Gas tightness test - Fan Test
For a gas extinguishing system to function properly, it's essential that the protected room is sufficiently airtight.
A gas extinguishing system typically requires, according to NFPA 2001, ISO 14520, and NBN EN 15004-1 standards, a gas concentration measurement to verify the installation's conformity, proper functioning, and effectiveness in case of activation.
However, gas concentration measurements remain relatively expensive and difficult to implement (room occupancy, passages, gas evacuation after testing, etc.).
Therefore, these gas concentration measurements can be advantageously replaced by fan-test trials (also known as a gas tightness test, integrity test, or blower door test).
How does a fan-test work with our clients?
- A panel equipped with a fan is installed in place of the room's door.
- All interlocks planned for in case of extinguishing (fire dampers, ventilation, registers, etc.) must also be activated to simulate a real-life situation.
- The room is pressurized and then depressurized to take measurements.
- This allows for the estimation of the room's equivalent leaks and the calculation of the gas impregnation time in the room.
These fans will pressurize and depressurize the room, and all the data collected on the pressure gauges will determine how the extinguishing gas will behave (e.g., height of the air-gas interface as a function of time) in the room during the impregnation time.
In some cases, the conclusions of the tests may even lead to advice on how to ventilate during the impregnation time depending on the type of gas and the height of the combustible load. This is an essential test to ensure the adequacy and efficiency of a gas extinguishing installation.
Who can perform fan-test trials?
It is reminded that this test must be carried out by an independent inspection body (Type A) accredited by BELAC according to the EN ISO/IEC 17020 standard and having this type of measurement in its accreditation scope (as is the case for ANPI: Scope N° 003-INSP), and that a report from a company that does not meet this requirement cannot be taken into consideration. A detailed report of the measurements is also prepared.
You would like to receive further information about our test: inspections@anpi.be
You would like to receive a quotation: sales@anpi.be
