Principles of operation of the smoke extraction system

How does a smoke extraction system work? The key to your hall's safety

In the event of a fire in a large-volume facility, the greatest threat to people and the building structure is not the fire itself, but the smoke and hot fire gases. A gravity smoke extraction system is one of the most important elements of fire protection. What exactly does its operation involve?

Mechanism of operation: Physics in the service of safety

The smoke extraction system is based on the simple phenomenon of convection. Hot smoke, being lighter than air, rises to the ceiling, creating a so-called sub-ceiling layer. The system's task is to exhaust these gases outside as quickly as possible. This process takes place in several stages:

• Detection: Smoke detectors or smoke exhaust buttons send a signal to the control panel.
• Activation: The control panel activates actuators mounted in smoke vents or continuous rooflights.
• Opening: The vent opens, creating an outlet for smoke and heat.
• Aeration: For smoke to escape efficiently through the top, fresh air must flow in through the bottom (via aeration doors or windows).

Key system components

According to the Wirmet offer, a complete system consists of several integrated elements:

• Smoke vents: The "heart" of the system. They can be integrated with continuous rooflights, allowing for the combination of lighting functions and safety.
• Electric or pneumatic actuators: Mechanisms responsible for the physical opening of the vent dome.
• Control panel: The "brain" of the operation, which has its own emergency power supply (batteries) that works even after the power in the building is cut off.
• Smoke exhaust buttons: Allow for manual triggering of the system by personnel or the fire department.

Why is an efficient smoke extraction system essential?

1. Safe evacuation: By exhausting smoke, the lower parts of the hall remain free of toxic fumes, allowing employees to see evacuation routes and leave the building safely.
2. Roof structure protection: A fire generates enormous temperatures that can lead to the deformation of the steel roof structure and the collapse of the hall. Exhausting hot air significantly reduces the thermal load on the facility.
3. Facilitating rescue operations: Firefighters entering a smoke-cleared hall have better visibility, which allows them to locate the source of the fire faster and extinguish it effectively.

Service and maintenance – what must you remember?

A smoke extraction system is a safety system, therefore it must be reliable. Polish regulations require regular technical inspections (usually every 6 months). Wirmet provides not only the delivery and installation of certified devices compliant with the EN 12101-2 standard but also support in their proper operation.

Are you looking for a certified smoke extraction system for your investment? Our smoke vents and continuous rooflights have all the necessary approvals and CE certificates.