Hangar Water Based Fire Protection Sprinkler System and Alternatives on Rate of Rise Deluge Applications

Deluge System DESCRIPTION A Deluge System is a fixed fire-protection system which totally floods an area with pressurized water through a system of piping and open nozzles or sprinklers. The system piping is empty until the Deluge Valve is activated by a hydraulic, pneumatic, electric or manual release system.

APPLICATIONS Regular Deluge Systems may be required to protect extra-hazard occupancies by creating a fire buffer area or by cooling to prevent deformation or structural collapse. Storage or process areas that include liquids with a low flash point. Areas where fire may spread rapidly due to the materials stored. Storage tanks containing combustible or flammable liquids. Transformers, Equipment Pits or Product Handling Systems. Docks, Terminals, Loading Racks, etc.

APPLICATIONS Foam-water deluge systems are those using foam-water sprinklers or spray nozzles, a foam concentrate and a foam proportioning system. Foam water systems are used to control and/or extinguish fires which require a smothering and cooling agent. Solvent/Extraction Plants, Aircraft Hangars, Pump Alleys, Docks, Piers, and areas where flammable/combustible liquid spill fires may occur.

SYSTEM MAJOR COMPONENTS Deluge Valve: Vertical (90deg) Horizontal Release System Pneumatic Release Hydraulic Release Electric Release Combination with interlocking options Devices of Release System Accessories, Air Supplies, etc.

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION-Typical Pneumatically controlled deluge systems require a pneumatic release system, equipped with: thermostatic (rate-of-rise) releases and/or fixed-temperature releases, and/or pilot heads. Release trim, for the pneumatically controlled deluge valve requires a pneumatic actuator normally held closed by pressure maintained in the pneumatic release system. In fire conditions, operation of the pneumatic release system opens the deluge valve, allowing water to enter the system piping. Water will flow from any open sprinklers and/or spray nozzles on the system. Deluge systems are commonly used where it is desirable to simultaneously spray water from all open sprinklers and/ or nozzles on the system when the system operates.

OPERATION-Typical The Deluge System uses a Deluge Valve to prevent water/foam solution from being discharged until required. The Deluge Valve is kept closed by a pressurized upper valve chamber. The pressure is maintained through a restriction on the service side. This upper chamber is also connected to the release line. When the pressure is relieved from the upper chamber through the release line, the clapper is lifted by the water pressure under the clapper. Water floods the system and rings alarm. The pressure is relieved by using three methods of system actuation: Pneumatic, Hydraulic and Electric.

Foam Deluge System-Typical

Alternatives of Systems: Detection C-1 Multiple moving parts and elements Complexity, high count elements, seals, valves Element tube is exposed and highly sensitive to damage Requires higher cost in installation and mounting Large and heavy Requires the presence, maintenance and release of pressurized medium to achieve valve actuation.

Alternatives of Systems: Detection C-1 Limitations for the adjustment of release thermal sensitivity Adjustment is individual at ceiling level Limited capability for remote ranging from the deluge valve. Comes to be a thermo mechanically actuated valve. Uses dissimilar thermal expansion rates of metallic elements to generate motion to unseat internal valving to release pilot pressure.

OPERATION – “Automatic” Sprinkler The Deluge System uses a Deluge Valve to prevent water/foam solution from being discharged until required. In this system, Model C Valve is used for both the open head (Deluge) system and the sealed head (Pre-Action) system. It is a latched clapper type valve used to restrain the flow of water to the sprinkler piping. The valve is tripped by a release mechanism that drops a weight on the Latch Arm which pivots to release the clapper. As water flows through the valve into sprinkler piping, the Latch is pushed downward to seat on the Valve Drip Seat Ring, sealing the Valve Drip. The Clapper is kept from reseating by Clapper Stop Lugs, on the inside of the valve body. In order to reset the Valve, the Handhole Cover must be removed, the Clapper Facing and Seat Ring cleaned, and the Clapper must be lowered on its seat manually.

Rate-of-Rise Deluge System Schematics

Model C Valve-Trim

Alternatives of Systems: Model C Deluge Valve Interchangeability with “F” valves Same take out dimensions Same water seals Straight-through flow pattern design. Minimal friction loss. Ensures commonality of spares at Airbus Listings under UL Approvals by FM and LPCB. Extensive use in commercial and military hangars for over 70 years. Can be actuated by dry pilot and electric means, as well as pneumatic Rate-of-Rise, and can be field converted to or complemented with the addition of these detection modes.

Booster Allows remote ranging of system detection

Remote Control Station Allows remote manual actuation of deluge valve Rugged iron surface-mount construction Tamper-proof closure with break glass activation Field adjustable pneumatic output Can be connected to nearest H.A.D. group or directly to deluge valve Function not dependent upon availability of external power or operating medium

Alternatives of Systems: Detection H.A.D. Reliable simple design. No moving parts No unseating of internal valving Trouble free device, minimum component count. Sensor bulb is enclosed, inside its steel wire guard. Denting will not affect system, because there are no mechanism Mounting and installation simple does not require sealants, armover on release line piping nor stabili- zation rods. Smaller dimensions and weight.

Alternatives of Systems: Detection H.A.D. Rate of Rise detection and system does not require external supplied power or operating medium for functionality. Low pressure air is used as supervisory medium to monitor integrity of detection network Therefore does not require presence, maintenance and release of pressurized medium to achieve deluge valve actuation. Can be factory or field converted to combined Rate-of-Rise/Fixed Temperature capabilities Thermal sensitivity of HAD groups can be conveniently adjusted at the deluge valve, not individually at ceiling level. HAD remote ranging – from deluge valve - can be achieved by using booster units. Release of the operating medium will not cause the deluge to trip but a low air alarm.

CUSTOMERS & END USERS US MILITARY FORCES BOEING AIRBUS LOCKHEED United Airlines American Airlines Air France Royal Canadian AF