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Drain technology

Everything that experts need to know

1. At a glance: Drain types

Applications for drains and channels

The term "drain technology" covers different types of drains, each of which is specialised in the specific application conditions. Get a quick overview of the four basic product categories here.

2. Selection of materials for drains

Selection criteria for polymer and metal drains

When planning drainage technology, it is important to check which material is most suitable for the type(s) of wastewater and the project-specific conditions at the installation location. The substances and concentrations thereof contained in the wastewater, the spatial conditions, the floor constructions and the corresponding types of waterproofing layers must be taken into consideration.

Selection of materials with the KESSEL resistance list

You can use our resistance list to check which material will best withstand the wastewater arising in your application. There you will find a list of the most common types of wastewater with assessments of the different materials with respect to their resistance.

To the resistance list

Properties of conventional materials

Drainage technology is generally made of polymers or metals, such as stainless steel or grey iron. Thanks to their respective properties, the materials are suitable for different applications:

3. Fire protection for drain technology

Proper floor drain protection

If buildings catch fire, floor drains are potential weak spots through which fire, smoke and toxic gases can spread from room to room. For this reason, the state building regulations stipulate suitable preventive fire protection measures in the area of drainage technology. 

Floor drains as a risk factor in the event of a fire

How quickly a fire spreads in a building depends on how long the room boundaries withstand the flames and the smoke and gas particles these produce. Insufficiently protected floor drains conceal several risks in this respect:

Gas and smoke may escape from unprotected drains

Smoke / gas emission

through leaks in and around the floor drain.

Fire may spread through unprotected drains

Spread of fire

to other rooms due to the drainage system "burning away".

Transfer of heat through unprotected drains

Heat transfer

and the ignition of combustible materials through non-combustible draining objects.

Fire resistance classes of floor drains

Different fire resistance classes are prescribed for floor drains depending on the state, region, type of building and installation location. The number value of the fire resistance class specifies the minimum time for which a tested component must be able to withstand a fire in minutes. The fire resistance classes relevant for floor drains are:

  • F30 (“fire retardant”) 
  • F60 (“highly fire retardant”) 
  • F90 (“fire resistant”) 
  • F120 (“highly fire resistant”) 

Always heed the specifications in your project-specific fire protection concept. 

 

How does a fire protection insert work?

A fire protection insert is inserted into the pipe socket on the underside of a floor drain. It is made of heat-sensitive material which swells up as soon as it comes into contact with fire and therefore seals the drain. 

Fire protection insert when there is no fire

Pipe becomes loose

due to extreme heat exposure.

Fire protection insert swells up as soon as it comes into contact with fire.

Fire-protection insert swells up

as soon as it comes into contact with fire.

Drain is sealed and prevents further fire damage

Drain is sealed

and therefore prevents further fire damage.

Fire-Kit & Quick-Fit:

Fire protection for KESSEL drains

With the Fire-Kit fire and smoke gas protection insert and the Quick-Fit pipe penetration seal, our range includes suitable accessories for the proper sealing of KESSEL drains against fire. The Fire-Kit ensures the fire-resistant sealing of the drain in the event of a fire, while the Quick-Fit pipe penetration seal represents a simple-to-install alternative to conventional filling materials for sealing core drill holes. The fire protection compound integrated into it seals any leaks between the drain body and the core drill holes in the event of a fire. Both the Fire-Kit and Quick-Fit fulfil the requirements of fire resistance class R120 for pipe penetrations.

4. Modular systems for drains

Flexible planning with modular, extendible drain technology

Individual combination of drains in a modular system

The right drains are not always available as a ready-made product for drainage systems with specific requirements. In such cases, modular solutions provide a remedy: You can use them to customise the right drains for your drainage task from a variety of compatible components and later adapt them to changed conditions without any problems. 

Modular systems: regardless of the nominal size!

Modular systems are available for drains with different diameters. The diameter (push-fit connection between the upper section and drain body) is not dependent on the diameter of the connected drainage pipe – a drain with a specific diameter can therefore always be connected to pipes of all nominal sizes if the outlet connector is the appropriate size. 

KESSEL modular systems

KESSEL offers modular drains with diameters ranging from 100 to 400 mm for bathroom, basement and project drainage as well as for outdoor use. The respective modular system can be customised from a range of drain bodies and materials and precisely tailored to the application and environmental conditions.  

Open-ended questions – practical answers

Are you already familiar with our extensive seminar and training programme? Experienced KESSEL experts regularly discuss current drainage technology topics within the scope of various event formats.

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