Method Statement for Field Smoke Test of Curtain Wall Service Penetrations.
- Introduction.
The goal is to assure there is no air leakage (and no
humidity) passing through the curtain wall system via serviced penetrations once the system is completed and
closed off.
The testing unit consists of a calibrated fan that is sealed
onto the unit entrance as well as handheld smoke generator device.
The fan creates a continuous flow of pressure into the unit
and smoke will be applied from inside the room on to the penetration’s specimen pre-selected by
consultant.
In the following sections detailed explanation related to
site preparation, testing, equipment, and post
analysis/report of the test along with other relevant information will
be presented.
- Field smoke testing method.
The testing procedure herein described is to assure quality
performance of applied sealant is resulted from
combination of fan pressurization and smoke test.
On the proposed test date, laboratory will conduct a final
survey of the selected rooms to verify that there are no unintended openings in the building envelope
and that site conditions are arranged so as to facilitate air movement as much as possible.
Connect the air-moving equipment to the building envelope
using a window, door, or vent opening. Ensure that the joints between the equipment and the
building are sealed to eliminate any leakage.
RETROTEC 3000R Series fans for this building test. The fans
are mounted in pre-fitted aluminum frames with a plywood blanking panel located utilizing the
front entrance door of the room.
The fan contains an integral flow measuring device with a
built in calibrated micro manometer which measured the pressure differential between the test
internal building envelope and the exterior.
Each room unit will be both pressurization and
de-pressurization.
During pressurization the room will be positively
pressurized with air and smoke generator will be applied from interior on the service penetrations to
observe any leakage at room exterior.
During de-pressurization, air ex-filtration (air movement
from interior into exterior) will create a negative pressure difference while the smoke generator will be
applied to the samara area from outside of the room. During de- pressurization
any possible leakages will be observed from interior of the room.
Selected service penetrations shall be inspected during
pressurization (and de-pressurization).
Test should run for 7-10 minutes (once positive and once
negative) until the parameter is achieved.
Should the results of the test prove within the parameter
then the test will be deemed passed.
Should the result show any smoke leakage through the
selected service penetrations the test deemed as failure.
Photography of the proof of any leakage will be recorded in
the report.
- Important Notes During Air Tightness Testing.
Laboratory would require onsite a competent and qualified
person (or persons) familiar with the building that can also provide the necessary access to required
areas of the building. This person would
also be responsible for advising on any health
and safety requirements while on site. Laboratory will provide competent
testing supervision at all times.
Laboratory proposes to use smoke (vapor) path analysis to
further study and spot check typical air leaks if they are revealed by the fan pressurization test.
If fire suppression systems are in place at the time of the test, this process may require the temporary shutdown of
building and /or unit smoke detection systems in selected areas. Fire detection systems shutdowns will be
conducted and supervised by qualified building personnel who will also inform the relevant authorities as required.
Laboratory cannot undertake any responsibility if emergency service or other authorities attend during the
test.
- Data analysis & reports.
The survey report will provide the attested test results for
Field Smoke Test of each room and will be
supplemented with photographic images as required. The report will be
submitted in PDF digital form.
- Test apparatus & instrumentation.
The following is a general description of the required
apparatus. Any arrangement of equipment using the same principles and capable of performing the
test procedure within the allowable tolerances shall be permitted.
Air-Moving Equipment—Fan, blower, HVAC air movement
component or blower door assembly that is
capable of moving air into and out of the conditioned space at required
flow rates ( at both positive and negative pressurization) under a range of
test pressure differences. The system shall provide constant airflow at each
incremental pressure difference at fixed pressure for the period required to
obtain readings of airflow rate. It is anticipated that RETROTEC 3000R Series
fans for the test. Site provided 220 V electrical power sources will be required
within 10 meters of proposed test fan locations.
Pressure-Measuring Device—Manometer or pressure indicator to
measure pressure difference with an Instrument capable of measuring pressure
differences with an accuracy of ± 2 Pa.
Airflow Measuring System—Device to measure airflow with an
accuracy of ± 7 % of the measured flow. The airflow measuring system shall be
recently calibrated.
Handheld Smoke Tracer Machine – handheld smoke generator
which operates via boiling and pumping
special made fluid which is safe with no respiratory side effects. The
smoke color is off-white to be visible
easily at any location being applied to.
Power requirement : 400 watts.
Voltage : 12 volt.
Heat up time : 1 second.
Fluid tank capacity : 250 ml.
Fluid consumption : 10ml/minute at continuous output.
Fog time with battery : 10ml/minute at continuous output or 150 x 5 sec burst.
Control : Start button 0-10v analog.
Temperature control : Micro- pressor.
Dimensions(L * W * H) : 22.3 *10.0 * 21.0 cm.
Weight includes of battery : 5.6 kg.