Successful projects confirm the company as a consolidated player in tunnel ventilation
"SODECA has met all our expectations. At the beginning of the project, we needed assistance and received great support because we could discuss any questions with them, and they even came to our facilities to provide further advice." These statements from Rosa Lara, Operations Manager at CEDINSA, exemplify how SODECA has addressed tunnel ventilation with solutions that range from the design of the ventilation system to the assembly and installation of equipment, covering all the needs of its clients. This approach, based on turnkey projects, has made the company a consolidated player in the sector.
In a critical installation like a tunnel, proximity to the client is essential, and from its beginnings SODECA has stood out for the quality of its technical service. Thus, before the installation of the ventilation system, clients can validate the performance and specifications of the supplied equipment through Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) at SODECA's facilities. Once the system is operational, the company provides ongoing technical support to address any issues that may arise. This continuous support throughout the project not only generates trust but also helps build lasting relationships.
Regular and emergency ventilation
When designing a tunnel ventilation system, many aspects must be considered, from the direction of traffic flow and traffic types to temperature, humidity, and altitude, as they affect air density. Additionally, it is necessary to consider the environment where the tunnel is located. For example, in cities, there is a higher traffic density and greater emissions of toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide.
Taking both the necessary parameters and the characteristics of the environment into account, the required airflow is calculated to eliminate contaminant concentrations. However, in a high-risk space like a tunnel, the ventilation system must not only cater to regular activity but also account for the possibility of a fire. Tragedies like the Mont Blanc tunnel incident in France, which resulted in 39 fatalities in 1999, highlight the severity of these situations. For this reason, SODECA’s ventilation systems for tunnels are designed for emergency ventilation, ensuring safety conditions in case of a fire. The jet fan ventilators manufactured by the company, typical in longitudinal ventilation systems, have certifications for 400 ºC/2h or 300 ºC/2h.
Moreover, as a specialist in smoke evacuation solutions, SODECA also provides safety equipment for all installations associated with the tunnel. The main function of pressurisation systems in evacuation routes is to create and maintain positive pressure in protected spaces, such as galleries or emergency exits, preventing smoke and toxic gases from entering these areas in the event of a fire. The system reacts quickly by increasing or decreasing airflow to adapt to the various situations of open or closed doors that occur during an evacuation. This way, in case of an emergency, people can evacuate safely, and it also facilitates the intervention of firefighters. SODECA’s pressurization solutions ensure that 90% of the required airflow is achieved in less than 3 seconds, which is crucial for safety during an evacuation.
Successful Projects
More and more successful projects worldwide confirm SODECA as a consolidated company in tunnel ventilation. Currently, the company is participating in several prestigious works, confirming that its solutions are highly valued, largely thanks to the quality of its technical service. SODECA has always distinguished itself by its ability to provide quick and efficient responses to customer needs and to make them feel supported.
On the other hand, the demands of projects have compelled SODECA, as a manufacturer, to continually improve its solutions to ensure their reliability and meet the specific characteristics of each tunnel. When necessary, the company has modified equipment to withstand severe atmospheric conditions or environments with high salinity. This adaptability and commitment to reliability have paid off: in some tunnels where SODECA ventilation systems have been installed, the equipment has been operational for over 15 years.