Full-Size of air curtains for smoke control in case of fire: final results

Abstract

This paper analyses the air curtains capability to be used to prevent the smoke flow from the fire compartments. Full size experiments have been developed and several relevant conditions to assess smoke-tightness have been tested. During the tests the air curtain’s diffuser was positioned horizontally in the top of a permanent opening (doors). With this configuration we have an approximately vertical descend jet through the used opening. This paper includes the final results of these tests. It was concluded that it is possible to obtain smoke-tightness, provided that the adequate parameters of the plane jet are adjusted in association with compartment’s smoke exhaust.