Pressure differential system

Pressure differential systems are widely accepted to be the safest way of controlling smoke in buildings, but have become less frequently specified because of the associated difficulties in design, commissioning, and upkeep.

The fundamental principle of pressurisation systems is that by maintaining a higher pressure in the protected area when doors are closed, or by providing a set air movement (face velocity) across an open door, smoke cannot enter the protected area. The issue has been how to maintain this precise air flow and how to accurately compensate for natural leakage (losing the pressure) without system overreaction - causing too higher pressures, or insufficient airflow. Then there are also the more mundane, but highly important factors of siting and then providing on-going maintenance for pressure relief dampers and terminals. As a result, the superior and far safer pressurisation system has tended to be avoided wherever possible. Until now.

Advanced Smoke Group, leaders in pressurisation systems, researched this extensively to find out how to keep the safety advantages and remove the problems. The result is the RTC Smokeclear system, which has LABC Registered Details certification.

By controlling the system in real-time, it does not need to be reactive to conditions. There is no requirement for pressure relief dampers or terminals – and consequently no space needed to accommodate them, nor ongoing maintenance, nor balancing of dampers to maintain pressure. Air movement across doors is extremely accurately maintained – regardless of whether the door/s are open or partially open. Door slamming due to pressure imbalance does not occur. The ease of commissioning, and the ability to retrofit to older builds, makes RTC Smokeclear extremely versatile in its application.

There are many other advantages. RTC Smokeclear systems can be self-testing, recording test results to ensure system integrity is always maintained. Any problems (or even potential problems) can be automatically sent to the maintenance contractor / building owner to ensure prompt action to repair or pre-empt any issues.

For more information contact Advanced Smoke Group on 0116 271 6861, or send an email to mail@advancedsmoke.co.uk

LABC Registered Details, now known as LABC Assured (as of March 2019), is a one-off certification process proving compliance with building regulations and standards across England, Wales & Scotland. Registering your product, system or house type with LABC increases industry confidence while also raising the profile of your company.

Please Note: Every care was taken to ensure the information was correct at the time of publication. Any written guidance provided does not replace the user’s professional judgement. It is the responsibility of the dutyholder or person carrying out the work to ensure compliance with relevant building regulations or applicable technical standards.