News
October 4, 2008
Chiltern Fire invests £500K in upgrading test facilities
TRADA sister company Chiltern International Fire (CIF) has invested in a 3m x 3m state-of-the-art vertical fire resistance test furnace as part of a £500,000 refurbishment programme at its High Wycombe headquarters.
The first tests in the new furnace, designed and built to CIF's own specification by Furnace Construction Co Ltd, were carried out last month. The furnace is designed to comply with all relevant standards and legislation, including EN 1364-1 and 1364-2 Hydro -carbon curve, ASTM E119, UL 10b and ISO Standards.
It has a bespoke monitoring and 180-channel data logging system with fully automatic temperature and pressure control, along with a manual override operation. It can test to temperatures of up to 1250oC, accommodating a variety of specimen configurations. The fact that the new furnace is floor-mounted rather than set into a pit creates a better working environment and gives clients a better view of testing.
The company's smaller 1.1m3 and 3m x 2m horizontal furnaces have also been completely refurbished, both now incorporating a highly sophisticated data logging and control system. The 1.1m3 furnace has in addition a positively pressurised control room and viewing gallery, while the 3m x 2m furnace is dedicated primarily to penetration seal and linear joint seal testing.
Mark Cummings, Section leader of fire resistance testing at Chiltern Fire, said ‘The refurbishment programme will enable us to provide a more efficient testing facility for our clients. Demand for fire testing has been growing strongly and the enhanced facilities will enable us to offer a prompt turnaround with swifter reporting.'
New client facilities include a comfortable viewing gallery with Internet access and brand new changing and shower rooms for all installers. The outside buildings and surrounding grounds have also been refurbished, enabling Chiltern Fire to stock a range of materials which clients may need for their testing. There is also a timber and metal workshop facility on site.
The company has invested heavily in staff training and recruitment within the fire resistance department, Mr Cummings added. ‘We have greatly strengthened our team, which means that we can now be more proactive within EGOLF and European technical forums. This in turn ensures the best advice to clients.'
For further information visit www.chilternfire.co.uk
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