dab03838

Completion of development and testing phase of Thor Duct 2.0

RG329912 — Mon, 29 May 2023 10:44:49 GMT

Michael Renaghan FCCA, Technical lead at Thor Duct ^® , would like to express his gratitude to the team of Swedish (Ola Berg, Jesper Karlsson), Italian (Enrico Audisio), and Irish colleague (Barry Murphy and all the management at Lindab Ireland) for their successful completion of the development and testing phase of Thor Duct ^® 2.0 , the company's latest product offering.

Michael described the journey as remarkable, filled with new ideas, high-performance targets, and an exhaustive testing program, all managed and controlled in-house. The specialist team brought their expertise to the table, while senior management provided the resources and strategic direction necessary to make the project a success.

He added that the business case had been met, performance targets achieved on time, and that Thor Duct ^® was now moving into the production and delivery phase in partnership with their Licensees.

Renaghan said. "We extend our sincere thanks to all the market decision makers who have played an instrumental role in shaping our customer-centric research project. Achieving our stated goals from a standing start within 18 months is refreshing. Remember, this is just the beginning of a new era, and we are excited to continue pushing boundaries."

Thor Duct ^® 2.0 is not only a game-changer in the HVAC industry but also a step forward towards a more sustainable future. The company has taken a proactive approach towards sustainability and circular economy principles in the development of this latest product. The materials used in the product have been carefully chosen to minimize their environmental impact, and the product's design has been optimized for durability and longevity, promoting a circular economy by reducing waste and increasing product life cycle.

Thor Duct ^® is a leading smoke and fire solution in the HVAC sector, and the launch of Thor Duct ^® 2.0 is expected to strengthen the company's position in this market, with its cutting-edge technology and innovative features, designed towards Lindab’s ambitious goal of engineering out risk.

Lindab Acquires Thor Duct

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 20:35:35 GMT

“ Thor Duct complements Lindab’s current product portfolio very well"

says Ola Ringdahl, President and CEO of Lindab.

Lindab has acquired IP rights, customer contracts and supplier agreements for Thor Duct ‘s fire ductwork system. Thor Duct is based in Ireland and is licensing the production of its certified technology to a number of customers in the UK and Ireland, including Lindab. The acquisition includes customer contracts to a value of EUR 2 million and is a spin-off from current operations. The acquisition will add a positive contribution to Lindab’s profitability.

Thor Duct ‘s products are used to extract smoke and prevent the spread of fire within buildings. Lindab already has products designed for single compartment fire protection (e.g. an apartment). With Thor Duct, Lindab gains access to corresponding products for multi compartment fire protection (e.g. an office building).

Thor Duct is the market leader in UK and Ireland. The products are certified for use throughout the EU, but due to local fire safety practices and regulations on other markets in the EU, Thor Duct has focused on UK and Ireland. Lindab will continue to license to existing customers, who mainly consist of installers with their own production. Lindab is aiming to increase sales of Thor Duct ‘s products in the UK and Ireland. In these countries, Lindab will expand the production capacity.

“Thor Duct complements Lindab’s current product portfolio very well,” says Ola Ringdahl, President and CEO of Lindab. “Fire safety is an area with increasing regulatory requirements where it is costly to develop products and it takes a long time to get the products tested and certified. The advanced product development also means that it is a product area with good profitability. Through the acquisition of Thor Duct, we have accelerated our own product development in this technology area by several years. We see an attractive growth potential for the Thor Duct technology going forward.”

Ola Ringdahl continues: “The acquisition is small from a financial perspective, but important because we gain knowledge and control over a technology that is essential for us. It fits well with our acquisition philosophy, where we through bolt-on acquisitions want to complement our product range rather than expand into entirely new areas.”

Lindab develops, manufactures, markets and distributes products and system solutions for simplified construction and improved indoor climate. The products are characterised by high quality, ease of assembly, energy efficiency and environmentally friendly design and are delivered with high levels of service. Altogether, this provides greater customer value.

The Group had sales of SEK 9,872 m in 2019 and is established in 31 countries with approximately 5,200 employees. The main market is non-residential construction, which accounts for 80 percent of sales, while residential construction accounts for 20 percent of sales. During 2019, the Nordic region accounted for 43 percent, Western Europe for 35 percent, CEE/CIS (Central and Eastern Europe) for 21 percent and Other markets for 1 percent of total sales.

The share is listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm List, Mid Cap, under the ticker symbol LIAB.

Compliance With The Standards

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 23:03:32 GMT

The introduction by the European Committee for Standardisation, (CEN) of a series of standards covering the placing on the European market of ducts for fire and smoke management, has set the bar for product safety. Compliance with the standards ensures they are fit for purpose, and perform as intended when called into action.

How do we ensure that it’s not just lip service? How do we ensure the theory meets reality? Can you be certain you have a properly certified product and installation for your client and end user?’

The EN Groupings

Simply creating a process does not always ensure perfect outcomes. Beyond reports, there must be a system of checks, and checks on the checks. The concerns to take into account are

✓ Independence of the tests

✓ Recognising test-based results from assessments

✓ Production control

✓ Training

✓ Installation and certification

Independence of the tests

A manufacturer when developing a product for market, where standards exist, is required to submit the product for testing. This cannot be conducted in-house, and must be completed by an independent laboratory. Reports only by an EOTA (European Organisation for Technical Assessments) approved institution are acceptable. Choosing the wrong test centre will invalidate any claims. Part of the process involves the product being sampled before it leaves the factory, validating the production process and source of the materials.

The construction of the test sample in the laboratory is supervised and documented. The laboratory conduct their own preparations, in line with the chosen test standard. The test is conducted at the relevant air flows and temperatures, with stresses measured in accordance with the test standard.

During the test, observations are documented and recorder with an official report being released a number of months following the completed test. The Laboratory staff will systematically record the performance of the product both electronically and visually so a future classification is possible.

Very often a product will require a series of tests, notably for orientation (Horizontal and Vertical) as well as fire types A and B (fire outside and inside). Thor Duct® has been tested by a number of EOTA approved test centres in Europe, and tested successfully in all orientations, all fire types A & B, and in small square 1250x1000mm, round 1000 Ø and XL up to 2500x1250mm.

Recognising test-based results from assessments

The fire test reports are the basis for issuing a product classification report. Results are reviewed and combined to provide a classification. The classification provides the specifier and end user with a method of determining the product suitability for the considered application. The method of classification is prescribed in the standard and is uniform across all manufacturers. This ensures results are comparable. Having a basic understanding of how to read a classification is important. References to H and V deal with orientation and fire directions I -> o and o <- I detail fire types. Timings are given in minutes and leakage is referenced by S. It is important to note, that the classification standards EN13501-3 and EN13501-4 does not provide certification or type approval. This is done under the CE marking process. The classification standard EN13501-3 specifically requires this to be stated in the classification report (see Clause A.2 (h) or EN13501-3)

An example is as follows

EI 120 (h _o v _e ) S1500 multi

An assessment, is an appraisal conducted on one type of evidence, for circumstances that were not tested. This is conducted by qualified personnel, with knowledge and experience in fire. They are sometimes referred to as desk top studies. Clearly test evidence is stronger than assessments, however conducting tests are not always commercially feasible or possible due to lack of facilities to replicate unique scenarios. Based on the judgement of the party issuing the assessment, construction requirements and limitations may be issued to meet a potential fire hazard.

The involvement of qualified people in approvals is vitally important. A manufacturer who has a lot of experience in testing and manufacturing will be able to share that experience, however the assessments should be independent.

Thor Duct® offers both an EI60 system, and EI90 system, and an EI120 system, to meet each commercial need.

Production Control

Training

The best smoke duct in the world, installed incorrectly, will fail. Improving the understanding of both the installer and those tasked with overseeing an installation is critical so as tested is replicated on site. Thor Duct® conduct training courses for their installers, with the aim of improving their basic understanding of how ducts perform in fire scenarios, and pointing to the key considerations for an install that mitigates those risks. A focus on brackets, locations, penetration seals are all very important. Training manuals are provided along with evidence of having attended training courses.

Specifiers and M&E Contractors can benefit from an approved CPD program, that goes into more detail about the legal and standards infrastructure around smoke extract ducts and kitchen extract ducts.

Thor Duct® are happy to support you with a training opportunity. Contact us to find out more about training and CPD .

Installation and Certification

The ability to demonstrate competency when installing fire systems is strongly supported by the ASFP (Association of Specialist Fire Protection), and we at Thor Duct® encourage our installers to join 3rd Party certification schemes, such as FIRAS. Through their membership, installers can provide those charged with handing over a safe compliant building, the certification to validate that the installation is in accordance with the manufacturers guidelines. These schemes conduct audits on the installers record keeping routines, as well as on site installations. Training records of staff are validated with questionnaires about passive fire, and sites are inspected at a minimum quarterly, ensuring best practice is being maintained. A detailed specification requiring 3rd party certified installers is a useful controlling influence.

Demonstrating that every standard was upheld, every product manufactured and installed professionally, will significantly improve the safety of our buildings.

Then we can say standards and controls prove for best possible outcomes.

Insulation and Fire Resisting Ductwork

Thu, 03 Oct 2019 12:46:04 GMT

Mechanical Ventilation in a building is an essential part of creating comfortable conditions for the occupants. There is an entire science involved: too much air can lead to higher energy bills, too little and we can create dampness and unhealthy zones!

Ventilation also has an impact on our primary fire safety strategy, compartmentation. The use of ducts can create potential consequences in a fire that can inhibit safe evacuation and make fires more difficult to contain and control.

There are 5 scenarios we need to consider

Of special attention are areas where fire ductwork is used and it crosses a protected route or lobby. The element of the duct crossing these areas must have the integrity from EN13501-3 and also insulation. This is to offer protection to those using these areas in the event of a fire.

Historically, we didn’t give much attention to the need for insulation properties. However, as our understanding of fire risk has developed, insulation is seen as critical in preventing secondary fires during an incident. The standards and particularly the classification reports EN13501-4 and EN13501-3 have defined the system as being critical. The combination of ducts and insulation in tests, have revealed the importance of both elements contributing to providing the EI S classifications (E = Integrity, I = Insulation, S = leakage).

Thor Duct® has been tested extensively with uninsulated and insulated solutions. This ensures a safe solution for every fire scenario. As our industry evolves, we will continue to channel this knowledge to our clients, and test and prove the full suite of Thor Duct® products to ensure our clients are getting the safest, most compliant solutions available.

Need To Know More?

What’s the maximum size EN ducts and how do you specify them?

Fri, 23 Aug 2019 13:46:11 GMT

Typically, we work to a maximum of 1250x1000mm, and 1000 Ø. This is not an absolute.

In order to determine the maximum size permitted on the market as a certified product, the test standards are the critical document. The test standards are EN1366-1 and EN1366-8 and EN1366-9. The standards contain the test sizes which a manufacturer is required to submit for testing as evidence of the duct’s performance. There are two different tests for EN1366-1, a type A and a type B. Both have different duct sizes for testing.

Under EN1366-1, we submit for Type A testing a duct measuring 1000x500mm. For a Type B test, the size is 1000x250mm. There are specifications contained in the standard for the length of ducts, inside and outside the furnace, the location of access doors, the flow rates and the pressure during tests.

In Table 7 of the test standard EN1366-1, the sizes can be increased as follows.

Sizes of Ducts

A test result obtained for the standard sizes of duct A and duct B specified in tables 1 and 2 is applicable to all dimensions up to the size tested together with the increases given in the table below.

It is not possible to offer larger ducts under the test standard. The sizes are dimension specific and not area, in other words, we cannot offer 1400 X 400 within the understanding of an area calculation of 1250x1000mm.

A similar guidance is provided for round construction, allowing for an increase from the test specimen size to 1000 Ø.

What do I do if I need a different size that falls outside the scope of EN1366-1?

Thankfully we have an extended field of application EN15882-1. In this document, we are given clarification that covers changes in materials, thicknesses, pressures, uses and sizes. The document permits us to provide a certified product up to a maximum of 2500x1250mm. This greatly enhances the options for customers. To achieve certification, the standard EN15882-1 requires a manufacturer to provide test evidence as to the performance of the ducts, submitting their maximum size for evidential testing. That means testing 2500x1250mm, both type A and type B, vertically and horizontally.

To achieve an acceptable result for the market, the construction will often be different, due to the stresses a hydrocarbon fire will create on surface areas of 2500x1250mm. Conducting such tests are often limited to a small number of very large furnaces in Europe, who have the experience of doing such large tests and conducting them safely.

Thor Duct ® has submitted a 2500x1250mm duct to the necessary vertical and horizontal tests and achieved an EI rating of 90 minutes. This gives our clients the advantage of being able to size ducts within the range 1250x1000mm – 2500x1250mm. One side may extend to 2500mm, however the other side must not exceed 1250mm. The sizes are not an area calculation, i.e. 3000x500mm is not possible as a single duct.

Thor Duct XL

To specify a size greater than the standard 1250x1000mm, your specification should refer to Thor Duct XL. This will ensure that your client receives the correct product, and not an accidental size without appropriate testing. Always request access to the classification report to the standard EN13501-3, which will validate the performance of the ductwork selected.

For smoke applications, the standard EN15882-8 has not be harmonised. The reason is that EN1366-8 tests are for smoke leakage, and the test measures oxygen levels at differing points of the test. This has been formulated for the standard 1000x250mm test, but not for larger sizes. At this point in time, smoke ducts are not available above 1250x1000mm. The evidence from the extended field standard EN15882-1 may be a basis for a qualified person to make a considered view.

The construction methods, and the hanging considerations, demonstrated in the tests must be replicated when being installed on site, to offer a compliant solution. A full install manual is available to trained installers from thorduct.com.

Looking to Specify?

All Thor Duct ® products are fully tested and compliant across all international codes.

Why Insulation Is Never Enough

Tue, 07 May 2019 22:23:13 GMT

The practice of using fire tested insulation on ventilation ducts is common throughout the world. A fire risk is observed, and insulation is used to provide the protection.

The performance of the insulation in a fire scenario is dependent, not only on its own properties, but any other building element it is in contact with.

This is particularly true of ducts. The insulation is fixed to the ductwork, and depends on the ductwork maintaining its integrity during a fire event. Should the ductwork loose its integrity, the insulation moves and the insulation properties are lost. The initial assessment to use Insulation, while a correct one, ignores the importance of a proven (E) Integrity classification for the ductwork. Testing of both ducts for integrity (E), and with (I) insulation, providing combined evidence is the way forward.

Smoke Extract ducts tested to EN1388-8 and classified 13501-4 take their Insulation performance from combined duct and insulation tests under EN1366-1.

No guess work, no hoping, it’s evidential.

Need To Know More?

Reposition Your Manufacturing Business With Thor Duct®

Wed, 09 Jan 2019 13:46:03 GMT

Thor Duct® through its licencing model, offers ambitious ductwork companies, access to this lucrative market.

As fire strategy evolves, it is becoming a feature of every ductwork package to have an element of smoke, kitchen and fire ductwork incorporated into the package. Without the skill sets and knowledge to offer this component, ductwork companies with ambition will be left behind. Gaining that experience and knowledge, together with meeting compliance is a long expensive investment, with no certainty of results.

Thor Duct® through its licencing model, offers ambitious ductwork companies, access to this lucrative market. Thor Duct® is a tested and proven fire ductwork product, meeting all the local and international codes. It’s a fast track for any ductwork enterprise to offer their clients a one stop solution for ventilation, meeting both the comfort needs and fire strategy needs of the client.

Within a few months, your teams, from production floor, estimation, sales right up to and including the board of Directors, gain the necessary knowledge and confidence to offer competency through access to Thor Duct® .

You move from being an observer of the market, to a competent and specialist manufacturer and installer of fire ductwork systems. Thor Duct® offer the training, the technical specifications, the marketing and the support to enhance your business opportunities.

We believe in empowering local manufacturers to meet their local market. No one knows your customers like you do, and no one understands fire and how to be compliant like we do.

Rather than test for 3-4 years, at a cost of seven figures +, within a short number of months, you can be active in your local market, for a fraction of the cost. And because Thor Duct® is always testing and expanding its market offering, you gain from all that research and development undertaken by Thor Duct®.

Your customer remains your customer, and becomes more dependent on your offering to ensure that he remains compliant with the very latest standards. You become his partner, and we become yours. With access to all the necessary raw materials, and access to our knowledge database, we provide all you need to set yourself apart.

If this is what you have been looking for, pick up the telephone or email thorduct@lindab.com and we will be happy to extend an invitation to discuss shared opportunities.

Looking to Specify?

All Thor Duct® products are fully tested and compliant across all international codes.

Benefits of Becoming a Licensee

Tue, 08 Jan 2019 22:19:59 GMT

In our experience local markets need local suppliers, people they are comfortable with and trust. To this end, we have developed a licencing model for Thor Duct® , which offers an EN tested and certified ductwork, from your own facilities, for use in smoke extract, kitchen extract, passive and pressurisation scenarios.

Becoming a Licensee for Thor Duct® has a number of clear advantages.

✓ Access to and representation of a certified and accepted market leading brand.

✓ Bypassing the need to invest in testing and certification, and avoiding all the risks

associated with the testing phase, and at a fraction of the cost

✓ Quicker access to the passive fire market

✓ Retention of your customers, offering them a complete ducting package

✓ Access to test improvement and product developments

✓ Ability to differentiate yourself in your market

Our licensing partners have found that been able to offer Thor Duct® to their local market has enabled them to upscale and future proof their business, and given them a great advantage over their competitors. Our Licensees, once they have gone through our training process become experts in their local markets, and sell on a technical compliance basis rather than a lowest cost basis. This sets your company apart from the competition – you can offer a fully compliant, rigorously tested, quality fire safe ductwork. How many of your competitors offer that?

Back in 2015 there was no fully compliant EN fire rated ductwork in Ireland. Being 1st to market has proved really successful for ourselves, and shows it can be for other ductwork manufacturers across all CEN member nations. We understand that compliance is the key for Fire rated ductwork. That is why we have done all the hard work in testing so our Licensee Partners can offer a trusted reliable product to their customers.

There are a few steps to achieving a licence, beginning with an expression of interest and meetings, where we get to know each other and develop the partnership. We are adding new Licences to our network every month, and have an extensive network in Ireland and the UK, as well as the Middle East. We want to create strong relationships with our partners to ensure mutual success. This means training throughout the organisation, from production floor to board room. We will also help you through the factory production control process to achieve certification.

Need To Know More?

Read a selection of our Thor Duct® Licensee Stories .

Training & Education

Tue, 08 Jan 2019 13:46:04 GMT

Most people have heard of new EN standards notably 12101-7, 1366-1 and 1366-8, but unfortunately many haven’t quite grasped their significance.

The need for ventilation in buildings creates challenges in maintaining a fire strategy. Where ventilation passes through multiple fire compartments, a detailed understanding of the role played by fire resisting ducts is essential.

Many people have heard of new EN standards notably 12101-7, 1366-1 and 1366-8, but haven’t quite grasped their significance.

At Thor Duct ®, we fill that information gap, by providing fire professionals and engineers with technical support, and CPDs through our education program. We also help property owners, local authorities and specifiers with a detailed understanding of how to future-proof their buildings with compliant smoke, kitchen and fire ductwork solutions. Terms such as flashover, Fire types A and B, Type C, orientation, combustible linings, 300 – 500 – 1500 PA, leakage, class S etc., all need to be clearly understood, because they have a bearing on the suitability of the product selected for a client. We understand the concepts, and we are skilled at training organisations to understand this complex area. We train from the production floor right through to the board room.

Our training can be categorised as follows:

Preparing To Become a Thor Duct ® Licensed Manufacturer

Production Floor & Management

How to manufacture each duct type, with documented guidelines

Quality Control

Meet FPC requirements and quality maintenance

Estimators

Identify the application, selection of correct standard, pricing.

Sales

Advantages of the product, suitability and application, specifications.

Installers

Correct installation guidelines and certification

Management

Resource planning, timings, costings, material sourcing

Consultants & M&E

Specification writing, product approval.

Sharing the knowledge is important to Thor Duct ®. A well-informed buyer will understand the value Thor Duct ® brings to the table.

Documentation is delivered at each stage of the training process and questions invited and answered using published extracts. With an extensive library of relevant material, we support our training with the latest information, validating each and every claim independently. For those with responsibility for product approval, this is an invaluable tool. Our online offering allows members access to refresher information and a fast look up service for important details. A full free CPD (Continued Professional Development) series is available online for access from Thor Duct ®.

We are happy to share our experience so your specification is compliant and robust. It’s vital to meet the code, and we all want a fully compliant specification, product and installation. Just call us or mail us for access to our knowledge base.

dab03838

Completion of development and testing phase of Thor Duct 2.0

Lindab Acquires Thor Duct

“ Thor Duct complements Lindab’s current product portfolio very well"

says Ola Ringdahl, President and CEO of Lindab.

Compliance With The Standards

The EN Groupings

Independence of the tests

Recognising test-based results from assessments

EI 120 (h o v e ) S1500 multi

Production Control

Training

Installation and Certification

Insulation and Fire Resisting Ductwork

Mechanical Ventilation in a building is an essential part of creating comfortable conditions for the occupants. There is an entire science involved: too much air can lead to higher energy bills, too little and we can create dampness and unhealthy zones!

There are 5 scenarios we need to consider

Need To Know More?

What’s the maximum size EN ducts and how do you specify them?

Typically, we work to a maximum of 1250x1000mm, and 1000 Ø. This is not an absolute.

Sizes of Ducts

What do I do if I need a different size that falls outside the scope of EN1366-1?

Thor Duct XL

Looking to Specify?

Why Insulation Is Never Enough

The practice of using fire tested insulation on ventilation ducts is common throughout the world. A fire risk is observed, and insulation is used to provide the protection.

Need To Know More?

Reposition Your Manufacturing Business With Thor Duct®

Thor Duct® through its licencing model, offers ambitious ductwork companies, access to this lucrative market.

Looking to Specify?

Benefits of Becoming a Licensee

Becoming a Licensee for Thor Duct® has a number of clear advantages.

Need To Know More?

Training & Education

Most people have heard of new EN standards notably 12101-7, 1366-1 and 1366-8, but unfortunately many haven’t quite grasped their significance.

Preparing To Become a Thor Duct ® Licensed Manufacturer

Production Floor & Management

Quality Control

Estimators

Sales

Installers

Management

Consultants & M&E

Want to Request a CPD?

EI 120 (h _o v _e ) S1500 multi