System and method for extraction of smoke from road tunnels

Abstract

The invention concerns a smoke extraction module ( 1 ), a smoke extraction system ( 20 ) and a method for using such a system which enables extracting of smoke ( 6 ) from tunnels, in particular large road tunnels. The module comprises a duct ( 2 ) for transportation of smoke, a suspension means ( 10 ) which is at least indirectly connected to the duct, thereby enabling suspended convection between the duct and the tunnel wall or tunnel ceiling ( 4 ) and a detachment mechanism ( 5 ), which, when activated, is arranged to detach the duct from the suspension means such that a displacement of the duct is enabled.

1 .- 15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . A smoke extraction module for use in a smoke extraction system comprising a plurality of smoke extraction modules enabling extracting of smoke from tunnels, the module comprising:
 a duct for transportation of smoke; and   a suspension means being at least indirectly connected to the duct enabling suspended connection between the duct and the tunnel wall or tunnel ceiling;   characterized in that the module further comprises:   a detachment mechanism, which, when activated, is arranged to detach a portion of the duct from the suspension means such that, during use in the smoke extraction system, the portion of the duct is displaced relative to adjacent portions.   
     
     
         17 . A smoke extraction module in accordance with  claim 16 , characterized in that displacement of the duct portion corresponds to a longitudinal misalignment relative to adjacent ducts. 
     
     
         18 . The module in accordance with  claim 16 , characterized in that the duct remains suspended to the tunnel wall or tunnel ceiling after detachment of the duct portion. 
     
     
         19 . The module in accordance with  claim 16 , characterized in that the detachment mechanism comprises:
 an activator configured to receive signals from a smoke detector situated inside the tunnel, the activator being configured to actuate the detachment of the portion.   
     
     
         20 . The module in accordance with  claim 16 , characterized in that the detachment mechanism further comprises a smoke detector for detection of smoke inside the tunnel. 
     
     
         21 . The module in accordance with  claim 16 , characterized in that the detachment mechanism further comprises:
 fastening means; and   that the module further comprises a retaining means, wherein the suspension means and the retaining means are releasably interconnected by the fastening means.   
     
     
         22 . The module in accordance with  claim 21 , characterized in that the suspension means and the retaining means are pivotably interconnected. 
     
     
         23 . The module in accordance with  claim 21 , characterized in that the detachment mechanism comprising:
 an activator configured to receive signals from a smoke detector situated inside the tunnel; and   an elongated object extending between the fastening means and the activator.   
     
     
         24 . The module in accordance with  claim 21 , characterized in that the suspension means comprises a first hanger and the retaining means comprises a second hanger, wherein the first and second hangers are attached to the tunnel wall or ceiling during use. 
     
     
         25 . The module in accordance with  claim 24 , characterized in that the second hanger is attached to the module such that the duct remains suspended in the tunnel wall or ceiling after detachment. 
     
     
         26 . A smoke extraction system for extracting smoke from tunnels comprising:
 a duct having a plurality of smoke extraction modules mutually arranged in an end-to-end fashion to form a channel extending along the tunnel during use having an evacuation system at at least one longitudinal end of the channel for extraction of smoke.   
     
     
         27 . The system in accordance with  claim 26 , characterized in that the displacement of the duct causes a longitudinal misalignment of a smoke extraction module relative to adjacent smoke extraction modules. 
     
     
         28 . Method for displacing a smoke extraction module arranged within a smoke extraction system comprising a plurality of smoke extraction modules arranged in an end-to-end fashion to form a duct extending along the tunnel, where each smoke extraction module comprises a portion of the duct for transportation of smoke and a suspension means suspending the duct from the tunnel wall, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps:
 a) detecting a level of smoke exceeding a predetermined level by means of a smoke detector; and   b) actuating a detachment mechanism detaching a smoke extraction module of the duct from the suspension means, thereby causing a longitudinal misalignment of the smoke extraction module relative to adjacent modules.   
     
     
         29 . Method in accordance with  claim 28 , characterized by transmitting signals from the smoke detector to an activator between step a) and step b), said activator being configured to actuate the detachment mechanism. 
     
     
         30 . Method in accordance with  claim 28 , characterized in evacuating smoke from both ends of the duct upon detecting smoke exceeding said predetermined level.