Fire-rated Ducts

Fire-rated Ducts

Standards for duct systems in fire protection have been significantly elevated following Decree 136 on the Law on Fire Prevention and Fighting, as well as National Technical Regulation QCVN 06:2023/BXD – Fire Safety for Buildings and Structures. Specifically, in addition to complying with TCVN 5687:2010 on ventilation and air conditioning design, smoke extraction ducts and channels must also meet fire resistance limits as per QCVN 06:2023/BXD. This means they must be constructed from non-combustible materials, with fire resistance limits specifically regulated for each area to ensure maximum safety.

Why Are EI Fire-Rated Ducts Necessary?

The ventilation system plays a pivotal role in the fire protection system of any building. In the event of a fire, this system not only needs to continue operating but also must perform special functions to support rescue efforts and minimize damage. This is precisely why the use of EI fire-rated ducts is extremely important.

1. Supporting Evacuation and Firefighting

The ventilation system, especially the smoke extraction system, plays a crucial role in removing smoke and toxic gases from a building. This helps to:

Improve Visibility: Dense smoke is one of the biggest obstacles during evacuation. Smoke extraction systems enhance visibility, allowing people to more easily find escape routes.
Reduce Smoke Inhalation Poisoning: Smoke contains many toxic gases that can cause suffocation and death. Smoke extraction systems help reduce the concentration of toxic gases in the air, increasing the chances of survival for trapped individuals.
Aid Firefighting Efforts: Removing smoke helps firefighters more easily access the fire and extinguish it more effectively. Auxiliary fan systems can be used to boost smoke extraction performance.

2. Preventing the Spread of Fire and Smoke

Regular ducts can act as conduits for fire and smoke, allowing a blaze to spread rapidly throughout a building. EI fire-rated ducts are specifically designed to prevent this by:

Preventing Smoke Dispersion Through the Ventilation System: EI ducts stop smoke from spreading from the fire area to other unaffected zones via the ventilation system, thus protecting those areas.
Preventing Fire Spread Through the Ventilation System: The fire-resistant materials of EI ducts prevent flames from traveling through the ventilation system, thereby minimizing the fire's extent.

3. Ensuring Integrity and Thermal Insulation

EI fire-rated ducts are designed to maintain:

Integrity (E): The duct will not deform, crack, or rupture under high temperatures, ensuring its ability to contain fire and smoke.
Thermal Insulation (I): The duct limits heat transfer through its walls, preventing the ignition of surrounding flammable materials and protecting adjacent areas from the effects of high temperatures.

As a result, EI fire-rated ducts allow the ventilation system to continue operating effectively in an emergency. They help control smoke and maximize its extraction from the building, protecting human lives and minimizing property damage.

EI Fire-Rated Gypsum Ducts: Safe and Durable for Buildings

In modern construction, EI fire-rated gypsum ducts have become a preferred choice for ventilation systems, especially in large-scale projects where safety is paramount. This product is trusted for its high fire and heat resistance, effectively preventing the spread of fire and smoke in the event of a blaze. Furthermore, its superior corrosion resistance helps the duct withstand oxidation, maintaining operational performance and extending the building's lifespan.

An Economical, Safe, and Sustainable Solution

Gypsum-based fire-rated ducts are not only outstanding in their fire resistance but also offer significant economic benefits. With readily available, stable, and affordable materials, coupled with a relatively straightforward manufacturing process, gypsum boards have a competitive price, making them suitable for a wide range of customers.

Notably, gypsum ducts are produced from safe materials that do not release harmful substances during manufacturing or use. This contributes to protecting human health and is environmentally friendly.

Furthermore, gypsum, with its non-combustible properties, is an ideal material for enhancing the fire resistance of ducts by directly encasing metal duct surfaces. Fire-rated gypsum-encased ducts not only possess superior fire and thermal insulation capabilities but also protect the ducts from corrosion and oxidation, thereby extending the system's lifespan.

The construction of fire-rated gypsum-encased ducts will be adjusted according to the specific fire resistance requirements of each project. Knauf provides flexible fire-rated duct encasement systems designed to meet the demands of investors, project owners, and design consultants.

Applications of EI Fire-Rated Gypsum Ducts

EI fire-rated gypsum ducts are increasingly favored in construction projects, especially large-scale ones, due to their special composition that meets stringent fire safety standards. Their popularity stems from their diverse applications and practical benefits. EI fire-rated gypsum ducts are effectively used in several critical building systems, including:

Fire-rated duct systems: This is the core application, ensuring the ability to prevent fire spread through the ventilation system.
Fan boxes, wall linings, ceilings, and fire-rated partitions: EI ducts are used to protect other critical equipment and components from the effects of fire and heat.
Areas requiring sound insulation: In addition to fire resistance, gypsum also has good sound insulation properties, helping to reduce noise.
Pressurization systems: EI ducts are used in stairwell pressurization systems for emergency exits, ensuring a safe space for evacuees.
Ventilation systems in building basements: Basements are often difficult to escape from during a fire, and using EI ducts helps control smoke and facilitates evacuation.
Air conditioning systems in buildings: Ensures that the air conditioning system does not become a conduit for fire and smoke in an emergency.

In fire prevention and fighting, material selection goes beyond just fire resistance; it also needs to consider health safety. Many common fire-resistant materials, when burned, produce thick black smoke containing dangerous toxic substances.

Knauf FireShield fire-resistant gypsum board offers an optimal solution with a dual benefit: effective fire resistance and health safety. The product does not produce toxic gases during a fire, ensuring user safety. The Green Label certification from Singapore is a testament to Knauf FireShield's commitment to quality and environmental friendliness.

To ensure optimal fire resistance for ventilation systems, the selection and installation of fire-rated ducts must strictly adhere to technical standards. Knauf provides fire-rated duct solutions designed to meet the most stringent requirements, along with professional technical support to help customers choose suitable products.

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