Fire retardant valves: installation and control
The occurrence of a fire in a multi-storey building isalways an extremely dangerous incident, because of which hundreds and even thousands of people can lose their lives. After all, with large areas of ignition and high smoke in a high-rise building, it becomes very difficult to extinguish a fire. In addition, if a large number of people are in the room, serious problems with evacuation and, as a result, a large number of human casualties can arise. Based on the above reasons, the smoke removal system is one of the most important communications in modern multi-storey buildings. With its task, this system copes due to the fact that it contains fire retardant valves. About how they are arranged, what kinds they are, and what their principle of action is, we'll talk about this article.
How does the smoke exhaust system work?
Smoke removal is due to specialmounted system channels, which are located in the middle of the ventilation structure. The process of removing smoke consists of several stages. The first is the weathering of the smoky flow. And the second is the pumping of clean air into the middle of the building. Thanks to this, it is possible to safely and quickly evacuate people during a fire. Fail-safe valves help to cope with this task. They will be discussed further on.
What are fire retardant valves?
Valve fire-retardant "bug" representsa metal box made of high-alloy or galvanized metal, equipped with a special sensor and mechanism. It is installed in air ducts and openings that cross fire-resistant partitions and walls. In the immediate vicinity is located the drive of the fire retardant valve. These valves are able to prevent the spread of fires through ventilation systems. They have high fireproof properties.
Types of valves that delay the spread of fire
The fire-retardant valves are divided into several types. Among them, one can distinguish valves of normally open type (NO), normally closed (NC).
Normally open valves are designed forinstallation on ducts. They are constantly in an open state. As soon as a fire signal is received, the valve closes automatically. Thus, a smoky curtain is installed, and the fire can no longer freely spread through the ventilation channels. After the fire is completely extinguished, the fire retardant valves will open and fresh air will enter the room. Thus, ventilation of the room occurs after the elimination of the source of ignition.
Fire-retardant valves, normally closedare installed directly in the ventilation lines. Their task is to prevent the spread of smoke flow. Every day they are in a closed state and open only on a signal coming from the fire station. These valves are designed to weather the smoke from a burning room.
Installation of fire retardant valves is always carried out exclusively by specialists. Incorrect connection can result in the failure of the entire system.
The purpose of the valves for the delay of fire
Fire-retardant valves can be used for different needs, so they have slightly different designs. According to the type of performance, there are three main ones.
1. General industrial valves are the most common type. They are installed in residential premises, shops, offices, shopping centers and in enterprises that do not have an increased risk of explosions.
2. Explosion-proof valves differ in that they are able to withstand explosions. They are distinguished by the presence of "non-sparking pairs of materials." Such valves are designed for installation in those rooms where explosive mixtures of all groups and categories are available. From other types they are also distinguished by the presence of an additional explosion-proof shell of the valve actuator. They are not equipped with electromagnets and thermo-closing devices that have a duplicating effect.
3. Valves intended for use in nuclear power plants. They have a number of differences in their structure. In everyday life and industry they are not used.
Completion of fire retardant valves
Valve fire-retardant "bug" is completed with the following components:
- the electric drive, in which the return spring is built;
- electric drive of the "closed / open" type;
- an electromagnet having a return spring;
- an electromagnet with a return spring having a fusible insert (oriented at a temperature of 72 ° C).
How to control fire retardant valves
The control of fire-retardant valves, as a rule, is carried out by two kinds.
The first is manual mode. In this case, the team, by which the valve closes or vice versa, opens, is delivered from the fire department. This type is good in that it does not require the presence of complex and expensive automatic equipment. But in terms of security, he is noticeably inferior to the next.
The second type is automatic mode. This method excludes the human factor, and is therefore considered more reliable. The valve starts only on a signal that comes from the automatic control system.
Importance of the fire extinguishing system
Presence in the premises of quality and correctinstalled fire retardant valves is a mandatory requirement, which is presented to the fire safety system of any civil or industrial facility. It is also a guarantee of people's safety. Fire-retardant valves are only one of the components of the whole fire-extinguishing system, which must be completed and installed in accordance with all norms and requirements for fire safety in the premises.
In addition to a competent and quality installation systemregular technical inspections should be carried out. According to their results, all breakdowns should be eliminated immediately. Human life depends on this.
