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 duct work 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 duct work 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 duct work system is tested in reputed laboratory as per 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 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 for 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).