Fire-rated acoustic container for a turbogenerator set

Challenge

For this project, the objective was to design, manufacture, and install a protective enclosure intended to house and acoustically insulate a turbogenerator set. The turbine is powered by natural gas and drives a generator via a gearbox. This unit was part of a natural gas decompression facility located in France.

Beyond acoustic performance, high objectives were set regarding the fire resistance of the shelter.

Écib Solution

We designed and built the acoustic enclosure in three sub-assemblies to meet the project requirements. The enclosure is designed to limit the external effects of an internal explosion within the site.

QUASAR' acoustic explosion vents act as safety valves in the event of an explosion. These QUASAR' vents are sized to open at a pressure of 30 mbar, while the rest of the enclosure structure is designed for a minimum resistance of 100 mbar.

To ensure protection against internal fires, the acoustic enclosure offers high fire resistance performance, guaranteeing a fire rating of 60 minutes.

A Fire-Rated Container Solution Designed for Real Industrial Constraints

The fire-rated container is now an essential response to the growing demands for fire safety, storage of sensitive products, and regulatory compliance. In many industrial, logistical, or technical environments, simple storage is no longer sufficient: it must be secure, compartmentalized, and capable of resisting fire for a specified duration.

At ECIB, the fire-rated container is not limited to a standard product. It is a comprehensive solution, designed to adapt to the specific constraints of each site, whether for the storage of flammable materials, hazardous products, technical equipment, or high-risk areas.

Understanding the Fire Resistance Levels of a Fire-Rated Container

A fire-rated container is characterized by its fire resistance, expressed in minutes:

• 30 minutes
• 60 minutes
• 90 minutes
• 120 minutes (REI120)

These durations correspond to the container's ability to:

• maintain its mechanical stability,
• prevent the spread of flames,
• limit heat transmission to the exterior.

The choice of resistance level depends on several parameters:

• nature of stored products,
• container location (indoor or outdoor),
• proximity to buildings or sensitive areas,
• regulatory obligations specific to the activity.

What is the Practical Purpose of a Fire-Rated Container?

The fire-rated container is used in many industrial and technical contexts:

• storage of flammable or combustible products,
• storage of chemical products,
• protection of sensitive equipment,
• securing maintenance areas,
• creating an autonomous fire-rated technical room.

Thanks to its design, it can contain a fire outbreak, limit material damage, and protect people, while allowing sufficient intervention time for security teams or emergency services.

Key elements that ensure the performance of a fire-rated container

The performance of a fire-rated container relies on several essential components:

• reinforced metal structure, capable of withstanding high temperatures,
• fire-rated insulating walls, incorporating specific materials with high thermal resistance,
• certified fire doors, often equipped with automatic door closers,
• secure ventilation systems, designed not to compromise fire resistance,
• additional safety options: retention, detection, controlled ventilation.

At ECIB, each element is studied to ensure overall consistency in the level of protection, without any weak points.

Standard Fire-Rated Container or Custom Solution: A Strategic Choice

Many fire-rated containers on the market are offered as standardized models, with fixed dimensions and configurations.
These solutions may be suitable for some simple uses, but quickly reach their limits as soon as specific constraints arise.

ECIB stands out for its ability to offer:

• custom dimensions,
• adapted interior layouts,
• specific access points (doors, hatches, technical passages),
• optimal on-site integration.

This custom approach allows for optimizing both the safety, functionality, and daily operation of the container.

A Response to Regulatory and Insurance Requirements

The use of a fire-rated container is often dictated by:

• fire regulations,
• insurer requirements,
• obligations related to classified facilities (ICPE).

A well-designed fire-rated container allows for:

• reduce the risk of damage,
• secure installations,
• meet compliance audit requirements,
• reassure operators and partners.

ECIB supports its clients in this process by offering solutions compatible with current standards and the specific constraints of each sector of activity.

See also:

• https://ecib-bruit.com/solutions/containers-acoustiques/https://ecib-bruit.com/solutions/renforcement-isolation-bardage-acoustique/Acoustic cladding
• Acoustic Enclosure
• Data center acoustics