Citation

Sakurai H, Hayashi T, Shibata M, Kanehara K. Fire Safety J. 1980; 2(1): 9-16.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1980, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Large amounts of smoke and toxic gases, generated at the beginning of a fire and spreading rapidly through a building, result in the death of individuals. In order to keep casualties to the minimum, it is necessary to prevent the diffusion of smoke or toxic gas. Fire-doors or fire-screens are available for this purpose, but these create obstructions to exits.In this paper, the air shutter, dependent upon the push-pull principle, which has the effect of controlling the air flow of the surrounding area, is suggested as a means of defence against fire. The function of the air shutter is closely examined, and a theoretical and experimental investigation of the effect of smoke flow on the shutter has been undertaken.As a consequence of this investigation, it is clear that the air shutter is very effective in excluding smoke or toxic gas, and it might prove to be a practical proposition.