Development and Application of Smoke Leakage Test Apparatus

The purpose of this study is to establish a CNS 15038 conforming apparatus for smoke leakage testing. The maximum test size accommodated by its test chamber is 3 m(H) x 3 m(W). The test apparatus is capable of controlling temperature and pressure. The test chamber wall, fan, and air duct are enclosed by sandwich construction (steel plate + rock wool + steel plate) and filled with heat resistant materials, which reduces the leakage rate of the apparatus to 1m(3)/h. Three circular openings with different areas are used in this study for the basic volumetric airflow rate test. The apparatus proves to be capable of accurately measuring the volumetric airflow rate for a range of opening areas. The measurement is also made for wooden doors. The results of the study show that the volumetric airflow rate decreases gradually when the temperature increases, but as the temperature reaches 150 degrees C, the volumetric airflow rate for wooden doors starts to increase. The test apparatus can be used for measuring the volumetric airflow rate for various gaps or openings. The design of this apparatus also provides an example for establishing other leakage test apparatus in the future.