AFP’s Blast Simulator: Ensuring Reliable Pressure Relief Vent Performance

As a leader in pressure relief venting solutions, AFP Air Tech Ltd is dedicated to ensuring the highest levels of safety and reliability in environments where gas fire suppression and arc fault events pose significant risks. 

With decades of expertise in designing and supplying pressure relief vents, AFP has developed innovative solutions that help maintain room integrity while mitigating the dangers of overpressure and explosions.

To push the boundaries of performance testing, AFP has taken a significant step forward by developing our own in-house blast simulator. This state-of-the-art testing environment allows us to conduct blast simulations under real-world conditions.

This advanced system ensures that we can deliver accurate, data-driven results, providing valuable insights into vent performance under extreme conditions. By replicating extreme pressure events, we can validate the efficiency and durability of our vents, giving our clients confidence in the safety measures they implement.

Purpose of the blast simulator

When it comes to pressure relief vents, safety and reliability are non-negotiable. Yet, there is no universally recognized international standard for testing these vents under real-world conditions. 

This gap in regulations leaves manufacturers and businesses without clear guidelines to ensure their vents will perform as expected in critical situations.

At AFP, we take safety seriously. That’s why we developed our own blast simulator — a controlled testing environment where we can replicate extreme pressure events and assess how our vents respond. 

By conducting blast simulations, we go beyond theoretical calculations and put our vents through real-world conditions. This allows us to refine our designs, validate performance, and give you the confidence that our solutions will protect your facility when it matters most.

Design and capabilities of the simulator

To ensure our pressure relief vents perform reliably under extreme conditions, we designed a blast simulator that replicates real-world pressure discharge events with precision. Housed in a 20ft sea container, our simulator provides a controlled testing environment where we can assess vent performance under sudden and intense pressure changes.

At the core of the system is a 1.8m³ cylinder, capable of being charged up to 10 bar, delivering the necessary force to simulate real explosion events. A custom-built six-inch air cannon replicates high-energy discharges from gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) units, creating conditions that closely match those found in industrial and electrical environments.

Previously, our simulator was equipped with FM200 and Novec suppression systems, though these are not currently installed. However, the equipment remains available for potential future use. 

Even without active gas suppression testing, the blast simulator is fully capable of replicating a range of pressure discharge scenarios, from controlled releases to violent and instantaneous events. This allows us to fine-tune our vent designs and ensure they provide the necessary protection when it matters most.

Testing procedures and scenarios

All AFP vents undergo rigorous in-house and third-party testing to ensure they meet industry safety standards. Our products also hold recognized third-party fire rating certifications, validating their performance in critical scenarios.

To ensure the utmost reliability and safety of our pressure relief vents, we conduct comprehensive testing using our in-house blast simulator. This process allows us to evaluate vent performance under a variety of real-world scenarios, including gas discharges and arc fault events.

Gas Discharge Testing

In gas fire suppression systems, the rapid release of nitrogen based agents such as IG-55 can cause a sudden increase in room pressure. To simulate these conditions, we perform live gas discharge tests within our blast simulator. During these tests, we monitor:

• Opening pressure: The precise pressure at which the vent blades initiate movement. Accurate measurement ensures that vents respond promptly to prevent structural damage.
• Full open time: The duration required for vent blades to achieve maximum opening. Swift operation is crucial for effective pressure relief.
• Blade movement dynamics: Continuous tracking of blade positions throughout the event to assess responsiveness and reliability.

These parameters are measured using high-speed sensors and data acquisition systems, providing detailed insights into vent performance. This data is essential for verifying that our vents function as intended during actual gas discharge scenarios.

Arc Fault Event Simulation

Arc fault events, such as arc flashes or arc blasts, occur in electrical systems and can result in explosive pressure surges. To replicate these events, our blast simulator utilizes a bespoke six-inch air cannon, simulating the rapid pressure rise associated with such faults. 

During these simulations, we assess:

• Vent activation pressure: Ensuring vents activate at appropriate pressure thresholds to protect infrastructure.
• Response time: Measuring how quickly vents reach full open status to effectively vent pressure buildup.
• Structural integrity: Evaluating the vent’s ability to withstand the mechanical stresses induced by sudden pressure changes.

By meticulously analysing these factors, we ensure our vents provide robust protection against the intense forces generated during arc fault events.

Read more: AFP Report on Arc Fault Event Building Protection

Case Study: ArcX Unit Development

An example of our commitment to rigorous testing is the development of our ArcX unit. Utilizing our blast simulator, we subjected the ArcX to blast pressures of 30kpa to 100kpa (30,000 to 100,000 Pascals). Testing proved that the ArcX is able to withstand such external blast pressures.

Following these internal tests, we collaborated with DNV, an independent certification body, to validate our testing procedure (see report) and the product’s performance. This process underscores our dedication to delivering pressure relief solutions that meet the highest standards of safety and reliability.

Through these comprehensive testing procedures, we aim to provide you with pressure relief vents that perform flawlessly under the most demanding conditions, ensuring the protection of your personnel and assets.

Our commitment to quality

At AFP, we are dedicated to ensuring the highest level of trust and safety in every pressure relief vent we develop. Our rigorous blast testing protocols with the blast simulator go beyond industry norms, providing real-world validation of our products’ performance under extreme conditions. Unlike traditional static fan tests, which measure airflow under steady conditions, our dynamic testing replicates sudden pressure surges caused by gas discharges and arc fault events.

Static fan tests fail to capture the rapid shock loads and instantaneous pressure changes that occur in these real-world scenarios. Without proper validation, vents tested under static conditions may not respond quickly or effectively when it matters most. At AFP, we have developed specialized testing protocols that assess vent operation under sudden high-pressure events, ensuring they perform reliably in critical moments.

By continuously refining our testing methods and setting new performance benchmarks, we are not just meeting industry standards — we are defining them. Our commitment to quality means every vent we produce is engineered for real-world reliability, giving you confidence in your building’s safety measures.

Get in Touch

Ensuring proper pressure relief in your facility starts with the right testing and the right products. Whether you need more information on the blast simulator, our testing protocols, guidance on product selection, or custom solutions tailored to your specific needs, contact our team, they are ready to help.