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Why EI45 fire rated ductwork is the gold standard in modern construction

WHY EI45 FIRE DUCTS ARE THE GOLD STANDARD IN MODERN CONSTRUCTION

1. Introduction

In the context of rapid urbanization and the development of high-rise buildings, fire safety is always a top priority. Statistics from the Fire Prevention and Fighting Police Department (Ministry of Public Security) show that every year in Vietnam, thousands of fires occur, causing serious damage to people and property. Of these, toxic smoke from fires is the main cause of death, accounting for 70% of deaths in fires. This is the reason why smoke control systems, including fire-resistant ducts, play an important role in ensuring the safety of building users.

EI45 fire-resistant ductwork, with its effective fire resistance for 45 minutes, has become the gold standard trusted by construction experts. This article will analyze in detail the importance, technical standards, and outstanding benefits of the EI45 fire-resistant ductwork system in modern construction.

2. Concept and EI45 standards

2.1. Decoding the EI45 symbol

To understand the EI45 fireproof duct, we first need to clarify the meaning of this symbol:

  • E (Integrity): Ability to prevent fire and smoke from spreading through the structure
  • I (Insulation): Insulation ability, preventing heat from fire from transmitting through the structure
  • 45: Time in minutes that the system can maintain the above features under standard fire conditions

Thus, EI45 fire-resistant duct is a type of duct that can resist the spread of fire and heat for at least 45 minutes, enough for everyone in the building to evacuate safely and for firefighters to reach the scene.

2.2. Applicable standards

EI45 fire-resistant duct is designed and manufactured in accordance with a number of international and domestic standards:

  • Standard EN 1366-1: European standard for testing the fire resistance of technical components in buildings
  • Standard TCVN 9310-1:2012: Vietnamese standards on fire prevention and fighting for houses and buildings
  • QCVN 06:2022/BXD: National technical regulations on fire safety for houses and buildings

Compliance with these standards not only ensures product quality but also meets legal requirements for fire safety in construction.

3. Structure and characteristics of EI45 fireproof duct

3.1. Structure

EI45 fireproof ducts often have a complex multi-layer structure, including:

  • Galvanized steel layer: This is the basic layer, with a thickness of 0.8mm to 1.2mm depending on the pipe size, ensuring mechanical strength and corrosion resistance.
  • Insulation layer: Usually use ceramic fiber, mineral wool or other high temperature resistant insulation materials, with thickness from 30mm to 50mm
  • Reinforcement layer: Reinforcing bars and joints are specially designed to withstand thermal expansion in the event of fire.
  • Outer protective layer: Usually a layer of aluminum or galvanized steel to protect the inner insulation

3.2. Technical specifications

Fireproof duct EI45 has the following outstanding technical features:

  • Working temperature: Can withstand temperatures up to 1000°C for 45 minutes
  • Mechanical strength: Designed to withstand high pressure and not deform in case of fire
  • Soundproofing abilityThanks to the thick insulation layer, this air duct also has good sound insulation.
  • Long life: Constructed from durable materials, the system has a lifespan of 15-20 years when properly maintained.
  • Flexibility: Can be produced in many different sizes and shapes to suit each specific project

4. Compare EI45 with other standards

4.1. Comparison with EI30 and EI60

Criteria EI30 EI45 EI60
Fire resistance time 30 minutes 45 minutes 60 minutes
Thickness of insulation material 20-30mm 30-50mm 50-70mm
Investment costs Short Medium High
Suitable for construction type House, small office Shopping malls, hospitals, schools Special projects, high-rise buildings

It can be seen that EI45 represents the optimal balance between protection efficiency and investment cost. While EI30 may not be enough time for evacuation in large buildings, EI60 is expensive and unnecessary for many types of buildings.

4.2. Scope of application according to regulations

According to QCVN 06:2022/BXD and related standards, the selection of fire resistance standards depends on:

  • Building height: For houses from 25m to 50m, EI45 is a popular choice
  • Function of use: Public buildings such as schools and hospitals often require a minimum of EI45
  • Floor area: With large floor area, more travel time is required, requiring higher fire resistance standards
  • User density: Places with high population density require better fire protection standards

5. The role of EI45 fireproof duct in fire protection system

5.1. Smoke and heat control

In the event of a fire, toxic smoke is the greatest danger to human life. The EI45 fire-rated duct system plays an essential role in:

  • Prevent smoke from spreading between areas, creating safe zones
  • Remove smoke from fire areas, helping victims escape safely
  • Provide clean air to exits, creating positive pressure to prevent smoke from entering

5.2. Integration with other systems

EI45 fire-resistant duct does not operate independently but is part of the overall fire protection system, including:

  • Fire alarm system: Activate the duct control system when fire is detected
  • Automatic fire extinguishing system: Coordinate with water and gas spray systems to extinguish fires
  • Ventilation control system: Adjust the air flow to support fire fighting work
  • Fire door system: Form a complete fire prevention system

The harmonious coordination between these systems ensures maximum effectiveness in protecting life and property.

6. Application of EI45 fireproof duct in construction works

6.1. High-rise buildings and apartments

In high-rise buildings and apartments, EI45 fire-resistant ducts are widely used for:

  • Fire escape smoke extraction system
  • Ventilation system of corridors and escape routes
  • Fresh air supply system for evacuation areas
  • Connection between floors and technical areas

6.2. Shopping malls and public buildings

For large public spaces such as shopping malls, EI45 fire-resistant ducts play an important role in:

  • Divide space into independent fire zones
  • Create smoke escape routes for large areas
  • Protect main escape routes
  • Smoke control in high density areas

6.3. Hospitals and medical facilities

In medical facilities where patient evacuation is difficult, EI45 fire-resistant ducts play a particularly important role:

  • Protection of special treatment areas (ICU, operating room)
  • Create a temporary safe zone for patients who cannot move
  • Ensuring clean air for emergency areas
  • Prevent the spread of toxic fumes between functional areas

7. Economic and legal benefits of using EI45 fireproof duct

7.1. Economic benefits

Investing in EI45 fire-resistant ductwork systems brings many long-term economic benefits:

  • Insurance discount: Many insurance companies reduce premiums for projects using advanced fire protection systems.
  • Enhance the value of the project: Buildings with good security systems often have higher rental and sales prices.
  • Minimize damage when an incident occurs: Good fire control reduces property damage
  • Cost optimization: Compared with EI60, EI45 has lower cost but still meets safety requirements for most projects.

7.2. Compliance with legal regulations

Using EI45 fireproof duct helps investors:

  • Meet the requirements of the Fire Prevention and Fighting Law No. 27/2001/QH10 and its amendments.
  • Comply with QCVN 06:2022/BXD on fire safety for houses and buildings
  • Meet the conditions for being granted a construction permit and fire safety acceptance certificate
  • Avoid legal risks and sanctions for not meeting fire prevention requirements

8. Installation and acceptance process of EI45 fireproof air duct

8.1. Design and construction requirements

To ensure the effectiveness of the EI45 fire-resistant duct system, the design and construction must comply with the following requirements:

  • Design: Detailed drawings, flow calculations, pressure, and appropriate pipe diameters are required.
  • Material: Use the right type of certified materials with clear origin
  • Joint: Pay special attention to joints between pipe sections and at locations that penetrate walls and floors.
  • Reinforcement: The suspension and reinforcement system must be able to withstand the force in case of fire.
  • Protective layer: Ensure that the insulation is installed properly

8.2. Acceptance process

After installation, the EI45 fire-resistant duct system needs to be accepted according to the following steps:

  • Visual inspection: Evaluate the quality of joints, protective coatings, and auxiliary components
  • Technical Check: Measure flow, pressure, air tightness of the system
  • Test operation: Simulate emergency situations to test system response
  • Create a profile: Build a complete technical profile of the installed system

9. Maintenance and service life of EI45 fire-resistant duct system

9.1. Periodic maintenance mode

To maintain the working efficiency of the EI45 fire-resistant duct system, periodic maintenance is required:

  • Quarterly Check: Visual assessment of the external condition of the system
  • Check every 6 months: Detailed assessment of joints, protective layers and suspension systems
  • Annual inspection: Comprehensive testing for airtightness and performance
  • Replace specification: Components with limited life span such as gaskets and seals should be replaced according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

9.2. Lifespan and renovation

With proper maintenance, the EI45 fire rated duct system has an average life span of 15-20 years. However, after approximately 10 years of use, a comprehensive assessment should be conducted to consider retrofitting or upgrading the system to meet new standards and maintain optimal protection.

10. Development trends and improvements in fire-resistant duct technology

10.1. New materials

Current research is focused on developing advanced insulation materials for fire-resistant ductwork:

  • Aerogel material: Lighter but has higher insulation capacity
  • Nanomaterials: Enhanced fire resistance without significantly increasing weight
  • Modified materials: Ability to change properties when exposed to high temperatures, automatically enhancing fire resistance

10.2. Smart technology

Trends in integrating smart technology into fire-resistant duct systems:

  • Built-in heat and smoke sensor: Early detection of fire signs in the duct system
  • Automatic control system: Adjusts airflow based on real-time data
  • Remote monitoring: Monitor system performance and status via mobile apps
  • BIM (Building Information Modeling) Integration: Comprehensive system management throughout the life cycle of the project

11. Conclusion

The EI45 fire rated duct has established itself as the gold standard in modern construction thanks to its optimal balance between protection and investment costs. With the ability to stop the spread of fire and smoke for 45 minutes, this system provides sufficient time for evacuation and rescue in most fire situations.

Choosing and installing the right EI45 fire-rated duct system not only helps to comply with legal regulations but also brings long-term economic benefits. This is a worthy investment for the safety and sustainability of the construction project in the future.

With continuous advances in material technology and intelligent systems, EI45 fire-resistant ducts will continue to be improved to enhance efficiency and sustainability, continuing to play an important role in protecting human life and property from fire disasters.

Contact information

SAO VIET AIR DUCT MANUFACTURING AND TRADING COMPANY LIMITED

  • Address: 267 Le Thanh Tong, May Chai, Ngo Quyen, Hai Phong
  • Hotline:
    • Mrs. Hang: 0985239838
    • Mrs Giang: 0934559168
  • Customer Service: 0822555659
  • Website: www.onggiosaoviet.vn

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