Tengri LLC: Modernization of the Smoke Ventilation System at the Northern Radiance Business Center

Client

Tengri LLC, the management company of the Class A Northern Radiance Business Center, located in the northern part of Moscow inside the Third Transport Ring (TTK).

Situation

The Northern Radiance Business Center is a large facility with an extensive smoke ventilation system (PDS) spanning several floors and sections. A preliminary audit and analysis of the as-built documentation revealed systemic issues that significantly reduced the effectiveness of the smoke removal system. These problems not only violated current fire safety standards but also posed risks to staff and visitors in the event of an actual fire.

Tasks

The goal of the project was to eliminate the identified deficiencies and bring the smoke ventilation system in line with current fire safety requirements:

• Development of new design solutions and updated as-built documentation based on modern standards.
• Inspection and diagnostics of the existing ventilation shaft structures.
• Development of equipment modernization options and implementation of measures to increase performance.
• Implementation of air duct insulation and correction of the system's aerodynamics.
• Implementation of a reliable system for separate removal of combustion products for corridors and rooms.
• Installation and configuration of additional equipment in previously unprotected zones, considering regulatory valve action radii limitations.

All identified violations required prompt intervention with minimal disruption to the building’s ongoing operations and an optimal budget model for the client.

Solution

After conducting a thorough analysis of the current state of the smoke ventilation system, our team proposed a well-thought-out solution that not only addressed the violations but also optimized system performance.

Technological changes were developed to organize separate systems for corridors and rooms, preventing the mixing of combustion products, which was especially important in areas with a large number of people.

Narrowed ventilation shafts were inspected and cleaned, restoring their original capacity. Problematic areas received ventilation equipment upgrades, including the replacement of valves and fans where performance was lacking, and in some cases, equipment was replaced with higher-performance units.

We conducted duct testing and eliminated all sources of air intake, restoring system tightness. This significantly improved the efficiency of the entire ventilation network and reduced air loss by 18%.

To compensate for the removal of combustion products, supply ducts were added, ensuring proper ventilation and creating optimal conditions for safe evacuation.

Additionally, air ducts were replaced and installed with modern non-combustible materials, with fire resistance ratings of EI 30. Special attention was paid to smoke removal valves, and their placement was adjusted to meet regulatory standards.

To address the aerodynamic instability of the fans, the ventilation scheme was reconfigured, and maintenance was carried out. Equipment testing was also performed to determine its further usability.

Work in the corridor zones, where smoke protection elements were missing, included the installation of new valves with action radii according to regulations.

Project Results

After the modernization, the smoke ventilation system at the Northern Radiance Business Center began operating in full compliance with modern requirements. Enhanced performance, tightness, and system stability created conditions to ensure the safety of people even in emergency situations.

The client emphasized that the proposed solutions, in addition to complying with all regulations, helped reduce operating costs by 12% through improved system efficiency and extended equipment lifespan.

The modern approach, flexibility of solutions, and responsiveness not only solved the tasks at hand but also strengthened our partnership with the client, laying the foundation for further collaboration in the field of safety.