print ]FAQ
Ventilation and air-conditioning ceilingsWhat exactly does the “closed system” you mention mean?
It is a closed ceiling system that meets the most stringent hygiene requirements. All connections between the individual parts are airtight. The whole system then creates an airtight screen that protects all surfaces above the ventilation ceiling. The same applies to the lighting system and other utility infrastructures. One of the main reasons for using a closed ceiling system in refurbished premises is the protection of the ceiling structure eroded by heat and excess humidity as a result of the previously installed unsuitable HVAC system.
Thanks to the eccentric locks in the “Makrolon” suspended ceiling all parts located in the ceiling void are instantly accessible. The “closed system” is currently used by most European manufacturers.
What is your experience with using transparent arched suspended ceilings in kitchens?
These suspended ceilings are made from 6mm thick polycarbonate boards. Due to the surface that is completely smooth they never get soiled. At the same time, their “no-drop” surface finish prevents the formation and dripping of condensate droplets. “Makrolon” suspended ceilings are cleaned once a year or every two years, depending on the level of contamination, without the need to use any lifting or other equipment.
In terms of fire resistance the material used is Class C1 – hardly flammable. In practice it means that in the event of a fire the amount of risk it identical to that of other building materials, including stainless sheet metal.
What are the arrangements for the distribution of fresh air?
Fresh air is supplied via closed air ducts, whose size is determined on the basis of air volume and flow rate data. In the case of large-volume exchanges the inside of the duct is fitted with a micro perforated fabric outlet. Owing to the closed space arrangement the surface of the fabric outlet is not contaminated even when the HVAC system has a defect or is stopped. Both fresh air distribution solutions are arranged in such a way so that permitted flow rates are not exceeded in areas with occupancy.
Is the replacement of fluorescent lights complicated?
The individual modules of the “Makrolon” suspended ceiling are fixed via eccentric locks to the side of the extraction ducts. When a fluorescent light tube needs changing, a maintenance technician unlocks the 4 locks using the handle supplied with the ceiling. The unlocked module is moved above the adjacent one, the tube is replaced and the module is put back in place. There is certainly no need to carry out a complex dismantling operation of any part of the ceiling and lower it into the kitchen area. The whole operation takes several minutes, no special tools are necessary.
How are the stainless surfaces of the ventilation ceiling cleaned?
All stainless sheet metal surfaces are cleaned with special cleaning and preservative agents once every 3-6 months. The exact cleaning interval is determined on the basis of the actual operational load and the method of food preparation. The cleaning is done from the kitchen area without the need to carry out complex and physically demanding dismounting and subsequent mounting operations.
Is it necessary to combine the ceiling with extractor hoods when the arrangement is irregular?
Several dozen ventilation ceilings have been manufactured and supplied alone, with no need to combine the system with extractor hoods. An optimum solution is always available using the standard parts of extractor ceilings.
What is the cost of ventilation and air-conditioning ceilings?
The price of a ventilation ceiling is always calculated for a specific case. It depends on many factors such as the surface area, the complexity of the shape and passages for columns or chimneys.
In any case it is fair to say that for the majority of catering facilities the cost of a ventilation ceiling system is very close to or the even same as that of an extractor hood system.