Mechanical Smoke Extraction Systems
Mechanical smoke extraction is a crucial component of building safety, and it operates in accordance with the EN12101 standard. This standard sets guidelines for the design, installation, and maintenance of smoke control systems in buildings. Mechanical smoke extraction systems employ fans and ductwork to actively remove smoke and heat from enclosed spaces during a fire emergency. By creating a controlled airflow, these systems help to contain the spread of smoke, reduce the risk of smoke inhalation, and provide clearer escape routes for occupants. EN12101 ensures that such systems are designed to meet specific performance requirements, such as smoke control efficiency and system integrity, ultimately enhancing the overall safety of buildings.
Apex Engineering installs and commissions mechanical smoke ventilation systems that are fully compliant with SANS 10400 Part T and EN12101.
Mechanical Smoke Extraction Solutions
When it is not Feasible to achieve a natural ventilation solution for buildings such as shops, malls, office atria, spectator venues, car parks, or even warehousing and manufacturing where smoke ventilation is relevant, in any of these circumstances the smoke and heat exhaust requirements to maintain a smoke free layer or zones can be achieved with powered fan extract systems.
MECHANICAL SMOKE VENTILATION SYSTEMS FOR ULTIMATE SMOKE CONTROL
The Engineer must calculate the ventilation rates required to achieve the criteria. The design includes determination of maximum flow rate that does not draw clean air up through the smoke layer. This is a critical factor in not compromising the performance.
Control Panels
Smoke Fans
Cyclone Fans
Control Panels Systems
Full Turnkey Solutions for Mechanical Smoke Ventilation System (MSVS)
Apex Engineering is involved in the full lifecycle of our smoke ventilation & extraction projects from the design phase, and production, through to installation and servicing. Whether it’s a new building or a refurbishment project, Apex Engineering understands the entire process and has a reputation for commitment to completing all our projects.
What is Mechanical Smoke Ventilation System (MSVS)?
Mechanical smoke extraction, as defined by the EN12101 code, refers to the implementation of ventilation systems in buildings to actively remove smoke and heat during a fire incident. It involves the use of mechanical equipment such as fans, ducts, and control systems to create a controlled airflow that extracts smoke from enclosed spaces. The EN12101 code provides guidelines for the design, installation, and maintenance of these smoke control systems, ensuring they meet specific performance requirements related to smoke control efficiency and system integrity. By adhering to the EN12101 code, mechanical smoke extraction systems enhance building safety by limiting the spread of smoke, reducing the risk of smoke inhalation, and facilitating clearer escape routes for occupants during a fire emergency.
What is Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in Smoke Control?
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a computational technique used to simulate and analyze the behavior of fluids and gases in various applications. In the context of smoke control, CFD can be used to model the movement of smoke within a building or other enclosed space, and to predict the effectiveness of different smoke control strategies.
Smoke control is an important aspect of fire safety, and it involves the use of various systems and techniques to manage the movement of smoke during a fire. CFD can be used to simulate the behavior of smoke in a variety of scenarios, including fires in buildings, tunnels, and other enclosed spaces.
By using CFD, engineers and designers can model the flow of smoke under different conditions and test various smoke control strategies to determine the most effective solution for a given building or space. CFD can also be used to optimize the design of smoke control systems, such as ventilation systems, to ensure that they are capable of managing smoke effectively in the event of a fire.
Overall, CFD is a powerful tool in smoke control, enabling designers and engineers to create more effective and efficient smoke control strategies and systems that can help to prevent the spread of fire and protect occupants of buildings and other enclosed spaces.
The Importance of Make-up Air in a Mechanical Smoke Extraction System
A mechanical smoke ventilation system requires make-up air for several reasons.
Firstly, when smoke is being extracted from a building, it creates a negative pressure environment. Without a sufficient supply of make-up air, this negative pressure can result in the infiltration of smoke from adjacent areas or external sources, which compromises the effectiveness of the smoke extraction system.
Secondly, the extraction of smoke generates airflow within the building. If there is no make-up air to replace the air being extracted, it can create an imbalance in the overall ventilation system. This can lead to issues such as discomfort for occupants, increased energy consumption, and potential operational problems for other ventilation systems in the building.
Moreover, make-up air is essential for maintaining the indoor air quality during the operation of a smoke ventilation system. With the removal of smoke, a large volume of air is being extracted from the building. Without make-up air, the remaining indoor air could become stagnant and stale, leading to poor air quality and discomfort for occupants.
In summary, make-up air is necessary for a mechanical smoke ventilation system to prevent smoke infiltration, maintain a balanced airflow, and ensure adequate indoor air quality within the building during the operation of the system.
What is EN12101-3?
Within the EN12101 series of European standards, mechanical smoke extraction systems are addressed primarily in EN12101-3: “Smoke and heat control systems – Part 3: Specification for powered smoke and heat exhaust ventilators.”
EN12101-3 specifically focuses on powered smoke and heat exhaust ventilators (SHEVs) that utilize mechanical equipment, such as fans, to extract smoke and heat from buildings during fire incidents. The standard provides requirements and test methods for the design, construction, and performance of these mechanical smoke extraction systems.
EN12101-3 covers various aspects related to mechanical extraction, including the classification of SHEVs, performance criteria, product testing procedures, and installation considerations. It addresses requirements such as the aerodynamic properties of SHEVs, resistance to fire, control systems, durability, and maintenance.
By adhering to EN12101-3, designers, manufacturers, and installers can ensure that mechanical smoke extraction systems meet the specified performance standards, enhancing the effectiveness of smoke control and evacuation measures in buildings during fire emergencies.
