In Guangdong, a forefront region where scientific and technological innovation and research exploration are booming, laboratory purification projects have emerged in large numbers, building a "pure barrier" for many high-precision research and experiments. However, while pursuing high cleanliness and a precise experimental environment, fire protection design and safety guarantees must not be overlooked. As Guangzhou Kunling Purification Equipment Co., Ltd., which is rooted in the purification field and well-versed in industry know-how, today we will conduct an in-depth analysis of the key points of fire protection design and essential safety requirements in laboratory purification projects in Guangdong.

Laboratories are divided into different functional areas according to the types of experiments and hazard levels, such as chemical analysis areas, biological culture areas, and sample storage areas. Fire partitions are set up between each area. In the chemical area where flammable reagents, acids, and alkalis are stored, fireproof partition walls and fire doors with a fire resistance rating not lower than the corresponding standards are used to effectively contain the spread of fire. For example, in a university's chemical laboratory, the experimental operation room and the reagent storage room are strictly separated by fireproof rolling shutter doors. They are convenient for the flow of experiments in daily use and can quickly form a "fire barrier" when a fire occurs.

Combining the number of personnel in the laboratory and the complexity of the layout, evacuation passages that are wide enough and lead directly outdoors are planned. Evacuation signs and emergency lighting fixtures are installed on the floor of the passages with compliance with the spacing requirements to ensure that personnel can evacuate quickly according to the guidance when there is a power outage or smoke fills the air. In large comprehensive laboratories of scientific research enterprises, a double-channel design is adopted to avoid congestion of people, and there is no accumulation of debris on both sides of the passages, keeping the "life passages" unobstructed at all times.

For valuable instruments and equipment and high-precision experimental areas, gas fire extinguishing systems such as heptafluoropropane and carbon dioxide are the first choices. Heptafluoropropane is colorless, odorless, highly effective in extinguishing fires, and does not damage equipment. After being sprayed, it quickly vaporizes. In an electronic chip laboratory, it can extinguish the initial electrical fire while ensuring the integrity of the expensive chip manufacturing equipment and not affecting subsequent scientific research and production. The carbon dioxide system is suitable for some occasions that can tolerate low temperatures and are not suitable for water. It extinguishes fires by suffocation and cooling, safeguarding the safety of special process experimental areas.

In the public areas of laboratories and ordinary experimental operation rooms, the fire hydrant system provides the basic fire protection water pressure. Fire hydrant boxes are arranged at the intervals specified by the regulations, equipped with complete water guns and hoses. The automatic sprinkler system is selected and installed according to the height of the space and the fire hazard level. It sprays water when heated. In reagent warehouses and other places where flammable items are stored, it can control the fire and reduce the temperature at an early stage, complementing the gas fire extinguishing system and building a multi-level fire extinguishing defense line.

Electrical lines in laboratories are protected by conduits. Metal pipes or flame-retardant plastic pipes are selected according to the environment to avoid short circuits and fires caused by aging and damage of the lines. Sealing and fireproof treatment are carried out at the places where the lines pass through fire compartments and floors. The cables in the pipes are not overloaded. For example, in a biosafety laboratory, strong and weak electrical lines are laid in separate trenches and rooms to reduce electromagnetic interference and prevent electrical faults from spreading.

Electrical equipment with quality certifications and fireproof and overload prevention features is selected. Overload, short-circuit, and leakage protection devices are installed in the distribution boxes of ventilation and purification equipment and experimental instruments. Regular inspection and maintenance are carried out. In pharmaceutical laboratories, the power supplies of ultra-clean workbenches, ventilation cabinets, and other equipment are stable and reliable, preventing "fires" caused by electrical problems.

For the walls of purification laboratories, flame-retardant materials such as fireproof gypsum boards and metal wall panels are selected. For the floors, fireproof and anti-static floors or non-combustible epoxy floors are used. They are resistant to chemical corrosion and are difficult to burn when encountering fire, limiting the vertical and horizontal spread speed of the fire. In chemical laboratories, the fireproof floors are not corroded by acids and alkalis and can "hold the line" in the face of a fire.

The ceilings should not only meet the requirements of air purification, filtration, and air distribution but also be made of fireproof materials. For example, aluminum alloy micro-perforated panels combined with fireproof sound-absorbing materials are both beautiful and practical. They will not collapse or support combustion in the event of a fire, ensuring the safety of ventilation ducts and other facilities above, and buying time for the overall fire protection.

Formulate a fire protection facility inspection plan to check the pressure and validity period of fire extinguishers, the opening and closing of fire hydrant valves, and the integrity of components, and monitor the tightness of cylinders and pipes and the amount of agents in gas fire extinguishing systems to ensure that they will not "fail" when needed. In hospital laboratories, daily and weekly inspections are combined to ensure that the facilities are always ready.

Organize fire protection knowledge training for all employees to teach fire prevention, alarm procedures, initial fire fighting, and escape skills. Conduct regular drills to simulate fire scenes to improve the emergency response and coordinated evacuation abilities of personnel. In laboratories of scientific research institutions, drills are carried out quarterly, and new employees are trained immediately to make safety awareness deeply rooted in people's hearts.

The fire protection design and safety requirements for laboratory purification projects in Guangdong are a systematic project that runs through the entire construction and operation and maintenance process and are related to the safety of the "core area" of scientific research. Guangzhou Kunling Purification Equipment Co., Ltd., relying on its professional team and rich experience, tailors fire protection solutions for laboratories, strictly adheres to the safety bottom line, and helps scientific research and innovation in Guangdong move forward steadily in a "safe haven". If you have questions or needs regarding laboratory purification and fire protection, please feel free to contact us to jointly build a safe scientific research environment.