taken into account during the installation process. The possibility of covering with protective materials directly on the object is also important. The choice of the client is provided with special heat-resistant mats attached to the walls of the structure, or a jelly-like quickly hardening composition.

Smoke exhaust fans are mounted on the roof. The reason is the desire to extend their service life. The valves of the system are installed according to the project documentation.

Price of installation and accessories

Calculating the cost of the system is a complex and responsible process. It depends on the given room and building. Therefore, it is better to entrust it to professionals. The company "VOSStroy" will provide you with:

• preparation of the project with obtaining the necessary approvals from the Moscow supervisory organizations (optional);
• a real estimate of the complex of works;
• contract for the supply and installation of a smoke exhaust system (no hidden fees);
• factory quality materials;
• high-quality fans and delivery on time;
• qualified installation work without disrupting the deadlines and your activities;
• system testing.

In the event of a fire, the life and health of people are threatened to a greater extent not by fire, but by smoke and carbon monoxide. It is because of the influence of these factors that a person often loses orientation, falls into a panic. That is why the design of smoke removal for objects in the city of Moscow is a necessary measure for organizing safe working or living conditions.

Smoke exhaust systems are installed on the roofs of office, residential or industrial buildings. The main purpose of the equipment is to provide appropriate conditions for the safe evacuation of people from a building where a fire has occurred. The correct calculation of smoke removal is of great importance in the organization of safe conditions for people from the building.

Installation work must be preceded by the preparation of project documentation. It is important to trust the solution of this problem exclusively to highly qualified craftsmen! This work has several goals: preventing the spread of smoke to people's evacuation routes, localizing smoke and protecting people's health.

Factors taken into account when calculating the smoke exhaust system

• Smoke consumption
• Room dimensions
• Probable fire area
• Physical properties of flue gases
• Pressure inside and outside the room
• The height of the smoky area
• Temperature outside
• Substances and materials stored indoors

Smoke exhaust systems can be active and passive (dynamic and static, respectively). The equipment includes: smoke exhaust fans, redirection valves, fire-resistant air ducts. With the help of the equipment, it is possible to localize smoke and toxic combustion products, free up escape routes, and comprehensively provide the proper conditions for removing people from the building.

Calculation of the project of smoke removal and ventilation

The design of smoke exhaust systems is carried out by the engineers of our company, taking into account the individual characteristics of the order, the operating conditions of the equipment.

To draw up documentation and perform calculations, the customer will need the following data and documents:

• Project design (if any)
• Architectural and construction drawings of the building
• Design data for existing engineering systems (if available)
• Technological project (if any)
• Terms of Reference (compiled more often together with the design organization)

The main stages of project development are: obtaining initial data on the object; calculation of SDU parameters, taking into account methodological recommendations; selection of the required equipment and materials; preparation, release of the working version of the project with floor drawings and plans.

At the stage of calculations of the smoke exhaust scheme, the characteristics of the room are taken into account:

• Building materials used in the construction of a particular object
• Number of floors of the building
• Condition of the operating ventilation system
• Emergency evacuation plan
• Type of finishes (inside and outside)
• Condition as well as insulation material
• The presence and location of windows in the building
• Smoke permeability of the room

The calculation process takes into account factors that affect the concentration and amount of smoke, the rate of spread of fire during a fire. Designing consists of several important stages, but it all starts with an analysis of the conditions of a particular facility where installation is planned. So, the premises to be equipped with technical means, the list of elevator shafts, as well as stairwells for air intake from outside the building are determined.

After collecting and analyzing the data, an analysis of the existing ventilation shafts is carried out. The appointment of a final inspection is necessary in order to ascertain the suitability of the shafts as a means of communication and smoke removal. The company's specialists go to the customer's site to perform calculations of air overpressure and smoke removal systems. The staff of the facility also determines the type of suitable ventilation equipment (fans, valves and ducts).

After the above works are completed, the client is provided with drawings and documents, including the specification of the equipment. In order to carry out high-quality design of a smoke removal system, a detailed design of the existing ventilation system of the facility is required. The section on fire safety, floor plans - all this matters when performing calculations.

The calculation of project documentation for the installation of a smoke exhaust system consists of a number of stages

• Determination and calculation of leaks of passing air through the non-density of a closed valve
• Calculation of the density of the smoke-air mixture, selection of the size and diameter of the duct
• Calculation of suction through the non-density of the air duct, gas pressure along the height of the mines
• Fan Head Performance Definitions
• Selection of a fan for operation at a temperature of 400 degrees Celsius
• Calculation of the evacuation plan

The specialists of our company carry out the calculation of air exchange, heat inflows, aerodynamic properties, heat losses, as well as hydraulic calculation.

Features of smoke exhaust design

Design includes a lot of activities performed by an engineer. The specialist analyzes the features of the object, takes into account the wishes of the client regarding the ventilation system. Regulatory requirements for ventilation and air conditioning systems are also taken into account. A feature is the calculation of the operating parameters of the equipment in such a way that the installed technical means can maintain certain temperature values ​​in each of the premises of the building (humidity and air composition).

The engineer selects devices and materials according to the individual characteristics of the object. Air conditioners, fans, recuperators - all this requires a competent approach. Moreover, the project provides for the creation of suitable soundproofing qualities. By means of graphic images, the selected locations for the location of devices, air ducts, and ventilation openings are indicated. Professionals make detailed drawings, accompanying documents, with the help of which it will be possible to correctly install all the tools in the future.

Interaction with the customer of the company's services is achieved in a simple way: the customer talks about the premises where the installation of equipment is required; we send an employee to the facility to assess the conditions, review the technical documentation and solve related tasks. A detailed technical task is drawn up for the performance of work and the signing of the contract. The document specifies the requirements for a future smoke exhaust system.

Also in the contract is the price of project documentation for and air conditioning, as well as the timing of the project. Further, the design is carried out, after which the client receives all the necessary documents.

What documents do we provide at the end of the smoke exhaust system project?

Upon completion of the design, the customer is provided with the necessary documents:

• Graphical part of the project, displaying the decisions made in the form of diagrams and drawings
• The project of engineering systems, made in accordance with GOSTs, rules and current regulations
• Specification of equipment, materials used
• Explanatory note to the project documentation with a description of the applied technical solutions, calculation results

Designing is accompanied by various works, which is caused by the need to use advanced technological solutions in providing air purification and creating a microclimate. Due to the use of modern equipment, professional design, accurate calculations and careful work of craftsmen are required.

The safety of people depends on how competently and efficiently the work on the creation of project documentation is done. Our employees undertake calculations, preparation of working documentation, creation of a project and a number of other activities necessary to organize safe living or working conditions for people.

For which objects do we calculate the smoke exhaust system

We develop documentation for the installation of technical means for the removal of smoke and combustion products at various facilities. Apartments, cottages, catering establishments (cafes and restaurants), office and administrative, commercial and industrial facilities, as well as warehouses and swimming pools - installation of the equipment in question is possible everywhere.

In order to learn about the full list of functions of the installations, as well as for other questions, we recommend that you contact the contact phone number of the organization. The manager will provide consulting support in case of your call.

Prices for smoke exhaust design in Moscow

The cost of designing the system under consideration is determined taking into account a number of factors, including the functional features of the premises, its space-planning solutions and area. If you are interested in the approximate price in rubles, we suggest using the data of a special table or consult with the manager by phone.

The exact cost of the order is determined by an employee of the company, announced to the client before signing the contract. It should be noted that the price value specified in the contract remains unchanged for the customer! The cost of installation can vary significantly depending on the characteristics of a particular building, its interior, as well as upcoming tasks. The volume and complexity of work play a key role in pricing.

The price indicated in the contract is final and unchanged! If you have any questions regarding the drafting of equipment for effective smoke removal or you wish to order the services of specialists, we suggest using the contact phone number indicated on the company's website in the contacts section. Consultations are provided free of charge.

Reasons to contact us for a project

The team of our company is represented by experienced and qualified personnel, designers and installers of high category. Specialists are responsible for all types of work carried out as part of the design of smoke protection systems.

We provide our clients with the following benefits:

• High professionalism. The specialists working in the company are experienced and knowledgeable professionals
• Individual approach. We take into account all the requirements and wishes of the customer. It is also taken into account the features of a particular object where the installation of equipment is to be carried out.
• Efficiency of work execution in accordance with the schedule. All activities are carried out within the time specified in the contract.
• Design of any complexity
• Responsibility of personnel for the result. We guarantee the quality and reliability of a system designed by engineers
• Comprehensive
• Optimal pricing policy. Flexible prices allow you to equip devices for diverting combustion products at various facilities

The quality of the final result is guaranteed to each customer. Do not neglect safety - contact the professionals and enjoy the benefits of a competent approach. In addition to designing the smoke exhaust system, the company's employees carry out installation, commissioning, briefings on the rules of operation, and also provide service. In case of malfunctions, we return the devices to working condition as soon as possible.

Modern large industrial enterprises cannot be imagined without smoke exhaust systems. After all, they are considered emergency ventilation systems and provide the necessary conditions in order to evacuate people when a fire occurs.

A large-scale industrial enterprise cannot do without a smoke exhaust system in modern conditions. Such a system on an industrial scale is one of the elements of fire safety and makes it possible to create acceptable conditions for the evacuation of a large number of people from premises exposed to fire in the optimal time.

Design of smoke exhaust and protection systems. Appointment of smoke ventilation.

The main task of the system is to quickly remove smoke and combustion products from the room in case of fire. It is especially important to have such systems in areas where there is no free access to fresh air. It is also necessary to remove smoke and products of combustion along the route of people during the evacuation. At the time of a fire, a complex of engineering systems responsible for safety is activated (fire extinguishing, smoke removal, sound notification, access control, communication with services and other evacuation systems).

Objects where smoke exhaust systems are required

It is necessary to remove smoke in case of fire to ensure the safety of people. in a multi-storey building for any purpose (residential, business center, etc.), office buildings, shopping centers and other crowded places, in underground parking lots, in warehouses.

When do you need a smoke exhaust system?

Systems are necessary in absolutely any building, but their importance is updated where the movement of people is limited by objective reasons - for example, in places of detention, or hospitals, or high-rise buildings with intricate corridors. A sudden fire will sow panic, and in the absence of a smoke exhaust system, many people will die just because they did not manage to find the right way out in time.

Under such conditions, the smoke exhaust system will provide people with fresh air, concentrate carbon monoxide and prevent smoke from spreading through the premises, interfering with vision and breathing.

Often the system works in tandem with the ventilation of the room, so when developing the latter, experts pay attention to the selection of equipment that can continue to work in conditions of smoke and high temperatures.

System Benefits

Increased smoke during a fire is one of the causes of disorientation of people and, as a result, panic and possible death. Smoke extraction systems are very effective in dealing with this problem. In addition, one of their indisputable advantages is the localization of carbon monoxide dangerous to human health and life.

Principles of creating systems

The essence of ventilation and smoke removal systems is the same. The only difference is that for the formation of the smoke exhaust system, materials are used that ensure its normal functioning at high temperatures. This is achieved by using ferrous metals in their creation. A prerequisite for the installation of smoke exhaust systems is an agreed and approved project.

According to the principle of creation, systems are static and dynamic. A static system consists in simply turning off the ventilation system at the time of heavy smoke and, accordingly, stopping the spread of smoke. In this case, there is no installation of smoke extraction as such, which makes the static system very cheap.

The dynamic principle is considered more effective. The exhaust ventilation system in this case operates alternately to remove unsuitable air from the premises and supply fresh air. With a smoke exhaust system, it is possible to use several fans, each of which is endowed with its own function. At the preliminary stage, a technical task is prepared, our designers select the best solutions and prepare a smoke removal project for approval.

In some cases, a stand-alone system that is used only in emergency situations may be a suitable option.

Regulations

The regulatory framework (SNiPs, SP, GOSTs), which regulates the design, installation, testing of smoke ventilation, is constantly being finalized. Changes and additions are made to the standards to update these documents for modern realities. Ventilation must comply with all applicable requirements. Otherwise, the first fire check will bring a lot of trouble.

• SP 7.13130.2009: Fire safety requirements. Heating, ventilation, air conditioning
• GOST R 21.1101-2009: Basic requirements for design and working documentation
• SP 60.13330.2012 (SNiP 41-01-2003) - Heating, ventilation, air conditioning
• GOST 21.602-2003: Rules for the execution of working documentation for heating, ventilation and air conditioning

How smoke ventilation works.

Most effective automatic system. Sensors and a control panel are located on the object. If the signals from one or more sensors indicate the presence of a fire, it automatically opens smoke damper and air is pumped out of the room. There are also systems that are started manually from the central console or using special buttons located in easily accessible places.

Equipment for smoke exhaust systems

Smoke removal implemented in various ways. Smoke exhaust fans can force air, which leads to the expulsion of combustion products into the exhaust channels. Also, fans are installed in the channels and work on the hood. Increased requirements are set for smoke exhaust equipment (resistance to high temperatures, reliability of operation in extreme conditions, etc.).

Design features

It is mandatory to calculate the parameters of the system, taking into account all the characteristics of the object. The number of smoke intake devices, the power of the equipment are determined, automation is selected, a decision is made on the type of ventilation. Design solutions must necessarily meet the requirements of regulatory documents.

System maintenance

Maintenance must be carried out regularly to ensure trouble-free operation of the system in the event of a fire. It includes checking the integrity of the air ducts, the health of valves, fans, sensors and other elements of the system. Security systems must be checked for quality of work, measured and updated technical reports, which are presented at the request of the inspector.

In the absence of a project, as-built documentation, protocols for checking security systems, the inspection organization can issue fines, issue instructions to eliminate shortcomings, and even close / seal the facility. We recommend that you carry out checks of engineering systems in advance and.

Project OV Smoke removal Production and warehouse base

LLC "Darna" MO, Istra district

System selection

When choosing one or another smoke exhaust system, it is highly desirable to be guided not only by savings. The choice should be optimal, first of all, from the point of view of safety - in this case, it is necessary to consult with VeerVent specialists who provide professional assistance in the selection and installation of smoke exhaust systems. In addition to consulting assistance, our employees successfully carry out the installation of these systems throughout Russia.

The VeerVent company performs both smoke removal design and installation using certified equipment that meets all building rules and regulatory documentation, followed by commissioning.
The VeerVent team is a team of professionals with extensive experience.