FUME CUPBOARDS FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS ......Fume cupboards - discharge ducting (with diameters typically between 250mm and 500mm dependent on type, number and setting out arrangements)

UCL Fire Technical Note - TN038a

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Date Last Amended: Apr 18 1.

Issued by - Fire Safety Manager, UCL Estates, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT - This guide is to be regarded as a general statement of requirements and is in addition to relevant British Standards or any other instructions received from the Local Fire or Building Control Authorities

Fire Safety Technical Note

FUME CUPBOARDS FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS - DESIGN AND CAUSE & EFFECT

Contents:

What both Designers & Principal Contractors need to know: .................................................................. 1

1.0. Fume Cupboard (FC) Design........................................................................................................... 1

2.0. Is Fume Cupboard Fire Suppression Required? ............................................................................. 2

3.0. Fume Cupboard Fire Suppression Manufacturer ........................................................................... 3

4.0. Fume Cupboard Fire Alarm Cause & Effect ................................................................................... 3

5.0. Pre-Installation and Order Information Requirements ................................................................... 4

6.0. Retrofitting Fume Cupboards with PAFSS ........................................................................................ 5

7.0. Fire Alarm Interfaces Details ............................................................................................................ 5

8.0. Miscellaneous ................................................................................................................................... 6

9.0. Attachments: ..................................................................................................................................... 6

What both Designers & Principal Contractors need to know:

1.0. Fume Cupboard (FC) Design 1.1. Fume cupboards - discharge ducting (with diameters typically between

250mm and 500mm dependent on type, number and setting out arrangements) should not be fitted with internal fire dampers (see BS EN14175-2:2003), but provided in fire resisting structure when passing through fire compartments, as any other services would:

Generally a ducting may be constructed using:

o Rigid polyvinylchloride (PVC) - this is the most widely used material where service temperatures up to 60°c, are envisaged;

o Polypropylene - polypropylene may be used where service temperatures up to 90°c, are envisaged or where organic solvents in condensate form may be present as the material burns readily when ignited by flame and drips as it burns;

o Moulded glass fibre/resin laminate (GRP) - GRP may be used for fume extract systems where a duct of high structural strength is required;

o Stainless steel and coated mild steel - stainless steel and coated mild steel are used when very high air temperatures are envisaged giving some degree of fire protection.




2.0. Is Fume Cupboard Fire Suppression Required? 2.1. No Requirement for Fume Cupboard Fire Suppression - low risk activities

undertaken where no flammable materials used or activities generally confined to tissue culture in microbiological safety cabinets / hoods fume cupboards then fire suppression - will not generally be required.

2.2. FC Fire Suppression Systems - shall be considered where the processes and substances being used, are of an organic nature and / or where rapid flame propagation is likely. Where fire suppression is required, then the system should be introduced at the design stage but MUST be appropriate to the chemical or substances that may be used within the fume cupboard.

2.3. Where fire suppression is required - generally suppression media will be Monnex1 a BC Dry Powder, with Class D fire suppression also available (subject to risk assessment for non-standard applications see Table below).

Standard Application for

Class BC Solvent fires:

Specialist Applications for Class D Flammable Metal Fires:

*Fires involving significant quantities petroleum or solvent based products;

Note1: *Monnex (see below) extinguishing agent is suitable for dealing with Class BC fires, including a wide range of hydrocarbon oils, gasoline, diesel, fuel oils, liquefied gases like hydrogen, liquefied natural gas (LNG), coal gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), alcohols, ketones, ethers & esters.

#Fires involving: Sodium Metals# Pyrophoric materials# / Strong oxidising agents# / Metal Hydrides# / Magnesium$ / Titanium$, Aluminium$ / Lithium$ #Note2 - Specialist-extinguishing agents for flammable metal fires available using low velocity discharge of L2 or M28 Dry Powder. $Note 3 - a new Extinguishant that may be considered for a wide range of Class D risk, including Magnesium, Titanium, Aluminium and Lithium called Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion (AVD), which is a water-based material with a suspension of vermiculite. It forms a foam blanket over the burning metal, using spray nozzles to apply media by local application to a specific area (and not as system total flood application). AVD is NOT suitable for metals that do not burn as a liquid i.e. Sodium, were traditional Class D powder should be used.

2.4. A ‘manual actuator’ and fire alarm interface is to be provided for each unit system, which is can be used by operators to discharge the system in a pre-emptive way.

1 MONNEX™ dry chemical powder is based on potassium bicarbonate / urea complex, which interferes with the chemical reactions occurring in the combustion zone, with high temperatures in the combustion zone causing the powder to explode or decrepitate, breaking down the powder into minute particles within the fire. This dramatically increases its surface area for rapid quenching of the free radicals that perpetuate the chain reaction of the fire, providing speed of control and fire extinction. It is suitable dealing with all Class BC fires, including a wide range of hydrocarbon oils, gasoline, diesel, fuel oils, liquefied gases like hydrogen, liquefied natural gas (LNG), coal gas, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). It is also particularly effective against industrial chemicals like alcohols, ketones, ethers & esters, which conventional dry chemical powders find more difficult to knockdown.




2.5. Each system consists of one or more pressure vessels that are pressurised to 15 bars with Nitrogen propellant. The cylinder has a discharge control valve that is connected to discharge pipework and nozzles. The discharge valve is held shut by nitrogen gas at 15 bars pressure within pneumatic detection tube.

2.6. Pneumatic detection tube is positioned and secured in the protected volume. When there is a fire or very high ambient temperature within the protected volume, the tube bursts and the discharge control valve is subsequently opened, discharging immediately through the discharge nozzles, extinguishing the fire. Discharge nozzle positions are dependent on Fume Cupboard type (bench or walk-in, as detailed in each system schematic type attached).

2.7. The PAFSS is designed to extinguish larger fires not small ones - initially, system may not activate due to insufficient heat. Therefore, the following options are available:

manual release on front of fume cupboard to release PAFSS;

Monnex fire extinguishers from nearest fire point to be used;

2.8. Consultation Potential installation of fire suppression in fume cupboards should be discussed with the UCL Fire Safety Manager, to ensure that the correct provision provided for the risk being used.

3.0. Fume Cupboard Fire Suppression Manufacturer 3.1. Mandatory - use the following fire suppression system for fume cupboards:

Pneumatically Actuated Fire Suppression System (PAFSS) by Jactone Products Ltd (www.jactone.com):

FUME CUPBOARD FIRE SUPPRESSION:

Jactone Products Ltd Springvale Business Park Springvale Avenue Bilston West Midlands WV14 0QL

PoC: Craig Halford (MD) Tel: 01902 357777 Email: [email protected] Web: www.jactone.com YouTube channel: jactone1

4.0. Fume Cupboard & MSC Fire Alarm Cause & Effect 4.1. Fume Cupboards and Vented Microbiological Safety Cabinets (MSC) - fume

cupboards will normally be provided with independent AHU / Strobic plant from the general building system. The design shall ensure that the cupboards Do Not close down on activation of the fire alarm, but kept running.




(a). Fume cupboards which continue running whilst other services close down shall be provided with a YELLOW break glass type ‘Firefighter’s Switch’, to allow operational firefighters to shut down the system, if required.

Locate of firefighters switches are to be installed / fitted on main stair landings / firefighting stairs or lobbies / adjacent to the main fire alarm panel, to be agreed.

The firefighters switch shall generally be fitted / installed at approx. 250-300mm below ceiling level (to meet local conditions) and to ensure unintended operation or accidental damage.

These switches should be suitably labelled with the fume cupboard and laboratory location details with fume cupboard or vented MSC ‘shut down Lab xxx on floor x’ or similar.

see firefighters switch options in TN038 at Item 18;

Locations should be agreed with UCL Fire Safety Manager.

5.0. Pre-Installation and Order Information Requirements 5.1. All Systems - the following information is required to assist Jactone design

and deliver systems bespoke for each FC, by the Estates Project Manager (UPO) or Departmental Users:

Site Survey - every FC requires to be surveyed prior to installation of PAFSS. Where practicable, Jactone to undertake a site survey prior to tender and order confirmation;

FC Manufacturer Information – provide type and make of the FC installation proposed or already in use;

Volume - provide, internal volume of the cupboard expressed in m3 (internal width, depth and height in mm);

Fixing of System – note cylinder unit mounting preference is at end of banks of FC at high level;

Fixing of System – note cylinder unit mounting preference at low level or within under cupboard is not recommended - but subject to the following:

o banks of more than four FCs may require low levels space as discharge runs from cylinder may be excessive;

o other specific reasons determined locally at each installation;




Installation Contractor – note for tendering purposes PAFSS installation contractor can fit up to a maximum of three units each day;

As Installed Information - provide FC room plans in AutoCAD to assist design;

Laboratory Information - Lab room numbers and Lab Staff contacts details to be collated including name, numbers and email to be passed to Jactone though Estates Project Manager;

6.0. Retrofitting Fume Cupboards with PAFSS 6.1. Enabling works - the following is required to assist and ensure fitting by

Jactone Installation Team, by the Estates Project Manager (UPO) or Dept. Users:

Cleaning - FC to be cleared of all contents and cleaned / decontaminated with ‘clean to work’ certificate issued prior to any works to unit;

Baffles Cleaning - baffles to be removed cleaned and working / functioning, including fixing attachments;

Baffles Reaffixing - baffles will be re attached / refitted by PAFSS engineers on completion of installation;

Departmental Staff Action - Department to provide cleaning and ‘Safe to Work Certificate’ to UPO prior to works to install systems by Jactone team.

7.0. Fire Alarm Interfaces Details 7.1. Fire Alarm Maintenance Provider to be consulted regarding fume cupboard

installations

Fire Alarm Interface (1) - provide fire alarm interface connection with all installations (UCL fire alarm maintenance provider to supply and fit an interface) so any activation sends a generic fire signal on 1 x fire alarm zone indicating room location of FC, but not each individual FC. The interface should be placed locally to the pressure switch detailed below, enabling connection;

Fire Alarm Interface (2) – PAFSS units will be provided with a three wire (common, open and closed) switch with an activation pressure of 4-8 Bar. Assuming regular satisfactory visual pressure monitoring is done via the simple pressure gauge on the fume cupboard control panel, any dramatic loss of system pressure to a level of 4-8 Bar, will then be indicative of system discharge;




7.2. The UCL Fire Alarm Maintenance Provider details: Fisk Fire Protection Ltd, Orchard House, 34- 5 Orchard Street, Chelmsford Essex, CM2 0HDY (www.fiskfire.co.uk) Tel: 01245 - 244399

UCL Site Manger (Fisk Fire) James Moughton E: [email protected] Mob: 07791 - 732255

Fisk Project Works Coordinator / Liaison Fire Alarm Engineer: Adam Prestage E: [email protected] Mob: 07931 - 592381

UCL Contracts Manager (Fisk Fire) = Mark Fisk - Mobile: 07977 064648 / Email: [email protected]

8.0. Miscellaneous 8.1. Signage - where PAFSS manual release override is provided, it is to be

identified with a portrait or landscape sign to suite local conditions (see below).

8.2. Record Keeping - for maintenance purposes, a record of each PAFSS unit installed is to be issued to the UCL Fire Safety Manager.

8.3. User notes of FC suppression - see UCL Fire Safety technical Notes TN038b.

8.4. Maintenance - the UCL Fire Safety Manager will arrange annual and post discharge maintenance requirements.

9.0. Attachments: Sizing and installation schematics;

Fume Cupboard Fire Suppression Release

1. Pull safety pin on manual actuator.

2. Press quickly and firmly on the strike knob.

LLP540(Rev0)

www.AVDFIRE.com

Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion

✓ AVD is a stable suspension of Vermiculite platelets with a typical Dv90 of 180 microns (0.18mm)

✓ AVD is non flammable and has excellent insulation properties

✓ It has a typical solids content of 17%

✓ It has a typical viscosity of 3000cP

CLASS DFLAMMABLE METAL FIRES

Dupré Minerals AVD is an aqueous dispersion of chemically exfoliated Vermiculite. Vermiculite deposits are primarily a mixture of thin, flat flakes of the minerals vermiculite, hydrobiotite and biotite. Vermiculite is the name given to a group of laminar aluminium-iron-magnesium silicates containing hydrated interlayer cations. Exfoliated vermiculite is produced either thermally, whereby the interlayer water is explosively removed causing expansion, or chemically which creates microscopic, individual platelets that are freely suspended in water.

Technical Information

Typical Properties

Dupré Minerals Limited, Spencroft Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 9JE

Tel +44 1782 383000 Fax +44 1782 383101

Email [email protected] www.dupre-minerals.com

Minimum Maximum Typical

D90 (90% of particles less than) 160 µm 200 µm 180 µm

Solids Content 16% 18% 17%

Viscosity 2500cP 4500cP 3000cP

While every reasonable effort is made to ensure that the information provided in this document is accurate*, no guarantees for the accuracy of information are made. Dupré’s website and material data relating to information, products or services (or third part information, products and services) is provided ‘as is’. It is provided without representation or endorsement and made without warranty of any kind, whether express or implied, including but not limited to the implied recommendations or warranties of satisfactory quality, performance or fitness for a particular purpose, non infringement, compatibility, security or accuracy.

*The technical data provided herein reflects typical indicative results of testing of products under controlled conditions, to provide the best information to allow end users, specifiers, installers, contractors, retailers and alike to determine the suitability of Dupré products for intended application

0.01 0.1 1 10

Particle Size (µm)

Volu

me

(%)

100 1000 3000

7.5

7

6.5

6

5.5

5

4.5

4

3.5

3

2.5

2

1.5

1

0.0

0

10µm

Particle Size Analysis (Malvern Mastersizer 2000)

Chemical Analysis (of Source Vermiculite)

Physical Properties

AppearanceDupré’s AVD (Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion) is a gold/brown aqueous suspension.

SiO2 39.4%

MgO 25.2%

Al2O3 8.8%

K2O 4.5%

Fe2O3 4.0%

CaO 1.8%

CO2 1.4%

TiO2 0.8%

F 0.5%

Subject to storage under suitable conditions between a temperature of 5°C to 30°C Shelf life of 2/3 years subject to the above storage conditions

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FSTFV300 / FSTFV301 – PAFSS Detection Tube

The PAFSS Fire detection tubing for fire detection and activation of fire extinguishing systems

The heart of the PAFSS product range is our detection tube which acts as a linear heat and flame detector. The pressurized detection tube is completely flexible and can be run throughout the risk area. As an integral part of the extinguishing system, there is no need for an external power supply to detect fire and activate the fire extinguishing system. The tube pressure is provided by the system gas. Upon flame impingement or heat the tube ruptures at the hot spot and by depressurization the cylinder valve is activated to operate the extinguishing system. When used in conjunction with the PAFSS plug–in tube connectors, the tube meets the requirements of ISO16750-3:2007 – for road vehicles.

The following tube qualities are available:

Standard quality For normal stationary installations such as CNC machines and control panels (FSTFV300-RED)

HR-quality Applications in the automotive sector, rail vehicles and applications with (FSTFV301–BLACK) demanding environmental conditions such as high temperatures, UV

exposure, aggressive media.

FSTFV300

FSTFV301

Fume Cupboard TypeCylinder

Size (Kg)Protected Volume (m

3)

Internal Working Area

Minimum Suggested

Nozzle Quantity

2 1.6 2 x FSN001

3 2.4 2 x FSN001

4 3.2 2 x FSN001

4 3.2 4 x FSN001

6 4.8 4 x FSN001

12 9.6 8 x FSN001

Monnex BC Powder

Bench

High Level Low Level

Walk In

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Technical data

FSTFV300 Standard quality

FFSTFV301 HR quality

Colour

Red (RAL3000)

Multi-layer tube external layer: Black internal layer: Natural

Operating Temperature

Optimal temperature for long-term

use is -20°C to +65°C. Higher

temperatures may lead to a reduction

in service life. Steady load to max.

+65°C have been tested. The lowest

operating temperature is stipulated at

minus 40°C

Optimal temperature for long-term use is - 20°C to +65°C. Higher temperatures can lead to a reduction in service life. Steady load to max.+80°C have been tested. The lowest operating temperature is stipulated at minus 40°C.

UV

-

UV-stabilized

Life time

Normal industrial environmental conditions are permissible as generally known for PA materials which are suitable for long-term use. Low humidity could cause brittle fracture which should be considered during maintenance and relocating.

Dimensions (inner Ø / outer Ø) 4mm x 6mm 4mm x 6mm

material

modified polyamide (PA)

modified polyamide (PA)

Melting point

approx. +220 degrees Celsius when heating up with 10 K/minute

operating pressure Recommended between 11bar and 23bar within whole temperature range. optimal filling pressure: 18bar, depending on existing safety devices

burst pressure

approx. 120 bar at 20°C (without flame impingement)

bursting temperature

(At 15 Bar) (At 15 Bar) 185⁰c FSTFV300 170⁰c FSTFV301

The PAFSS detection tube is suitable for long-term use (8-10 years can be assumed as a guideline for service life)

under normal climatic and environmental conditions (optimal operating temperatures and without particular influence

from mediums). A reduced service life can be attributed to particular influences. These influences might be:

Physical load (i.e. through constant movements of the tubing)

Increased operating temperatures

Constant or frequent UV radiation

Influence of mediums There are many results of examinations concerning the influence of mediums, which however cannot be complete

because of the large number of chemical products. A list of these examinations from the manufacturer of the basic

material can be seen on Pages 3-6. In case of doubt, tests should be carried out with PAFSS detection tubing under

pressure and subjected to the medium concerned for a representative period.

The serviceability of the detection tube is tested within the scope of annual testing of the fire suppression system by

an Approved Installer. The detection tube has to be replaced if signs of a change in the tube are noticed, which could

result in a functional impairment. Normally, the complete detection tube has to be replaced, because there is a

risk by just renewing sections of the tube that sections presumed to be undamaged have actually already been

damaged.

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48 mineral oil *** 49 motor oil *** 50 sodium carbonate 10% aqueous *** 51 sodium chloride saturated *** 52 sodium hypochlorite 5% aqueous * 53 nitro benzene ** 54 fuming sulfuric acid o 55 oxalic acid 10% aqueous ** 56 ozone * 57 perchlorethylene *** 58 petroleum ether *** 59 phenol * 60 phosphoric acid 10% aqueous * 61 potash saturated *** 62 propane *** 63 pyridine *** 64 resorcin o 65 crude oil *** 66 salicylic acid *** 67 nitric acid concentrated o 68 hydrochloric acid 1% * 69 hydrochloric acid concentrated o 70 sulfur *** 71 sulfur dioxide

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87 hydrogen peroxide 30% o

88 hydrogen peroxide 10% *

89 hydrogen peroxide 2% * 90 wine *** 91 tartaric acid aqueous ** 92 xylol *** 93 zinc chloride 50% aqueous ** 94 citric acid concentrated **

34 Butylacetate 1 35 Calcium chloride, aq 1 36 Calcium nitrate, aq 1 37 Carbon disulfide 1 38 Carbon tetrachloride 1 39 Carnation oil 1 40 Chlorine, g 4 41 Chlorine, I 4 42 Chlorobenzoic acid 3 43 Chloroform 3 44 Chlorosulfonic acid 4 45 Chrome bath 4 46 Chromic acid 4 47 Chromosulfuric acid 4 48 Chromium salts 1 49 Citric acid 1

Medium (aq = in an aqueous solution) PA (Nylon)

50 Cleaner 1 51 Coca-Cola® 1 52 Cocoa 1 53 Coconut oil 1 54 Cod-liver oil 1 55 Coffee 1 56 Cooking oil, animal 1 57 Cooking oil, vegetable 1 58 Corn oil 1 59 Cresol 4 60 Cresol, aq 3 61 Cyclohexane 1 62 Cyclohexanol 1 63 Cyclohexanone 1 64 Decalin® 1 65 Detergent 1 66 Dibutyl phtalate 1 67 Diesel fuel 1 68 Dimethylether 1 69 Dimethylformamide 1

40 cupric sulfate 10% aqueous ***

41 magnesium chloride 10% aqueous

***

42 seawater *** 43 methane *** 44 methanol *** 45 methylene chloride ** 46 methyl ethyl ketone *** 47 lactic acid aqueous **

abbreviation: ••• chemically stable, only small reversible changes of dimensions •• conditionally permanent; changed dimensions after longer time period

• chemically unstable; deployable under certain conditions o soluble or strongly affected in short time period

Chemical Resistance of PAFSS detection tube FSTFV301 black 4x6 Chemical Resistance (at room temperature)

1 Resistant 2 Largely resistant 3 Fairly resistant 4 Non-resistant 5 Liable to dissolve

Medium (aq = in an aqueous solution) PA (Nylon)

1 Acetic acid 4 2 Acetic acid anhydride 1 3 Acetone 1 4 Aluminium salts, aq 1 5 Alums, aq 1 6 Aminobenzoic acid 2 7 Ammonia, aq 1 8 Ammonia, g 1 9 Ammonium acetate, aq 1 10 Ammonium carbonate, aq 1 11 Ammonium chloride, aq 1 12 Ammonium nitrate, aq 1 13 Ammonium phosphate, aq 1 14 Ammonium sulfate, aq 1 15 Amylalcohol 1 16 Antifreeze 1 17 Barium salts 1 18 Battery acid 3 19 Beef tallow 1 20 Beer 1 21 Benzaldehyde 1 22 Benzoic acid 1 23 Benzoic acid, aq 1 24 Bone fat 1 25 Boric acid 1 26 Brake fluid 1 27 Bromine, aq 4 28 Bromine, I 4 29 Butane, g 1 30 Butane, I 1 31 n-Butanol 1 32 n-Butyl alcohol 4 33 Butylacetate (acetic acid butyl ester) 1

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121 Olive oil 1 122 Oxalic acid, aq 2 123 Ozone (

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188 Tetralin® (tetrahydronaphthalene) 1 189 Tin dichloride 1 190 Toluene 1 191 Trichloroethylene 2 192 Turpentine (oil of) 1 193 Urea, aq 1 194 Vanilla 1 195 Vaseline 1 196 White spirit 1 197 Wine 1 198 Xylene 1 199 Zinc 3

175 Soybean oil 1 176 Spruce needle oil 1 77 Starch 1 178 Stearic acid 2 179 Sugar, aq 1 180 Sulfur 1 181 Sulfuric acid (concentrated) 4 182 Sulfuric acid (up to 50 %) 4 183 Sulfur dioxide, g 1 184 Tar (hot tar) 1 185 Tartaric acid, aq 1 186 Tea 1 187 Tetrahydrofuran 1

Cylinder and Bracket

PAFSS Quick Fit Wall Bracket

Optional extra

detection tube for

multiple baffle slots

Pressure Switch – for

integration with Fire

Alarm/BMS

Manual Actuator

Stainless Steel

Pipework and

Discharge Nozzles

Detection Tube

UCL 2KG MONNEX BC POWDER INDIRECT PAFSS BENCH FUME CUPBOARD SCHEMATIC 1 03/06/16

(High Level Cylinder)



Optional extra

detection tube for




Alarm/BMS

Manual Actuator

Stainless Steel

Pipework and

Discharge Nozzles

Detection Tube


(Low Level Cylinder)



Optional extra

detection tube for




Alarm/BMS

Manual Actuator

Stainless Steel

Pipework and

Discharge Nozzles

Detection Tube





Optional extra

detection tube for




Alarm/BMS

Manual Actuator

Stainless Steel

Pipework and

Discharge Nozzles

Detection Tube


(Low Level Cylinder)

Cylinder and Bracket PAFSS Quick Fit Wall Bracket



Alarm/BMS

Manual Actuator Stainless Steel

Pipework and

Discharge Nozzles

Detection Tube

UCL 4KG MONNEX BC POWDER INDIRECT PAFSS WALK-IN FUME CUPBOARD SCHEMATIC 5 03/06/16


Cylinder and Bracket PAFSS Quick Fit Wall Bracket



Alarm/BMS

Manual Actuator Stainless Steel

Pipework and

Discharge Nozzles

Detection Tube

UCL 6KG MONNEX BC POWDER INDIRECT PAFSS WALK-IN FUME CUPBOARD SCHEMATIC 6 03/06/16


Documents

FUME CUPBOARDS FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS ......Fume cupboards - discharge ducting (with diameters typically between 250mm and 500mm dependent on type, number and setting out arrangements)