Fire Resistance of iP Pre-Insulated Ducts and Galvanized Ducts
Based on studies and research conducted by fire protection experts in Europe and the United States, materials used in the construction of structural elements in a building, such as walls, floors, ceilings, beams, and main columns, must be fire-resistant. Materials used in other parts of the building, such as pipes, ducts, cables, etc., must comply with international standards for smoke and fire propagation, ensuring all safety aspects are considered.
During a fire, the fire resistance of materials is evaluated from three perspectives, considering the element of time:
- Resistance and Stability (R)
- Fire and Gas Seal (E)
- Thermal Insulation (I)
These three factors, referred to as REI, define the fire resistance of a material. Generally, any material with an REI > 15 is considered fire-resistant. This value indicates the minimum duration of resistance for one of the three mentioned factors in minutes. The lowest number among R, E, and I determines the REI standard. For example, a material with E=60, I=30, and R=60 is considered fire-resistant for 30 minutes according to this standard.
It should be noted that due to the very high thermal conductivity of steel, this value for galvanized sheets is less than 3 minutes, which, contrary to common perception, is not fire-resistant. Additionally, regarding the strength and resistance of galvanized ducts, it is necessary to point out that due to their linear and surface expansion coefficient, during a fire and as the temperature rises moment by moment, these ducts detach from their connections. Their high weight causes the collapse of false ceilings and internal walls, posing life-threatening risks to individuals and further complicating rescue operations.
In contrast, pre-insulated ducts, due to their very low thermal conductivity (0.02 W/MK), resist temperatures up to 200°C. If they fall due to detachment from connections and supports, their very low weight does not cause any damage to false ceilings or internal walls, posing no danger to individuals in the space and not complicating rescue operations.
The panels produced by Insulation Pars Group, according to valid global certifications and technical certification from the Road, Housing, and Urban Development Research Center of Iran, are fire-resistant and do not propagate fire. They burn only at the point of contact with the flame, and the fire ceases immediately once the flame is removed. Pre-insulated ducts made with panels produced by Insulation Pars comply with the BS476 Parts 6 and 7 Class 0 standard for fire spread and the Resolution for IMO Application standard for smoke production and toxicity.
Overall, in any fire incident, pre-insulated ducts made with panels produced by Insulation Pars Group contribute less than 1% to the volume of fire and smoke in the burning environment. This ratio is much lower than the margin of error for determining the quantity of flammable items in an enclosed space and even exceeds fire resistance standards. As a result, PAL and iPduct ducts make a significant contribution to the overall safety of buildings.
Only international certifications issued by official bodies and laboratories can provide reliable assurance about the quality and value of a product. Moreover, the services provided by this company guarantee the proper construction of ducts according to the highest existing standards.