Mechanical Smoke Ventilation
The Main Purpose of the System.
The FDS FireSmart Mechanical smoke ventilation system is powered by fans to remove smoke from a building’s common corridor to provide a means of escape for occupants and fire-fighting access in the event of a fire.
One
On detection of smoke in the common corridor, smoke detectors will activate the mechanical smoke ventilation system on the affected floor.
Two
The fire damper to the smoke shaft on the fire floor will open and the vent at the head of the staircase opens and draws fresh air in.
Three
The duty fan at the top of the smoke shaft extracts the smoke and prevents smoke ingress into the escape stairs.
Four
The systems provides greater conditions for means of escape and fire fighting.
System Overview
Approved Document B: Fire Safety of the Building Regulations provides guidance on choosing the most appropriate smoke control system based on several key factors. This includes the height of the building, internal layout of the property and the distance of each dwelling from the staircase for evacuation.
Building Height
No restriction to building height.
Space
Utilising shaft sizes between 0.6m2 to 1m, dependant on building requirements, MSVS can be beneficial for saving space on floors to increase saleable space.
Aesthetic
Improved efficiency makes them the most appropriate system for buildings featuring extended travel distances beyond Approved Document B requirements.
Travel Distance
Where space savings are required or where travel distances exceed 7.5m in an un-sprinklered building and over 15m in a sprinklered building.
Wind Conditions
An MSVS is more appropriate for buildings subject to wind conditions.
System Power Supply
Dual (duty/standby) 3 phase power supply required. The standby supply is commonly provided by a generator.
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Technical Data
MSVS is an engineered solution that satisfies the requirements of BS9999:2017, BS9991:2015, BS7346-8:2013, BSEN12101-8:2011 and the SCA Guidance on Smoke Control to Common Escape Routes in Apartment Buildings.
Head of Stair Vent
A free area of 1.0m2 is required for the vent at the head of the staircase.
Shaft Size
Shafts can be as small as 0.6m in most circumstances, although as buildings increase in height, the cross-sectional area of the shaft may need to increase up to 1m2.
Shaft Damper Size
The minimum free area for openings into the shaft is job specific, however, BS EN 12101-8 certified dampers are required for use in the shaft.
CFD Modelling
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Modelling is a design tool that aids the detailed design of mechanical smoke ventilation systems and is commonly used when applying a fire engineered solution.
Guidance Legislation
BS 9999:2017
Fire Saferty in the design management and use of buildings
BS 9991:2015
Fire Safety in the design management and use of residential buildings
BS 7346-8:2013
Components for Smoke Control Systems
BS EN 12101-8:2011
Smoke & Heat Control
Systems
Approved Document B
The Building Regulations 2010: Fire Safety Approved Document B Vol 1: Dwellings
SCA White Paper
Specification of Products and Systems for Smoke Shafts
SCA Guide
Common Escape Routes in Apartments - Jul 20
SCA Guide
CFD Analysis for Smoke Control design in buildings
Relevant Case Studies
FDS Install Smoke Ventilation System at Cheshunt Lakeside 1a
FDS has recently completed works at Cheshunt Lakeside 1a for M Toner Plumbing & Heating Ltd. FDS was appointed as the smoke venting contractor to
FDS Install Smoke Ventilation System at Greenwich Millennium Village
FDS has recently worked alongside long time client, Kane Group to design, install and commission both a Smoke Ventilation System and Corridor Environmental System at
Tesco Contract Win for FDS
Tesco Contract Win for FDS FDS has won the fire safety design and installation contract for the new Tesco mixed-use scheme in Woolwich. The large-scale,
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