FEUKEM Fire-Rated Duct Work Systems
It is advocated in most fire incidents people die more due to smoke rather than fire. This led to the design & development of fire-rated ducts. Fire-rated ducts can play a significant role in smoke extraction and provide adequate ventilation in case of fire events. Depending on the functioning of ducts they can be further classified as smoke extraction ducts and ventilation ducts.
Smoke Extraction Ducts
Smoke extraction ducts are designed to extract the smoke outside the building with fan-assisted systems. So, it must be capable of at least resisting the anticipated smoke temperatures generated during the development of a fire.
GI/MS Ducts constructed as DW144 or SMACNA standards do not have fire resistance ability for 120 minutes unless treated with fire resistant material to achieve intended fire resistance.
The duct work systems shall be tested for Type A (fire outside) and Type B (fire inside) to BS 476 –part 24 for a specified time for Stability, Integrity, and Insulation (if required).
The ductwork is required to retain 75 % of its cross-sectional area within the fire compartment and neighboring compartment, this is tested under BS 476 –part 24
Ventilation Ducts
The chances of fire spreading in the building envelope can be reduced by doing adequate fire compartmentation. Compartment walls and floors must have a certain fire resistance, which means that the performance criteria of load-bearing capacity (stability), integrity, and insulation have been met for a duration recommended by Building norms.
In this view, all the duct work either supply or extract needs to be fire rated where it passes from a fire compartment through, for example, an escape corridor.
Non-Domestic Kitchen extract ducts & Stair pressurization ducts also need to be treated with fire protection for fully functioning in case of a fire event. The selection of fire protection material shall be based on the design of HVAC systems.
Criteria for Best Fire-Rated Duct Work
Ductwork systems should be tested for Type A (fire outside) and Type B (fire inside) to BS 476 –part 24 for a specified time for Stability, Integrity, and Insulation (if required).
A smoke extraction duct is required to retain 75 % of its cross-sectional area within the fire compartment and neighboring compartment, this is tested under BS 476 –part 24.
Ductwork shall also be tested for minimum fire propagation index and surface spread of flame, conforms to BS 476 Part 6 & 7.
The Ductwork coating shall be non-corrosive and has LOW VOC to conform to the LEED Rating.
FEUKEM offer fire retardant coating formulated with special binder and fillers to provide excellent fire resistance to fire-rated ductwork system for 120 minutes. FEUKEM FRC is sprayed to duct surface to specific DFT to achieve intended fire resistance. It is globally advocated by consultants, contractors, and clients for ductwork in non-domestic kitchens, basements, enclosed car parks, smoke escape routes, stairways, and lobbies. It offers tremendous versatility in terms of design, application, robustness, rendering easy, time-saving, and effective installation.
FEUKEM fire-rated ductwork system is tested in a reputed laboratory as per the requirement of BS 476 Part 24 for smoke extraction ducts, ventilation ducts, and Kitchen extract ducts under Cellulosic fire conditions (ISO 834).
FEUKEM FRC has anti-corrosive properties and meets the requirement of minimum VOC to conform LEED rating. It is also tested for minimum fire propagation & surface spread of flame as a requirement of BS 476 Part 6 & 7.
FEUKEM also provides fire-rated Gaskets, sealants, and adhesives (for insulation pasting, if specified) to ensure that the complete system is fire-resistant to 120 minutes.
In addition to fire-rated Gaskets, Sealants, and adhesives we also provide our recommendations for the use of support & hanger systems that can withstand for 120 minutes under Cellulosic fire conditions (ISO 834).
