For many years, it has been more common than not to have a disjointed ordering process for fans, associated products, and ancillaries. This means that different parts of a ventilation system would be ordered and delivered from different suppliers, often causing site delays due to incompatible components arriving on site.

This method of working has caused a multitude of headaches for mechanical and electrical services contractors, project, and site managers due to a variety of factors. One of the biggest issues facing the construction industry in recent times is the skilled labour shortage, and this has resulted in potentially not having the right personnel available at the right time on site to assemble the fans and ancillaries.

By using prefabricated ventilation systems, you will significantly reduce the headaches caused by using multiple suppliers, in addition to strengthening on site health and safety, and reducing site costs. The benefits are substantial, and here are just 20 of the top reasons why you should make the switch.

1. Prefabrication is by no means new to the market, however by applying it to construction projects, we are able to better embrace new technology. This is due to the involvement of trained professionals in the installation and assembly of the components, which enables the integration of more complex elements within the unit.
2. Having compliance and performance critical components for your ventilation system assembled offsite means that onsite health and safety is immediately increased.
3. Site time is reduced due to eliminating an entire assembly process, in addition to substantially reduced deliveries needing to take place.
4. In-house manufacturing and assembly provides a safer and more controlled process from start to finish.
5. More cost effective by using controlled manufacturing. This is down to reducing mistakes by the assembly occurring in a professional and monitored environment.
6. Brings a collaborative and team-working culture to project stakeholders ensuring that customer requirements are fully considered in the provided solution.
7. Helps manufacturers become closer to their customer’s real requirements. It’s not uncommon for customers to simplify their requirements for an easier installation process, however by using offsite construction, this is not necessary.
8. Encourages a refinement to product development through front line interactions.
9. Allows earlier interaction within the project between collaborators. This includes the client, designers, fire safety compliance, local authority regulators, contractors and subcontractors, installers, and commissioning agents.
10. Minimises unnecessary site-based supplier queries and streamlines supplier interactions later down the line with significantly less issues arising onsite.
11. Reduces waste onsite due to all components being pre-assembled, allowing for less packaging, and no need for pallets.
12. Onsite delivery congestion is greatly reduced. Your prefabricated ventilation solution will be made from one order, and will arrive onsite in one frame, in one delivery.
13. Significant efficiency gained in every step of the process from quotation, to supply, through to project sign off.
14. Project coordination is immediately more efficient as a result of minimal suppliers and less deliveries.
15. Comprehensive cross engagement between sales, engineering, production and operations to reach the right customer solution.
16. Increased industry recognition for manufacturers and constructors by supplying a complete solution rather than completing small orders.
17. Allows for factory testing and pre-commissioning, ensuring that the unit or system is performing as it should be before being delivered to site. Acoustic equipment can also be tested prior to site installation, ensuring best results.
18. Facilitates simpler compliance with Golden Thread requirements for both manufacturer and project managers.
19. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements for the supply chain is clearly structured and easily met.
20. It is much easier to ensure compliance pre-delivery for smoke and other sensitive elements.

It is clear that as a whole, the industry is embracing changes such as the implementation of offsite construction and ultimately reaping the benefits of enhancing safety and site efficiency. At Elta, our overall goal is to be an extension of a contractor’s team, so helping deploy modern methods of construction like prefabricated ventilation solutions is the right step forward. Since launching our prefabricated range, we have seen an exponential growth rate, and it won’t be a surprise if offsite construction, especially for ventilation equipment, becomes the standard.

In the interest of fire safety innovation, Elta emerges with a new pioneering solution for smoke fans with its certified prefabricated smoke range. This comes as an add on solution to Elta’s fans for both general and emergency situations.

Engineered to streamline installation processes, these prefabricated units mark a significant shift in the industry’s approach to designing and implementing smoke ventilation systems. We aim to redefine standards by simplifying complexity and reducing project timelines with prefabricated solutions, to ultimately ensure on-site safety and compliance.

Elta offers a range of car park fans that operate on well-proven tunnel ventilation principles, producing a high velocity jet that, as it diffuses, imparts thrust to the surrounding air through mixing and entrainment. The range includes both induction and impulse ventilation models, specifically designed to serve as both general ventilation systems and for one-time emergency extraction of smoke during fire incidents, and are able to operate at temperatures up to 400°C. The product design eliminates the requirement for ducted systems, making efficient use of the limited space of enclosed car parks, in addition to reducing power consumption and associated running costs.

Recognising the critical nature of rapid smoke extraction in fire incidents, our emergency smoke extract fans are specifically engineered for high performance, and high temperatures. These fans are designed to efficiently remove smoke from affected areas, contributing to a safer environment for building occupants and emergency responders. We can offer F200, F300 and F400 models with a range of motor mounting arrangements, as well as both 50hz and 60hz versions available across the different models.

Complementing the comprehensive range of smoke ventilation solutions, we also offer advanced bespoke control systems designed to provide real-time monitoring and response capabilities. Seamlessly integrated within smoke ventilation systems, these intelligent controls provide building managers with precise and automated smoke extraction management. From emergency scenarios to routine maintenance,  control systems play a pivotal role in enhancing overall system reliability and effectiveness.

The fundamentals of the Elta product range are quality, performance and integrity. Our quality procedures comply with the requirements of ISO 9001, and all smoke fans are certified to EN 12101-3. We also have our own dedicated test laboratory facilities which are AMCA accredited, with products sound tested to BS EN ISO 5136:2009 and BS ISO 13347-2:2004, and air performance tested to BS EN ISO5801:2007.

Elta’s commitment to fire safety goes beyond complying with industry standards. We adopt an innovative approach, ensuring our solutions not only meet regulations, but also exceed expectations. Through ongoing research and development, Elta continually pushes the boundaries of what’s achievable in smoke ventilation, establishing new standards for safety in the process.

Modern Methods of Construction and offsite initiatives are growing exponentially across the UK. To highlight this, earlier this year, the Crown Commercial Services selected 29 firms to be part of the £10bn Offsite Construction Solutions framework, with public sector buildings across healthcare, education, justice and defence all expected to swing toward modular construction.

Our Prefabricated Solutions service is an ideal solution for specifiers and contractors working on commercial building projects of any scale. Fans and ancillaries, such as acoustic equipment, mounts, panels, flexible connections, fan controls and more, can all be assembled offsite and delivered as a compliant assembly, ready for crane lifting that results in quick, efficient installation. The ventilation and air movement manufacturer is one of the first in its sector to offer this across its entire range of fans.

Colin Moss, Car Park & Smoke Control Manager, has pioneered the service and elaborates on the multiple benefits specifiers and contractors can gain by going down the prefabricated assembly route. He said: “Installing individual components on-site can be a cumbersome and time sensitive task. It requires ample storage and working space, leading to congestion on busy sites and increasing the potential for site safety issues. The collection and assembly of various parts can also be time-consuming, causing delays to projects.

“Not only this, but site time is costly, and labour costs can quickly add up when dealing with unnecessarily complex, site installations. With Prefabricated Solutions by Elta, these challenges are a thing of the past, and you can manage these expenses and have better quality control of the finished product.”

A key benefit of the new service is the provision of sound and performance data associated with acoustics ancillaries. For all acoustics components in the fan setup, acoustic performance data is also supplied at the initial stages from our Noise Control Specialists to help simplify the process for specifiers and contractors, so they do not need to re-select or re-calculate separately were they sourcing these components from elsewhere.

This service means units are built to the highest standards within a controlled factory environment. We hold ISO 9001 accreditation for quality management, guaranteeing that finished products are reliable, durable, and ready on time.

Luke Hammond, Applications Specialist (Smoke and Fire), explains that prefabricated assembly of fans also unlocks a host of other benefits. These include a more streamlined design process, offering simpler compliance with both ‘The Golden Thread’ and environmental requirements while reducing disruption to the local community, and other related site activities.

“Gone are the days of waiting for single components to be delivered to the site, which can get lost or damaged while other elements of the project are in transit. With our Prefabricated Solutions service, all necessary components are packaged together, ensuring a hassle-free delivery,” said Luke.

“Preassembled units also mean other costly, disruptive activities on-site, such as crane lifting and road closures, can be minimised. Shipping materials like pallets, packaging and strapping is all reduced as well, and with better overall coordination, Prefabricated Solutions allows workforces to focus on boosting productivity in other areas.”

For more about our Prefabricated Solutions service, visit eltauk.com/prefabricated-solutions

When it comes to smoke ventilation it requires a thorough approach to servicing in order to ensure optimum operational effectiveness. I sat down with my colleague Josh Waitt, Sales Engineer at Elta Applied Technology to discuss the five common traps we often fall into with our smoke ventilation maintenance:

1. Fitting and forgetting

Our smoke ventilation systems are the most important component in providing a level of reassurance across all applications, and are an integral part of building safety. However, as a result of only being required in worst-case scenarios, we are often guilty of neglecting the necessary ongoing maintenance or servicing, thus resulting in lower operational effectiveness and putting occupants at higher risk of danger.

2. Incorrect storage

Right from the outset it is important that our smoke ventilation products are correctly stored. Often, when part of a larger project these fans are not immediately installed and they are instead left to sit on site for up to several weeks, or even months. In these circumstances, it is vital that they are kept in the right environment to prevent long-term damage or a reduction in performance.

Furthermore, you should keep the fan in a clean, dry area, and free from corrosive fumes, vibration, and dust. Special care should also be taken in avoiding temperature fluctuations; a good tip would be to remove any shrink wrap that may have been used to house the product during transportation. This typically acts like a greenhouse meaning it gets excessively hot in the sun, and can encourage condensation to form.

I’d also advise rotating the impeller on a monthly basis, and make sure it definitely does not return back it to its original position to prevent grease separation and damage to the bearings. In cases where fans must be stored for more than two years, bearings and grease lines should be flushed and repacked with fresh grease.

3. Lack of ongoing servicing

Once in place, without regular checking and inspection of the equipment, including all parts of the system, the operational lifespan on the fan can be significantly decreased. As a general rule, inspection of the equipment should take place every six months, including the testing of AVs, spinning the impeller, and checking the running current.

4. Failing to pass on the responsibility

As with any project, it can be difficult to place it in the hands of another once your role has come to an end. One of the biggest challenges for contractors, engineers, and anyone else tasked with installing systems is that once it is in the possession of end-users, you effectively lose sight of it. This is where it is important to stress the responsibility that the system owners have to ensure the fans remain operational. If smoke ventilation is not correctly maintained, they need to be aware that they risk becoming liable.

5. Not following guidance

With so many components to consider with our smoke ventilation systems, you can be forgiven for finding it difficult to keep up and follow all the best practices. Our installation and maintenance manuals have all the guidance and best practices you need. For example, we would recommend that motor bearings are replaced after 20,000 hours of operation, or depending on whichever’s earlier, five years of service in normal, ambient conditions.

Other areas of note include the rule of three:

• An insulation test every three months
• Checking the tightness of fixings every three years
• Cleaning the impellers every three years

For more arduous environments such as transport or marine in which there is likely to be vibration and shock, maintenance checks should be more regular.

Finally, it is vital that a maintenance record is kept and best practice is followed. It is also important to note that all maintenance work must be carried out by the manufacturer’s ‘authorised representative’.

Why is this boost needed?

With the construction industry tackling a balancing act of declining budgets alongside improved sustainability and safety targets, the need for an all-round solution is greater than ever.

What has Elta done?

Having gained compliance with BS EN12101-3:2015, the fans are now capable of being powered through a VSD in times of emergency. Incorporating the VSD with the fan itself has meant system specifiers and designers are now offered a more streamlined approach. By testing the high-performance smoke fans in conjunction with various VSDs, this has ensured that the two can be used together without the need for bypassing or fitting filters to the VSD in fire mode. Using the VSDs alongside Elta’s impellers has also increased the efficiency of the system, and thanks to the completion of the BS EN12101-3:2015 testing, allows for a fully compliant and highly efficient holistic solution.

Where will we see the benefits?

With urbanisation growing across Europe, the need for space-saving has led to the construction of more mid-rise to high-rise buildings. In turn, this is driving an increase in demand for high-performance equipment compliant with strict government regulations to ensure the safety of all people and property.

While there are different ways to ensure the systems do this, the most efficient way is to have the fans and VSDs tested together, hence why Elta now has the BSI accreditation.

Elta are committed to conforming to the highest standards, and as a result hold a number of additional accreditations alongside this BSI certification. 

The ‘out of sight, out of mind’ nature of emergency smoke extract fans means many are going years without being serviced. While I hate to instigate the pressing of the panic button, this worrying trend could have catastrophic consequences.

Some building owners carry the misplaced assumption that they won’t encounter a fire, which of course is a stance we only see the consequences of once it’s too late.

Arguably the problem stems from the legislation in place. Although BS EN 12101-3 ensures emergency smoke extract fans are rigorously tested during manufacture and pre-sales, it is much less clear what needs to happen once these products are installed. In actual fact, there is no mandatory requirement for these fans to be serviced.

When it comes to frequently-used, well-populated commercial buildings such as supermarkets and shopping centres, smoke extract fans are vital in the event of a fire. Not only do they help occupants to get out, they also assist the fire service in getting into the building. After all, ultimately, these fans are there to protect lives.

What should be done?
After 20,000 hours or five years of service, the fans bearings should be changed by the approved manufacturer of the equipment. If there is a fire and the fan hasn’t been used regularly, hasn’t been serviced, and has bearings which are in poor condition, there is every chance it will fail just when it is needed most.

What we really need is a mandatory servicing requirement to ensure that legally, building owners and facilities managers are not allowed to forget to have these critical appliances checked on a regular basis.

The new library is said to be the largest public library in the United Kingdom – one of the largest in the world – and the largest public cultural space in Europe. It is naturally viewed by Birmingham City Council as a flagship project for the city’s current redevelopment.

Everyday or emergency operation
Cofely District Energy were appointed by Birmingham City Council to undertake the construction of the energy centre which serves both the library and the adjacent Birmingham Repertory Theatre to which the library connects and with which it shares some facilities. As part of this energy centre project, Environmental Climate Systems won the contract to supply and install smoke ventilation systems, including fire rated ductwork and louvers, selecting smoke extract fans from Elta: two SmokeVent SLCS 560 and three larger SLCS 630 extraction units. The fans are robust and durable axial units of heavy-duty construction, part of a range that has been specifically developed to operate as the extract part of the main ventilation system or for emergency clearance of hazardous smoke or fume conditions. They are capable of running in either normal mode or in a once only smoke operation at 300°C for a duration of two hours, making them a cost effective means of providing both everyday ventilation and emergency smoke clearance from the same unit.

An exciting showcase for the city’s impressive collections
The new main central public library in Birmingham is home to a collection of more than one million books and is situated on the west side of the city centre at Centenary Square. It stands between Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Baskerville House, previously called the Civic Centre and formerly offices for parts of Birmingham City Council. It has more than 200 public access computers, an exhibition gallery, music rooms, a studio theatre and a recording studio. It replaces the former Birmingham Central Library.

Facilitating safe evacuation in an emergency
Elta’s SmokeVent SLCS fans have adjustable pitch aerofoil section impeller blades made from high quality die cast aluminium. These are positively locked by pinning to provide added security for operation in dense smoke. The highly efficient impellers make SmokeVent units a very economical way of moving large volumes of air at low to medium pressures. By providing rapid smoke extraction, cooling and improved control of the resulting smoke in the event of a fire, the safe evacuation of occupants is made much easier. Emergency control of any situation that develops is made possible for the fire services by ensuring that the extraction system is independent of external conditions.

A library to change the world
The futuristic building, designed by Francine Houben of architects Mecanoo, was recently opened by Malala Yousafzai – the teenager from Pakistan who championed women’s rights and survived a Taliban assassination attempt. On officially declaring the new library open and unveiling a commemorative plaque, she said: “Let us not forget that even one book, one pen, one teacher can change the world.”

The construction programme took over five years and, now open to the public, the library is forecast to attract some three million visitors a year.

Elta is part of the £90 million Elta Group, a family of businesses with operations in six countries on four continents which, together with a network of international distributors, provides quality fans and related air movement equipment to customers worldwide.

London architectural practice Pod was employed to re-design the interior layout of number 14 Dover Street, a five-storey Georgian townhouse in the heart of Mayfair. Building tenant, McQ, part of the internationally renowned Alexander McQueen brand, wanted the building interior – which consisted of ground-level retail space and four office floors – transformed from the original, narrow, intricate and mazelike layout into a single, open series of connected retail space across all five floors. The Elta units were intended to provide emergency smoke extraction and pressurisation of the lift shafts and stairwells for the newly refurbished layout.

The order, for the two long-cased SmokeVent Axial 1250mm fans and eight long-cased Axial 500mm fans from Elta secured through distributor SK Sales of Thanet, was initially placed as single units. But a last minute change of plan saw the fans to be used as ‘Run & Standby’ pairs in ‘Series Set’. This meant that the two units intended to provide pressurisation within the lift shafts, had to be changed to 560mm fans bolted together and supplied with larger motors. The remaining six original 500mm units, which were for the pressurisation of the stairwells, simply required the necessary change of blade angle carried out at Elta’s Kingswinford factory, to enable them to be bolted together for use in tandem within the required set-up.

M&E sub-contractor for the prestigious project was HSE Building Services based in London Bridge. The main consultant was London based firm Kehr & Tucker who specified the use of Elta’s units from the outset. Elta’s long-cased SmokeVent fans are of robust, heavy duty construction to offer strength and durability. Unit casings are heavy-gauge, sheet steel, roll-formed, welded and hot dip galvanised.

The range has been specifically developed for emergency smoke extraction as part of the main extraction system or as dedicated units for the emergency clearance of smoke or fumes. The adjustable pitch, aerofoil section impellers have blades made from high quality, die cast aluminum.

The all metal, long-cased 500mm Elta Axial fan is also of a very durable and robust construction. The casings are constructed from a heavy gauge, mild sheet steel, rolled, spun flanged and fully welded, then hot-dip galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461:2009 after fabrication. Motors and adjustable pitch, axial impellers are both mounted within the length of the casing – the impellers being factory set to meet specific customer requirements and supplied with blades made from high quality cast aluminum, GRP or carbon-loaded composite.

The SmokeVent SLCS range comprises several robust, heavy-duty models with adjustable-pitch, aerofoilsection impeller blades made from high-quality, die-cast aluminum. The high efficiency impellers make Elta’s SmokeVent SLCS range, a very economical means of moving high volumes of air at low-to-medium pressures. Although specifically developed as dedicated fans for emergency smoke spill extract systems for emergency clearance of hazardous fume conditions with better cooling and smoke control, the units can operate in normal extract mode as part of a main extract system. This means a single fan can provide both general and smoke extract requirements.

In May 2009, the Scottish Prison Service selected Carillion Construction Limited as the main contractor of the new publicly built and funded prison. Construction work began in February 2010 after the demolition of the former prison and is due for completion in early 2012. It will double the capacity of the original prison, which comprised a wooden, single-storey, prefabricated building and eleven Nissen-hut, dormitory-style units linked by internal corridors, originally serving as a barrage balloon depot.

Carillion awarded the contract to provide mechanical, electrical and public health installations within two house block buildings with a total of 700 cells to Vaughan Engineering Group Limited. Elta’s Scottish distributor, Ventilation & Heating Sales (VHS) of Broxburn in Edinburgh, supplied the units from Elta in two phases.

The new Low Moss facility represents a radical change in contemporary custodial design, setting the standard for three further prisons to be built under the Scottish Government’s prison modernization programme.

For more information on Elta’s SmokeVent range or for details on how we can help with your ventilation requirements please visit eltauk.com or contact us on +44 (0)1384 275 800, email mailbox@eltafans.co.uk.

Elta is part of the £85 million Elta Group, a family of businesses with operations in six countries on four continents which, together with a network of international distributors, provides quality fans and related air movement equipment to customers worldwide.

It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and designated part of a Special Protection Area. The new tunnel, which is a total of 1.2 miles long, is the longest non-estuarial tunnel in the United Kingdom. The maximum depth below ground, measured to the top of the tunnel, is about 200ft.

A full technical submittal on Elta Building Services Division proposals was required by ventilation contractors, James Paget Services, along with a formal letter of life expectancy for the units. Orders for the specially manufactured units, were then placed in April and May 2010. The first part of the order comprised two sets of long-cased, axial ‘run & standby’ fans with matching stainless steel ancillaries for ventilation of the void in the low-point sump.

After Elta sought confirmation from the motor supplier that it was possible to do so, each fan is set to work for 12 hours then switch to standby mode. They then operate in the opposite direction, switching again after each 24-hour period. “Windmilling” losses for standby fans, along with the control logistics of forward/reverse operation were decisive factors in the model selection process.

The second part of the order was for four bifurcated, cylindrically cased ATEX axial fans with matching ancillaries. Manufactured by the Fareham based Applied Technology Division of Elta these were designed to meet specific site requirements when supplying air and extracting gases from the drainage impounding sump. The bifurcated fans are quality, direct motor driven units, specially developed for handling hostile conditions of hot, dust-laden air, corrosive fumes or gases. The units are designed so that the gases by-pass the motor in order to eliminate any detrimental effects.

Two temperature options are available in either a cylindrical or conical casing. Elta manufactures a range of fans to meet the European Union (EU) directive ATEX (ATmosphÌÄå¬res EXplosibles) which coordinates various technical and legal conditions throughout Europe. This new and evolving standard ensures safety of equipment installed and operated in potentially dangerous atmospheres by reducing the explosion risk through established design methods.

The new, twin-bored road tunnel is an important part of the £371 million Hindhead project, one of the major schemes in the current Government’s programme of road works. The tunnel is part of the 4 milelong dual-carriageway currently under construction to replace the last remaining stretch of singlecarriageway. It will complete the 68 mile link between Portsmouth and the capital, removing a major source of congestion on a busy route (which carries over 28,000 vehicles per day) and improving road safety as well as air quality in the area. Work on the main tunneling works started in February 2008.

The tunnel features cross-passages every 100 metres along with state-of-the-art safety and communications systems. Secretary of State for Transport, Mr. Philip Hammond opened the Southbound bore to traffic on Wednesday, 27th July 2011, the first vehicles being escorted through the tunnel in convoy. Northbound traffic was introduced to the new road a few days later. It was opened within budget and on schedule.

Elta is part of the £85 million Elta Group, a family of businesses with operations in six countries on four continents which, together with a network of international distributors, provides quality fans and related air movement equipment to customers worldwide.