Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Table of Contents
Page
List of Figures
Fig. 1. Automatic hinged damper at junction of branch duct with main vertical duct. .................................. 4
Fig. 2. Fire damper requirements at duct shafts and other fire separations ................................................. 4
Fig. 3. Typical smoke control arrangement by using pressurization-exhaust method. ................................ 5
Fig. 4. Automatic fire door in duct at major fire separation. Duct to be independent of fire separation. ...... 6
Fig. 5. Automatic hinged damper at interior fire cutoff .................................................................................. 6
Fig. 6. Louvered automatic damper ............................................................................................................... 7
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1-45 Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems
Page 2 FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets
Fig. 7. Combination fire and smoke dampers. (Courtesy of Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning
Contractors National Association, Inc.) ............................................................................................... 8
Fig. 8. Typical smoke-control arrangement for filter fires (plan view) ........................................................... 9
Fig. 9. Mode of operation of the air conditioning system in case of fire in the filters ................................. 10
Fig. 10. Psychrometric chart showing cooling and reheating ...................................................................... 13
Fig. 11. Typical smoke control arrangement by pressurizing the protected area (plan view) ..................... 14
Fig. 12. Panel filters, permanent (Courtesy of American Air Filter Co.) ...................................................... 17
Fig. 13. Dry-type extended surface filters (bag type) (Courtesy of American Air Filter Co.) ...................... 18
Fig. 14. Moving-curtain viscous or dry impingement automatic roll filters
(Courtesy of American Air Filter Co.) .............................................................................................. 18
Fig. 15. Automatic self-cleaning viscous air filters (Courtesy of American Air Filter Co.) ........................... 19
Fig. 16. Electronic air filters (Courtesy of American Air Filter Co.) .............................................................. 20
Fig. 17. Electronic air filters with extended surface filter storage section
(Courtesy of American Air Filter Co.) .............................................................................................. 20
Fig. 18. Electronic air filters with automatic roll filter storage section (Courtesy of American Air Filter Co.) . 21
List of Tables
Table 1. Inspection and Maintenance Schedules ........................................................................................ 12
1.0 SCOPE
This data sheet provides guidelines to prevent or restrict the spread of fire, smoke, and heat through air
conditioning and ventilating systems. It also provides some general guidance on smoke control systems.
These guidelines are particularly applicable to occupancies that are highly susceptible to smoke damage.
These include large commercial and public buildings, stores and shopping centers, healthcare facilities, data
processing areas, clean areas, printing operations, textile processing, photographic material processing, food
processing, pharmaceutical, and electronic and semi-conductor industries.
Guidelines also are provided to prevent damage or business interruption resulting from excess humidity or
moisture from contaminating hospital operating and surgical supply rooms caused by air conditioning chillers.
For information regarding the contamination of clean rooms refer to Data Sheet 7-7/17-12, Semiconductor
Fabrication Facilities, and Data Sheet 1-56, Cleanrooms.
1.1 Changes
January 2012. Clarified the use of Class1/Class 2 air filters per revised UL listing process. Added detail on
MERV ratings for filters.
2.1.1 Ducts
2.1.1.1 Use ducts constructed of steel, aluminum, concrete, masonry, or FM Approved materials. Do not
use foam plastics, which will generate additional smoke in a fire.
2.1.1.2 Construct duct linings and coverings (including thermal insulations) of noncombustible or
FM Approved material. Do not install internal duct linings constructed of foam plastic. Interrupt the lining at
fire dampers so as not to interfere with their operation. Also, interrupt the lining and coverings at the heat
source area in a duct system containing electric resistance or fuel burning heaters. An alternative is to provide
a clear space of the liner near fire dampers or heat source areas.
2.1.1.3 Do not extend duct coverings through walls or floors that need a fire-resistive rating.
2.1.1.4 An attic, basement, or concealed space may be an integral part of a duct system, but protect it from
fire hazards that may expose the duct system.
2.1.1.5 Do not use hallways as plenums.
2.1.1.6 Provide a minimum 6 in. (150 mm) clearance between metal ducts and stored combustible material.
Provide a minimum 2 in. (50 mm) clearance between metal ducts and combustible construction.
2.1.1.7 Where ducts pass through walls and floors serving as fire subdivision, limit the opening in the
construction around the duct to no larger than 12 in. (13 mm) average clearance on all sides. Seal the opening
with FM Approved penetration fire stop material to obtain a rating equal to that of the wall or floor.
2.1.1.8 Protect ducts that pass through concealed spaces of combustible construction or that are located
inside combustible partitions or walls with 14 in. (6 mm) noncombustible insulating material, or maintain a
minimum clearance of 2 in. (50 mm) between ducts and all combustible construction. Fill the spaces between
the ducts and the combustible construction solidly with brick, mineral wool, or other noncombustible material.
Maintain the integrity of firestopping at penetrations.
2.1.1.9 Enclose ducts that pass through more than one floor needing protection of vertical openings with
walls having a fire rating equal to that of the floors. A fire-resistive shaft used as a duct need not be additionally
enclosed (Figs. 1, 2 & 3).
a) The enclosure of ducts is not required for branches that are cut off from the main portion of the duct
by fire dampers (Fig. 2).
b) When ducts extend through only one floor, and fire dampers are installed at each point where the floor
is penetrated, the fire dampers may be used in lieu of the enclosure.
Fig. 1. Automatic hinged damper at junction of branch duct with main vertical duct.
Fig. 2. Fire damper requirements at duct shafts and other fire separations
c) Do not locate two or more ducts serving separate floors within the same fire-resistive enclosure unless
fire dampers are installed where each branch extends from the enclosure.
2.1.1.10 Do not install ducts adjacent to unprotected structural members. To be effective, fireproof structural
members before adjacent ductwork is installed.
2.1.1.11 Design and install ducts in accordance with national trade association specifications.
Note: The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association Inc. (SMACNA) publishes
design and installation specifications for metal and fibrous glass ducts.
2.1.1.12. Identify air conditioning and ventilating systems that support critical processes or storage that, if
unable to function properly, would cause significant exposures from interrruption to operations or product
Fig. 3. Typical smoke control arrangement by using pressurization-exhaust method. Fire is in Floor No. 3. Dampers SD1,
SD2, SD4, SD5, and ED3 remain open. Dampers SD3, ED1, ED2, ED4, and ED5 will close. (section view)
spoilage (example: electronic data processing, telecommunications). Inspect and test these systems as
outlined in Section 2.4 with records maintained on file.
Fig. 4. Automatic fire door in duct at major fire separation. Duct to be independent of fire separation.
a) FM Approvals does not presently Approve fire or smoke dampers. Equip walls that have less than
three hours fire resistance with automatic fire dampers of either the solid or louvered type (Figs. 1,
5 & 6).
b) Install automatic fire dampers either at the outlet and inlet openings in the main vertical duct, or
at the duct penetration in walls or floors serving as fire subdivisions (Fig. 2).
c) For solid type dampers, use No. 16 U.S. ga (1.6 mm) steel on ducts up to 18 in. (455 mm) in diameter
or longest dimension, No. 12 U.S. ga (2 mm) for ducts up to 36 in. (910 mm) in diameter or longest
dimension, and No. 7 U.S. ga (4 mm) for ducts above 36 in. (910 mm) in diameter or longest dimension.
d) Construct louvered-type automatic dampers of No. 18 U.S. ga (1.3 mm) steel, provided the
individual louvers are not over 6 in. (150 mm) wide.
2.1.2.4 When duct smoke detectors are used for interlocking with fans, provide and arrange detectors as
outlined in Data Sheet 5-48, Automatic Fire Detection.
2.1.2.5 Arrange fire doors and fire dampers to close automatically, in the direction of the air movement
whenever possible, and to remain tightly closed upon operation of a fusible link, other FM Approved
heat-actuated devices, or FM Approved smoke detectors. Use fusible links with a temperature approximately
50F (28C) above the maximum temperature that would normally be encountered within the system, but
not less than 165F (74C).
2.1.2.6 Equip hinged fire doors and dampers with spring catches to hold them closed, with the pins of hinges
made of corrosion-resistant material.
2.1.2.7 When the damper is intended for both fire-stopping and smoke-stopping, use combination smoke
detectors (sensitive to both heat and smoke) for activation.
2.1.2.8 When fire dampers and doors are designed to serve the dual function of fire-stopping and smoke-
stopping, provide special features such as gaskets to ensure adequate sealing against any smoke leakage.
2.1.2.9 Design fire doors and dampers at duct openings in fire walls or at floor levels so the destruction of
the duct will not affect the operation of fire walls or dampers. This can be accomplished by mounting the units
in the fire wall or floor opening by a collar held in place with perimeter angles on each side of the opening.
Then the ductwork is brought into the collar but not through the opening (Figs. 1, 4, 5, 6 and 7).
2.1.5 Design
2.1.5.1 Provide emergency power for critical air conditioning and ventilating systems.
Fig. 7. Combination fire and smoke dampers. Operation: (A) Fire damper mode: high temperature
melts fusible link closing fire damper. (B) Smoke damper mode: smoke detector upon sensing
heat/smoke actuates damper motor to close damper. (Courtesy of Sheet Metal and Air
Conditioning Contractors National Association, Inc.)
2.2 Protection
2.2.1 In cases where there is the possibility of accumulating combustible contaminants in the noncombustible
filtering system, do the following:
a) Provide sprinkler protection in filter systems with capacities of 10,000 ft3/min (283 m3/min) and above.
Arrange the sprinklers to wet the entire surface of the filters upon operation. Install sprinklers on a deluge
system using ordinary-hazard pipe schedule. Activate the system by combination smoke detectors
(sensitive to heat and smoke) arranged in accordance with Data Sheet 5-48, Automatic Fire Detection.
b) To prevent smoke spread from the filters to the conditioned areas, do the following:
i) Provide a one-hour-rated fire door or damper downstream from the filters (Fig. 8). Arrange the door
or damper for closing by the activation of combination smoke detectors. Arrange the smoke detectors
in accordance with Data Sheet 5-48. Do not cross-zone the system. (The same detection system can
be used to activate the deluge system.)
ii) Install an exhaust fan to exhaust smoke to the outside in case of a fire in the filters. Activate the
exhaust fan by combination smoke detectors (Fig. 8).
iii) Arrange the supply and return fans of the air conditioning system to shut down on activation of
combination smoke detectors.
iv) Provide duct detectors in supply and/or return ducts as outlined in Data Sheet 5-48.
Note: These same combination smoke detectors can be used to activate the deluge sprinkler system.
c) Protect filters with capacity less than 10,000 ft3/min (283 m3/min) in accordance with Recommendation
No. 2.2.1 b above.
2.2.2 Protect combustible filters in an air conditioning system as follows:
a) Provide sprinkler protection in filtering systems with capacity over 5000 ft3/min (142 m3/min) in
accordance with Recommendation No. 2.2.1 a, with the exception that ordinary closed heads are
acceptable.
b) To prevent smoke spread from the filters to the conditioned areas, provide protection in accordance
with Recommendation No. 2.2.1 b.
c) Protect filters with capacity less than 5000 ft3/min (142 m3/min) in accordance with Recommendation
No. 2.2.1 b.
2.2.3 As an alternative to Recommendation No. 2.2.1 b, design the return-exhaust fan and other equipment
of the air conditioning system (dampers, etc.) to exhaust the smoke from a filter fire as shown by Figure
9.
2.2.4 Provide adequate sprinkler water drainage in the filter assembly when sprinklers are installed. (Refer
to Data Sheet 7-78, Industrial Exhaust Systems.) Provide a u-bend water seal in the drainage line as needed.
2.2.5 Do not introduce combustible environments and electrical wiring or combustible pneumatic tubing in
air conditioning ducts. However, when the presence of combustible materials in the air conditioning system
is absolutely necessary, or when the ducts themselves are combustible, provide sprinkler protection as
recommended in Data Sheet 7-78, Industrial Exhaust Systems.
2.2.6 Combustible exterior duct linings, e.g., thermal insulations of materials such as foamed plastic, require
protection. Building sprinkler protection is generally sufficient, although materials like elastomeric insulations
may need special treatment. In unsprinklered areas, one can provide a thermal barrier or submit the material
for risk service testing to assess its flammability.
Fig. 9. Mode of operation of the air conditioning system in case of fire in the filters
2.4.1 General
2.4.1.1 When FM Approved fibrous glass ducts are used, the following restrictions apply.
a) Use ducts only in horizontal installations.
b) Ensure the temperature of the air handled by the ducts does not exceed 250F (121C).
c) Ensure the maximum static pressure in the duct does not exceed 2 in. of water gauge (500 Pa).
d) Ensure the maximum air flow velocity in the duct does not exceed 2000 ft/min (610 m/min).
e) Do not use ducts for the purpose of smoke control.
f) When mounting equipment, dampers, control motors, etc., adequately reinforce and support the fibrous
glass duct system to accommodate the additional weight of material and equipment without damage to
the duct material.
g) Do not use fibrous glass ducts outdoors.
h) Use fibrous glass ducts only in areas of noncombustible construction and occupancy. In areas of
combustible construction or combustible loading, use fibrous glass ducts only if sprinkler protection is
provided in these areas, and the ducts are not used for smoke control.
2.4.1.2 Make ducts reasonably tight throughout with no openings other than those required for proper
operation and maintenance of the system. Wired glass is acceptable for inspection windows in ducts.
2.4.1.3 Construct plenums and ducts, other than vertical ducts, so the interior is accessible for cleaning
accumulations of dust and combustible material. Provide cleanout openings at approximately 20 ft (6 m)
intervals and at changes of direction. Removable grills are acceptable as cleanout openings. When plenums
pose fire and smoke hazards, provide protection as described in Recommendations 2.7 and 2.2.5.
2.4.1.4 Provide suitable hand-hole openings with tightly fitted covers near the fire doors or dampers to make
them accessible for inspection and maintenance.
2.4.1.5 Install fans to be readily accessible for inspection and maintenance. Secure these to substantial
supports.
2.4.1.6 Examine the fresh-air intake when ducts are inspected. Items to be noted are accumulations of
combustible material near the intake, presence of buildings or structures that may present, an exposure to
the intake allowing smoke and fire to be drawn in, and the operating condition of any automatic damper
designed to protect the opening against an exposure fire.
2.4.1.7 If accumulations of combustible material are noted, remove them immediately, and make
arrangements to avoid further accumulations. This could include things such as exposed plastic foam or
roofing tar within the HVAC condensate pans. Thereafter, make inspections more frequently. If newly erected
exposures are present, provide adequate protection at the intake.
2.4.1.8 Make quarterly inspections to determine the amount of dust and waste material in the ducts (both
discharge and return). If, after several inspections, such frequent inspection is found to be unnecessary, adjust
the interval between inspections to suit the conditions.
2.4.1.9 Clean ducts whenever inspection indicates the need. Cleaning may be by vacuum or hand brushing.
2.4.1.10 Clean cooling and heating coils, if necessary, at the time the ducts are cleaned.
2.4.1.11 Inspect plenum chambers quarterly. If, after several inspections, such frequent inspection is found
to be unnecessary, adjust the interval between inspections to suit the conditions.
2.4.1.12 Clean plenum chambers whenever inspection indicates the need. Do not use plenum chambers
for storage.
2.4.1.13 Keep all air filters free of excess dust and combustible material. Renew or clean unit filters when
the resistance to air flow has increased to two times the original resistance, or when the resistance has
reached a value of recommended replacement by the manufacturer. Use draft gauges of a type that will
operate a warning light or produce an audible signal when excessive dust loads have accumulated. If the
filters are of the automatic liquid-adhesive type, regularly remove sludge from the liquid-adhesive reservoir.
2.4.1.14 Never clean or re-use filters designed to be thrown away after use.
2.4.1.15 Check the system activating devices, such as fusible links, heat and smoke detectors, and electric
thermostats to see that they are not loaded with residue or otherwise impaired.
2.4.1.16 Have adequately trained personnel inspect and test heat and smoke detector systems. Follow
manufacturers or installers recommendations in maintaining, inspecting, and testing the equipment.
2.4.1.17 Arrange the overall system so that it can be adequately tested every six months by simulating
emergency-mode conditions.
2.4.1.18 Ensure all equipment requiring servicing and testing is readily accessible. Provide practical means
for adequate cleaning.
2.4.1.19 Inspect electrical equipment of automatic filters quarterly, observing the operation cycle to see that
the motor, relays, and other controls function as intended. Inspect drive motors and gear reductions at least
semiannually, and lubricate these when necessary.
2.4.1.20 Inspect fans and fan motors at least quarterly, and clean and lubricate when necessary. Do not allow
oil to run onto the fan blades. Check fans for alignment, and to see that they are running freely.
2.4.1.21 Examine automatic fan controls at least once a year to ensure they are in operable condition.
2.4.1.22 Examine each fire door and fire damper once a year to ensure it is in good operating condition,
giving special attention to hinges and other moving parts.
2.4.1.23 Never perform hot work operations on ductwork containing combustible deposits except as a last
resort, and then only after a thorough cleaning. Use the FM Global Hot Work Permit System for cutting and
welding (refer to Data Sheet 10-3, Hot Work Management).
2.4.1.24 Use an inspection form to obtain a thorough inspection. Ensure the form applies to the system or
systems involved, listing the items needing attention.
See Table 1 for a detail of many of the required inspections and tests for equipment associated with air
conditioning and ventilating systems.
2.5 Utilities
2.5.1 Install electrical wiring and equipment in accordance with the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70).
2.5.2 Install electric lights located within the equipment enclosure of the system in jacketed globes.
2.5.3 Ensure motors are readily accessible for inspection, lubrication, and maintenance.
Outside air at point 1 (80F, 80% RH) is cooled to point 2 (70F, 100% RH). The air is further cooled to the cooling coil
temperature at point 3 (50F, 100% RH). The dewpoint of the outside air at point 1 is 70F. If the air is not reheated (points 3 to
4), the inside air may be saturated. Fogging may occur if the outside air is admitted to the saturated room when the inside
temperature is below 70F.
a) Pressurization-Exhaust Method. The air conditioning system in this method is designed to switch to
a smoke control mode upon detection of smoke in the fire area (Fig. 3). This operation automatically puts
the fire area under exhaust, and areas adjacent to the fire into supply. To accomplish this, ensure the
return-exhaust damper(s) in the fire area remain open, and the supply damper(s) close on smoke detection.
In all other areas adjacent to the fire, ensure the supply dampers remain open and the exhaust-return
dampers close on smoke detection. The intent is to prevent smoke spread to the adjacent areas of the
fire and purge the smoke from the fire area via exhaust (Fig. 3).
b) Pressurization Method. The pressurization method can be used to protect a property against smoke
damage from exposure fires. This can be accomplished by designing the air conditioning system of the
exposed property to pressurize it by maintaining the supply damper(s) in the open position and closing the
exhaust damper(s) on smoke detection (Fig. 11).
Fig. 11. Typical smoke control arrangement by pressurizing the protected area (plan view)
2.7.2 Design the smoke-control system to maintain the areas adjacent to the fire area with a pressure of at
least 0.20 in. water gauge (50 Pa) higher than the fire area.
2.7.3 Activate the smoke-control system by using FM Approved smoke detectors located within the zone
covered by the specific smoke-control system. Arrange the type, location, and spacing of detectors in
accordance with Data Sheet 5-48, Automatic Fire Detection.
2.7.4 Evaluate duct materials and other air conditioning equipment for their fire hazards, their ability to convey
smoke and gases, their ability to withstand additional pressure (both positive and negative) from the supply
and exhaust systems, and their ability to maintain structural integrity under fire exposure conditions. See
guidelines for suitable materials in Data Sheet 7-78, Industrial Exhaust Systems.
2.7.5 Ensure dampers used for the smoke control arrangement have the dual function of stopping both fire
and smoke, and are equivalent to the fire resistance rating of the assembly (Fig. 7).
2.7.6 Do not pass supply and exhaust ducts serving one smoke zone through another smoke zone, unless
they are enclosed in a fire-smoke resistant enclosure (Fig. 3).
3.2.3.1 Plenums
A plenum is an air compartment or chamber in which one or more ducts are connected, and which forms
part of an air-distribution system.
Plenums generally are constructed of galvanized steel or aluminum. However, the space above suspended
ceilings or below raised floors is frequently used as a supply, return, or exhaust plenum to reduce the amount
of sheet metal work. The plenum chamber is connected with the conditioned area by openings through either
the floor or ceiling. These spaces may be insulated and they are generally used to run electrical wiring and
other auxiliary services. When a fire occurs in this occupancy, fire and smoke may spread to the conditioned
area.
The fibrous glass duct can be used in mechanical air-handling systems that operate from -2 to 2 in. (-500
to 500 Pa) water gage static pressure with a conveying velocity of 2000 ft/min (610 m/min) or less. This type
of system is known as a low-pressure ductwork system.
Space limitations in modern buildings have restricted the size of air conditioning ducts. Therefore, high
velocities must be employed to convey the necessary volume of air. The increased velocities are accompanied
by higher duct friction losses. In order to maintain flow against the higher duct friction, it is necessary to have
greater pressures at the air source and through the ducts.
The terms high velocity and high pressure refer to design and construction requirements for a velocity
above 2000 ft/min (610 m/min) and static pressure above 2 in. (500 Pa) or below -2 in. (-500 Pa) water gage.
Smoke removal systems usually operate within this high-velocity range; fibrous glass ducts are suitable only
for low-pressure duct work systems, and thus, not for smoke removal purposes.
3.2.3.4 Filters
Noncombustible filters can collect combustible dust and lint during normal air conditioning operation.
Therefore, the combustibility and smoke generation of a filter after a period of service partly depends on the
nature and quantity of contaminants collected. Consequently, each case must be evaluated individually.
The most common types of filters used in modern air conditioning systems are panel filters (Fig. 12), dry-type
extended surface filters (bag type) (Fig. 13), automatic moving-curtain viscous or dry impingement filters
(Fig. 14), automatic self-cleaning viscous air filters (Fig. 15), and electronic air filters (Figs. 16, 17 & 18).
Fig. 12. Panel filters, permanent (Courtesy of American Air Filter Co.)
Minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) ratings are used to quantify the ability of an air conditioning filter
to remove dust from the air as it passes through the filter and as a means of evaluating filter efficiency. Higher
MERV ratings mean fewer dust particles pass through the filter. MERV ratings range from 1 to 16. Filters
typically used for residences are often in the 1 to 4 MERV range and usually disposable filters. Filters for
commercial and industrial use are typically in the 9 to 12 MERV range. Hospitals and other very clean
environments will use filters in the 13 to 16 MERV range.
Fig. 13. Dry-type extended surface filters (bag type) (Courtesy of American Air Filter Co.)
Fig. 14. Moving-curtain viscous or dry impingement automatic roll filters (Courtesy of American Air Filter Co.)
Fig. 15. Automatic self-cleaning viscous air filters (Courtesy of American Air Filter Co.)
Fig. 16. Electronic air filters (Courtesy of American Air Filter Co.)
Fig. 17. Electronic air filters with extended surface filter storage section (Courtesy of American Air Filter Co.)
Fig. 18. Electronic air filters with automatic roll filter storage section (Courtesy of American Air Filter Co.)
The air-conditioning system can spread smoke rapidly, and is normally shut down in the event of fire. However,
special operating modes, other than shutdown, may be devised in particular situations to help restrict the
spread of fire and smoke (Figs. 3 & 10). Such systems must be designed with a knowledge of the fire and
smoke situations that may occur, of the dominant mechanisms of smoke movement, delineation of smoke
control objectives, and building air leakage characteristics. (See Recommendation No. 2.4.6.)
The sprinkler alarm may be interconnected with the smoke control system to activate this system in case
the smoke and heat detectors fail.
the form of pockets or V-shaped pleats. In other designs, the medium may be self-supporting because of
inherent rigidity or because air flow inflates it into extended form (Fig. 13). When the filters are filled with dirt,
they are discarded and replaced with clean media.
3.7.2 Electronic Air Filters with Extended Surface Filter Storage Section
The filter consists of a close-coupled agglomerator section and a storage section (Fig. 17). The agglomerator
section contains the all-aluminum plates. The ionizer voltage is 12.0 KV and the plate voltage 5.8 KV. All
insulators are shielded from the dirty air stream.
The storage section consists of 2 by 2 ft (0.6 by 0.6 m), high-efficiency, dry-type replaceable cartridges. The
cartridges are made of fiberglass fibers, supported on the air-leaving side by flexible scrim. This prevents
the metal boxes from closing the grid. The replaceable cartridges are collapsible and do not require storage
space of more than 2 by 2 by 4 ft (0.6 by 0.6 by 1.2 m) per cartridge.
Minute dust particles are electronically attracted and adhere to each other on the dry plates of the
agglomerator section. As the trapped dust particles build up (agglomerate) on the collector plates, the mass
increases until the accumulation is swept off the plates by the air stream. Dirt is then carried onto the media
in the storage section.
3.7.3 Electronic Air Filters with Automatic Roll Filter Storage Section
The unit consists of an agglomerator section and storage section combined into one integral filter (Fig. 18).
The electronic precipitation principle employed in the agglomerator section is a method of removing dust
and smoke from the air by electrical attraction. This is accomplished by imposing an electrostatic charge of
definite polarity on the dust particle through ionization, and collecting the charged particles on metal plates
of opposite polarity.
Minute dust particles are electrostatically attracted and adhere to each other on the dry plates of the
agglomerator section. As the trapped dust particles build up on the collector plates, the mass increases until
the accumulation is swept off the plates by the air stream. This accumulation is then carried onto the bonded
glass fiber media of the storage section.
The glass fiber blanket is fed automatically in small increments down the face of the storage section from
a roll at the top. The used media and accumulated dirt are wound tightly into a compact roll at the bottom.
The used roll is discarded and replaced with a new one.
Though the filtering medium itself may be noncombustible, in some cases, combustible dust and lint may
accumulate in the filters during normal operations. This may cause substantial increase of the fire hazard in
the air conditioning system.
4.0 REFERENCES
4.1 FM Global
Data Sheet 1-22, Maximum Foreseeable Loss
Data Sheet 1-23, Protection of Openings in Fire Subdivisions
Data Sheet 1-56, Cleanrooms
Data Sheet 5-48, Automatic Fire Detection
Data Sheet 7-7/17-12, Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities
Data Sheet 7-78, Industrial Exhaust Systems
Data Sheet 10-3, Hot Work Management
4.2 Other
NFPA 70, National Electrical Code
NFPA 90A, Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems
UL 586, Standard for High Efficiency, Particulate, Air Filter Units
UL 900, Standard for Safety Air Filter Units