Fire sprinklers are installed in buildings to prevent fires from spreading. They are designed to automatically activate when a certain temperature or humidity level is reached, thus preventing the spread of fire.
A fire sprinkler system consists of three main components: (1) water supply pipes, (2) water distribution piping, and (3) fire protection devices. The purpose of each component is to provide adequate water pressure and flow rate to the various areas of the building.
Classifications
Sprinkler systems can be classified as either wet-pipe or dry-pipe systems. Wet-pipe systems use pressurized water for extinguishing fires. Dry-pipe systems use air under pressure to extinguish fires. Both types of systems have their advantages and disadvantages.
Wet-pipe systems require more space than dry-pipe systems because they include additional piping and connections between the piping. However, wet-pipe systems are usually easier to install and maintain than dry-pipe systems. A disadvantage of wet-pipe systems is that they cannot be used if there is no source of water available.
Dry-pipe systems do not require any additional piping or connections. However, dry-pipe systems are less reliable than wet-pipe systems because they depend on an uninterrupted supply of compressed air. If the compressor fails, then the entire system will fail.
In addition to these two basic types of fire sprinkler systems, there are also hybrid systems that combine some features of both types. For example, some systems use a combination of wet-pipe and dry-pipe technology. These systems are called mixed-type systems. Mixed-type systems have several advantages over other types of systems. First, they can be used even if there is no source for water. Second, they are easy to install and maintain. Third, they are very flexible. Fourth, they are relatively inexpensive. Finally, they are suitable for all types of buildings.
Types
There are four general categories of fire sprinkler systems: automatic, semi-automatic, manual, and preaction. Automatic systems are the most common type of fire sprinkler system. In automatic systems, the fire detection device activates the fire suppression devices at the appropriate time. Semi-automatic systems are similar to automatic systems except that they require the user to turn off the system after it has been activated. Manual systems are used only if the automatic system does not work properly. Preaction systems are used with special types of equipment such as electrical transformers.
There are many different types of fire sprinkler heads. Some fire sprinkler heads are fixed; others move up and down. Fixed fire sprinkler heads are mounted directly into the ceiling. They are connected to the water supply pipe by means of a rigid conduit. Moving fire sprinkler heads are attached to the wall or ceiling. They are connected through flexible hoses to the water supply pipe.
Fire sprinkler heads come in many shapes and sizes. Most fire sprinkler heads are round. Roundheads are best suited for ceilings because they are easily accessible and visible. Other types of heads include oval, square, rectangular, octagonal, and triangular. There are also round heads that fit inside a circular opening. This type of head is known as a flush mount. It is useful for mounting in walls or floors where access may be limited. Another type of head is the pop-up head. Pop-ups are designed to open quickly so that the water flows out freely.
Most fire sprinkler systems consist of one or more zones. Zones are groups of rooms. Each zone has its own set of fire protection devices. All of the fire protection devices must operate together to suppress the fire.
How Do Fire Sprinklers Work?
Fire sprinklers work by releasing a substance called a suppressant into the air. Suppressants are chemicals that cause the flame to go out. In most cases, suppressants are released from containers attached to the fire protection devices (e.g., sprinkler heads).
Suppressants are typically liquids. Some suppressants contain both solids and liquids. Solids are substances that remain solid even after they cool down. Liquids are substances that become liquid only when they get hot.
Suppressants are used to control two types of fires:
• Class I fires involve flammable materials that burn slowly. Examples include paper, wood, cloth, and plastic.
• Class II fires involve flame gases that burn quickly. Examples include natural gas and propane.
Class I able fires require more than one type of suppressant. Class II fires require only one type of suppressant because the flames burn so fast that the suppressant has enough time to act.
Class I fires are difficult to control. That’s why many systems use multiple types of suppressants. Most systems use a combination of two different types of suppressants. One type is designed to be effective against slow-burning fires. The other type is designed to be more effective against fast-burning fires.
For example, some systems use a mixture of water and sodium bicarbonate. Sodium bicarbonate reacts with carbon dioxide to form carbonic acid. Carbonic acid causes the burning material to lose its heat faster. This makes it easier for the water to put out the fire.
Other systems use a mixture of calcium chloride and potassium nitrate. Calcium chloride reacts with oxygen to produce calcium oxide. Potassium nitrate converts oxygen into nitrogen oxides. Nitrogen oxides extinguish the fire by reducing the amount of oxygen available to support combustion.
Some systems use a mixture of ammonium phosphate and urea. Ammonium phosphate reacts with carbon monoxide to form ammonia. Urea decomposes into ammonia and carbon dioxide. Both ammonia and carbon dioxide extinguishes the fire by removing the fuel needed to sustain combustion.
Some systems use a mixture of magnesium hydroxide and potassium permanganate. Magnesium hydroxide produces water vapor. Water vapor absorbs heat and reduces the temperature inside the room. Potassium permanganate oxidizes the magnesium hydroxide to magnesium oxide. Magnesium oxide removes the heat from the fire.
For all your sprinkler system needs – from design to installation, maintenance and repair – call our team today! World Fire Protection specializes in fire sprinkler systems and can help you choose the best solution for your home or business. Our technicians are trained on how to install and service fire sprinkler systems. We also offer free estimates on new installations. Contact us today!