Smoke and heat exhaust ventilation systems

One of the greatest dangers in the event of a fire is the smoke gases produced. As many as 80-90% of all fire fatalities are victims of the gases and the heat they generate. Another danger that should not be underestimated is that the carbon monoxide produced can cause unconsciousness, symptoms of poisoning and, in the worst case, death when inhaled. In addition, the smoke that is produced makes it difficult to find your way out of the ound the danger zone. This makes a certified smoke and heat exhaust ventilation system (SHEV Systems) all the more important – because a SHEV system can make the difference between life and death in the worst case. It ensures that the air is extracted close to the floor, thus providing a safe escape and rescue route.

In contrast to natural smoke ventilation system, which works by thermal lift, for example through open windows or doors, smoke and heat in a manual smoke and heat exhaust ventilation system are removed by fans and ductwork. The advantage is obvious: due to the constant volume flow, harmful gases and air can be removed consistently and fast and the affected area can be secured in a targeted manner. For manufacturers of smoke and heat exhaust ventilation systems (SHEVS) in particular, however, many factors must be kept in mind in order to be able to guarantee the safety and operational capability of the systems.

DIN EN 12101-3 | Certification of powered smoke and heat control ventilators

Within the European Union, fans for smoke and heat extraction must be certified in accordance with Part 3 of DIN EN 12101-3 : 2015-12 (Smoke and heat control systems – Part 3: Specification for powered smoke and heat control ventilators (Fans). The temperature resistance of the fans is tested in accordance with DIN EN 12101-3 Smoke and heat control systems – Part 3: Specification for powered smoke and heat control ventilators (Fans) and divided into different temperature classes, e.g. temperature class F 200 (test temperature 200°C, with a test time of 120 minutes) or F 400 (test temperature 400°C, with a test time of 90 minutes). To ensure that the rising flue gas temperatures during a fire do not lead to malfunctions of the mechanical smoke exhaust system, suitable fans should therefore always be used. Exactly what these are is regulated in the standards of the respective building product regulations.

Smoke exhaust fan wheels - Small component, important function

Fan wheels are important components of a smoke and heat ventilation system – they ensure the smooth functioning of the system and thus also the safety of people in the event of a fire. But unlike the actual system, they cannot be certified separately and, once the system has been certified, may only be changed with a great deal of effort in accordance with the normative change procedures or after consultation with the certifier. To ensure that you are always on the safe side and can fully rely on your smoke and heat extraction system, we have developed the punker Smoke Exhaust Process.

Smoke Extraction punker Ventilatorrad 45°

Our solution | Smoke Extraction

High airflow enables rapid removal of smoke and heat
Energy efficient blower wheel facilitates compliance with ErP for dual use fans
Suitable for fan arrays and plug fans
Compact construction enables space-saving design of the smoke exhaust fan
Vertical and horizontal mounting possible thanks to adaptable hub design
Production according to punker SHEV process possible, simplifies fire gas certification according to DIN EN 12101-3

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Smoke and heat control with the punker smoke exhaust process

Checking smoke exhaust relevance

Upon receipt of your inquiry, the responsible punker sales representative checks whether your inquiry is a product inquiry with requirements in accordance with DIN EN 12101-3.

Compilation of required data

If it is an application of this nature, the process is passed on to our experts in the engineering department. They are responsible for exchanging information with you on the data required for stress calculations, sampling processes and the creation of the product drawing.

Your solution

The knowledge gained from these discussions is then incorporated into the working papers on the basis of which we produce your solution. This ensures that the fan wheels are manufactured in accordance with your requirements to meet your DIN EN 12101-3 certification.

10 Myths around the certification according to DIN EN 12101-3:2015

Unfortunately, there are also always misconceptions surrounding the use smoke and heat extraction ventilators (SHEV) within the scope of DIN EN 12101-3:2015. This not only leads to internal uncertainties, but can also result in your system not passing the certification process. To help you know what will and will not work, we have compiled and reviewed the most critical assumptions surrounding the certification of smoke exhaust fans with radial fan impellers for you:

1. You can use any product in a smoke exhaust system

Unfortunately, this is not possible. Every mechanical smoke exhaust system must be tested by an accredited laboratory according to DIN ISO 12101-3. The test report produced then serves as the basis for certification by the certifier. Only with this certificate may the system subsequently be operated. In individual cases, this may mean that the laboratory is also the certifier.

2. One may change and adapt a certified smoke exhaust product as desired

No – according to DIN ISO 12101-3, products that have already been certified may not be changed at will. Possible modification procedures for specific changes are defined in the standard.

3. You can extend and equip smoke exhaust ventilation systems with any accessories you like

Not in all cases. All accessories are part of the fire gas test and are also documented in the test report. The certificate contains detailed information about which accessories may be used in your mechanical exhaust system.

4. You will not meet the certifier again after the smoke exhaust test

This is not quite true. The certification according to DIN ISO 12101-3 is a self-contained process. However, an annual production site inspection to maintain the manufacturing quality is part of it. If these inspection measures are no longer carried out, the certifier reserves the right to declare the fire test null and void.

5. You have to have all impeller sizes tested and approved

Not really. Only the highest stressed fan wheels and support sizes need to be tested to cover the entire series.

6. I can sell my US certified smoke and heat exhaust product in the EU without any problems

No. In fact, there are different fire protection requirements depending on the country. In the EU, harmonized standards for fire protection apply (e.g. ISO 12101-3), whereas in the USA, for example, the NFPA defines the requirements and proof of resistance. Therefore, a problem-free use is not possible.

7. I can use any calculation method to determine which impeller is the most highly stressed one

Unfortunately, this is not correct. The calculation method for determining the most heavily loaded impeller is specified in the ISO 12101-3 standard and must be followed.

8. I can perform the fire gas test on my own in my company's fire gas laboratory

Unfortunately, this is not allowed. It is mandatory that the fire gas test is performed by an independent accredited laboratory.

9. You can adapt the production processes as you like

Unfortunately, no. Both geometric and manufacturing changes cannot be made at will. In this case, the modification procedures defined within the Standard must be taken into account.

10. After successful testing, the production of the smoke and heat exhaust fans does not need to be continued

This is not true. All manufacturers of smoke and heat exhaust products are required to to establish in-house production controls to ensure that the fan meets the essential performance characteristics.

Your smoke exhaust project punker

Are you a manufacturer of smoke exhaust systems and would like to learn more about the punker Smoke Exhaust Process? We are happy to advise you on all aspects of the advantages of our Smoke Exhaust fan wheels, your options for secure certification and ideas for a successful future together.

Your contact person

Fabian Hunke

Application Engineer | Expert Smoke Extraction & Grain Drying & Seeding, Spraying, Harvesting & Railway

Phone:
+49.4351.472.220
Mobile:
+49.173.729.1003
E-Mail:
hunke@punker.de