How tunnel ventilation works? Experience it at our booth

When it comes to infra, the Netherlands faces a major task. Our water-rich country has hundreds of bridges, locks, tunnels and viaducts. Many date from the 1950s and 1960s and are used intensively by increasingly heavy traffic. Rijkswaterstaat will therefore be replacing or renovating dozens of engineering structures in the coming years. This is also an important task for Colt International; installing and renovating tunnel ventilation in accordance with the required standards.

"This large-scale renovation is a huge task that requires an innovative approach and good cooperation between the government and the market is more important than ever," said Stan Veldpaus of Colt International. Colt designs, supplies, installs, certifies and maintains systems for exhaust ventilation, smoke and heat ventilation in tunnels, underground and overhead stations, and the creation of positive pressure for escape tunnels and stairwells. The company is even active worldwide in the fields of fire safety (smoke control and RWA), climate engineering, shading & louvre, and service & maintenance.

Safe escape in case of fire

In the Netherlands, tunnels with a length of more than 500 meters, in a very few cases more than 250 meters, must be equipped with a mechanical ventilation system. This ventilation system serves to refresh air, think exhaust ventilation. Veldpaus: "Tunnel ventilation serves three purposes: to provide a tunnel with fresh air, to provide safe passage for emergency services in the event of a fire, and to give those present time to escape. The ventilation system must often also be implemented as a fire protection system. By cleverly installing pressure ventilation, escape doors and overpressure systems in the escape corridors, persons present can safely escape and emergency services can safely approach the seat of the fire with 'the wind at their back'."

Tunnel ventilation at the Infratech Exhibition

The big challenge as far as tunnels are concerned is that many technical systems, including, therefore, ventilation systems, are at the end of their technical lifespan. Veldpaus: "That's why many systems need to be renovated or revised. At Infratech 2023, we will be present with a demonstration of tunnel ventilation. We would like to show visitors and experience how tunnel ventilation works, what the advantages are and how we go about it. Realizing or renovating a tunnel is a complicated job. It is important to consider all stakeholders, think ahead and maintain an overview. Colt International is happy to act as a knowledge partner in this and can supply, install and maintain the necessary systems."

Come experience it for yourself at our booth.
We look forward to welcoming you! You will find us in Hall 4, booth 4.300 D.