Review
With the increasing importance of insuring buildings against fire and the importance of protecting lives in the event of fire, new technologies have made significant progress in recent decades in order to increase human awareness about fire behavior and how it spreads, as well as methods of coping and controlling it. Among the new equipment in this field are fire and smoke proof curtains that play a barrier to the spread of fire and its resulting materials such as toxic gases and ... They are used in different building applications. These curtains are normally inside their enclosure and act as soon as they create fire and fire and play a protective role. In this paper, we try to investigate the performance of these products, the types of equipment used in this field and also in order to investigate the behavior of these equipment, dynamic simulation of fire 6 for two-storey building is done for two scenarios of using smoke and fire curtain equipment without using these equipments and then the analysis and results are presented. The results show that the equipment is very desirable to deal with the spread of fires and toxic particles and smoke in the passage space of the occupants and increase the probability of safe exit of the occupants from the exits of the building.
Introduction
Fire curtains or fire resistant curtains are among the newest and most modern fire control systems that have a growing application and use with the advancement of technology and the development of the construction industry. In fact, the function of the fire-proof curtain is to provide temporary protection against the spread of fire and fire in an opening, and the space is completely resistant and safe after the opening of the fire curtain. Fireproof curtain is a strong and reliable barrier to prevent fire penetration from one area to another, and at the same time, it allows residents and people exposed to fire escape to safe areas without any defects in the performance of flame spread resistance, which is a very important advantage over other fire control methods and equipment[4].
Fire curtain in its general sense is said to be an obstacle to the spread of fire and factors caused by fire, and in fact, it includes a large category of products, each with specific characteristics, features and performance and can be used according to the needs of the fire strategy and according to the designs made by fire specialists. Fireproof curtains are responsible for protecting the environment against the passing of fire heat, smoke from flames, and toxic gases produced by burning materials (Co2, HCL,...).
A fire strategy is a set of rules and guidelines that are used to reduce as much damage as possible by fire. These guidelines include measures to prevent the spread of uncontrolled fire, as well as measures to limit the effects of fire and fire after it starts and flares. Designing a strategy for fire fighting can be done both before construction and after the building has been built in order to improve and retrofit. Considering the requirements and regulations in place for retrofitting buildings against fire and the need to take necessary measures to reduce the risk of fire and save the lives of residents, the importance of applying fire resistance knowledge and equipment is felt more than before.
Fire retardant curtains are among the most efficient tools and equipment for professionals in implementing strategies to fight fire and secure the environment. This equipment has different names such as "fire-retardant curtains", "smoke curtains", "fire and smoke curtains", "fire screen", etc. It is also called. Due to the convenience of installing these equipment and occupying a small space in the position under the roof of these products, it is easily possible to add to the fire resistance strategies even after the building is built and even the installation of mechanical equipment and installations, which has made the application of this product very easy even for the places in operation.
Application of smoke and fire retardant curtains in buildings
Coopers Fire and Smoke Curtain is one of the reputable companies that has produced a wide range of these products and has provided practical designs and solutions based on fire engineering principles in the field of protecting any type of building with different uses. The purpose of protection is to create escape routes and border protection to create a building with an effective smoke and fire separation system. Due to the high importance of fire safety, a wide range of fire and smoke curtain sets are manufactured in accordance with BS EN and UL standards to protect all types of buildings such as stores, hospitals, airports, commercial and residential buildings.
[1] Coopers Fire
Examples of the use of fire-retardant curtains in public places
Among the modern applications of this equipment is to prevent smoke and fire from one floor to another through Ethereums with horizontal or consertina curtains and protect corridors and waiting spaces by using vertical smoke and fire curtains, which play a great role in increasing the safety and health of residents in other parts of the building. Horizontal curtains are an alternative way to cover the staircases and ethereums that can be used in buildings instead of fire resistant glass and non-bearing roofs. This feature reduces the design constraints of plans and considers plans with open and wide areas for architects with the ability to meet the limits and regulations necessary for fire control by accredited standards. And he gives it [8].
[1] Fire Master
Figure 2: Horizontal smoke and fire curtains to prevent the spread of fire in floors and openings [6,7,8]
Due to the architectural importance of horizontal curtains, there is no visible support [1] meaning that their unique design allows the curtain to move under the pull of the guide and is seen without any support after the installation of the opening curtain. Smoke control curtains are responsible for protecting people during the escape and evacuation of the building and allow for an emergency exit from an area containing smoke. With the possibility of opening the curtains psychologically people are encouraged to exit the escape routes safely[10,8].
[1] (NVSTM)
Figure 3: Smoke Curtains [8]
Figure 4: Use of fire curtains at the openings to prevent the spread of fire[8]
By using a variety of smoke and fire curtains, spaces can be divided in such a way that in the event of fire and smoke they can be prevented from spreading. In this application، especially in the wide spaces، it is possible to protect the openings of the stairs and electric stairs using vertical curtains or condominium. The Consertina model is intended to fully protect the space of stairs rather than fire doors, allowing for an open plan.[8]
Figure 5: Protection of openings of electric stairs and stairs using vertical curtains or conservatories[8]
Alignment of manufactured products with the rules and regulations provided by internationally recognized standards in the field of protection of hoists and their lobby has led to the production of a wide range of vertical and horizontal smoke and fire control curtains that prevent smoke and fire from spreading through the elevator channel. As a result of the improvement of the fire curtain technology, architects and engineers will have a variety of tools for optimal design with respect to fire regulations.
Recommended Regulations for Fire Curtains and Manufacturing and Use Standards
The use of fire retardant curtains has been recommended based on different standards and required certificates have been issued for use in different applications. Some of the regulations and guidelines confirming product performance are[4]:
- BS EN 949
- BS EN 1634-3
- BS 5234-2
- BS EN 1363-2
- BS EN 1634-1
- BS EN 1363-1
- BS EN 12605
- BS EN 13501-2
The manufactured fire curtains must meet the relevant safety standards and regulations and be tested in accredited laboratories based on the tests provided in the standards.
Figure 6: Tests conducted for fire curtains and some certification issuing institutions[6,7,8]
Fire Retardant Curtain Ingredients
Usually, fireproof curtains are made of woven fabrics of glass fibers with stainless steel wires or polymer materials filled with microaluminum[1] which provide high thermal reflection as well as low air passage against very high grades. Each side of the fabric is coated and protected by the use of silver and polyurethane insulation [6,7,4].
[1] micronized aluminum filled polymer
Figure 7: A sample of fire and smoke proof curtains [6,7]
Glass fibers due to the very low flammability of these materials exposed to fire and stainless steel materials due to its high flash point of 1250 °C, which is slightly lower than the melting temperature of this material, makes these fabrics high resistance to heat and heat.
How fire and anti-smoke curtains work in fire
The motorized fire curtains used to fight fire and smoke are made of fire-resistant materials. The protective curtain is wrapped around the roller-like system and placed in a box enclosure that in case of necessity by rotating the roller system, the curtain moves downwards and reaches the floor and prevents the movement of smoke and fire and when it is not necessary to position its original He will return and be reunited with the Gospel of Revelation.
The end of the curtains has a metal rod consisting of two angles connected using bolts that are in full contact with the floor when the curtain is closed. The metal bar and curtain material are designed to easily fit into the side guides and prevent the pressure caused by fire.[1]
Figure 8: An example of fire retardant curtains and its components[1,6,8]
Smoke and fire curtains are activated when the alarm system is turned on manually or automatically, or long term access to electricity or detecting a defect in the wiring system. Due to the fact that during a fire, the interior of the building is filled with smoke in a few minutes and the smoke is much faster than the evacuation process, so in the early stages, the fire and smoke curtains are designed to reach a predetermined height above the floor and prevent the spread of smoke after the required time. Designed to evacuate the occupants based on fire strategies, the curtain is lowered to the floor and prevents smoke or fire from spreading for several hours [1].
Among the features in fire and smoke proof curtain systems is the ability to safely break (failing)[1] of these equipment. This concept in engineering means that the equipment used in the event of failure of any component of the system (e.g. equipment failure, lack of power supply, etc.) has an inherent function in such a way that the least amount of damage is done to other environmental equipment or people. In the case of fire curtains, this capability is that even if the steering system does not reach the steering system or in the event of a power outage, the curtains will physically and under their weight move down and maintain their performance. The automatic fire resistant curtain with 5 weight movementsystem was patented by Coopers in 1983 and is now used in other smoke and fire curtains worldwide.
[1] Fail Safe
Figure 9: How fire and smoke curtains work in times of fire [8,1]
Research Method and Logic Modeling and Analysis of Fire Spread
The Dynamic Fire Modeling Method (FDS) [1] is a tool for modeling and predicting fire and fire behavior as well as investigating patterns of its spread. This method utilizes the relationships and computational formulas of fluid mechanics to predict fire behavior based on user-introduced parameters. Fire behaves in spite of its complexity using computational relationships, physical relationships and chemical formulas derived from such fields as fluid dynamics, energy conversions from combustion of materials, etc. It is explainable and verified. With the resulting advances in this computational logic have been presented in the form of graphical software called "Dynamic Fire Simulator"[2] and "Display"[3] which has been used all over the world by researchers and researchers to investigate and model the behavior of fire and smoke and fact-checking analysis with real models for different materials and situations around the world [1].
Today, the issue of building safety against fire and fire and ways to prevent it, as well as methods of controlling and predicting the spread of fire due to its very complex behavior is of great importance, which has attracted the attention of a large number of scientists and research institutes. Dynamic fire simulator model is able to predict the amount of smoke, temperature, carbon monoxide and other materials and fluids produced from the fire process and also has the ability to explain the pattern of expansion and distribution of each particle using computational relationships. The results of this modeling and analysis are used in assessing the safety of buildings before construction and optimizing engineering designs in the early stages, as well as evaluation of retrofitting and retrofitting methods for existing buildings, investigation and modelling after fire accident for accidents and assisting fire fighting training [1,5].
The method of dynamic fire simulation has been developed by the National Association of Standards and Technology. This method simulates fire scenarios using computational fluid dynamics optimized for low speeds and heat exchanger currents and has high flexibility that can model a range of fire types from stove flames to massive flames of fuel tank fires. This method also covers the capability of modeling conditions without the presence of a flame such as modeling air conditioning inside the building.
[6] Fire Dynamics Simulator
[7] Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS)
[8] Smokeview
INVESTIGATION OF FIRE CURTAIN BEHAVIOR AND FIRE SIMULATION IN FDS METHOD
In order to investigate the behavior and performance of fire retardant curtains, computer modeling has been carried out using FDS logic[1]. In this modeling، a two-storey building with a middle opening is considered in the ceiling. On the second floor around the opening, there is an environment for the residents to pass and escape. The surrounding walls are made of rigid materials and a confined environment for smoke and gases from the fire.
FIGURE 10: TWO-STOREY BUILDING MODELING WITH CENTRAL OPENING IN SIMULATION SOFTWARE [11,2] FDS
In order to model a fire box with dimensions of 1 meter by 1 meter by 60 cm in height on the first floor is modeled which is the source of toxic gases along with smoke and flames. The amount of heat produced by this source is 1000 kW/m² [1] the emission value of the source is assumed to be 0.9[3,9 ].
Figure 11: The source of fire and fire generation in modeling
Simulation of fire has been done in two scenarios in which fire and fire continue without the presence of the fire curtain and smoke from the fire are scattered throughout the building, and in the second scenario the fire and smoke curtain is considered around the roof opening, and it is taken against the spread of smoke and fire in the passage space of the second floor. The blue space in Figure 11 shows the position of the fire curtains in the model.
Findings and results of modeling and analysis
THE AMOUNT OF VARIATION FOR DIFFERENT PARAMETERS RESULTING FROM THE FIRE IS INVESTIGATED WITHIN 200 SECONDS AFTER THE START OF THE FIRE AND SHOWN IN FIGURE 12 FOR THE SCENARIO WITHOUT THE FIRE CURTAIN. CHANGES FOR 1, 40, 100 AND 200 SECONDS ARE DISPLAYED FROM RIGHT TO LEFT, RESPECTIVELY. THE FIRST ROW INDICATES THE HEAT SPREAD (HRRPUA) CAUSED BY THE FLAME OF THE SECOND ROW OF TEMPERATURE ON THE PAGE OF THE THIRD ROW OF SMOKE AND TOXIC PARTICLES FROM THE FIRE AND THE FOURTH ROW INDICATES THE TEMPERATURE OF THE WALLS CAUSED BY FIRE.
Figure 12: Variations of the fire source at different times since the start of the fire a) Heat Release Rate Per Area (HRRPUA) B) Temperature in the room as smoke and particles spread at different times c) Smoke and particle spread pattern at different times after the start of the fire d) Temperature of the model walls at different times
Figure 13: Variations of the fire source at different times from the start of the fire using fire and smoke curtains A) Heat Release Rate Per Area (HRRPUA) B) Temperature in the room due to the spread of smoke and particles at different times c) Pattern of smoke and particles spreading at different times after the start of the fire d) The temperature of the model walls at different times
By comparing the scenarios analyzed, it is observed that if there are fire curtains and smoke, the air temperature in the upper corridor position is controlled to a great extent, creating more favorable conditions for pedestrians who use to escape the exit of the corridor. In the first model (Figure 12), it is observed that the air temperature in the upper corridor reached 200 °C after 100 seconds from the start of the fire and it is observed that the spread of smoke and particles from the burning of the material is so high that it is not possible for residents to pass through the corridor easily. By comparing the fourth row that shows the temperature of the walls for different time intervals, it can be seen that in the initial model (Figure 12), the temperature of the walls has reached to 75 to 80 degrees, which indicates the heat transfer of fire through smoke and fluid caused by fire, while in the second model (Figure 13) despite the fire curtains, this value is at zero Resistor of fire curtains for the passage of heat and smoke.
In order to investigate the difference between heat and smoke in different parts of the building، equipment and sensors in the model are considered for the first and second floors. Smoke detector is used for each floor as shown in Figure 14 of the equipment position.
Figure 14: Position of smoke and heat sensors on the floors
The studies show a huge difference in the temperature and the amount of smoke and emissions in the two points compared as shown in Figure 15. The temperature for the smoke-free space has increased to 45 degrees in 200 seconds, but in the space with a protective curtain, the temperature increase is negligible.
Figure 15: Changes in temperature and amount of smoke particles for classes by comparing sensors in models
The second row is the diagrams of thermocouples (Figure 15) that show the temperature of gases and smoke particles in the space that the difference of 100 °C is observed in the same time period. The amount of changes in smoke particles also shows a significant increase and due to the high resistance of fire and anti-smoke curtains and the imperviousness of these equipments, the amount of changes is equal to zero.
Discussion and Conclusion
Due to the growing rout of the construction industry and the necessity of considering fire regulations and increasing the safety of residents against fire, technology and new facilities are being developed to empower more and more engineers to predict and model fire behavior and consider the effects and consequences of fire. One of the most efficient tools for fighting fire and smoke is the use of fire and smoke proof curtains, which due to the material made with new technologies and the high resistance of these materials directly exposed to fire is a very suitable option for use in different applications. Due to the convenience of installing and equipping these systems can also be used in buildings designed and implemented as fire retardants. Due to the increasing use of these systems due to more coordination with architectural design and the reduction of the limitations of the old methods, more applications for these products have been provided, including horizontal curtains between floor openings and special curtains for elevator and stairs spaces.
The use of these systems taking into account the requirements of the regulations and based on calculations carried out in the fire strategies will increase the safety of the environment and also increase the safety of life for the occupants. The high resistance of these systems prevents the spread of fire and smoke and toxic particles in the space and creates safety environments for evacuation and evacuation of occupants. In the results, it is also observed that these equipment makes the escape route safer for residents and does not allow the passage of heat, smoke and toxic gases.
Authors
Seyyed Mohsen Mousavi Ghieh Gheshlaghi1 ,2ray Kerry, 3Jay Darvill, Seyed Peyman Mousavi Qeyeh Gheshlaghi4, Ghazaleh Razdar5
1 Deputy of Engineering of Tadbiraskan Company, M.Sc. in Civil Engineering - Earthquake Engineering, K. N. Toosi University, Tehran, Iran
2Technical Director of Coopers Fire Co. Manufacturer of Fire and Smoke Proof Curtains
3Marketing and Sales Manager of Coopers Fire Co. Manufacturer of Fire and Smoke Proof Curtains
4Managing Director of Tadbir Askan Company, Ph.D. in Civil Engineering and Structural Engineering, K. N. Toosi University, Tehran, Iran
5Head of Fire Engineer Department of Tadbir Askan Company, B.Sc. in Physics, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
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