The test runs ensure that the smoke extraction system operates in all circumstances and situations as planned. After testing the components of the smoke extraction system, the entire system’s operation will be tested. Finally, tests will be carried out of the smoke extraction system’s operation as part of the metro station and rail line.
Systems testing will ensure that all of the 52 different technical systems installed in the West Metro function safely and as planned under all conditions. The systems testing will begin with point testing and progress to the testing of larger entities, such as functions, systems and stations, as well as testing between stations and testing of the entire metro infrastructure. Read more about testing. Test runs ensure that all of the installed systems work as planned.
When it comes to the smoke extraction system, point testing will ensure that the equipment related to the system, such as smoke dampers, vents, fans and frequency converters, are installed appropriately. The idea behind point testing is to identify any errors in connections and the operation of individual devices before moving on to the next testing phase, the test runs. The smoke extraction system test runs are used to check that the required smoke compartment starts up and that the related equipment operates as planned, for example that the smoke dampers and vents position themselves correctly and that the smoke extraction fans blow in the correct direction.
The smoke extraction fans located at the stations are smaller than the massive fans located along the rail line. The test runs of the larger fans will be carried out at a later phase when the test phases move forward and the stations and rail lines are closer to completion.
Passers-by may notice the smoke extraction fan test runs when the smoke extraction vents on the facades of the metro stations open up and the noise of the fan is heard. Any disturbances occurring in the area surrounding the station will be announced on the West Metro website.
It was possible to see the progress of the smoke extraction fan installations on the Construction pages, where you can follow the progress and testing of a few key construction projects and installations from the War Room (in Finnish).