Smoke extraction system principle of operation schematic diagram

Maintaining comfort and energy efficiency in your home requires maintaining adequate insulation and heating. In addition to keeping your living areas warm during the winter, a well-designed system also lowers energy expenses and has a positive environmental impact. A smoke extraction system is a crucial part of a complete heating system, as it helps to ensure the safety and quality of the air in the home.

For homeowners trying to get the most out of their insulation and heating system, it’s critical to comprehend the working principles and schematic diagram of a smoke extraction system. This system is intended to eliminate airborne pollutants such as smoke and fumes from indoor spaces, especially in the event of a fire or other dangerous circumstances. The system reduces the dangers to one’s health from smoke inhalation and effectively stops fires from spreading.

A smoke extraction system’s schematic diagram offers a visual depiction of all of its parts and how they interact to remove smoke. Important components like vents, ductwork, extraction fans, and smoke detectors are typically shown in such a diagram. The first step in the extraction process is initiated by smoke detectors, which identify the presence of smoke.

The extraction fans, which pull smoke-filled air out of the building through designated ductwork, are activated by the system when smoke is detected. The ductwork safely vents the airflow outside the building and steers it away from the impacted areas. The system makes sure that smoke is effectively removed from the building by generating negative pressure inside, which helps to safeguard people and property.

The quick and efficient operation of smoke extraction systems minimizes smoke spread and lowers the possibility of fire-related damage. To further improve general safety and protection, these systems can also be integrated with other safety precautions like emergency lighting and fire suppression systems. A smoke extraction system’s operating principles must be understood by homeowners who want to improve their home’s resilience and safety.

The main and additional components of the control unit

The fan is the primary component of the smoke prevention kit. It is used to pump air into the space and extract related soot and ash along with carbon monoxide. These devices typically continue to function even at extremely high temperatures. A good fan will have no trouble circulating the air when it reaches 600 °C.

Pipe and valve system

The contaminated air enters the pipes meant to exhaust the air masses when it strikes the fan grille. The capacity of smoke shafts varies depending on how the system is placed and designed. Steel is the most widely used material when making pipes.

The fire damper is the next item on the list of crucial components of the SRS. It restricts the spread of fire throughout the building and keeps the flames from entering ventilation shafts. The valve’s actuator may be electromagnetic or electric.

Like a bolide, fresh air is transported via individual pipes known as air ducts. They have more fans attached to them. These pipes are situated in areas where people are evacuated in case of a fire. Air ducts are essential to smoke extraction and fire distribution systems. In the event that it is not, the SRV’s entire value is zero.

Control unit

Without the control unit, the smoke exhaust system cannot be tested or operated. This panel is either directly attached to the sensors or connected to the fire alarm system. Upon receiving a fire or smoke alarm, the unit turns on.

Because of the well-thought-out automation of the system, commissioning requires no human intervention as the hatches open on their own. The time required for evacuation is greatly reduced by the automatic functioning.

Smoke-receiving devices

Smoke extractors are used when there is a lot of smoke in a building and people’s lives are in danger. The system is made up of an exhaust duct, a pipe (shaft), and a receiving fan. When a fire breaks out, the combination of these gadgets helps keep the room smoke-free.

There are various types of dampers available for different kinds of buildings:

• El 45 – used in serviced buildings;
• El 30 – suitable for corridors and halls.

Their intended purpose sets them apart. Certain items are appropriate in warmer climates, while others work better in colder ones. Installing the wrong kind of equipment will always result in risk. Because of this, it’s a good idea to carefully inspect the space and decide which location would be ideal for a given damper when installing a RAS.

Through the exhaust unit, the contaminated air is released into the outdoors in a more intense manner. Its pressure reaches its highest points. This guarantees that the air in the house circulates quickly. It’s comparable to air conditioning, albeit on a bigger scale. As a result, there are no major casualties during the evacuation process and the building does not turn into a cauldron.

Supply smoke ventilation system

One crucial component of the RAS makes sure that the building’s doors open automatically, facilitating a hassle-free evacuation. In the case of SP, the structure’s lower floor is supplied with air.

Utilized for the influx are:

• Automatic windows in the lower part, which do not need to be opened manually;
• openings and shafts;
• riser backflow.

The RAS operates by utilizing one or more methods. Since inspecting authorities are frequently picky about installations, the window option is rarely selected. Although they are used more frequently, openings call for a distinct design. Due to the shaft’s large footprint, a staggering amount of usable space must be set aside for it.

The most economical and most convenient type of underpressure system is the mechanical one that uses a fan. Although shaft operation is subject to similar limitations, air can flow through it at any speed.

The induction system may seem straightforward, but external doors aren’t suitable for this use. If there’s a fire, they close automatically. A variation using standard ventilation, however, appears to be fairly feasible. But not all equipment works like this because there are specific requirements when it comes to smoke exhaust.

When smoke extraction is needed

The installation of smoke extraction and building ventilation systems can be challenging. Experts concur that these are essential for the following rooms:

• Corridors of buildings that exceed 9 stories in height (but not manufacturing).
• Corridors located in the basement or on the ground floor, if the building does not belong to the production building.
• Corridors longer than 15 meters where there are no windows. However, if the aisle is in a production building or a structure occupying 1 floor, an RAS is not required.
• Atriums and arcades.
• In warehouses where there is a rack or cabinet higher than 5.5 meters and materials prone to fire are located.
• Wooden buildings where combustible materials are stored or people are present.
• In rooms with an area of more than 50 m² where there are no exterior windows.
• Enclosed parking lots.
• Premises with direct access to staircases, which should not launch smoke.

If a building is not listed in the list, there is no need to install any kind of smoke extraction system. Installing a RAS is taken into consideration in other circumstances to reduce the possibility of smoke contamination.

Necessity of smoke extraction systems and fire automation systems

In the situations listed in the fire safety regulations, the smoke exhaust system must be operating. If at least one of the requirements in the preceding section is met by the building, you need an RAS to protect a room from smoke and fire.

The aforementioned options can be categorized into four scenarios where fire safety and smoke extraction are critical requirements:

1. In high IBCs (apartment buildings).
2. Buildings where there is no natural ventilation.
3. In structures that are operated underground.
4. In buildings where a large number of people are regularly present.

If not, the space will be deemed unsafe and won’t be permitted for use.

In terms of CDS installation, there are specifications for every kind of building. Heat removal is required in Moscow and other cities’ multi-story buildings because certain elements’ rising temperatures can demolish the structure. An RAS facilitates the work of firefighters by making it much simpler for them to put out a fire in an establishment that has smoke extraction equipment installed.

The main locations of a window drive

Buildings taller than 28 meters are required to have a smoke exhaust system, according to normative documents (SNIP). A CDS is also required in long corridors (more than 15 meters). The only exception is a building where the fire alarm is triggered and the windows automatically open when smoke is detected. An SDU compensator is this.

Installing a smoke exhaust system is not required in buildings that have standalone fire extinguishing systems. As a result, smoke extraction is challenging to find in such establishments.

Window drive

Windows allow for the possibility of natural ventilation in the space. For storerooms, cellars, and basements, this is the best choice. Standard-sized apertures are made in the covering for this reason. There are glazed openings in the outside walls of each floor at stairwells.

When one uses a window drive:

• When opening/closing transom windows in places where access is difficult (inconvenient) (roof windows and windows mounted high above the floor);
• in old rooms with massive windows and large openings, cultural buildings (church, concert hall, etc.);
• in structures with a significant wind load (high-rise buildings, houses on the seashore and on steppe areas);
• in order to simplify opening/closing of transoms by people with disabilities or patients of medical institutions;
• as part of smoke extraction systems, "smart home" systems.

Window actuators are useful for control automation in commercial and residential buildings, as well as in industrial settings.

What is smoke ventilation

Not everyone is aware of this, but the real threat in a fire is not the flames or burning objects themselves. They can be easily fenced off and are primarily localized. However, it is nearly impossible to hide from the smoke—which is inextricably linked to burning materials—at least not for very long. It’s hard to breathe in the harsh smoke that quickly fills small areas.

The way a smoke ventilation system operates

For this reason, the engineering system for smoke exhaust and ventilation was developed. It removes harmful smoke in addition to saturating the air in the room with oxygen.

For details! Since the fire cannot burn in the room without oxygen, the system may occasionally even be able to completely pump out the air from the space, including the oxygen. In these situations, you can put out the fire without the need for any additional resources.

Existing varieties of devices and their features

Smoke exhaust fans can be conditionally divided into the following types and types based on the working conditions, installation technique, and design features:

• roof smoke exhaust fan – is installed on open roof areas, so they should be additionally organized for optimal protection;
• axial smoke exhaust fan (axial) – allows you to remove excess heat from the places of fire, thereby facilitating the work of ignition or destruction of fire. It has small dimensions, high efficiency and regulates the air flow rate. It is used in exhaust ventilation systems in normal environments;
• duct smoke exhaust fan – the design of such equipment due to the special protection of the electric motor allows for operation even in unfavorable environmental conditions. These devices have high efficiency;
• industrial smoke exhaust fans – ventilation equipment used for industrial applications and based on centrifugal processes;
• radial smoke exhaust fan – today such devices are recognized as the most efficient, durable and reliable and are used most often in industrial facilities or production facilities. Having a high capacity, radial equipment is also used for transportation of air or gas media, without the presence of any destructive or hazardous substances. The operation of the devices is based on the rotation of a drum with curved blades and is used in dusty or aggressive environments;
• wall-mounted smoke exhaust fan – are widespread today, as these systems allow you to install and lay the equipment technically correct without taking into account the roof. This type of device is able to work simultaneously with several air outlets without reducing the quality of utilization of combustion products. In addition, the wall fan effectively copes with the spread of the consequences of combustion.

It is important to consider that all of the technical specifications listed in manufacturers’ catalogs for smoke exhaust fans match the ideal atmospheric pressure and standard air temperature, which should fluctuate by no more than 20 degrees Celsius.

Additionally, the following are the most important criteria used in the selection of specific smoke exhaust fan types:

• Convenience and ease of installation – the possibility of independent installation and assembly of the smoke exhaust system;
• the level of durability and reliability of the design as a whole – these parameters are determined by the quality of assembly, as well as the level of performance of additional or separate parts of the equipment;
• degree of power of the device – less powerful equipment may not fully cope with the functional characteristics assigned to it, and too powerful – will cause unnecessary overconsumption of resources used.

Installing smoke exhaust fans on roofs requires taking into account a few key factors, which are related to:

• design features of the roof, as well as the roofing material used;
• sloping angle of the roof – affects the principle of the location of the fan on the surface;
• Typical properties and dimensions of the selected fan.

There are various ways to install a smoke exhaust fan, depending on the type of roofing material:

• on the roof with a hard type of covering – the devices are fixed on the extensions of ventilation shafts made of materials such as concrete or brick. This helps to maximize the adhesion of the formed structure;
• on soft roofing – a more complex variant of fixing and docking the fan, depending on a variety of conditions and is often used based on the given situation.

Generally speaking, the different operating conditions that the system in question must contend with influence the choice of which kind of smoke ventilation to employ in a given circumstance.

Considering how simple it is to install and customize, almost any smoke exhaust fan can be used to create a distinctive, high-quality fire safety system.

To put it briefly, improving building safety requires an understanding of the basic principles underlying smoke extraction systems. In the event of a fire, this system quickly eliminates smoke from a building, protecting people inside and reducing damage to property. The schematic diagram shows the parts of the system and how they work together to detect, extract, and vent smoke from the building. Homeowners can quickly remove smoke-filled air by understanding this diagram, which highlights the vital role that ventilation shafts, dampers, and fans play. This understanding ultimately strengthens fire safety precautions in both residential and commercial settings by enabling people to make knowledgeable decisions regarding the installation and upkeep of these systems.

Installation of the system

As previously mentioned, smoke exhaust systems are planned for from the outset of the building’s construction. They can also be remodeled during reconstruction, but this is more expensive and necessitates first demolishing all utilities before restoring them.

The cost of installing fire protection ventilation is usually two to three times higher than that of traditional utilities. It all comes down to the tools, materials, and processes employed. Furthermore, treatment points, sensors, and other things are installed. However, since you can be certain that the property will remain secure and undamaged in the future, all expenses are justified.

5 Installation work

Branching ducts are installed if necessary. They typically consist of two or more components. Each zone has branching installed to ensure that the amount of air circulated follows the standards.

Every duct’s opening is covered by a grille. The smoke is transported by the ducts to bigger shafts that go to the building’s roof. At every outlet, exhaust fans are installed. Pipeline installation for the air supply is done concurrently.

Installing it next to a chimney is permitted. The installation of evacuation piping should avoid placing its openings next to one another since this will significantly impair system performance. The electrical equipment is connected to a four-core, 380 V cable that is located above the chimney.

It will regulate how fire dampers and hatches operate. Sensors and alarms that are connected are the final components. The system is split into zones in large buildings, with individual control panels handling each zone.

It is required to verify the operability of the entire structure. Additional equipment maintenance and inspections are completed in accordance with the timetable that has been set.

The essence of work

A functional fire ventilation system helps people in the room easily escape by halting the spread of smoke and flames.

Any high-rise building and underground spaces without natural ventilation should have one of these systems, per the guidelines document on the subject of system design.

Two primary administrative responsibilities for smoke extraction are:

1. To clear escape routes.
2. Free access to the room for firefighting personnel.

To fill the space with as much fresh air as possible is the primary goal of the ventilation flow. It is evident that ventilation is insufficient to put out a fire.

The hood can remove 18000–30,000000 m3/h of smoke air on average.

This is sufficient to provide 400–700 people with air.

In broad terms, the layout of an automated smoke extraction and ventilation system comprises:

1. lantern;
2. dampers;
3. automation devices;
4. smoke, light, sound and other sensors.

There are two types of smoke intakes that are constructive: gravity and automatic (forced).

Both kinds of ventilation—well, all ventilation, really—address the building’s air intake as well as the supply of outside air from nearby rooms or the street.

They fall into one of the following categories based on the control method:

• manual;
• automated.

When a fire breaks out, a manual system activates the ventilation elements by pressing a button on the control panel.

When the automatic system notices any indications of fire, it sends a signal to the remote control to increase the voltage supply and turn on the electric motors.

Signal LEDs on the panel cover provide information about the valves’ current mode of operation, their opening and closing, and whether or not there is a power source connection.

The security panel offers additional control over the system.

These systems also feature an additional control cabinet, which can be automated, remote, or manual.

When smoke is detected, the fans turn on, causing the fire dampers to close ahead of time and releasing the built-up smoke from the air.

In other words, the entire complex functions to purify the air of gases and ashes, delay the spread of smoke throughout the building, and prevent the air from overheating.

However, let us examine the two constructive types of the system in isolation.

Smoke extraction system	Principle of operation schematic diagram
Smoke detectors sense smoke presence.	Smoke is detected by sensors.
Signal triggers fan activation.	Fan turns on upon detection.
Fan extracts smoke from the area.	Smoke is sucked out by the fan.

Comprehending the smoke extraction system’s schematic diagram is essential to guaranteeing your home’s security and effectiveness. In the event of a fire, homeowners can better safeguard their belongings and loved ones by understanding how these systems operate.

Fundamentally, a smoke extraction system is an essential part of a building’s fire safety precautions. It functions by quickly clearing the area of smoke, enabling residents to leave in safety and facilitating emergency personnel’s access to the affected areas.

The main components of a smoke extraction system, such as fans, ducts, vents, smoke detectors, and control panels, are depicted in the schematic diagram. Together, these parts function as a unit to detect smoke, start the extraction process, and direct smoke outside of the structure.

As the first line of defense, smoke detectors quickly detect the presence of smoke and activate the system. After being turned on, the control panel talks to the fans, telling them to blow smoke out of the building through vents and ducts that are positioned carefully.

A homeowner can gain an understanding of the complex mechanisms operating in a smoke extraction system by studying the schematic diagram. To guarantee that these systems continue to function at their best and are prepared to protect people and property in the event of a fire, regular maintenance and inspection are crucial.

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