Explosion And Blast Relief Roof Vents
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Explosion and Blast Relief Roof Vents
Among our broad selection of safety solutions, our blast relief roof vents stand out as an essential tool for businesses and organisations in high-risk industries. Designed for applications prone to internal explosions or detonations, these vents protect your facilities and, most importantly, the people working within them.
Our blast relief roof vents are the perfect solution for areas where explosive materials such as gaseous, flammable substances or dust particles are stored and venting is only possible from the roof area. Whether you're involved in a chemical production facility, hydrogen application or much more, our roof vents ensure a safer, more secure environment. We provide a wide range of blast solutions for clients in a vast array of industries. We have a comprehensive portfolio of literature but we also welcome direct contact with our customers to explain what can sometimes seem to be a very complex problem but one which can easily be mitigated.
Protecting A Diverse Range Of Industries
When it comes to industries that face the threat of internal explosions, the list is surprisingly diverse. Our blast relief roof vents are applicable in various sectors, including the petroleum industry, energy and mining, and even brewery facilities. This wide applicability makes it an essential safety measure across different operational setups.
Automotive plants, co-generation facilities, and lithium battery storage areas also greatly benefit from our specialised roof vents. In environments where safety is paramount, such as hospitals and university laboratories, our vents offer that extra layer of protection that could also be the difference between total collapse and business continuity. This explosion protection helps to mitigate damage to businesses and organisations so that they can get back to operational capacity as quickly as possible.
It may not always possible to include the preferred number or size of other blast mitigation products such as Fixed Blast Louvres, Frangible Blow Out Panels, Hinged Vents and so forth and in those cases, where possible, the inclusion of a Blast Relief Roof Vent is a simple and very effective safety net in such applications.
How Do Our Explosion Relief Vents Work?
Understanding how our blast relief roof vents work is important for optimum utilisation. These roof venting systems function by allowing a lightweight insulated top panel to break free when a pre determined pressure from within the room is applied to them.
The top panel is held in place by ‘FM Approved’ release fixings within a specially designed blast release assembly. The release pressure can also be adjusted to suit the internal blast requirements and also the external climatic conditions. The force of an internal blast is extremely onerous when compared to a free field blast. The top panel is dispelled at extremely high velocities and to try to mitigate further hazards the top panel is tethered with steel cables.
During an explosion, pressure waves and gas waves reflect off walls and fitments, creating elevated pressure levels in various locations within the room or facility. Our roof vents are engineered to mitigate these extreme conditions, making your workspace not just compliant with safety regulations but also a haven of occupational safety. Our engineers have used their years of experience to create pre-fabricated pressure relief vents that are designed to handle these situations. For larger room areas, these roof explosion vent systems can sometimes work better when more than one is utilised, allowing the pressure to be shared, as it is sometimes extremely difficult to determine exactly where peak pressure will emanate.
Ballistic Protection
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Blast & Ballistic Venting Products
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Specification
| Profile |
|---|
| Folded Aluminium Base and Top Assembly |
| Main Body 153mm high |
| Top Panel 62mm high |
| Weights |
|---|
| Top lid assembly 15.5kgs (9.8kg/m2) meeting FM Global Approval 1-44 to meet ATEX if required |
| Profile |
|---|
| Folded Aluminium Base and Top Assembly |
| Main Body 153mm high |
| Top Panel 62mm high |
| Explosion Release Values |
|---|
| 2 No. EXA 74 = 0.625 kPa OR 4 No. EXA 74 = 1.125kPa Other release values available on request |
| 2 No. EXA 76 = 0.915 kPa OR 4 No. EXA 76 = 1.705kPa Other release values available on request |
| 2 No. EXA 79 = 1.380 kPa OR 4 No. EXA 79 = 2.641kPa Other release values available on request |
| 2 No. EXA 84 = 3.245 kPa OR 4 No. EXA 84 = 6.367kPa Other release values available on request |
| Fixing Hole Positions |
|---|
| See drawing - prepared to industry standard to accept 20 fixings |
| Available sizes |
|---|
| Standard Size Nominal 1220mm x 1220mm |
| Actual overall size of Top Panel 1250mm square |
| Overall finished size of main body including fixing flange 1420mm square |
| Finishes |
|---|
| Mill finish Aluminium as standard |
| Main Body 153mm high |
| Other finishes on request |
| Standards - References |
|---|
| FM Global Loss Prevention 1-44 Rev 2023 Venting Class of Work 4440 Vent Releasing Product |
| Designed with regard to NFPA 68 guidelines - design, location, installation, maintenance of Venting (Standard on Explosion Protection by Deflagration Venting) 2023 |
| Thermal Properties |
|---|
| All panels are insulated with minimum 50mm EPS70 insulation FR if required |
| Top Release panel Expansion Allowance |
|---|
| Explosion Release Assembly Units incorporate expansion bolts/washers |
| Restraints |
|---|
| Restraint cables included |
What does ‘FM Approved’ mean?
FM Approvals is an international leader in third-party testing and certification services. We test property loss prevention products and services—for use in commercial and industrial facilities—to verify they meet rigorous loss prevention standards of quality, technical integrity and performance. How ? By employing a worldwide certification process that’s backed by scientific research and testing, and over a century of experience.
The FM APPROVED mark is recognized and respected worldwide. Our certification instils confidence and commands respect in your marketplace.
Why Choose Blast & Ballistics?
Choosing Blast & Ballistics for your blast relief roof vents means opting for quality, reliability, and above all, safety. Our commitment to delivering specialist blast and safety products is backed by testing and years of industry experience. By integrating our roof vents into your safety protocols, you're taking a significant step towards making your facility explosion resistant. When contacting us, you also have a wide range of products to choose from, ensuring you can fulfil every need and a depth of knowledge that is available to discuss your requirements at all technical levels.
We understand that every industry is unique and comes with its own set of challenges. With all Blast & Ballistics products, you're not just buying a product but also investing in peace of mind.
The Benefits Of Using Blast Relief Roof Vents
When it comes to safeguarding your facility from the risks associated with internal explosions, blast relief roof vents offer an array of benefits beyond basic compliance with safety regulations. These venting systems release pressure vents and products are crucial to your overall safety plan, offering multi-faceted advantages that protect your property and the people within it.
One of the primary benefits of installing our blast relief roof vents is the immediate enhancement of occupational safety. By providing a secure means for pressure and gas waves to escape during an explosion, these vents significantly reduce the potential for structural damage and harm to employees. This helps you maintain business continuity, even in the face of unexpected incidents, by minimising downtime and potential repair costs.
Another overlooked benefit is the potential for lower insurance premiums. By demonstrating that your facility is equipped with state-of-the-art safety features like our blast relief roof vents, you may qualify for preferred insurance rates. This means that your investment in safety could lead to long-term financial benefits for your business.
Choose Blast Relief Vents That Work!
Invest in our blast relief roof vents today and take a proactive step in safeguarding your facilities and the lives within them. Feel free to contact us for more information or to discuss your specific requirements. We're here to make your workspace safer.
Product Description
Our Explosion & Blast Relief Roof Vents offer a solution to protect facilities from blast events, intended to relieve blast loads and to prevent structural damage and injury to personnel.
Advantages
Our Roof Vents are bespoke products made with specialist materials for applications in a variety of climates and conditions.
We use FM Approved Release Bolts to provide customer confidence in our products and also for Health and Safety Executive requirements.
For use in applications where there is a high risk of an internal explosion, or detonation, generated from the storage of gaseous, flammable or materials containing fine particles of dust.
Features
- Release value to meet customer specification
- Bespoke sizes to meet customer dimensions
- FM Approved Release Bolts
Areas of Application
Chemical Production
Petroleum Industry
Paint/Varnish Manufacturers
Energy/Mining Industry
Co-Generating Plans
Hydrogen Applications
Lithium Battery Storage
Automotive
Grinding/Pulverizing
Paper Process
Hospitals (Gas/Flammable)
Brewery Facilities
Fossil Fuel Plants
Food Processing
University Laboratories
·Nuclear Powe
| PROFILE |
|---|
| Fabricated Aluminium Base and Top Assembly |
| Main Body 153mm high |
| Top Panel 62mm high |
| FINISHES |
|---|
| Mill finish Aluminium as standard |
| Other finishes on request |
| AVAILABLE SIZES |
|---|
| Standard size nominal 1220mm x 1220mm |
| Bespoke sizes made to order |
| Overall finished size – add 250mm in each direction to the roof aperture size cut out |
| WEIGHTS |
|---|
| Top lid assembly 9.80kg/m2 meeting FM Global Approved 1-44 |
| STANDARDS - REFERENCES |
|---|
| FM Global Loss Prevention 1-44 Rev 2023 Venting Class of Work 4440 Vent Releasing Product |
| Designed with regard to NFPA 68 guidelines – design, location, installation, maintenance of Venting (Standard on Explosion Protection by Deflagration Venting) 2023 |
| THERMAL PROPERTIES |
|---|
| All panels are insulated with minimum 50mm EPS70 insulation FR if required |
| EXPLOSION RELEASE VALUES |
|---|
| FM Approved release bolts are manufactured in a range of values. EXA 74, EXA 76, EXA 79, EXA 84 – and the Blast Release Roof Vents use these in various combinations to provide the Blast Release value that is required in each application. |
| TOP RELEASE PANEL EXPANSION ALLOWANCE |
|---|
| Explosion Release Assembly Units incorporate expansion and contraction mechanisms |
| FIXING HOLE POSITIONS |
|---|
| See drawing – Prepared to industry standard to accept up to 20 fixings or as detailed by client |
| RESTRAINTS |
|---|
| Restraint cables included |
FM Approved Blast Release Bolts
FM Global (Factory Mutual Insurance Company) has underwritten a wide range of Blast and Explosion Mitigation products. This product is constructed to those guidelines see – FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet 1-44 sub section 2.1.4 Pressure Relieving Vent Panels.
In addition, all explosion release bolts are fully FM Approved and provide a range of release values for this safety product.
Release assembly units and FM Approved Release Bolts are positioned internally and are easily accessible for maintenance or adjusting the release requirements.
All venting systems rely to the greater extent on an equal balance of pressure across its surface for optimum performance. This is important to keep in mind because not all explosions can be so predictable. Internal explosions are notoriously difficult to determine because there is a pressure wave and a gas wave that reflect around internally off the walls and other fitments and in doing so create elevated levels of pressure in various locations.
Consider more than one roof vent when undertaking an internal blast analysis. Ideally the blast would occur directly and uniformly beneath the blast vent, but in reality, this is not always the case. By incorporating more than one blast vent it will provide greater potential to offer a more uniform and even blast regime within the building.
Release Assembly Unit
The Release Assembly Units hold the lightweight roof panel in place. The large washer that also contains the special FM Approved release bolts, is designed to move within the assembly to allow for heat expansion of the roof panel. All of these components are supplied factory assembled but note how the release washers should appear when correctly tightened or if the panel needs to be removed and replaced at some point in the future.
The Vent Assemblies are fitted with steel cables to mitigate the potential for the lightweight roof panel to break away from the confines of the building should the unit need to be deployed following an internal blast or explosion.
Additional Information
Removing & Inserting the Special Release Bolts
It may be necessary to remove and replace the special release bolts that are supplied with this product. This may be because the roof panel has been removed during installation, or when doing so the bolt was overtightened and deformed prematurely (see images on page 6). Conversely, it may simply be the case that the release value of the bolts supplied may need to be changed for those offering a different release value to accommodate a change in the buildings blast regime
FM Approved Release Bolts
FM Approved Release Bolts are globally recognised in the industry and provide you with the certified performance and required credibility to meet international standards.
This ensures consistency in each product and reduces the risk of incorrect activation.
Note: The special release bolt supplied with the release washer as shown left, fits into a pre threaded hole. This is a course thread and may initially feel difficult to start. When correctly aligned however it can be easily inserted by hand. DO NOT FORCE THIS BOLT INTO THE PRE THREADED HOLE. Click here to see a video of this: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/q_ux6eO6bEI
Expansion & Contraction of the Roof Panel
Expansion Washer – This is the large washer that is fitted into the release assembly and through which the release bolt passes. When correctly tightened, the release bolt and washer should appear as in this picture (left) and the washer should be free to move around as shown in the accompanying video.
When roof panels are fitted onto the roof of buildings they are immediately exposed to all elements of weather. One of these being direct sunlight. This can cause the roof panel to expand and contract and in order to mitigate applying a sidewards loading on to the release fixing, this washer will move with the roof panel but still keep the release bolt aligned.
Click here to see a video of this:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qPo_lBG30c8
Understanding the Release Assembly
A short video clip showing the release assembly working can be seen by clicking on the following link. It is worthwhile looking at this and gaining an understanding of what happens during the release process.
Under blast loading this all happens in milliseconds but the link below shows the operation taking place under controlled conditions and much more slowly. Note carefully at the midpoint of the video, the green collapsible washer can be seen to deform momentarily and then the force is re applied to demonstrate the bolt head travelling through the washer and releasing the assembly. Click here to see a video of this happening: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/TNeSzGO1LTQ
Damage-Limiting Construction
Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets 1-44, Extract with reference to Roof Vent Panels and FM Approved Release Fasteners
2.1.3 Location
2.1.3.1 Locate rooms or buildings requiring damage-limiting construction in accordance with Section 3.1.1.
2.1.3.2 Avoid venting a single end of an elongated enclosure. Where this situation is unavoidable, follow the guidelines in Section 3.1.7.
2.1.4 Pressure Relieving Vent Panels
Install at least a total area of pressure relieving vent panels that equals the minimum recommended vent area.
Do not credit roof vent panel areas subject to accumulation of snow, ponded water, dust, or debris.
Where this situation is unavoidable, refer to Section 3.1.2. A maximum weight of 3lb/ft2 (14.6kg/m2) is generally recommended for venting roof panels.
2.1.4.1 FM Approved Products
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the installation of FM Approved (see Appendix A for definition) explosion venting systems, including fasteners and washers.
The following recommendations apply to the installation of FM Approved explosion venting systems including fasteners and washers:
1.When FM Approved, collapsing washers are used, a1⁄2in. (13mm) diameter oversized hole should be drilled in the wall panel and a slightly smaller diameter centering washer or sleeve should be installed. It is imperative that the pilot hole for the screw/bolt be centred with respect to the centering washer. Only a specifically FM Approved No.14 (1⁄4in., 6mm in diameter) screw/bolt should be used with this washer (seeFigure2.1.4.1-1).
©2000-2023 Factory Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.
Notes:
Installation Instructions
1. The roof vents are delivered to site in timber crates. The roof vent will have a protective wrapping for convenience when installing and should be removed when the installation is complete.
2. Carefully remove the roof vent lid and set aside. In the crate will be the lower half of the roof vent, that is the vertical sides and the flange will bolts down to the roof.
3. Position the roof vent over the pre-prepared aperture in the roof of the building.
4. When satisfied that it is in the correct position, remove the lid of the vent once again and drill the fixing holes into the roof in order to bolt the flange down.
Remove the flange and lower half of the assembly. Clean away all dust and debris thoroughly and then use a proprietary sealant or similar so that when the lower half of the assembly is once again repositioned and bolted down, it provides a water-tight seal
Final Assembly of the Roof Vent
There are two suggested methods to connect the top roof panel to the lower part of the assembly.
Option 1
Bolt down the lower half of the assembly. Place the top roof panel on to it and then from inside the building, insert the special connecting bolts to secure the top roof vent panel.
Option 2
After drilling all fixing holes in the roof, the top and bottom parts of the roof vent can be assembled before re-positioning and bolting down to the roof. If the roof vent assembly is fully assembled as in this option, then it must be handled very carefully when placing back into position so as not to disrupt the FM Approved Blast Release Bolts.
Installing the FM Approved Blast Release Bolts (Applicable to both options above)
Connecting bolts on top panel of roof vent
Holes in release bolt assembly – lower half of vent
The roof vent assembly can be fitted with either two, four, six or more release bolt assemblies.
When the lid is placed onto the bottom half of the unit, ensure that the bolts as shown above fall into the holes as shown in red.
Bolt in top panel of roof vent
FM Approved Release Bolt screws up into the connecting bolt on the top panel of roof vent
It is very important to assemble the release bolt, special washer and aligning bush in the correct order. Tighten the bolt with hand tools only. DO NOT USE POWER TOOLS.
The special FM Approved Blast Release Bolts will have been previously fitted in the factory and therefore it will insert very easily if aligned correctly. If the release bolt cannot be inserted easily, then do not attempt to force this but simply remove it and realign it carefully.
Connecting bolt from roof panel
FM Approved Fixing Bolt
Aligning bush
FM Approved Collapsable Release Washer
NOTE: The FM Approved Washer is fragile and is designed to collapse under a pre-determined pressure. Do not overtighten or distort this washer
Connecting bolt from roof panel
FM Approved Fixing Bolt
Aligning bush
FM Approved Collapsable Release Washer
NOTE: The FM Approved Washer is fragile and is designed to collapse under a pre-determined pressure. Do not overtighten or distort this washer
Neatly arrange the cable as shown and lightly hold in place using hook and loop tape fastener, sometimes referred to as ‘Velcro’. Carefully consider how the cable is folded – ensure that it does not get caught up or trapped around any of the release components when it needs to be released.
IMPORTANT – Do not over secure the cable. It must unfurl if the lid is deployed.
All nuts, bolts, assemblies, washers and fastener provided
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Blast Relief Roof Vents require regular maintenance?
While our roof vents are designed for durability, as with all safety products, maintenance is recommended to ensure their effectiveness. This is predominantly inspection based more so than actual removal and replacement of parts. Our team can guide you through the maintenance requirements.
What materials are used in the construction of the vents?
Our Blast Relief Roof Vents are made from high-quality, durable materials, such as stainless steel, aluminium and insulating products that are designed to withstand extreme conditions.
What happens during power outages? Do the vents still work?
Our Blast Relief Roof Vents are designed to function independently of electrical systems, ensuring they remain operational even during power outages.
Are these Blast Release Roof Vents easy to install?
The Blast Relief Roof Vent has a flange which sits flat onto the roof of the building. It has pre prepared holes around this flange so that it can be bolted down. Use a proprietary building sealant underneath the flange to form a water tight seal.
Are these Blast Release Vents suitable for any type of building?
As long as the building itself has been designed with some blast expectation in mind and has a flat surface around the aperture where the vent is designed to be fixed. The building material can be concrete or steel, the only difference from that will be the type of fixing that is used.
How many Blast Release Roof Vents are needed?
This will be down to the blast regime set out by the blast engineer. They will determine how much vent area is required for the size and construction of the building and also keep in mind what the building is used for.
Where are these Blast Roof Vents normally installed in the roof?
Ideally, if known, the vent should be placed directly above the blast itself. This would provide optimum performance. However, it is likely that the building may have more than one potential source of ignition or detonation and in these cases, dependant upon the recommendations of the blast engineer, several roof vents may be called for. In striving for that optimum performance, we would always like the blast wave to push as evenly as possible across the surface of the release vent. This means that the top panel is lifted uniformly. However, internally generated blast waves (unlike external hemispherical blast waves) are very complicated and CFD modelling is often used in an attempt to determine its characteristics. If an uneven pressure onto the roof vent is anticipated, then consider the use of more than one unit, or perhaps reposition the vent so that the applied blast pressure is not attempting to force the vent open more from one side than another and in doing so retard or disrupt the release of the vent.
So that I have a clear picture in my mind, where would the worst position be for a Roof Vent?
Again, dependant upon the size and shape of the building, the blast itself, the type of detonation and other factors, one would assume that by having the Blast Release Vent at the opposite end of the building to the blast, the resultant pressure will have further to travel to reach the vent and during that period may generate more unpredictability in how it bears onto the vent. Having the vent incorrectly positioned can also compromise its deployment. As a rule, always aim to position the vent whereby the blast wave will bear uniformly onto its surface so as not to compromise its opening and consequently how quickly it vents the room below.
What happens to the Top Panel once the Blast Release Vent is deployed?
The top panel is fitted with steel cable to mitigate the top panel from freely travelling through the air. However, always remember that we are trying to hold on to something that is literally being fired into the air at something in the region of 2,000 – 3,000 m/second by a blast wave that may have unpredictable characteristics. With this in mind, try to orientate the vent so that the restraint cable(s) face towards an area that has been designated as the most desirable in terms of potential damage from the vent lid or even sacrificial should it ever reach the point that the restraints fail under the blast loading. Restraint cables are not FM Approved products and risk assessments should be carried out on any blast mitigation product in relation to where it is positioned.
What might prevent the Blast Release Roof Vent from working properly?
Quite simply, incorrect positioning of the roof vent in relation to the blast wave within the building. Specifying the incorrect blast pressure release value for its application, poor installation (the product leaves the factory ready to be simply bolted down to the building) or damaging the release bolts due to rough handling on site or even simple things such as a build up of snow on top of the vent during winter months which again may retard the release of the top panel.