20200112-Firefighting Systems Design By Elite Software- Eng. Iyad Alalem

Fire Department Connection for Wet Standpipes.

Fire Department Connections (Civil Defense Breeching Inlets):

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3 Fire Fighting systems FIRE SPRINKLERS SYSTEM COMPONENTS

Jordanian fire Protection code.

STANDARDS & REFERENCES  The most common standards used in this field is:  Jordanian fire Fighting Systems Code.  NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems.

FIRE SPRINKLERS SYSTEM

Types of Sprinkler Systems  There are three types of sprinkler systems generally used and approved by the Civil Defense.  Wet Sprinkler System  Dry Pipe Sprinkler System  Pre-action Sprinkler System

Wet Sprinkler System  The Wet Pipe System is the simplest and most common type of fire sprinkler installation. This system employs automatic and closed-type sprinklers heads which are connected to a water-filled piping system.  The sprinklers contain either a heat responsive glass bulb or fusible element that prohibits water from discharging from the sprinkler’s orifice.  The water is contained until such time as the heat from the fire activates the element, causing its release, allowing the water to discharge.

Dry Pipe Sprinkler System:  A Dry Pipe Sprinkler System is a system which employs automatic and closed-type sprinkler heads which are connected to a piping system containing compressed air or nitrogen, rather than water.  This type of system is used where the area being protected will be unable to maintain a constant year- round temperature of at least (4°C) and not more than (70°C).

Pre-Action Sprinkler system:  A Pre-action System is a system which employs automatic and closed-type sprinkler heads connected to a piping system that contains air (either pressurized or non-pressurized), with a supplemental system of detection serving the same area as the sprinklers.  These systems are typically used in applications where the accidental discharge of water would be catastrophic to the usage occupancy (for example; computer servers, lift machine rooms , telecommunications equipment, and high voltage electrical components).

Example of Preaction System

Deluge Sprinkler System: A sprinkler system employing open sprinklers that are attached to a piping system that is connected to a water supply through a valve that is opened by the operation of a detection system installed in the same areas as the sprinklers. When this valve opens, water flows into the piping system and discharges from all sprinklers attached there to.

Fire Sprinklers System Components

Types of Sprinkler Heads

1. Automatic sprinkler heads General :  Automatic sprinkler heads are individually heat activated and fixed into a piping network with water under pressure.  When the heat of a fire raises the sprinkler temperature to its operating point, (a variety of temperature ratings, from 57 to 260 degrees) a liquid- filled glass bulb will shatter or a solder link will melt to open that single sprinkler, allowing water to discharge.  The water is directed onto a diffuser or deflector which is designed to not only break the water into droplets of a specific size, but also to direct the spray to cover a specific floor and wall area.

Types of Sprinkler Heads There are two types of sprinkler heads based on the sensing element.  Quartzoid Bulb type: A sprinkler that has sensing element consist of glass bulb filled with quartzoid liquid for sensing the surrounding temperature.  Fusible Link type: A sprinkler that has sensing element consist of solder type fusible link for sensing the surrounding temperature.

Types of Sprinkler Heads There are two types of sprinkler heads without sensing element:  Nozzles: A device for use in applications requiring special water discharge patterns, directional spray, or other unusual discharge characteristics.  Open Sprinkler: A sprinkler that does not have actuators or heat- responsive elements.

Types of Sprinkler Heads  Types of Sprinkler Heads based on Discharge pattern (Installation Orientation):  Upright Sprinkler head: A sprinkler designed to be installed in such a way that the water spray is directed upwards against the deflector.  Conventional Sprinkler head: A sprinkler that is designed to install both pendent or upright position.  Side wall Sprinkler head: A sprinkler having special deflectors that are designed to discharge most of the water away from the nearby wall in a pattern resembling one- quarter of a sphere, with a small portion of the discharge directed at the wall behind the sprinkler.

Types of Sprinkler Heads  Types of Sprinkler Heads based on Discharge pattern (Installation Orientation):  Pendent Sprinkler head: A sprinkler designed to be installed in such a way that the water stream is directed downward against the deflector. In pendent there are two types based on its mounting application.  Recessed pendent sprinkler: A sprinkler in which all or part of the body, other than the shank thread, is mounted within a recessed housing.  Concealed pendent sprinkler: A recessed sprinkler with cover plates.

Types of Sprinkler Heads  Types of Sprinkler Heads based on coverage There are two types of sprinkler heads based on the coverage:  Standard Coverage: A type of spray sprinkler with maximum coverage areas as specified in Table 33 ( ‫)كودة أنظمة مكافحة الحريق‬.  Extended Coverage: A type of spray sprinkler with maximum coverage areas than a standard coverage.

Types of Sprinkler Heads  Types of Sprinkler Heads based on Sensing Element Thermal sensitivity is a measure of the rapidity with which the thermal element operates as installed in a specific sprinkler. The response time index (RTI) is a measure of the sensitivity of the sprinkler's thermal element as installed in a specific sprinkler. There are two types of sprinkler heads based on the response:  Standard Response type: A type of spray sprinkler that meets the fast response criteria that have a thermal element with an RTI of 80 (meters-seconds)^(1/2) or more.  Fast (Quick) Response type: A type of spray sprinkler that meets the fast response criteria that have a thermal element with an RTI of 50 (meters-seconds)^(1/2) or less. Early Suppression Fast-Response (ESFR) Sprinkler a type of fast- response sprinkler listed for its capability to provide fire suppression of specific high-challenge fire hazards.

Types of Sprinkler Heads  Sprinkler Operating Response  In light hazard occupancies, all the sprinklers used shall be of Quick or Fast response type sprinklers. In general view, the quick or fast response sprinklers consists of 3 mm thick quartzoid glass bulb.  In Ordinary hazard & storage hazard, either quick response or standard response sprinklers are permitted to use. In general view, the standard response sprinklers consists of 5 mm thick quartzoid glass bulb .

Types of Sprinkler Heads  Sprinklers Operating Temperature : Operating temperature of the sprinklers proposed shall be based on the maximum room temperature expected at the ceiling level at any time. Automatic sprinklers shall have their frame arms, deflector, coating material, or liquid bulb colored in accordance with the requirements of Table below.

Color Code Of Sprinkler Heads

Types of Sprinkler Heads Sprinkler Thread, Orifice & K-Factor  Standard sprinklers shall have the thread size of not less than ½” (12.7mm) NPT having nominal orifice size of ½” (12.7mm) with K-factor 5.6 (Metric factor 80).  Where design density required is greater than 8.1 LPM/Sq.Mtrs (2.1 GPM/Sq.Mtrs) but less than 13.9 LPM/ Sq.mtrs (3.7 GPM/Sq.mtrs), the sprinklers having K-factor 8.0 (Metric factor K-116) shall be used.  If the design density required is greater than 13.9 LPM/ Sq.mtrs (3.7 GPM/Sq.mtrs), the sprinklers having K-factor 11.2 (Metric factor K-161) or higher shall be used as per the approval listing.

Types of Sprinkler Heads Special Types of Sprinklers :  Corrosion-Resistant Sprinkler : A sprinkler fabricated with corrosion-resistant material, or with special coatings or plating, to be used in an atmosphere that would normally corrode sprinklers.  Dry Sprinkler : A sprinkler secured in an extension nipple that has a seal at the inlet end to prevent water from entering the nipple until the sprinkler operates.  Intermediate Level Sprinkler/Rack Storage Sprinkler : A sprinkler equipped with integral shields to protect its operating elements from the discharge of sprinklers installed at higher elevations.  Decorative Sprinkler : A sprinkler that has been painted or plated by the manufacturer.

Stock of Spare Sprinklers:  Spare sprinklers not less than six numbers in quantity in each type & temperature range installed within the building shall be kept maintained in stock within the premises.  Spare sprinklers shall be kept in a approved steel cabinet where the temperature will not exceed beyond 38°C at any time. Spare sprinkler cabinet shall be placed within the fire pump room or in the fire control room as approved by the Civil Defense.  At least a special sprinkler wrench (spanner) for each type of sprinkler shall be kept in stock along with the spare sprinklers inside the cabinet.  In high rise and bigger complex office buildings, the minimum stock of spare sprinklers required to be stored shall include all types and ratings installed and shall be according to the Table below.

2. Piping Requirements  Above Ground Piping  The pipes used for sprinkler system installed within or outside the building shall be Factory Galvanized steel, ERW or Seamless pipe manufactured in accordance with ASTM A 53 Gr. B or ASTM A 795 Gr. B, Sch-40 or manufactured as per BS-1387, Class-C (Heavy grade). The pipes used for the entire sprinkler system shall have the approval of Civil Defense.  Above Ground Pipe Fittings  Pipe fittings of 50 mm and smaller diameter used in above ground piping shall be of factory galvanized, malleable iron or ductile iron, threaded fittings confirming to ASME B16.3, having working pressure not less than 16 bar.  Pipe fittings of 65 mm and larger diameter used in above ground piping shall be of factory galvanized, ductile iron, grooved fittings or Butt welded conforming to ASME B 16.9 & pipe flanges confirming to ASME B16.5, having working pressure not less than system working pressure.

2. Piping Requirements  Under Ground Pipes & Fittings The pipes used for fire fighting system laid underground shall comply any one of the following requirements:  Ductile Iron pipe manufactured conforming to AWWA C 151 & Fittings conforming to AWWA C110 & Joints conforming to AWWA C115 and Anticorrosive protection conforming to AWWA C 105;  Factory Galvanized steel, Seamless pipe manufactured in accordance with ASTM A 53 Gr. B or ASTM A 795 Gr. B, Sch-40 or manufactured as per BS- 1387, Class-C (Heavy grade) with epoxy coat and anticorrosive surface protection. The fittings shall be butt welded or socket welded and joints shall be flanged. All the proposed materials shall have the Civil Defenses approval.  Approved HDPE pipes and fittings manufactured conforming to AWWA C906-07 with temperature & pressure rating not less than the system working pressure by taking in to consideration of de-ration factor for temperature, recurring surge & occasional surge pressures.

3. Check Valves  If case of combined riser pipe is proposed for both sprinkler and landing valves, an approved check valve shall be installed after supervisory control valve of sprinkler zone control valve assembly.  All the check valves shall be installed in an easily accessible & visible locations.  Where there is more than one source of water supply, a check valve shall be installed in each connection.

4. Civil Defense Breeching Inlets  Civil defense breeching inlets shall be located at ground level in an easily accessible, visible location, especially at front and back side of the buildings within 18 m from the civil defense vehicle access road.  Each breeching inlet shall be installed with in the cabinets with partially wired glass door front identified with signs as SPRINKLER INLET or COMBINED WET / SPRK INLETS.  Civil Defense inlet shall be installed at a height of not less than 500mm and not more than 1200 mm from the finished ground or floor level.  A 2 way breeching inlet can be provided depending on the highest hydraulic demand for low-rise building.  Where wet riser is subdivided in to multiple zones, each wet riser zone shall be provided with one or more breeching inlet connections.

4. Civil Defense Breeching Inlets  Buildings provided with wet riser system shall be terminated to 4 way breeching inlet connection having 150 mm dia flanged outlet with 4 nos of 65 mm dia instantaneous male coupling inlets.  All high rise buildings and large complex buildings shall be provided with minimum of two breeching inlets per wet riser at remote locations.  In high rise buildings, the high level zone can not be supplied water from the civil defense vehicle due to requirements of high pressure. Breeching connection for high zone wet riser system shall be replaced by connecting roof mounted water storage tanks through an additional pumping units .  A 4 way breeching shall be provided connected to each fire water tanks / compartments to refill the fire water tanks from the civil defense vehicle in case of an emergency requirements.

4. Civil Defense Breeching Inlets

5.Alarm check valve assembly  An Alarm check valve assembly shall be installed in each sprinkler system riser as per the maximum sprinkler protection zone area limitations, which shall consists of the following equipments and accessories:  Alarm check Valve complete with trim kits & retarding device;  Water Motor Alarm Gong.  Electric Alarm pressure switch.  Pressure Gauges (Upstream & Down stream).

Alarm check Valve complete with trim kits & retarding device;

Alarm check Valve Assembly :

Sprinkler Zone Limitations  The maximum area of any single sprinkler zone in a floor shall be not more than the floor area specified below. The water supply to the sprinklers supplied by any one sprinkler system riser or combined system riser shall be not more than the specified maximum floor area.  Where the floor area exceeds the limit as specified below, an additional water supply risers shall be proposed for every maximum sprinkler zone in each floor complete with sprinkler Alarm check Valve (ACV) assembly and riser isolation valve.  In addition, a floor zone control valve (ZCV) assembly shall be proposed at every floor where the tapping is taken from the sprinkler riser.  Alarm Check Valves (ACV) and Floor Zone Control Valves (ZCV) shall be located inside stair enclosure at a higher level than required ‘Headroom’ for the stairs.

Alarm check Valves :  Alarm valve shall be installed in each sprinkler system supply risers complete with required trims in all sprinkler system installations in the office buildings.  The Alarm valve trims shall consist of basic trim with all required pipes, fitting & valves, water motor alarm gong, retard chamber, electric alarm pressure switch, upstream & down stream pressure gauges etc.  The alarm pressure switch shall be interconnected with building fire alarm system to activate the fire alarm.  A 20 mm dia by pass line shall be provided connecting upstream and downstream side of the alarm check to allow the water pressure surge with out lifting the valve clapper off its seat, which will prevent the false alarm.  Alarm check valves shall be rated for the system working pressure and water temperature service and approved by the Civil Defense department.  All the check valves shall be installed in an easily accessible & visible locations.  Alarm check valves shall be installed vertically with adequate clearance space around it for testing and maintenance purposes.  Retarding device shall be installed in the alarm line to prevent the false alarm due to the water pressure fluctuation in sprinkler system.

Water Motor Alarm Gong  The sprinkler system shall be fitted with an approved water motor alarm, which shall be located at a distance not exceeding 25 m from the alarm valve, and at a height not to exceed 6m above the alarm valve.  The pipe work and fittings used shall be galvanized and to the sizes determined by the manufacturers data sheet.  The pipe work shall be arranged to drain through a fitting having an orifice not exceeding 3 mm in diameter. The orifice plate may form an integral part of the fitting but shall be manufactured from a non-ferrous material to prevent the hole from becoming blocked by corrosion or foreign matter.  A 15 mm test valve shall be installed on the installation side of each alarm valve.  Approved identification signs shall be provided for outside alarm devices. The sign should be located near the device in a conspicuous position and should be worded as follows: SPRINKLER FIRE ALARM — WHEN BELL RINGS CALL FIRE DEPARTMENT OR POLICE.

Electric Alarm Pressure Switch  Electric alarm pressure switches shall be installed in the system and they shall be mounted on a vertical branch pipe at least 300 mm long.  The pressure switch may be of the diaphragm bellows or bourdon tube operated type, and shall be sufficiently sensitive to operate when only one sprinkler is discharging.  The pressure switch shall be provided with volt free contracts to interconnect with the building fire alarm system for monitoring.  The pressure switch shall be rated for the system working pressure and water temperature service and approved by the Civil Defense department.

Pressure gauges:  Pressure gauges with a control valve (gauge cock) having drain arrangement shall be installed on upstream and downstream side of alarm check valves to read supply and system pressures.  Pressure gauges shall be installed on top of each sprinkler riser and in each zone control valve assembly.  The pressure gauges shall be rated for the system working pressure and water temperature service and approved by the Civil Defense department.  The maximum reading of the scale shall be 150% of the maximum system pressure and each scale shall have divisions not exceeding 0.2bar.  All the pressure gauges shall be filled with glycerin liquid to prevent damage of its needles due to the system water pressure surge.

6. Control Devices  Each sprinkler system shall be provided with a listed indicating valve in an accessible location, so located as to control all automatic sources of water supply.  At least one listed indicating valve shall be installed in each source of water supply but not for fire department connections. There shall be no shutoff valve in the fire department connection.

Indicating Valve:

Supervision:  All the control valves installed in the sprinkler system shall be of supervised O.S. & Y gate valve or supervised butterfly valves installed with a tamper or supervisory switch connected to the building fire alarm system for monitoring or secured in open position by a padlock or riveted strap unless other wise specified and approved by the Civil Defense.  All isolating valves installed in sprinkler system shall be so constructed that in order to shut the valve the spindle must turn clockwise. The hand wheels of all stop valves shall be clearly marked to indicate which direction the wheel is to be turned to close the valve.  An indication shall also be provided which shows whether the valve is open or shut.  All the floor control valves shall be installed in an easily accessible & visible locations.

Supervision:  Valves on connections to water supplies, sectional control and isolation valves, and other valves in supply pipes to sprinklers and other fixed water-based fire suppression systems shall be supervised by one of the following methods:  Central station, proprietary, or remote station signaling service.  Local signaling service that will cause the sounding of an audible signal at a constantly attended point.  Valves locked in the correct position.  Valves located within fenced enclosures under the control of the owner, sealed in the open position, and inspected weekly as part of an approved procedure.

7. Floor /Zone Control Valve Assembly

Paddle-Type Water flow Devices.  The surge of water that occurs when the valve trips can seriously damage the device.  Paddle-type waterflow devices are also permitted to be installed on wet systems that supply auxiliary dry pipe and/or preaction systems.

Fire Sprinklers System Components

7. Floor /Zone Control Valve Assembly  Sectional or floor zone control valve (ZCV) assembly shall be installed where the tapping is taken from the sprinkler riser for each floor and where the floor area exceeds the limit as specified in Table 9.7. See Figure 9.20 for illustrations. Each zone control valve assembly installed in sprinkler system shall comprise:  Supervised Butterfly valve, fitted with an indicator showing “OPEN” and “CLOSE” positions, and complete with padlocked securing straps. The valve shall be mounted on the upstream side of the flow switch.  Water flow alarm switch having paddle type water flow detector suitable for the size of the pipe in which it is installed shall be fixed after the butterfly valve, on the main supply pipe and before any sprinkler connection is taken off.  Inspector test and drain connections having not less than 25 mm diameter shall be installed on downstream side of flow switch.  Dial pressure gauges suitable for the water pressures shall be fitted so arranged that it can be easily removed for testing and checking without shutting down the water supply. Pressure gauge shall be installed between butterfly valve and water flow switch.  The minimum distance between water flow switch to the butterfly valve and to the test & drain valve shall be not less than 600mm.