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High performance air provision where reliability and safety matters

Howden has developed its solution approach to all tunnelling projects from road to rail to ensure industry-leading performance you can rely on. Our expertise starts at concept enabling the optimisation of system design and continues throughout the lifetime of operation using leading modelling, fan and digital technology to deliver a truly end-to-end solution.

Ventilation and smoke extraction

For underground infrastructure, safety is critical for operation. This means that all ventilation equipment and systems need to meet the highest of standards.

Within tunnels, Howden's fans provide both ventilation through air supply and extraction of air pollutants and emergency smoke extraction in the event of fire.

The ventilation system will differ based on scale and particular requirements of each tunnel. Howden serves longitudinal and transverse systems using our wide range of jet and axial fans.

In longitudinal tunnel ventilation systems, jet fans are typically installed within the tunnel to drive ventilation air through the tunnel by impulse transmission. Whereas for transverse systems, ventilation air is delivered into the tunnel at intervals throughout its length by large axial fans situated in ventilation stations above ground with ducting to distribute the air.

In some cases, ventilation and smoke extraction functions are separated to optimise performance efficiency for the continuous use ventilation fans. The large diversity of the Howden fan range means we are capable of answering every challenge.

Find out more about our ventilation solutions for infrastructure tunnels in our introduction video
Access our product literature
 

For underground infrastructure, safety is critical for operation. This means that all ventilation equipment and systems need to meet the highest of standards.

Within tunnels, Howden's fans provide both ventilation through air supply and extraction of air pollutants and emergency smoke extraction in the event of fire.

The ventilation system will differ based on scale and particular requirements of each tunnel. Howden serves longitudinal and transverse systems using our wide range of jet and axial fans.

In longitudinal tunnel ventilation systems, jet fans are typically installed within the tunnel to drive ventilation air through the tunnel by impulse transmission. Whereas for transverse systems, ventilation air is delivered into the tunnel at intervals throughout its length by large axial fans situated in ventilation stations above ground with ducting to distribute the air.

In some cases, ventilation and smoke extraction functions are separated to optimise performance efficiency for the continuous use ventilation fans. The large diversity of the Howden fan range means we are capable of answering every challenge.

Find out more about our ventilation solutions for infrastructure tunnels in our introduction video
Access our product literature
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A World of Experience

Howden have been involved in the design and manufacture of tunnel ventilation fans for almost 100 years since our first installation within the London underground.  

See our reference document for a view of some more recent sample projects. 

Axial Fans

Howden’s range of axial fans for tunnel ventilation has been developed and improved thanks to many years’ experience in the market with multiple brands.

Our axial fans cover a wide range of performance duties and can be configured as reversible or uni-directional to suit the needs of all tunnel ventilation systems.

Every fan is designed and manufactured to the highest quality standards for assurance of safe and reliable operation in the event of fires and long-term performance. Fans are tested to the most stringent fire safety standards (DIN EN 12101-3 or ISO 27927) to operate at 200ºC/1h or up to 400ºC/2h. Aerodynamic testing of fans ensures performance meets or exceeds all required standards demanded by project specifications.

Our fans can be delivered on a scalable basis including full turnkey and are backed up by a comprehensive aftermarket capability to ensure performance is maximised throughout the life of each operation.

Access our product literature

Jet Fans

Jet fans are the selection of choice for longitudinal ventilation systems in tunnels with single or bi-directional traffic.

Our jet fans provide high thrust relative to power to deliver air efficiently through the tunnel.

  • Flows up to 50 m3/s with thrust of 3360N
  • Uni-directional or fully reversible (uni-directional in reverse with lower thrust)
  • Flow control using a Variable Speed Drive
  • Fire testing to operate at 200ºC/1h or up to 400ºC/2h (EN 12101-3 or ISO 27927)
  • Wide range of standard sizes with dynamically balanced rotors to eliminate vibration and noise
  • Silencers for quiet operation
  • Corrosion protection via stainless steel or duplex coating
Access our product literature

Jet fans

Ventsim Tunnel DESIGN

Ventsim™ Tunnel DESIGN addresses all aspects of road tunnel airflow management and emergency smoke extraction, while providing actionable insight and output to engineers working on tunnel ventilation.

Ventsim enables rapid development and testing of ventilation models:

  • Wide range of simulations to meet all tunnel operational design requirements
  • Built-in cost calculations for financial and performance analysis
  • High Integration with industry tools and datasheets
  • Highly visual and user-focused
Access our product literature

Ventsim Tunnel DESIGN

Digital Controls

Digitalisation is improving the way many industries control and optimize their assets. This is also true in transportation tunnels and Howden is a leader in the field.

Fans are fitted with multiple sensors allowing our Howden Uptime platform to seamlessly integrate related performance data. The system combines active inputs, such as temperature, pressure and vibration, with reference parameters from manuals, specifications and maintenance reports. When the data is analysed, it provides a unique foundation for maintaining and enhancing operational excellence.

Access our product literature

Digital Controls

Aftermarket

A ventilation system must operate reliable for multiple decades. Keeping fans well maintained and rated for conditions is critical, as some fans operate on a continuous basis and other fans need to respond instantly to emergencies.

Howden offers full lifetime service coverage. We have a permanent presence across every continent with specialist engineers able to ensure reliable performance through expert maintenance and quick resolutions to any unexpected issues.

The range of services on offer support our ventilation equipment as well as fans supplied by other manufacturers.

Our range of services includes:

  • Inspections
  • Testing and training
  • Spare parts and inventory management
  • Repairs and refurbishments
  • Retrofits and performance enhancements
  • Balancing

Services are delivered either on-site or in our workshops depending on the nature of the service and customer requirement.

Access our product literature

Tunnel Aftermarket Services

From highly standardised to tailor-made – fans to meet your project demands.

Howden’s range of axial fans for tunnel ventilation has been developed and improved thanks to many years’ experience in the market with multiple brands.

Our axial fans cover a wide range of performance duties and can be configured as reversible or uni-directional to suit the needs of all tunnel ventilation systems.

Every fan is designed and manufactured to the highest quality standards for assurance of safe and reliable operation in the event of fires and long-term performance. Fans are tested to the most stringent fire safety standards (DIN EN 12101-3 or ISO 27927) to operate at 200ºC/1h or up to 400ºC/2h. Aerodynamic testing of fans ensures performance meets or exceeds all required standards demanded by project specifications.

Our fans can be delivered on a scalable basis including full turnkey and are backed up by a comprehensive aftermarket capability to ensure performance is maximised throughout the life of each operation.

Access our product literature

Jet fans are the selection of choice for longitudinal ventilation systems in tunnels with single or bi-directional traffic.

Our jet fans provide high thrust relative to power to deliver air efficiently through the tunnel.

  • Flows up to 50 m3/s with thrust of 3360N
  • Uni-directional or fully reversible (uni-directional in reverse with lower thrust)
  • Flow control using a Variable Speed Drive
  • Fire testing to operate at 200ºC/1h or up to 400ºC/2h (EN 12101-3 or ISO 27927)
  • Wide range of standard sizes with dynamically balanced rotors to eliminate vibration and noise
  • Silencers for quiet operation
  • Corrosion protection via stainless steel or duplex coating
Access our product literature

 

Jet fans

Ventsim Tunnel DESIGN addresses all aspects of road tunnel airflow management and emergency smoke extraction, while providing actionable insight and output to engineers working on tunnel ventilation.

Ventsim enables rapid development and testing of ventilation models:

  • Wide range of simulations to meet all tunnel operational design requirements
  • Built-in cost calculations for financial and performance analysis
  • High Integration with industry tools and datasheets
  • Highly visual and user-focused
Access our product literature
Ventsimâ„¢ Tunnel DESIGN

Digitalisation is improving the way many industries control and optimize their assets. This is also true in transportation tunnels and Howden is a leader in the field.

Fans are fitted with multiple sensors allowing our Howden Uptime platform to seamlessly integrate related performance data. The system combines active inputs, such as temperature, pressure and vibration, with reference parameters from manuals, specifications and maintenance reports. When the data is analysed, it provides a unique foundation for maintaining and enhancing operational excellence.

Access our product literature
Digital Controls

A ventilation system must operate reliable for multiple decades. Keeping fans well maintained and rated for conditions is critical, as some fans operate on a continuous basis and other fans need to respond instantly to emergencies.

Howden offers full lifetime service coverage. We have a permanent presence across every continent with specialist engineers able to ensure reliable performance through expert maintenance and quick resolutions to any unexpected issues.

The range of services on offer support our ventilation equipment as well as fans supplied by other manufacturers.

Our range of services includes:

  • Inspections
  • Testing and training
  • Spare parts and inventory management
  • Repairs and refurbishments
  • Retrofits and performance enhancements
  • Balancing

Services are delivered either on-site or in our workshops depending on the nature of the service and customer requirement.

Access our product literature
Tunnel Aftermarket Services
 

Why Howden?

  • A flexible fan range to optimally meet conditions of each tunnel whatever the air flow or extraction volume
  • Fans designed and built to the highest standards ensuring safety and reliability long-term
  • High efficiency fans delivering best performance at lowest operational cost
  • Fully scoped systems using design and simulation models to optimise the ventilation system
  • Complete system solution and delivery reducing project complexity and costs
  • Optimised operation via digital control and monitoring technology leading to long term efficiency and lower unscheduled maintenance

 

Ventilation Efficiency

Read our article, which addresses how Howden assist tunnel operators maximize energy efficiency through product engineering, and system design and controls.

World of Experience

Howden have been involved in the design and manufacture of tunnel ventilation fans for almost 100 years since our first installation within the London underground. See our reference document for a view of some more recent sample projects.

Solution Brochures

Access our Tunnel Ventilation Solutions and Ventsim Tunnel DESIGN brochures for more insight into how we can deliver to your project needs.

Transurban Tunnel Design

Transurban selected Ventsim to analyze the performance of their tunnel ventilation, leading to power usage savings of over 10%. Read more in our case study.

Supporting tunnel design

Read our white paper focused on how Howden supports tunnel ventilation designers to achieve their goals.

Tunnel Ventilation

Howden has supplied solutions for tunnel ventilation projects worldwide. A turnkey approach incorporates 3 key elements; software aided design and simulation, superior fan design and production and digital technology for real-time operational insight and control.

Tunnel Ventilation Fans

Explore our axial fan range specifically designed for underground transport systems. Removing fumes and particles to achieve the highest levels of safety, providing fresh air for tunnel users and emergency extraction.

 

Connect With Us

To raise an enquiry or contact us about our product and services, please use the details provided or click the Contact Us button and follow the instructions. 

Australia  +61 3924 88625

China  +86 1066 419988

Europe & Middle East  +49 732 155 04918

India  +91 4426 793585

North America  +1 513 714 7039

South America  +55 11 4487 6250