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Ventilation with Fire and Smoke Protection

The Building Regulations require large buildings to be sub-divided into smaller volumes or areas bounded by building elements which resist the spread of fire and smoke. Building a fire resistant wall or floor is a relatively simple task. However, systems of natural and mechanical ventilation require the movement of air through ducts and grilles formed in fire resistant constructions. Ensuring these airways remain open and yet provide protection against fire, hot smoke and cold smoke is a more complex problem.

The Lorient solution is to fit intumescent air transfer grilles at the point of penetration. Under normal circumstances these allow air to pass freely between compartments. In the event of fire the slats and framing components swell to many times their original thickness, fusing together to form a non-combustible mass which provides fire resistance to match the surrounding construction and preventing the passage of hot smoke and gases.

The Lorient range of intumescent air transfer grilles combined with automatic smoke control systems provides protection against cold smoke. These electrically powered dampers/shutters are connected to a standard smoke or fire alarm/detection system which, when triggered, causes the dampers/shutters to close thereby preventing then passage of cold smoke. Under normal circumstances the dampers/shutters remain open allowing the free passage of air.

Ventilation through Doors, Walls, Floors and Ceilings

A study of regulatory requirements reveals that nearly all internal fire resistant doors (and, therefore, the walls in which they are located) need also to provide protection against cold smoke. Any steps taken to allow ventilation through such walls and doors must not allow the passage of cold smoke in the event of a fire.

The common practice of undercutting the door in the belief that the threshold is a low risk area has now been totally discredited. It creates a major smoke hazard. Similarly, fitting a conventional grille to a wall or door will totally negate other measures taken to prevent the spread of fire, hot smoke and cold smoke.

Lorient intumescent air transfer grilles and automatic smoke control systems provide protection against fire, hot smoke and cold smoke.

Ventilation through Ducting

Experience has shown that ducting can, in the event of fire, provide conduit for fire, hot smoke and cold smoke. Intumescent air transfer grilles, fitted into the duct, at the point where they penetrate fire resistant constructions, prevent the passage of fire and hot smoke. Lorient intumscent air transfer grilles fitted in conjunction with a Lorient automatic smoke control system will also provide protection against cold smoke. They have been shown by specific testing to be equivilent to a conventional damper, not only in fire and smoke barrier properties but also they exhibit high insulation values.

Designers recognise the need for buildings to be well ventilated for the health and comfort of occupants. Frequent changes of air flush out airborne infections, and warm and cool air need to be circulated to maintain comfortable temperatures.

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