What are elevator smoke curtains? This question has been asked and answered many times but often without a definitive answer. However, in order to answer this question, we have to take into consideration what the functions of smoke curtains are. In this article, we will discuss the definition of smoke screen doors, how they work, and why you should install them.
What are elevator smoke curtains?
As the name suggests, elevator smoke curtains are used in industries such as power generation, oil drilling, refining, mineral processing, pharmaceutical, chemical, petrochemical, etc. In any of these industries, toxic gases can be very dangerous. Hence, it is necessary that the employees are protected from the toxic smoke that results when oil or gas is ignited.
Elevator smoke curtain is usually manufactured by manufacturers of smoke detectors. However, there are many companies that supply elevator smoke curtains for industrial purposes. The advantage of buying a smoke detector curtain directly from the manufacturer is that you can be sure of its quality.
An elevator smokescreen is a type of partition which separates a smoke detector device from the rest of the system. Generally, the partition is made out of solid materials like stainless steel. However, some of the newer models use a combination smoke screen/smoke detector with a hard plastic cover.
How do elevator smoke curtains work?
The smoke from the fuel or oil ignites when a spark occurs between the two fuel sources. This causes a chain reaction, which results in smoke being released into the air. This means that the smoke particles are small and spread out, thus avoiding detection by the human nose. Apart from this, the smoke dissipates quite quickly in the absence of heat or sunshine. Hence, there is a great need to have a smoke screen door installed in the oil processing plant, for the protection of the personnel.
Why should you install elevator smoke curtains?
The primary reason is that they give the production facility a legal smoking area. It is against the law in some countries to have an open fire area in any workplace. But, if the equipment used is properly maintained, then there is no excuse for an employee to get lung cancer or other diseases caused by inhalation of the smoke.
They help protect your floor from getting contaminated
Another important reason for installing elevator smoke curtains is that it helps protect your factory floor from getting contaminated with the dust and ash discharged during the process of making smoke detector fuses. If there is dust, there will be smoke too. Hence, a proper smoke detector and smoke screen door can keep the area safe.
They automatically detect the presence of smoke particles
These are devices that automatically detect the presence of smoke particles inside the stairwell. They trigger the alarm and alert the control room. If the stairwell is open, it automatically evacuates the people in the elevator. It is essential to install a good smoke detector so that your stairwell remains safe even if someone inadvertently trips on some smoke particles.
They help prevent accidents and fire due to smoke particles
Elevator smoke screen doors help prevent accidents and fire due to smoke particles. If we take safety measures like installing smoke screen doors, we will not have to worry about the lives of our employees in case of any emergency. Therefore, we can also say that these are vital equipment and must be installed at all stairwells.
They control the emission of smoke
Another function of these are devices which are installed in elevators to control the emission of smoke. The smoke from the smoke detector is diverted to the smokescreen, where it is filtered and dispersed before reaching the individual floors. Hence, it provides the best protection against toxic fumes and smoke.
How are elevator smoke curtains used?
Elevator smoke curtains should be used in an area where there is a lot of dust. This is because smoke travels very fast. So, if you are trying to detect smoke in an area that is relatively clean, it will be difficult for you to detect it. However, it is advisable to use this sensor in areas of high traffic.