Room
Integrity Testing Enclosures protected by gaseous
fire suppression systems should tested for air-tightness upon commissioning
of the system and annually thereafter. This is critical to ensure that
the system will work effectively when activated; too much air-leakage
will result in the concentration of the fire suppressant agent falling
too quickly.
Air Pressure Testing provide the necessary
Room Integrity Testing to the required NFPA 2001 or ISO 14520 methodologies.
We have extensive experience in testing all types and sizes of enclosure,
from server rooms in offices to hospital intensive care units
. In each case we carry out the necessary volumetric calculations
prior to the test and use calibrated test fan systems along with laptops
running complaint CA2001 software to determine results immediately upon
completion of test.
In the event of a failed test result, we will locate and record the
air leakage sites using smoke-puffers if permitted. We subsequently
provide full reports, incorporating all necessary data test information
and certification, usually within a few days of the test. This will
ensure that you have all of the required information to undertake accurate
remeadial works.
Remeadial
Works The majority of enclosure test failures are
caused by the lack of enclosure integrity or the ability of the enclosure
to adequately retain the extinguishant. The
correct initial design concentration is achieved but the enclosure is
not able to retain it for the required/ recommended
holding period.
Remedial work should then be undertaken to reduce the leakage from the
enclosure. This could include;
Sealing all
holes, cracks or penetrations leading into or out of the protected
space
Pipe chases
and cable trays to be sealed around the outside and inside where they
penetrate the perimeter boundaries of the enclosure
Walls to
be caulked around the inside perimeter at both high and low level
Sealing of
porous block walls
Addition
of door sweeps or drop seals, weather stripping around jambs
Sealing of
windows/glazed sections to the area
One
of the advantages of the sealing works being conducted whilst a test
kit is in place is that it can be seen if the works being conducted
are effective and, therefore, a positive result can invariably be achieved
(if this is possible).
Once the appropriate remedial work has been undertaken then the enclosure
should be retested to confirm if an acceptable level of integrity has
been reached.
Pressure Test Limited carry out remedial works and would be pleased
to submit a quotation should there be any doubts as to the enclosure's
ability to retain extinguishant or if a previous test has indicated a failure.
For further information on how to prepare for a
enclosure test please download our enclosure
test checklist
Air Test Services
Our company believes in working with our clients to achieve the best
possible results for an Air Test. We believe that
by being involved at the beginning of a project we can save our clients
expensive and difficult remedial works at the completion stage of a
project.