Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Rail Terminus is using more than 800 actuators from SE Controls Asia Pacific.

It was a key part of the building’s smoke control system to ensure that all 423 vents open simultaneously to ensure escape routes are kept clear of smoke should a fire occur.

As the atrium acts as a single smoke zone, all the smoke vent opens automatically when a fire is detected, providing maximum smoke and heat exhaust ventilation. SE Controls Asia Pacific supplied a total of 866 SEPO failsafe pneumatic actuators. They also recommended pneumatic pressure and force calculations as well as the designs for the special brackets used on each vent.

Once the automatic atrium vents are fully open and hot air is vented, make up air enters the building below the 2.5 metre smoke layer through the escalator void openings with fans to compensate for the volume of smoke being vented from the fire area.

Automatic fire suppression systems and supplementary smoke curtains are also installed as part of the building’s fire protection systems.

SE Controls Asia Pacific Director, Alex Luk, explained: “We have been involved in a number of iconic and innovative projects including the Kai-Tak Cruise Terminal, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge as well as the West Kowloon terminus.”

He added: “Each project had its own specific challenges and with this one, the synchronised operation or more than 400 smoke vents, each with its own individual shape and dimensions, was a unique task, where we used our extensive experience to develop the final solution. The entire project is an outstanding achievement and has already made a positive impact on the landscape, as well as for travellers. I’m delighted and proud that we were involved in such a key part of the building’s safety systems.”