Protection of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems

NUVIATech Protection offers various protection products for ventilation and smoke extraction systems. Products intended for sectorization through compartmentalisation systems, such as fire dampers and duct protection. Control and containment systems for ventilation systems, such as containment dampers and valves.

Products intended for smoke extraction networks through systems, such as smoke extraction dampers, as well as the protection of associated ducts.

BACKGROUND

Installations for the supply of fresh air or the removal of exhaust air from rooms must be designed to prevent the propagation of fire and hot gases to any room other than that in which the fire originated. The ventilation system consists of ducts and in-line equipment such as dampers, valves, bellows, sensors, etc.

The operation of ventilation and smoke extraction equipment is also essential in the event of a fire, to allow air treatment.

CHALLENGES

The purpose of compartmentalisation, in ventilation systems, is intended to limit the propagation of fire and hot gases, to facilitate the evacuation of personnel, while containing the fire in a protected area. The containment and regulation function are also required in ventilation systems. It is necessary to control and regulate the flow in the network.

Product/solutions, to be certified, must undergo a multitude of tests, often destructive (fire resistance), individual or cumulative to meet different load cases.The implementation of products/solutions is an essential aspect for NUVIATech Protection because it is the key to success in a construction or renovation project. This aspect of constructability is therefore considered from the beginning of the design phase, to guaranteed installation in a complex environment that complies with certifications.

STANDARDS AND APPLICABLE NORMS

The fire resistance ratings of ventilation and smoke extraction valves and ducts are based on standards EN 1366-1/-2 /-8 and EN 13501-3 (section 7.2.2.4).

Our products/solutions meet two types of qualifications:

• Regulatory qualification, according to the above norms and standards
• Specialised qualification, according to our customers’ standards

Regulatory qualification require that dampers and ducts be tested according to the following

• Internal fire (Duct type A) and an external fire (Type B)
• Vertically and horizontally
• Maximum desired ventilation conditions (flow rates, negative pressure, etc.)
• Maximum dimensions
• Les types de position (en applique, déportée ou encastrée)

Specialised qualification relates to our customers’ specific reference system (EDF, ITER, CEA) not only dealing with fire but also waterproofing, displacements (earthquake) and any other requirements from sensitive industrial plants.