FIRE PROTECTION OF AIR DUCTS

Fire protection of smoke-removal systems and air ducts is an important part of the ventilation system, as it prevents the rapid spread of fire and smoke during a fire and provides additional safety for the structure. Fire protection of smoke-removal ventilation creates a barrier that prevents the spread of fire and combustion products. The main challenge when installing air-duct fire protection is the complex configuration of the ventilation channels, so proper installation and application of fire protection on ducts requires appropriate skills and professional qualifications.

Purpose of fire protection for ventilation systems

In the event of a fire in a building, the ventilation network can cause rapid spread of fire and combustion products. Therefore, fire protection of air ducts is of fundamental importance for the safety and protection of people.

Fire protection of ventilation and smoke removal reduces the spread area of fire and carbon monoxide, prevents overheating of smoke-exhaust ducts and ensures continued operation of ventilation even in extreme situations

Methods of fire-protective treatment of ventilation

Before starting work on air-duct fire protection, it is necessary to study the characteristics of the smoke-removal system itself.

The correct choice of fire-protective material is determined by the operating parameters of the smoke-exhaust ducts and their field of use.

According to SP 7.13130 "Heating, ventilation, air conditioning. Fire-safety requirements", transit general-exchange ventilation systems, local exhausts, air heating and air conditioning must provide a fire-resistance limit of EI 15 – EI 150, depending on the operating conditions.

Prices for fire protection of air ducts, ventilation and smoke-removal systems

There is no fixed price for the fire protection of air ducts and ventilation boxes – the cost of the work is made up of the materials used and the scope of work. The complexity of installation and various external factors are also of great importance.

There are several types of fire-protection products used to protect air ducts:

• Thermal-insulation materials

Foil-faced fabrics, mats, self-adhesive basalt fibres, etc.

• Thick-layer materials

Plaster, liquid-glass paste, mineral fibre, mastic

• Combined type

Combined use of thermal-insulation and thick-layer materials

• Thin-layer materials

Specialized paints, enamels and varnishes

Each of the air-duct fire-protection methods differs in price and degree of effectiveness. For example, in the case of thin-layer protection, the fire-protective action is based on the formation of a thermal-insulating carbon layer that appears under high temperatures.

Using the thermal-insulation or combined method is the most effective and affordable.

The air-duct fire-protection requirement also applies to fastening elements: studs and hangers.