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    Stairwell PR Sy

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    Sameera Gamage
    The document discusses stairwell pressurization systems which maintain tenable environments in stairwells during building evacuations. It describes how stairwells are pressurized to higher pressures than surrounding areas to prevent smoke infiltration. Pressurization can be achieved through non-compensated or compensated systems using single or multiple injection points. Properly designed systems with supply fans, distribution ducts, relief dampers and controls can effectively pressurize stairwells per fire codes and standards.

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    Stairwell PR Sy

    Uploaded by

    Sameera Gamage
    68 views21 pages
    The document discusses stairwell pressurization systems which maintain tenable environments in stairwells during building evacuations. It describes how stairwells are pressurized to higher pressures than surrounding areas to prevent smoke infiltration. Pressurization can be achieved through non-compensated or compensated systems using single or multiple injection points. Properly designed systems with supply fans, distribution ducts, relief dampers and controls can effectively pressurize stairwells per fire codes and standards.

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    Stairwell Pr Sy

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    The document discusses stairwell pressurization systems which maintain tenable environments in stairwells during building evacuations. It describes how stairwells are pressurized to higher pressures than surrounding areas to prevent smoke infiltration. Pressurization can be achieved through non-compensated or compensated systems using single or multiple injection points. Properly designed systems with supply fans, distribution ducts, relief dampers and controls can effectively pressurize stairwells per fire codes and standards.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    68 views21 pages

    Stairwell PR Sy

    Uploaded by

    Sameera Gamage
    The document discusses stairwell pressurization systems which maintain tenable environments in stairwells during building evacuations. It describes how stairwells are pressurized to higher pressures than surrounding areas to prevent smoke infiltration. Pressurization can be achieved through non-compensated or compensated systems using single or multiple injection points. Properly designed systems with supply fans, distribution ducts, relief dampers and controls can effectively pressurize stairwells per fire codes and standards.

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    of 21

    Stairwell Pressurization System &

    Smoke Extraction System

    By Chandimal Jayakody
    BSc.(Eng), CEng., MIE(SL)., MLABSE.
    Purpose of SPS
    • Maintain a tenable environment in area of
    refuge
    • Means of egress during the time required for
    evacuation
    • Facilitate the fire and rescue operation by
    improving visibility in the building for the
    firefighting crew.
    • Protect life and reduce damage to property.
    Type of Smoke Proof Encloses
    • As per the international building code (IBS)
    – Naturally ventilated satire balconies
    – Mechanically ventilated of a stair
    – Stair pressurization

    • Due to the relative cost of the associated


    mechanical systems, and architectural space
    issues related to providing exterior balconies and
    stair vestibules, the stair pressurization system is
    the most widely selected design option.
    Pressurization Method
    Pressurization Method
    • Consider an example of a stairwell
    – Air flows from the higher pressure area to the lower
    pressure area. The principle of maintaining a tenable
    environment is to prevent migration of smoke laden air
    from zone “C” to zone “B” and to zone “A”.
    – “A” maintained at a positive pressure relative to lift lobby
    “B” which is at a higher pressure relative to the fire zone
    corridor space “C”.
    – Each of the three zones A, B and C are separated by the
    partition barriers and the doors.
    – The lobby and stairwell (marked green) can be classified as
    escape routes, refuge area and tenable environment.
    Minimum and Maximum Pressure
    Requirements per NFPA 92A
    Min. Design Pressure Differences across Smoke Barriers
    Exhaust Systems
    • The exhaust method is generally utilized in large open
    spaces, such as covered malls and atriums.
    • It provides negative pressure in the spaces through
    exhaust fans, and the design intent is to maintain the
    layer of smoke at least 10 feet above any walking
    surface.
    • Airflow is calculated on the volume of the space and
    the make-up air fans supply outside air typically at 80%
    of the calculated volume of the exhaust.
    • This method is unlike the pressurization system, which
    provides a slightly higher pressure in the escape routes
    such as stairwell.
    Comparison; Exhaust Systems Vs
    Pressurization Systems
    Performance Issues and Challenges
    • Stack effect –
    – Pressure stabilization is difficult to achieve in high-rise buildings.
    The phenomenon is more pronounced in tall buildings and in
    locations where there is wide variations in ambient
    temperatures.
    • Inadequate vents –
    – Satisfactory pressurization of a stairwell could be difficult during
    all closed door conditions and a building with inadequate vents.
    • Evacuation time –
    – Intermittent loss of effective pressurization occurs when
    occupants enter and leave stairs during evacuation. The exterior
    stairwell door is the greatest cause of pressure fluctuation and it
    is important to conservatively take into account the number of
    doors that may be open simultaneously during an emergency.
    This number will depend largely on the building occupancy.
    System Design Overview
    • The stairwell pressurization system is a mechanical
    ventilation system.
    • In order to pressurize the stairs of vertical buildings, it is
    necessary to install sets of fans that suck air into the
    stairwell, keeping pressure of 0.10 – 0.45 inch water gauge.
    • The main purpose is to prevent infiltration of smoke in the
    event of a fire.
    • The system consists of the installation of a fan with an
    electric motor mounted in an isolated compartment.
    • The outside air is captured through a shutter that has a
    particle filter.
    • The excess air is relieved through manual and automatic
    dampers properly calculated and installed at the suitable
    locations.
    Codes and Standards
    The following codes and standards are commonly used:
    • International Building Code (IBC), 2003: Section 909
    • NFPA 101 – Life Safety Code
    • NFPA 92A – Recommended Practice for Smoke Control Systems
    • NFPA 92B – Guide for Smoke Management in Malls, Atria, and Large
    Areas
    • NFPA 90 - Standard for Installation of Air-conditioning and Ventilating
    system.
    • ASHRAE 1999 HVAC Applications, Chapter 52, Fire and Smoke
    Management
    • ASHRAE Principals of Smoke Management Handbook
    • British Standard BS5588 - Smoke Control in Protected Escape Route
    using Pressurization.
    • British Standard BS 5720 - Code of Practice for Mechanical
    Ventilation and Air Conditioning in Buildings
    Pressurization Techniques

    • Non-compensated pressurization
    • Compensated pressurization
    • Single injection pressurization
    Non-compensated systems
    • A non-compensated system provides a constant
    volume of air by a single-speed fan.
    • The level of pressurization depends on the number of
    doors open.
    • When access doors open, the pressure in the stairwell
    drops. When access doors close, the pressure rises.
    • Non-compensated stairwell pressurization is
    reasonably well when:
    – Stairwells are in a lightly populated building (for example:
    luxury apartments).
    – Stairwell access doors are usually closed, but when used,
    remain open only for a few seconds.
    Compensated systems
    • A compensated system adjusts to any
    combination of door openings by maintaining a
    positive pressure differential across the openings.
    • Systems compensate for changing conditions by
    either modulating air flow or relieving excess
    pressure from the stairwell.
    • A compensated pressurization system will have
    more components (sensors, relief dampers, VFDs,
    etc.) and control sequences.
    Single Injection Pressurization
    • A single injection system uses pressurization air at
    one location.
    • While the strategy is simple, a single injection
    system can fail if a stairwell access door opens
    near the injection point.
    • Loss of pressurization air will occur immediately
    at the access doors farther from the injection
    point.
    • The most common injection point is at the top of
    the building.
    Top/Bottom Injection
    Multiple/Single Pressurization Systems
    System Design and Components
    • A pressurization system consists of two main components:
    – 1. Supply air (where air is injected into the area that is to be
    protected)
    – 2. Relief air (to avoid overpressure when doors are closed)
    • The System comprises:
    – Supply fans for introducing air.
    – Distribution systems comprising ducting, terminal diffusers and
    venting arrangements.
    – Automatic air release vents/dampers to release excess air and
    avoid over pressurization when doors are closed.
    – Automatic control system comprising fire alarms, smoke
    detectors, safety switches and devices at locations to suit fire
    service.
    Combine System

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