We manufacture bespoke solutions for tunnel ventilation to remove pollution and, in case of a fire, for the control of smoke. We offer more than just a product, we have a team of experts who design optimum solutions, calculate pressure drop and noise calculations, offer product witness testing, installation guidance, support and commissioning assistance in the USA and globally.
WHY DO TUNNELS NEED VENTILATION?
In shorter tunnels, the wind and the movement of vehicles pulling and pushing air through them usually provides natural ventilation. In longer tunnels, where natural ventilation can’t cope, mechanical ventilation becomes essential.
Reduce exhaust build up
If traffic becomes stationary or slow moving, exhaust fumes can build up quickly
Clear smoke
In the event of a fire, an efficient ventilation system will help evacuation
The accumulation of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and other harmful gases in parts of a tunnel can make it impossible to breathe. It can also create a fog inside the tunnel, impairing visibility and increasing the risk of an accident - so it’s vital to have effective tunnel ventilation. Additionally, the right system will remove smoke and vitiated air in the case of a fire or an accident involving volatile components, ensuring safe evacuation, and providing access for emergency services.
Ventilation systems are also necessary for mitigating a tunnel’s environmental impact on its surroundings. Filters, dampers, and other equipment are used to reduce the effect on the air quality outside of the tunnel.
TUNNEL VENTILATION SOLUTIONS
We design and manufacture bespoke systems for tunnel ventilation to remove harmful exhaust fumes and, in the event of a fire, to control smoke. We offer more than just a product; we have a team of experts who design optimum solutions, calculate pressure drop and noise, offer product witness testing, installation guidance, support and commissioning assistance in the UK and globally.
If your tunnels use Jet Fans, Large Axial Fans, Central Ventilation or a Saccardo Nozzle System, it is critical to choose a company and product with unrivalled engineering knowledge and application support.
Fully Transverse System
A fully transverse system supplies fresh air from a low level, normally from a duct underneath the roadway. The hot, polluted air rises and is extracted at a high level normally through a ducted system above the roadway.
Semi-Transverse System
This system is similar to the fully transverse system in the supply and extraction of air and is used for long, congested two-way tunnels. Semi-transverse systems rely on longitudinal air movement along the tunnel and require a higher ventilation rate.
Longitudinal Ventilation Systems
The simplest solution for tunnels as air movement is created along the length of the tunnel by large fans, jet fans or a combination of the two. The air can enter at one portal and leave at another, or be supplied or extracted at points within the tunnel.
Saccardo Nozzle System
The Saccardo nozzle system operates on the principle that a high-velocity air jet is injected longitudinally into the tunnel to induce a high volume airflow in the tunnel. For this to be successful, the fans have to be carefully matched to optimise performance. The system uses blocks of JM Aerofoil axial fans, multiple units in parallel for each tunnel, and fitted with special nozzles to accelerate the air.
Woods Air Movement USA provides general ventilation and high temperature smoke extract solutions for:
Woods exhaust fans have been installed in underground structures throughout the world and the technology, innovation and efficiency of our Large JM Axial Fan and Jet Fan product ranges are unbeatable.
LIFE SAFETY UNDERGROUND
Effective ventilation is an essential requirement for life safety underground whether working, maintaining, or just travelling through. Pollution emitted by trains and road vehicles must be managed in the tunnel to maintain set criteria and provide a safe environment. Locomotive or rolling stock heat may need to be removed by forced ventilation to ensure that the temperature is acceptable to both people and equipment.
AN EVOLVING INDUSTRY
As vehicles become cleaner and more efficient, and alternative fuel sources become more common, the day-to-day ventilation requirement for tunnels is changing. There is now far more focus on the emergency element of tunnel ventilation to remove pollutants during hold-ups and accidents.
WORLDWIDE SUCCESS
Our products have been successfully used in underground projects throughout the world. They are renowned for their technology, innovation, efficiency and performance. Each system is designed using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) to calculate the fan position and output required to achieve the most efficient and effective result.
If you have a tunnel project to discuss, please get in touch.
United Kingdom
United States