COLT BRAND
DOUBLE BANK UNIVERSAL LOUVRE
1. Company profile (pages 1-02)
2. Technical data sheet (pages 03-12)
3. Structural Calculation (pages 13-17)
4.Test Report (pages 18-20)
Architectural Solutions - Louvre
Screening & Ventilation
Louvre
Introduction
Front cover image C-Plex,West Bromwich.
Trapezoidal 2UL louvre panels.
One London Wall, London.
Colt provided an elliptical plant room louvre screen for this prestigious commercial office
development designed by Foster & Partners.The Main Contractor was Sir Robert McAlpine.
INTRODUCTION FEATURES & BENEFITS
Louvre systems are popular with Aesthetically pleasing. Colt louvre Besides aluminium and stainless steel
designers for many applications in systems have a distinctive sharp louvre profiles, there are all manner of glass,
industrial and commercial buildings. profile. textile, wood, terracotta clay and
Their purpose can be to control light translucent acrylic louvres available
entry, to provide ventilation whilst Reduced energy costs. Colt louvre depending upon aesthetic and
maintaining rain defence, to provide systems are highly aerodynamically energetic requirements.
screening, or a combination of these. efficient. This reduced air resistance
They can also be provided simply for allows the plant and the aperture to be There are also a wide range of
aesthetic impact. smaller thereby saving running costs. accessories, including single skin or
insulated blanking panels, acoustic
This brochure describes Colt’s range of Enhanced performance. Colt louvre modules, guards and meshes, doors
screening, ventilation and rain defence systems are both aerodynamically and turrets.
louvre systems, as well as acoustic efficient and have a remarkably high
louvres. resistance to weather. Upgradeable louvre. Colt can upgrade
“live” areas to double or triple bank
Proven performance. All Colt louvre configurations at a later stage than the
systems have been tested to installation. Please see page 7
EN 13030:2001. for more details.
Easy to install. Colt louvre systems Design input provided by Colt.
can be either be delivered to site pre- Colt louvre systems can be uniquely
assembled or as a kit of parts. configured to provide the solution to
your needs. Software programs are
A wide range. Colt louvre systems are freely available to assist with this. It’s
available in various shapes, easy to size a panel according to a
configurations, materials, finishes and maximum pressure drop, or to specify
coatings to meet the requirements of the appropriate louvre bank
almost any project. configuration based on a set flow rate
and maximum pressure drop.
Louvres can be extruded or roll-
formed; polyester powder painted, pre- With Colt louvre systems, the possibilities
coated or anodised, perforated, or are endless.
stucco embossed.
2
COLT LOUVRE SYSTEMS
Colt offers two generic types of louvre
systems:
Screening Louvre: Single Bank
Universal roll formed Louvre and exruded
‘E’ Series ESC Louvre.
Ventilation and Rain Defence Louvre:
Double and Triple Bank Universal roll
formed Louvre, and ‘E’ Series ERD, a
Single Bank extruded rain defence
Louvre.
Portway School, Bristol
Pre-assembled 3UL louvre turrets
on top of natural vent shafts.
1UL 1UL ESC 2UL 2UL ERD 3UL 3UL
Shallow Deep Shallow Deep Shallow Deep
3
Technical Standards
INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND CONSIDERATIONS
Specifying louvre is always a There has been a problem for many years Site location and exposure
compromise, and requires some in quantifying the performance of louvre Severity of local (site) weather conditions
judgement to take into account the systems due to the competing test Location and exposure of louvres on
particular needs of each application. At standards and lack of application guidance building
one end of the scale for example a car for designers. Airflow rate and direction through louvre
park may require maximum ventilation Maximum acceptable pressure drop
but little protection from rain penetration. The European Standard EN 13030:2001 Degree and depth of water penetration
Alternatively, a plant room containing “Ventilation for buildings – Terminals – acceptable
special machinery or electrical equipment Performance testing of louvres subjected Special solutions for sloping applications
may still need high levels of ventilation to simulated rain” helps by providing a
but with maximum protection from water useful classification method. However, EN 13030:2001 AND EQUIVALENT
entry. the responsibility for recommending STANDARDS
classifications for particular applications
The ideal design solution is to produce a still remains with the designer or specifier. British manufacturers of louvre systems in
louvre system that offers the best RAIN conjunction with HEVAC and BSRIA
DEFENCE and AERODYNAMIC This guide is therefore intended to assist developed a test and classification method
PERFORMANCE. Unfortunately this designers and specifiers to select the most to help designers differentiate between
seems to be unachievable. But nothing appropriate louvre performance alternative louvre systems to suit specific
matches the overall performance classification to suit each specific applications. The HEVAC standard formed
standards set by the Colt Universal application. the basis for the European standard EN
Louvre range. 13030, which is technically identical.
BS EN13030 Test Results Aerodynamic Performance
Rain Defence Effectiveness Rain Defence Actual Rain Entry Rate Class Coeficient
Classification (1.0 = 100%) Effectiveness (%) (litres/hr/m2 louvre)
Class A 1.00 100% 0.00 Class 1 0.40 and above
0.99 99% 0.75
Class B 0.989 98% 1.50 Class 2 0.30 to 0.399
0.95 95% 3.75
Class C 0.949 90% 7.50 Class 3 0.20 to 0.299
0.80 80% 15.0
Class D below 0.80 70% 22.5 Class 4 below 0.20
60% 30.0
50% 37.5
To help put the performance classifications into perspective the table above shows how “effectiveness” relates to actual A high coefficient means low resistance and high airflow
rain entry under standard test conditions, which are representative of bad Northern European weather.The effectiveness performance.
classification should be specified for the design air inlet velocity through the louvre since it is velocity dependent.
4
APPLICATIONS
The test environment in the standard, at Recommendations for the selection of rain defence louvres, based on actual design inlet
13m/s (30mph) wind speed and 75mm/h air velocities (for exhaust louvres take a velocity of 0 m/s, representing the worst case
(3 inches/h) for a period of 30 to 60 with the exhaust system switched off):
minutes, is intended to represent bad
Northern European weather conditions. Class A Where excellent rain defence is required and core velocities are above 1m/s and up to 3.5m/s.
Two performance classifications are Solution 3 UL No appreciable water penetration
provided, one for rain defence and one for Class A Where excellent rain defence is required and core velocities are up to 1m/s.
aerodynamic performance. Solution 2 UL No appreciable water penetration
Class B Where good rain defence is required and core velocities are between 1m/s and 2.2m/s.
Solution 2 UL Some water entry but limited depth of penetration
However it is worth noting that this test is
Class B Where good rain defence is required and core velocities are up to 1.5m/s.
based on louvre panels of only 1m x 1m
Solution E Series ERD Some water entry
in size. Whilst being very useful in
Class C Where reasonably good rain defence is of benefit and core velocities are between 2.2m/s and 3.5m/s.
allowing direct performance comparisons
Solution 2 UL Significant water entry but limited depth of penetration
for louvres with different designs, it
Class C Where reasonably good rain defence is of benefit and core velocities are between 1.5m/s and 2.3m/s.
cannot accurately replicate the need for Solution E Series ERD Some water entry
water collection and drainage needed Class D Where maximum airflow is required but rain defence is not considered important.
where large louvre panels are installed. Solution 1 UL Only limited protection from wind driven rain
Class D Where maximum airflow is required but rain defence is not considered important.
Unlike other louvre types, Colt 2UL and Solution E Series ESC Only limited protection from wind driven rain
3UL panels have efficient drainage paths
into their hollow section mullions, which
CLASSIFICATIONS FOR COLT LOUVRE SYSTEMS
in practice further increases their rain
defence effectiveness.
3 UL (Triple Bank) Class A3 up to 3.5m/s
The principles of EN 13030 are replicated 2 UL (Double Bank) Class A2 up to 1.0 m/s
in the USA under the AMCA Standard Class B2 from 1.0m/s to 2.2 m/s
500-L, “Laboratory Methods of Testing Class C2 from 2.2m/s to 3.5 m/s
Louvers for Rating”, and in Australia / ERD (Single Bank) Class A2 at 0m/s
New Zealand in AS/NZS 4740:2000: Class B2 up to 1.5 m/s
“Natural ventilators - Classification and Class C2 from 1.5m/s to 2.3 m/s
performance”. Class D2 from 2.3m/s to 3.5 m/s
1 UL (Single Bank) Class D1 all velocities
ESC (Single Bank) Class D1 all velocities
Performance specifications should always include the design air inlet (core) velocity.
5
Ventilation & Rain Defence Louvre
INTRODUCTION DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS RAIN DEFENCE & PERFORMANCE
The principal objective of ventilation and How much air needs to flow through Colt offer three choices of performance
rain defence louvre is to allow the passage the louvre louvre, a double bank roll formed louvre:
of air, whilst providing a measure of
protection against the rain. It is worth considering that the actual area Universal Louvre - 2UL
of louvre system being installed to meet
If your louvre has a functional role to play, the performance requirements, might result
your selection will need further in more ventilation than is actually needed.
consideration. Some areas may even need to be blanked
off. However, this should not stop you
Specifying performance has not been from clearly specifying your ventilation
helped by conflicting technical requirements.
information given by louvre manufacturers a triple bank roll formed louvre:
which quotes percentage free areas Whether you are specifying a louvre
measured in different ways, namely as system for natural or forced ventilation, Universal Louvre - 3UL
resistance to airflow and aerodynamic you need to know the resistance to airflow
coefficients alternatively. caused by the louvre system for a given
flowrate.
For a true comparison of performance the
aerodynamic coefficient and the degree of How much rain defence is required
rain defence effectiveness are the only
sensible measures. These have been UPGRADEABLE LOUVRE
included as part of the EN 13030 test Please see page 7. and an extruded, 75mm pitch single
standard, which includes a simple bank louvre:
classification system.
‘E’ Series ERD
Indoor Recreation Centre, Ma On Shan, Hong Kong.
Universal Louvre for plant room ventilation and
for controllable air inlet for the smoke
extraction system.
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Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTRC), Hong Kong.
Side vents fitted externally with Colt Universal Louvre
in line with surrounding Colt Louvre panels.
HOW COLT UNIVERSAL LOUVRE
2UL & 3UL WORKS
1 Air and rain enters between the
louvre blades. 2
3
2 Water is transferred to the second
louvre where it is collected. 2
3 Water is transferred along the blades and
into the hollow vertical mullion thus 1
preventing re-entrainment, draining the
collected water onto the cill.
RAIN DISPERSION
AIR FLOW
Clarks Shoes, Somerset.
Universal Louvre for screening in both
painted and pre-coated finishes.
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Ventilation & Rain Defence Louvre - 2UL
DOUBLE BANK UNIVERSAL LOUVRE FINISHING OPTIONS OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Double Bank Universal Louvre is ideal for There are three standard material options There are a large selection of optional
applications requiring ventilation with a for the principal components: accessories such as:
good degree of rain defence. Double Bank
Universal Louvre, 2UL (two louvres deep) Aluminium Mitred Corners
and has two front louvre profiles: Mild Steel Blanking Panels (Single Skin or Insulated)
Stainless Steel (50mm pitch only) Special Shapes
Shallow (50mm pitch) Acoustic Modules
Deep (100mm pitch) There are many decorative finish options, Guards (Bird / Insect* / Security)
including: Doors
2UL also has two arrangements: Turrets
Mill Finish
Horizontal and Vertical Stoved Polyester Powder Paint * Insect mesh will result in reduced
Anodised airflow and additional resistance.
Both arrangements can be inverted.
Perforated, Stucco and Pre-Coated louvres
(normally applied to front louvres blades
and frames only) are also available on
request.
The applied finishes can be supplied in
two coverage levels:
Total (all principal components)
Partial (louvres and frames only)
Crawley College, Crawley.
ERD louvre panels on the plant room, and Solarfin
solar shading panels.
Xscape, Milton Keynes, UK.
2000m2 of Universal Louvre including both Colt
Single Bank and Double Bank Universal rain
defence louvre.
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Piccadilly Station, Manchester.
A combination of single and double bank louvres,
depending on the specific airflow and rain
defence requirements.
PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION PRODUCT SPECIFICATION PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
A multi purpose louvre system shall be Colt Double Bank Universal Louvre type Good airflow properties
provided to achieve minimum resistance 2UL having louvre blades at 50mm pitch
to airflow, with louvre blades to be (shallow section) or 100mm pitch (deep Good rain defence properties
aerodynamically shaped with no sharp section, front louvre only).
edges or protrusions, to ensure the highest Equally suited to applications requiring
efficiency airflow performance. Construction throughout shall be from architectural screening or cladding with
high quality corrosion resistant aluminium ventilation and a good degree of rain
Airflow alloy type 3005 (Colterra) or 3105 to BS defence.
1470.
The following minimum aerodynamic
coefficients shall be achieved when the Front louvre blades shall not be drilled but
louvre panel is tested to EN 13030:2001: clipped and not rivetted or screwed to
structural supporting mullions allowing
Air Inlet - 0.308 for expansion and contraction along their
Air Extract - 0.25
length without distortion and to provide
a continuous external appearance if
Rain defence
required.
The louvre system will achieve the
Mullions shall be concealed at 1250mm
following weathering classification when
maximum centres and their points of
the louvre panel is tested to EN
13030:2001: support along their length shall be in
accordance with prevailing site wind
Class A2 - up to 1m/s suction velocity pressures (as calculated and specified by a
Class B2 - up to 2.2m/s suction velocity structural engineer) in accordance with BS
Class C2 - up to 3.0m/s suction velocity 6399 part 2. Manufactured from 2mm
Class D2 - up to 3.5m/s suction velocity sheet so that associated support steelwork
is reduced to a minimum.
Piccadilly Station, Manchester.
The louvre system shall be drained
internally through hollow section Cill and frames shall contain all peripheral
vertical mullions which shall discharge fixings and be manufactured from 1.6mm
water onto the cill. sheet.
The louvre system shall be capable of
combining both double bank functional
louvre and single bank aesthetic louvre
with rear blanking panels on the same
elevation without variation in external
profile.
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Ventilation & Rain Defence Louvre - 2UL
Note: All dimensions are given as
Dimensions internal, external dimensions will vary
depending upon material thickness
Shallow section Deep section 195
140
22
88.5
22
88.5
100 Pitch
50 Pitch
88.5
88.5
12
20
25
25
119 175
165 220
1.25
1.0
1.1
0.9
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
Mullion Centres (M)
2.3
60
Maximum Unsupported MullionLength
2.2
50
Pressure Drop (pa)
2.1
40
2.0 INLET
30
1.9
20
1.8 10
1.7 0
3800 3400 3000 2600 2200 1800 1400 1000 600 0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5
3600 3200 2800 2400 2000 1600 1200 800 400
Wind Load (N/m 2 ) Face Velocity (m/s)
20
Assembly
Top Frame
Secondary
Steel
Support
Cill
External
Corner
Front Louvre Internal Corner
Mullion
Blade (Shallow)
WIND SPEED CONDITIONS
22 UL
UL Effectiveness
effectiveness under
under 13m/s
13m/s wind speed conditions
1.0 wind speed conditions
75mm/hr rainfall
0.8
Effectiveness
0.6
0.6
0.2
1 2 3
Inlet Ventilation (m/s)
21
17
18
19
20
