ROOM INTEGRITY TESTING IN QATAR

 

WHO WE ARE?

“MANYCON - One of the Best FM200 Room Integrity Testing Contractors in Qatar. “

                       Manycon is the best recommended integrity testing team in Qatar. It is simply a way to measure the leakage of an enclosure. A large fan is temporarily installed in the doorway of the room to be tested, with the fan blowing into the room (pressurizing the room). The fan speed is adjusted to obtain flow pressure equivalent to the pressure exerted during a fire suppression system discharge. The fan is then reversed on the door to draw air from the room (depressurizing the room). The airflow and pressure readings obtained are entered into a computer program designed to calculate the equivalent leakage area (ELA) for the room. When a room has a suspended (drop) ceiling, then the below ceiling leakage area (BCLA) is calculated as one-half the total ELA and is used in the calculations for retention time.
Given that most gaseous chemical agents used for fire suppression are heavier than air, the agent will begin to leak out of any lower level penetrations left unsealed.

OUR SERVICES:

                         Manycon is the top FM 200 integrity testing company in Qatar. The ability for the gaseous agent to be retained in the protected room for an extended period of time is critical to the performance of any total flooding clean agent fire extinguishing system. NFPA 2001, Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems, requires that a minimum concentration of 85% of the adjusted minimum design concentration be held at the highest level of combustibles for a minimum period of 10 minutes. Those installing these systems are required to perform a Room Integrity Fan Test to assure the protected room will hold the agent for the required period of time.
 
Manycon is the top notch recommended company in Qatar for Blower door fan test and Air leak test in Qatar. Because of its nature, a Door Fan Test will always calculate the worse case leakage for the room. It draws air through leaks in the room and under the floor as well as above the suspended ceiling to predict the descending interface of the suppression agent. The length of time it takes for the descending interface to reach the minimum protected height identifies the concentration hold time.

INTEGRITY ROOM TEST PROCESS:

1. Initial Assessment: Manycon begins by reviewing the specifications and requirements of the room to be tested. This includes understanding the purpose of the room, its design specifications, and any relevant industry standards or regulations.

2. Test Planning: Based on the initial assessment, Manycon develops a comprehensive test plan. This plan outlines the testing procedures, equipment requirements, acceptance criteria, and schedule for the room integrity test.

3. Pre-Test Preparation: Manycon coordinates with the client to ensure that the room is prepared for testing. This involves sealing all openings, such as doors, windows, vents, and ducts, to create a sealed enclosure.

4. Equipment Setup: Manycon brings in specialized equipment for the room integrity test. This typically includes calibrated fans or blowers, pressure gauges, airflow measurement devices, and any other necessary instruments.

5. Pressurization and Testing: Manycon pressurizes the room using a non-hazardous gas, such as nitrogen or clean dry air, to a specified pressure level. The calibrated fans or blowers are then used to measure the rate of pressure decay over time.

6. Data Collection: Throughout the test, Manycon collects data on pressure differentials, airflow rates, temperature, humidity, and other relevant parameters using the specialized equipment.

7. Analysis: Once the test is complete, Manycon analyzes the data collected during the test. This analysis involves comparing the measured values against the specified acceptance criteria and industry standards.

8. Reporting: Manycon prepares a detailed report documenting the test procedures, results, analysis, and findings. This report includes any deviations from acceptance criteria, identified deficiencies, and recommendations for corrective actions.

9. Certification: Based on the test results and analysis, Manycon issues a certification or compliance statement indicating the outcome of the room integrity test. This certification confirms the room's suitability for its intended purpose.

10. Follow-Up Actions: If any deficiencies are identified during the test, Manycon provides recommendations for corrective actions. This may include repairs, modifications, or retesting as needed to ensure the integrity of the room.

QATAR’S LEADING INDEPENDENT SPECIALIST ROOM INTEGRITY TEST:

 

1.    Comprehensive Testing Services: Manycon Room Integrity Test would offer comprehensive testing services to assess the integrity of sealed enclosures. This includes pressurization testing, airflow measurement, and analysis of pressure differentials to ensure that the room meets specified environmental standards.

 

2.    Expertise and Experience: As a leading specialist, Manycon Room Integrity Test would have a team of experienced technicians with expertise in room integrity testing. They would be knowledgeable about industry standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices for testing and certification.

 

3.    State-of-the-Art Equipment: Manycon Room Integrity Test would use state-of-the-art equipment and instrumentation for conducting tests with precision and accuracy. This includes calibrated fans, pressure gauges, airflow meters, and data logging devices.

 

4.    Customized Solutions: They might offer customized testing solutions tailored to the specific needs of clients and their facilities. This could include developing testing protocols, providing training for staff, and offering consulting services for optimizing room performance.

 

5.    Compliance and Certification: Manycon Room Integrity Test would ensure that their testing procedures comply with relevant industry standards and regulations. They would provide certification and documentation to validate the integrity of tested rooms and demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements.

 

6.    Customer Satisfaction: Customer satisfaction would be a priority for Manycon Room Integrity Test. They would strive to deliver reliable, accurate, and timely testing services while maintaining professional communication and collaboration with clients.

 

 

 

ROOM INTEGRITY TESTING:

1.    Purpose: The primary purpose of room integrity testing is to verify that the enclosure can maintain its intended environmental conditions, which are critical for the processes or equipment housed within it. This is particularly important in environments where precision control is necessary, such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, data centers, or sensitive research facilities.

 

2.    Methodology: Room integrity testing typically involves pressurizing the room with a non-hazardous gas, such as nitrogen or clean dry air, to a specified pressure level. A calibrated fan or blower is then used to measure the rate at which the pressure decays over time. By analyzing the rate of pressure decay, technicians can assess the overall integrity of the room's envelope, including doors, windows, walls, ceilings, and penetrations.

 

3.    Acceptance Criteria: The acceptance criteria for room integrity testing are usually based on industry standards and regulatory requirements specific to the type of facility and its intended use. Common standards include ISO 14644 for cleanrooms and data center industry guidelines such as ASHRAE TC 9.9. These standards define permissible levels of pressure loss and leakage rates based on the class or rating of the room.

 

4.    Reporting: Upon completion of the testing, a detailed report is typically generated, documenting the test methodology, equipment used, measured pressure decay rates, and compliance with acceptance criteria. Any areas of concern or deficiencies identified during the testing may also be noted, along with recommendations for corrective actions if necessary.

 

5.    Frequency: Room integrity testing is typically conducted initially after construction or renovation of the facility to verify compliance with design specifications. Subsequent testing may be performed periodically as part of ongoing maintenance and validation activities to ensure continued integrity and compliance with regulatory requirements.

 

6.    Importance: Ensuring the integrity of the room environment is critical for maintaining product quality, data security, and safety. Inadequate room integrity can lead to contamination, equipment malfunction, data loss, or other adverse effects, potentially resulting in costly downtime, product recalls, or regulatory violations.

Why is Room Integrity Testing Important?

                                    A room with proper room integrity is vital to ensuring that fires are contained, and damage is minimised. These systems can help prevent the spread of fire, smoke and toxic gases to other parts of the building. If not properly secured, smoke and fire can result in extensive damage and loss of life. Room integrity testing is also crucial for reducing the impact of fire on critical infrastructure and preserving sensitive information. By conducting room integrity tests, building owners can reduce the risk of damage to equipment, facilities and sensitive information.

 

The means to test the room for ‘ tightness ‘ is by the Retrotec Room Integrity Door Fan Pressure Test means. A calibrated and certified axial flow fan is latched into rigid expandable panels that fill the opened door frame space.

By running the calibrated fan at a certain speed thus generating pressure into / from the space, and by monitoring the pressure differential within and external to the room, that flow rate is actually measured, data inputted to software together with the protected height and the weight of gas ( FM200 / FE25 / Novec 1230 or Proinert / Argonite / Inergen Inert Gas, yes inert gas is basically air, but it still has weight!) and a descending interface height hold time, or mixing concentration result is obtained.

The performance of any fire suppression system can only be guaranteed when serviced regularly through a professional maintenance solution. We always recommend that room integrity testing should be part of an annual service and maintenance package, to ensure that on discharge, the suppression agent achieves and maintains the correct concentration, at the appropriate height for minimum required timeframe.

Most rooms housing mission critical equipment are constructed with the perimeter walls extending from “slab to slab” in a manner that creates a fire rated barrier around the room. Because of their construction, these rooms will have fewer leaks and have a much greater chance of passing a standard Room Integrity Fan Test.

However, it is possible to achieve a successful test in a room where the perimeter walls do not extend from “slab to slab” but instead extend only to above the suspended ceiling. When preparing a room to retain a gaseous fire suppression agent, the walls and slab must be inspected for penetrations and leakage points. All areas of concern must be properly sealed with fire retardant materials and doors fitted with pressure seals around the jams and threshold.

Recommendations For Room Integrity Testing:

                               Room integrity tests should be conducted immediately after a gaseous fire suppression system has been installed, and routinely every year thereafter to validate the integrity of a protected area.

 

Over time the characteristics in a room may change, which results in new leakages and affects the retention time within an enclosure. Any alterations made to the structural perimeter of an enclosure, such as holes, cracks, cable entry points, electrical conduit points, and any other voids will require retesting of the room to ensure that all leakage points are adequately sealed.

 

For accurate readings and minimal interference, all air conditioning units and HVAC systems passing into the enclosure would need to be shut down or temporarily sealed during testing. Air conditioning units introduce a new air supply into the enclosure which disrupts the testing process.

Room Integrity Testing Equipment:

               The equipment needed to conduct room integrity tests include:

• Expandable Door Panels
• A Variable Speed Fan
• Manometer
• A Dedicated Portable Computer.

Standards for room integrity testing:

              Corresponding Room Integrity Testing Standards : 

1.      ISO 14520, 

2.      NFPA 2001

3.      ISO 15004

Room Integrity Test Procedure:

                          A typical room integrity test procedure consists of two parts, the Door fan test and the computer calculation.

DOOR FAN TEST:

The first part of a room integrity test involves the use of a fan mounted into a door panel to introduce a flow of air into the room. The fan blows air into a protected enclosure to create positive pressures that simulates the pressures exerted during a fire suppression system discharge. 

The fan is then reversed to draw air from the room, creating a depressurised condition within the enclosure. Pressure and air flow rate readings are taken for both the positive and negative pressure tests.

COMPUTER CALCULATION:

The second part of a room integrity test involves inputting the pressure test readings into a computer, along with the details of the fire suppression system and the dimensions of the protected enclosure.

Specialised computer software then calculates the predicted Equivalent Leakage Area for the enclosure, as well as the room’s gas retention time. If the retention time is above 10 minutes, the room passes the integrity test. In instances where the retention time is below 10 minutes, the room fails the integrity test and identified leakages would need to be permanently sealed.

Once a test has been completed, a full room integrity test report should be produced detailing the date the test was conducted, identified leakage areas, pressurisation results, predicted retention times, and all other relevant information.

Why Clean Agent Systems?

                           Water-based suppression systems provide only a minimum amount of fire protection. For critical company information systems, data centers, paper archives, museums and other enclosures whose contents are susceptible to water damage, sprinkler systems will indeed protect the building from fire damage, but at the expense of the contents being protected!

It was due to this necessity to provide sufficient fire protection for the building and also to mitigate or eliminate damage to the contents that non-water-based suppression systems were introduced.

Inert Gases were one of these fire suppressants. Inert Gases presented a new problem to the designer however; to extinguish a fire and to keep it suppressed, the gas needed to be present in the enclosure for many minutes.

What are Air Leakage / Room Integrity Testing?

                              A room integrity test is all about testing the room’s structure, its air leakage rate and more importantly its ability to hold fire suppressant gases. Room integrity testing is a means of predicting the retention time and leakiness of a room without having to release the extinguishing gas itself. Room integrity tests calculate the air tightness and amount of air leakage in a room from the difference in pressure when tested.

 Integrity tests also predict how long fire suppressant agents take to descend to a given level in the room. A retention time of 10 minutes is the normal minimum period the suppressant agents are required to be retained for. Ten minutes is long enough for most deep-seated fires to be cooled so that re-ignition is unlikely. All room integrity tests conform to the guidelines set out in NFPA2001 and ISO 14520. It is applicable to all sizes of enclosure and all extinguishing gases.

 The Enclosure Integrity Test’s primary goal is to predict the enclosure’s retention time in the event that the Fire Suppression System is discharged

 

How long does a Room Integrity Test Take?

A typical data hall takes around 1.5-2 hours to complete. Server rooms and comms rooms take less time

If there is air conditioning and cooling fitted, any supply or extract ducts will require temporary sealing or closure.

Where a site has fire suppression system covering several rooms, each room will require integrity testing. Several rooms can be tested on one day.

 

What Equipment is involved in Room Integrity Testing?

1. Variable Speed Fan

2. Expandable door panels

3. Manometer

4. A dedicated Portable computer

 

EQUIPMENTS:

1.  Variable Speed Fan

                                A powerful fan unit is mounted into the screening cloth of the door panels in a doorway. The fan is used to blow air into or out of a room to measure the air leakage of an enclosure.

2.  Expandable Door Panels

                               An expandable door panel with screening cloth is fitted within the frame of an enclosure doorway. These door panels are designed to temporarily seal a doorway, and provides a hole to mount a fan.

3.  Manometer

                               A manometer pressure gauge measures the airflow in an enclosure. It is a device that measures pressures inside and outside the enclosure, as well as the airflow generated to obtain these pressures.

4.  A Dedicated Portable Computer

                               A portable computer is used for calculating and processing the measured values to determine the Equivalent Leakage Area (ELA). The Equivalent Leakage Area (ELA) is the total area of all holes, cracks, and joints that create leaks within the enclosure. The ELA is then used to calculate the retention time of the gas inside the enclosure.

Manycon technicians are equipped with the latest technology and equipment to provide you with the most accurate information available. Our Room Integrity Testing Services give you peace of mind knowing that a protected area will hold the concentration of the extinguishing agent for long enough to keep your critical assets safe from fires.

What Happens During Room Integrity Testing?

The door fan equipment is located in a doorway to create small pressure differentials between the enclosure and surrounding areas. Pressure and airflow measurements are made, from which the leakage characteristics of the enclosure are established. First the room is pressurized, readings taken, then afterwards to check those measurements the room is depressurized to take measurements to compare. The predicted retention time is calculated from these leakage characteristics and the enclosure and extinguishing system data.

SAFETY:

• The test shall be witnessed from a safe distance.

• Power Supply to the testing devices shall be provided with emergency fuse or tripping device. Safety helmet shall be worn all time while working by test personnel.

• Use safety Ladders and safety belts while working at height.

• Always ensure that the work area is clean and safe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manycon is a specialised fire protection company that supplies some of the most technically advanced fire suppression systems available. We provide ongoing fire suppression system services to ensure your fire systems are supported throughout their lifetime.

An accurate room integrity testing to ensure optimal performance of all fire suppression systems. We provide room integrity tests for a wide range of facilities with minimal disruption to normal business operations.

EFFICIENCY OF ROOM INTEGRITY TESTING:

Accuracy and Precision: The testing methods used should be accurate and precise in measuring pressure differentials, airflow rates, and other relevant parameters. High-quality equipment and calibrated instruments contribute to the accuracy of the testing process.

1.    Expertise and Experience: The testing team should have expertise and experience in conducting room integrity tests. Knowledge of industry standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices ensures that tests are performed correctly and results are interpreted accurately.

 

2.    Efficient Testing Procedures: Efficient testing procedures help streamline the testing process and minimize downtime for the facility being tested. This includes proper preparation of the room, effective use of equipment, and standardized testing protocols.

 

3.    Clear Communication: Clear communication between the testing team and the client is essential for efficient room integrity testing. This includes discussing testing objectives, scheduling, and any special requirements or considerations for the facility being tested.

 

4.    Timely Reporting and Documentation: Timely reporting and documentation of test results are critical for efficiency. Clients should receive detailed reports promptly after testing, including any findings, recommendations, or follow-up actions required.

 

5.    Compliance and Certification: Efficient room integrity testing involves ensuring compliance with relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements. Certification and documentation provided by the testing team should demonstrate compliance and facilitate regulatory approvals if necessary.

 

6.    Cost-Effectiveness: Room integrity testing should be cost-effective for clients while still maintaining high quality and accuracy. This may involve offering competitive pricing, optimizing testing procedures to minimize resource consumption, and providing value-added services to clients.

 

 

 

PROCEDURE - Pre-requisites:

 1. The room under test should be completely isolated from the adjacent rooms.

 2. The Room’s Complete Fire Suppression System Design detail must be shared with the Tester.

 3. All visible potential openings, holes which can enable leakage are sealed permanently.

4. The Door dimensions of the Room under test shall be made available.

5. The Pipe Shop Layout Drawing should be made available to the Tester.

6. AHU / AC should be shut down during Testing, the Shutdown Scheduling and approval from concerned authorities should be obtained in advance.

7. The Authorized Witness from the Client should be nominated.

8. 15 Amp RAW Power Supply must be made available near to the Room.

9. Any Safety Requirements / Company Policies and any other Specific requirements of the Site Owner should be notified to the Tester. After Addressing all the perquisites and Tester studies the input details, and may suggest any specific requirements that needs to be addressed prior testing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ROOM INTEGRITY TEST PRODUCTS:

1.    Integrity Test Kits: Manycon could develop comprehensive integrity test kits containing all the necessary equipment and tools for conducting room integrity tests. These kits might include calibrated fans or blowers, pressure gauges, airflow measurement devices, sealing materials, and instructional guides.

 

2.    Calibrated Fans and Blowers: Manycon might offer high-quality calibrated fans and blowers specifically designed for room integrity testing. These fans would be precision-engineered to provide accurate and consistent airflow, pressure, and volume measurements during testing.

 

3.    Pressure Gauges and Sensors: Manycon could provide a range of pressure gauges, sensors, and transducers for measuring pressure differentials, airflow rates, and other relevant parameters within the room being tested. These instruments would be calibrated to ensure accuracy and reliability.

 

4.    Sealing Materials: Manycon might offer specialized sealing materials and products designed to effectively seal openings, such as doors, windows, vents, and ducts, during room integrity testing. These materials would ensure a tight seal to create a properly enclosed test environment.

 

5.    Data Logging and Analysis Software: Manycon could develop software solutions for data logging, analysis, and reporting during room integrity testing. This software would allow technicians to collect, analyze, and interpret test data more efficiently, facilitating faster decision-making and reporting.

 

6.    Training and Certification Programs: Manycon might offer training and certification programs for technicians and professionals involved in room integrity testing. These programs would provide comprehensive training on testing procedures, equipment operation, data analysis, and compliance with industry standards.

 

7.    Consulting Services: Manycon could provide consulting services to help clients assess their room integrity testing needs, develop testing protocols, optimize testing procedures, and address any challenges or deficiencies identified during testing.

 

8.    Customized Solutions: Manycon might offer customized solutions tailored to the specific needs and requirements of individual clients. This could include designing bespoke testing protocols, developing specialized equipment or software, and providing ongoing support and maintenance services.

 

 

ROOM INTEGRITY TEST (DOOR  FAN TEST / ENCLOUSURE INTEGRITY TESTING)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OUR DIFFERENCE:

                             We have an experienced team of Retrotec certified Air Tightness specialists who carry out the tests as per the local civil defense standards in rooms where clean agent fire extinguishing systems have been installed.

OUR VALUE PROPOSITION:

1.    Identify leaks that cause the suppression agent to escape.

2.    Verify the working of pressure vents.

3.    Improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the air conditioning unit used to cool the room.

4.    Ensure safety and success of the fire fighting system.

FAQs:

1.    Why is Manycon the best room integrity testing company in Qatar ?

                                  Manycon may have a team of highly skilled professionals with extensive experience in conducting room integrity testing. Their expertise in this specialized field could lead to accurate assessments and reliable results.

2.    What are the other names of room integrity testing in Qatar ?

                     Enclosure Integrity Testing, Clean Agent Retention Testing,

Fire Suppression, System Performance Testing, Gas Extinguishing System Integrity Testing, Room Sealing Assessment, Fire Protection System Integrity Verification

3.    What are the acceptable criteria for room integrity testing with Manycon?

 

                      Acceptance criteria vary depending on the specific fire suppression system being tested and relevant regulatory standards. Generally, the room must retain a specified concentration of Manycon for a specified duration.

 

4.    How often Manycon should performed room integrity testing in Qatar?

 

                      Room integrity testing should be performed according to the schedule outlined by regulatory standards and the recommendations of the fire suppression system manufacturer. Typically, it's conducted periodically, such as annually or biennially, and after any significant modifications to the protected space.