Atrium Smoke Control System by EKG M&E Sdn Bhd
In the large-scale architectural designs of KL and PJ, such as shopping malls, hotel lobbies, and corporate headquarters, the atrium presents a unique fire safety challenge. Due to the vast open volume, smoke can rise and spread rapidly across multiple floors. EKG M&E Sdn Bhd specializes in Atrium Smoke Control Systems, engineering high-capacity exhaust and air make-up solutions that meet strict BOMBA (Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia) and UBBL (Uniform Building By-Laws) requirements.
The Science of Smoke Management in Large Volumes
In an atrium, smoke behaves differently than in a standard room. We design for three critical phenomena:
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Smoke Plume Dynamics: As fire releases hot gases, they rise in a "plume." As the plume rises, it pulls in (entrains) surrounding cool air, increasing the total volume of smoke. We calculate the Mass Flow Rate to ensure our fans can handle this expanded volume.
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The Smoke Layer Interface: Our goal is to maintain a "Clear Layer" at the occupied floor levels. We engineer the exhaust rate to keep the smoke layer at least 2.5 meters above the highest walking surface or balcony.
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Plug-Holing Prevention: If an exhaust fan is too powerful or the smoke layer is too thin, the fan may pull clean air from below the smoke layer instead of the smoke itself. we utilize multiple, strategically spaced extract points to ensure high-efficiency smoke removal.
Our Engineering Components
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High-Temperature Axial Smoke Map Fans:
We install fans rated to operate at 250 degrees Celsius for 2 hours. These fans are typically located at the highest point of the atrium roof to extract the hottest, most buoyant smoke.
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Automated Replacement (Make-Up) Air:
For every cubic meter of smoke exhausted, a cubic meter of fresh air must enter the building at a low level. We utilize motorized louvers or dedicated make-up air fans to prevent the building from becoming "negative-pressured," which would make exit doors impossible to open.
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Motorized Smoke Curtains:
In very large atria, we install automatic smoke curtains. These drop from the ceiling during an alarm to "reservoir" the smoke in a specific zone, preventing it from spilling into adjacent shop lots or office corridors.
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VFD-Driven Logic and Fire Mode:
While we use Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) for daily ventilation efficiency, the system is programmed with a "Fire Override." Upon a signal from the Fire Alarm Panel, the VFDs bypass all energy-saving limits to run the fans at 100% maximum capacity immediately.
BOMBA Compliance and Performance Testing
| Parameter | Requirement (UBBL/BOMBA) | EKG M&E Standard |
| Air Change Rate | Typically 10 ACH for Smoke Spill. | Engineered based on Fire Load. |
| Response Time | Activation within 60 seconds. | Integrated High-Speed Actuators. |
| Power Supply | Secondary Backup (Genset). | Fire-Rated Cabling & ATS. |
| Manual Override | Fireman's Switch at Control Panel. | Priority Command Logic. |
Why Choose EKG M&E Sdn Bhd for Smoke Control?
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M&E System Integrity: We ensure that the smoke control system is fully "interlocked" with your general HVAC. When the smoke fans turn on, the standard AC fans must turn off to prevent the mechanical mixing of smoke throughout the building.
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Hot Smoke Testing & Validation: We don't just "hand over" the keys. We can facilitate professional Smoke Visualization Tests (using non-toxic cold or hot smoke) to prove to building owners and authorities that the extraction path is effective.
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Klang Valley Strategic Support: Based in Kuala Lumpur, we provide professional maintenance for smoke fans, motorized dampers, and control panels to ensure 100% readiness for your annual BOMBA fire certificate inspection.
