Coral a firefighter training school in the installation of a smoke extraction and filtration system designed to manage emissions generated during training exercises involving wood combustion.
In a training environment dedicated to professional firefighting training, the presence of combustion fumes is a key element in making simulations realistic and effective for ensuring that responders are as well-prepared as possible. At the same time, however, it is essential to properly control and treat the emissions produced in order to improve air quality, protect operational areas, and ensure a continuous, safe, and efficient smoke evacuation process.
To meet these requirements, Coral and installed a complete system consisting of a spark-proof pre-scrubber, a lime injection system, an insulated and heated bag filter, an industrial fan, and a freestanding stack for atmospheric discharge.
The problem: smoke from wood burning during training simulations
Practical training exercises for firefighters often involve recreating realistic scenarios, in which burning wood is used to generate smoke and operating conditions similar to those that might occur during an actual emergency response.
The primary pollutant to be addressed was wood combustion fumes, which contained particulate matter, dust, carbon residues, and substances generated by the combustion process. The nature of the application also required particular attention to plant safety, given the possible presence of sparks and incandescent particles in the intake stream.
The solution therefore had to ensure:
- effective capture of the fumes generated during the simulations;
- protecting the filtration system from sparks and hot particles;
- the treatment of the airflow prior to final filtration;
- the system's operational continuity;
- handling a high flow rate of 40,000 m³/h;
- the safe removal of treated fumes through a freestanding chimney.
The Coral Solution: Pre-treatment, lime injection, and AIRCOM bag filter
To treat wood combustion fumes, Coral installed a multi-module system designed to efficiently manage both particulate matter and process safety issues.
The first stage of the system consists of a spark arrestor, which is essential for intercepting sparks and incandescent particles before the flow reaches the main filtration system. This component helps protect the bag filter and reduce the risk of damage caused by high-temperature material.
Downstream of the pre-treatment stage, a lime injection system has been integrated to facilitate the treatment of the suction flow prior to mechanical filtration. Lime is introduced into the circuit to support the pollutant removal process and improve the system’s overall efficiency.
The heart of the system is an AIRCOM 504-30 CVS II3DST1 bag filter, with a filter area of 500 m². The filter was manufactured in an insulated and heated version, a particularly important technical choice for applications involving hot fumes or those subject to temperature fluctuations, as it helps maintain the system’s operating conditions and reduce the risk of undesirable phenomena related to condensation.
How the flue gas filtration system works
During training simulations, the smoke generated by the burning of wood is extracted and directed to the Coral treatment system.
The flow first passes through the spark-suppressing pre-filter, where the most problematic particles are removed before entering the filter. Next, the lime injection system introduces the reagent into the circuit, aiding in the treatment of the contaminated flow.
The air, laden with dust and combustion residues, then reaches the AIRCOM bag filter. Here, the solid particles are trapped by the filter elements, while the purified air continues on to the exhaust line.
The negative pressure required for the system to operate properly is provided by a 75 kW industrial fan, rated for an airflow of 40,000 m³/h. The treated air is then directed to a 20-meter-tall D1100 freestanding stack, designed for continuous operation.
A system designed for continuous operation and high flow rates
The application required a robust, reliable system capable of supporting training activities conducted on a recurring basis. For this reason, Coral a comprehensive solution capable of handling a significant throughput and operating continuously.
The combination of a spark-proof pre-scrubber, lime injection, and a bag filter addresses the main challenges associated with wood combustion fumes, protecting system components and improving the quality of the treated air.
The use of an insulated and heated filter also helps maintain more stable operating conditions, which is particularly important when handling fumes from combustion processes and when the system must ensure continuous and reliable performance over time.
Technical specifications of the installed system
System type: Wood-burning fume extraction and filtration system for firefighter training simulations
Pollutants to be controlled: wood combustion fumes, dust, and particulate matter from the combustion process
Installed components:
- spark-proof pre-chiller;
- lime injection system;
- AIRCOM 504-30 CVS II3DST1 bag filter with a filter area of 500 m² and an air flow rate of 40,000 m³/h, insulated and heated;
- 75 kW fan;
- D1100 freestanding chimney, 20 meters tall;
Coral Fire Safety Training: Safety, Efficiency, and Smoke Control
The completion of this facility underscores Coral ability Coral develop customized solutions for complex applications, where air filtration must be tailored to specific requirements regarding safety, operational continuity, and emissions control.
In the case of the firefighter training school, the goal was not to eliminate the smoke simulation—which is essential for training—but to manage it in a controlled manner using an extraction and filtration system designed to handle wood combustion fumes.
Thanks to Coral expertise Coral designing industrial systems for air extraction and purification, customers can count on a comprehensive solution designed to support training activities and contribute to a safer, more efficient, and better-controlled work environment.