Project Description
Chiltern International Fire Ltd (CIF) were commissioned by London Underground Ltd (LUL) to carry out a research project to develop a test facility to examine a number of issues that LUL have relating to escalator water suppression systems. Some of the areas that the project was to look at included suppression agent coverage, water quantity requirements and maintenance issues.
The aim of the project was to develop a set of performance criteria for use by LUL to allow the selection of cost effective and efficient fire suppression systems appropriate to current risks.
A special unit was built at CIF’s laboratories to conduct tests of suppression systems on a 7m test rig, based on drawings of existing escalators. A test methodology and pass/fail criteria were established and a number of commissioning and development tests performed. The testing program has led to an appropriate standard test procedure being produced that can be used to evaluate different escalator water suppression systems.
Chiltern International Fire’s Involvement
CIF were responsible for all aspects of the project, including design and construction of the test facility. Some specialist companies assisted with the testing by providing suppression systems and optical fibre linear heat detection cable.
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