Research and Development
A division of Imperial Ductwork Services Limited (IDSL), Imperial Fire Solutions (IFS) has developed a high-performance fire resistant service enclosure system (IFS-ES) and fire resistant ductwork system (IFS-DS). Both systems have been rigorously tested in accordance with their relevant fire test standards.
IFS-ES
Our journey started in 2019 with thoughts on designing a BS EN 1366-5:2021 service enclosure, which must also be capable of meeting the T3 Thermocouple requirements detailed in the BS EN 1366-5:2003 edition. It is a requirement of the BS 8519:2020 code of practice that cable enclosures incorporate these T3 Thermocouples.
After reviewing several different materials and completing multiple ad-hoc tests to determine the performance of each material, we decided on a multi-layered system.
Full-scale testing exceeded our expectations, with results at 120 minutes indicating around 50°C below the T3 Thermocouple fail criteria.
After testing vertical, horizontal, fire inside and fire outside, we now have a system that surpasses everything our clients need.
Our system also has:
VOC emission testing
IPX6 powerful water jet without ingression
IP5X protection against the ingression of dust
Warringtonfire’s FIRAS installer accreditation
Ad-hoc full-scale test for 3-sided horizontal & vertical installation
Please navigate to our Products page to learn more about the IFS-ES system.
IFS-DS
Our fire resistant ductwork has been tested in accordance with the fire test standards BS EN 1366-1, 8 & 9 and classified in accordance with BS EN 13501-3 for ventilation ducts and BS EN 13501-4 for smoke control ducts.
The development and introduction of the IFS-DS system is the culmination of an intense investment programme by Imperial Ductwork Services Limited, one of the UK’s largest ductwork manufacturers.
IDSL’s unwavering commitment to developing an in-house product led to an intense R&D programme supporting the full suite of fire tests and significant capital investment in automated ductwork fabrication machinery, resulting in the ability to fully service client demands in terms of standard ductwork and fire resistant ductwork systems.
The IFS-DS system is perfectly complemented by the IFS-ES fire resistant service enclosure system.
Our dedication to continued research and development has resulted in the following:
- IFS-ES service enclosure systems already being designed, manufactured, supplied and installed
- Rigorous testing over the past 2 years
- £3m investment programme by IDSL
- Multiple furnace locations
- Ongoing testing, including ad-hoc site specific
- Multiple in-line plant options, e.g. Allaway attenuator pods & 1500 series Advanced Air VCDs
- Significant capital investment in automated ductwork fabrication machinery
Testing
When it comes to the products and systems we produce, the only way to ensure we meet industry standards of safety, quality, compliance and performance is through rigorous testing. That is why we use independent assessors like Efectis and PAVUS, who share over 100 years’ experience assessing the fire performance of products, systems and constructions.
Since April 2023, IFS has carried out 31 tests in conjunction with Efectis and PAVUS in testing houses located in Czech Republic, France and Turkey.
Overview of Tests
- Single compartment smoke control ducts & multi-compartment duct systems
- Single ducts tested to BS EN 1366-9:2008 passed the test at pressure level 3, achieving classification for 2 hours (E600 120)
- Multi-compartment ducts provide the same level of performance but are tested to BS EN 1366-8, achieving EI 120 classification
Systems have been tested within a range of components to complete the system, and offer a complete direct field size range up to 1250mm x 1000mm or Ø1000m.