General information on smoke extraction systems

Fire safety has two primary objectives: fire prevention and fire protection under fire conditions. Fire protection in the event of a fire, on the other hand, has two types of activities: active and passive. The activity of smoke extraction (smoke extraction of rooms where a fire has occurred) can be active if it is carried out automatically (mechanical smoke extraction) and passive if it is natural smoke extraction.

Smoke extraction systems consist of several elements, such as fans, wires, flaps and controllers. The main purpose of such a system is to ensure the safety of people and property in the event of a fire by removing smoke and heat from the building. This makes the fire easier to extinguish and the evacuation of people safer.

The Gulajski company offers smoke extraction systems for various types of buildings, such as industrial halls, shopping malls, hospitals, hotels, office buildings and many others. All smoke extraction systems are made in accordance with fire safety standards and regulations, which guarantees their reliability and effectiveness in the event of a fire.

The Gulajski company also offers service and modernization of existing smoke extraction systems as well as training for personnel responsible for their operation and maintenance. All services provided by Gulajski are aimed at ensuring the highest quality and safety of building users.

Selection of smoke extraction systems
To calculate the parameters of smoke vent systems, several factors must be taken into account, such as the room area, ceiling height, type of building materials, number and dimensions of ventilation openings, as well as the requirements of fire safety regulations.

For example, for a room measuring 20 m x 15 m x 4 m (length x width x height), with an area of 300 m² and a volume of 1200 m³, the required air flow would be around 1 m³/s/m². This means that the total air flow through the smoke damper would have to be around 300 m³/s.

The next step is to calculate the dimensions of the smoke vent. In the case of a rectangular damper, its dimensions should be at least 10% of the ceiling height and at least 10% of the length and width of the room. In the example above, let’s assume that the ceiling height is 4 m and the minimum dimensions of the damper are 1.5 m x 2 m.

Another important factor is choosing the right smoke vent. These components should be made of materials that are resistant to high temperatures and in accordance with fire safety standards and regulations.
Finally, we need to design a smoke damper control system that will allow it to open and close automatically in the event of a fire and manual control to carry out evacuation exercises.

Smoke extraction, shielding, pressurization, ventilation and fresh air supply systems are part of a complex of activities generally referred to as a smoke extraction system. Active smoke extraction requires the existence of a sensor system capable of detecting the occurrence of fire and an electronic system activating smoke extraction mechanisms. In most cases, smoke is extracted through smoke dampers or smoke windows that open automatically to allow it to leave the room.

Smoke extraction plays a very important role in fire safety. Statistics show that in more than 90% of cases, death is caused by gas poisoning, not burns.

Two smoke extraction systems based on the principle of smoke extraction are described below. The first smoke extraction by opening the windows is suitable if it is not possible to install professional smoke extraction systems or if the rooms have glazed surfaces. Second, smoke vent evacuation is the ideal system for spaces where industrial skylights are located: industrial spaces, large commercial areas, etc.

Automatic SHEV systems

Window automation is to replace classic window closing/opening systems. With the help of a mechanical system, they can be opened automatically, by pressing a button, by a command from a mobile phone or, in the event of a fire, by a command sent by smoke/fire detectors.

Window automation is not only about comfort. If they are located in hard-to-reach spaces (high heights, domes), the only way to open them is to install mechanical smoke extraction systems. In addition, there are cases in which natural ventilation is opted for, done by opening the windows, in this case it is necessary to open at least 25% of the windows. An automated system will do it in no time at the touch of a button. Power plants built in recent years in Poland have a glazed area consisting of windows placed at a height of 10 meters. For ventilation, about a quarter of the windows are opened, operating manual systems (with a crank). The ventilation process becomes cumbersome, in addition, cable mechanisms + cranks withstand a relatively small number of actuators. The solution in this case is to use an automatic window opening system. In addition, such a system ensures smoke extraction in the event of a fire. The great benefit that these engines bring is actually active participation in fire protection. If you opt for 24 V motors, connected to a control center and a sensor system, a safe and efficient SHEV system can be built.

Smoke and heat extraction system

These systems are complex systems that can provide daily ventilation of rooms (as efficiently as installed recuperation) and smoke extraction in the event of a fire. Such a system consists of a number of components: a double frame made of aluminum profiles, a pneumatic cylinder, an opening control unit (valve block), a hot-melt ampoule calibrated to 68°, 90°, 120° C, a compressed gas (CO2) cylinder, a pyrotechnic activator, a dome made of thermoformed cellular polycarbonate, an external opening mechanism for maintenance, a pre-painted and thermally insulated sheet metal base. The range of dimensions for the production of smoke dampers ranges from 800mm X 800mm to 2000mm X 2500mm.

The Gulajski company specializes in the automation of escape routes. Gulajski is a market leader in emergency exit automation, providing equipment and expertise for more than 2000 projects.

Pneumatic smoke extraction system

The pneumatic smoke extraction system (automatic) is based on the kinetic energy of CO2, collected at a pressure of about 30 bar in a cartridge with a capacity of 20 to 500 g. The cartridge can be placed in a thermo-meter, which is attached to the base of the flap when it is mechanically controlled, or in an alarm box when manual control is used.

When a fire breaks out, the smoke vents are opened by means of a fusible fuse. It ruptures when the temperature reaches 68-72° (red top) or 88-93° (green top). If the temperature is too high, the thermometer’s needle pierces the CO2 cartridge casing and the gas is released. The CO2 that escaped from the cartridge through the pneumatic system hose enters the actuator located under the flap. At this point, the cylinder piston rod is pushed out and closed at the maximum level.

Manual control is based on two flap opening systems. The first system uses the “proper” box and the “remote control” box and is used when it is necessary to open multiple flaps at the same time. The second system, with the use of the “proper” box, is used when it is necessary to open one or more flaps.

The alarm boxes can be optionally equipped with a solenoid valve, which is powered by 24V. The solenoid valve couples the pneumatic system with the control panel, which signals the outbreak of fire. At this point, the smoke extraction system is automatically activated, as the electrical impulse has reached the CSP box.

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Autor: Tomasz Matuszek; Dział Marketingu - Firma Gulajski

Effective smoke removal – Gulajski

General information on smoke extraction systems

Table of contents:

Automatic SHEV systems

Smoke and heat extraction system

Pneumatic smoke extraction system