A new underground MRT line called as circle line is being constructed in Singapore. As certified testing company PowerQ worked with SETSCO services and assited the main contractor to conduct a crucial testing by pressuring the entire building like a balloon. The purpose of the ATT is to provide an indication if the Civil Defense Shelter and all its mechanical penetrations and closure devices are airtight against the penetration of air from outside.
One of the most challenginning part of the work waas erfomed by construction team by sealing any gaps in thousand of sqare meter of serface area including all the penetrations for utilities and human and train access though tunnel. This test allowed for the easy detection of leaks from Blast Doors, Blast Valves Sleeves/Frames, Protective/Hardened Structures, Sealing Devices and etce. The entire volume 4 storey structure measuring more than 10,000 sq m was presssurised with a fan with caliberated venturi for measuremnt of flow. The flow and pressure was monitored over duration of test with data loggers and digital instrumentation specially configured for test. Hundreds of meter of sensor tubing was run and the pressure drop was compensated by applying correction factors in loggers placed on various floors .
PowerQ conducted IOPT and ATT tests, conducted within the protected bounds of the Concourse, Platform and Underplatform Levels. The test was witnessed by authorities and passed in first atttemps thanks to extensive preparation, planning and coordination works done by hundreds of staff. Passing of this milestaone test conducted in 2009 and allowed the JV main contractor to continue the construction process.
PowerQ has conducted similar tests for facilities such as Isolation and OT rooms in hospitals, Blast proof rooms in oil rigs , Halon Pressurised room in Data Centres and BSL negative pressurised rooms in animal holding facilities/Vivariums and BSL labs .