Automatic Fire Fighting System
Automatic Fire Fighting System
Automatic Fire Fighting System
1 . Abstract
Finally we can say that the purpose of automatic fire fighting system is to
keep the fire away from the people living in this place, and not to incur
losses , at least until the arrival of firefighters to extinguish the fire with
. the lowest possible losses
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Automatic Fire Fighting System
Chapter(1)
Automatic of fire system classification
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Automatic Fire Fighting System
Chapter (1)
1.Automatic fire fighting systems classification
1.1.1. Advantages
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1.1.2. Disadvantages
The piping for a wet-pipe sprinkler system is filled with water at all
times, so all piping must be located in an area where the temperature is
always above freezing. Even when installed in heated buildings, some
piping may be located in areas with marginal protection from freezing.
Such areas might include spaces above suspended ceilings, loading docks,
and other areas that may be subject to freezing temperatures, particularly
during very cold weather. Loss of building heat can cause all piping in the
building to freeze. Low building temperature supervisory initiating
devices are often connected to the building fire alarm system to provide a
supervisory signal if the building temperature falls below 40F.
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- Pumping system.
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Every sprinkler system must have a main system control valve to isolate
the system from the fire protection water supply. Preferably, this valve is
located outside as close to the connection
to the water supply as possible. This
minimizes the extent of any
impairments and is accessible during a
fire. In some cases the valve may be
located inside the building.
Fig[1-3]
The main sprinkler riser should be equipped with an alarm check valve.
The alarm check valve serves as a check valve for the system as well as
being equipped with trim piping to actuate a local alarm bell when water
flows in the system. Unfortunately, for purposes of cost savings, wet-pipe
sprinkler systems are sometimes not provided with an alarm check valve.
While the system will still function, the lack of an alarm check valve
increases the potential for unwanted alarms from water pressure
fluctuations. The absence of an alarm check valve also limits the ability to
provide a temporary feed to the system during an impairment.
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Fig[1-4]
The fire department connection provide a means for the public fire
department or facility fire brigade to pump water into the system and
increase the system pressure Increasing system pressure results in greater
discharge from the operating sprinkler heads. The threads on the fire
department connection must match those of the public fire department.
Fig[1-5]
D - Sprinkler Piping
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Fig[1-6]
E - Sprinkler Heads
before it fuses and discharges water. The actual temperature of the air
immediately around a sprinkler head when it fuses may actually be several
hundred degrees. This is because it takes time for the sprinkler head to
"absorb" sufficient heat to raise the fusible element to its operating
temperature. Contrary to what is often depicted on television and in the
movies, sprinkler heads do not just "pop off" by themselves.
Fig[1-7]
F - Test Connection
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Fig[1-8]
System Operation
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B-Pilot Valve
C-Main Drain
E-Retard Chamber
F-Pressure Switch
Fug[1-10]
An alarm check valve functions as the check valve for the sprinkler
system preventing water from flowing out of the system and back into the water
supply. The check valve clapper serves the same purpose in an alarm check valve as
in a conventional check valve
The pilot valve is attached to the check valve clapper and under normal conditions
covers the alarm line. When the check valve lifts, the pilot valve uncovers the alarm
line and allows water to flow through the alarm line piping to the retard chamber. In a
plain alarm check valve there is a small amount of "play" in the pilot valve that
permits the check valve to lift a small distance allowing the pressure from a slow
surge to equalize on both sides of the check valve without opening the alarm line.
The main drain line is used to drain the water from the system when the main control
valve is closed. This drain is often referred to as the "2-inch Drain" because the drain
line piping is usually 2-inches in diameter. The main drain is also used to conduct one
of the routine tests performed on automatic sprinkler systems
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The main drain line is used to drain the water from the system when the main control
valve is closed. This drain is often referred to as the "2-inch Drain" because the drain
line piping is usually 2-inches in diameter. The main drain is also used to conduct one
of the routine tests performed on automatic sprinkler systems
The purpose of the retard chamber is to minimize the occurrence of unwanted alarm
due to pressure surges in the system. Think of the retard chamber as a bucket with a
hole in it. When the alarm check valve opens because of water flow in the system , the
pilot valve lifts allowing water to flow through the alarm line into the retard chamber.
If the water flow is sustained, as would be the case if a sprinkler were flowing, the
retard chamber fills up and water pressure actuates the pressure switch (F) and water
motor alarm (G). If the water flow is due to a momentary pressure surge, the flow is
not sustained long enough to fill the retard chamber and the water flows out the drain
at the bottom of the chamber.
A pressure switch is often mounted on top of the retard chamber to actuate a local
electric bell when the sprinkler system actuates. When a sustained water flow fills the
retard chamber, water enters the pressure switch and actuates the alarm. The
pressure switch may also be used to initiate an alarm signal for the building fire alarm
system. If the pressure switch is used for this purpose any valves between the alarm
check valve and the pressure switch must be provided with a switch that will actuate a
supervisory signal anytime the valve is not fully open .
The water motor alarm provides a means of initiating a local water flow alarm without
the need for any outside power sources. When a flowing sprinkler head(s) initiate a
sustained flow of water in the system, the retard chamber fills with water and water
enters the water motor alarm. Inside the water motor alarm there is a small water
powered turbine which turns a "clapper" to ring a bell on the outside of the building.
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actuates sounding a local electric bell, and the water motor alarm G on
the outside of the building rings. After the fire is controlled, the system is
shutdown, the main drain C is opened to drain the system, and the
fused sprinkler heads are replaced. The system is then restored to
.service
shutdown:
fig[1-12] The diagram shows the basic components of a pre-action sprinkler system.
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D - Pressure Switch
The pressure switch is usually used to actuate the building fire alarm
system ,but may be used to actuate a local bellor alarm when the deluge
(pre-action) valve trips. When the deluge (pre-action) valve trips ,the
clapper lifts ,and water travels through the piping leading to the pressure
switch.
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I - Local Alarm
This local alarm may or may not be provided depending on whether a
separate control panel is provided. This local alarm may take the place
of an electric bell actuated by the pressure switch D or the water motor
alarm.
J - Control Panel
Most pre-action systems use some type of control panel to receive
signals from the fire detection system and to send a signal to release the
deluge)pre-action ( valve. The control panel is usually a fire alarm
control panel listed specifically for releasing service.
K - Bypass Line
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The bypass line is used to provide water pressure from below the
system shut off valve to the plunger chamber. This water pressure
provides the force on the plunger necessary to latch the deluge pre-
action valve clapper closed.A restricted orifice in the bypass line limits
the flow of water into the chamber so that it can not be filled as quickly
as the water drains when the valve actuates.
1.2.3. Pre-action Valve Component And Actuation
Fig[1-14] X - Fig[1-15] - Y -
1.2.4 Operation X
1.2.5 Operation Y
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1.2.6 Advantages
* It provides some measure of protection against accidental sprinkler
discharge .
* It can be provided in areas subject to freezing without the inherent delay
of a dry-pipe system .
1.2.7. Disadvantages
* It requires a supplemental fire detection system to actuate the system .
* It costs more to install and maintain than a wet-pipe sprinkler system .
* It is more complex, and therefore, less reliable than an ordinary wet-pipe
sprinkler system .
Figure[1-16]
system actuates. When the system actuates ,water is discharged from all
the open sprinkler heads simultaneously.
Deluge sprinkler systems are used where very fast developing fires
are expected.The most common application is for areas storing using ,or
processing flammable or combustible liquids. Like any other fire
protection system .
1.3.2. Deluge Operation
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Fig[1-18]
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as possible .
B - Main Drain
The main drain is used to drain the system piping after the deluge valve
has tripped and the main water supply valve has been closed. The main
drain is also used to conduct one of the routine tests required for any type
of automatic sprinkler system .
C - Deluge Valve
The deluge valve serves as the interface between the fire protection water
supply and the system piping. A clapper inside the deluge valve is
mechanically latched in the closed position preventing water from
entering the system piping until the deluge valve actuates.
D - Pressure Switch
The pressure switch is usually used to actuate the building fire alarm
system, but may be used to actuate a local bell or alarm when the deluge
valve trips. When the deluge valve trips, the clapper raises, and water
travels through the piping leading to the pressure switch .
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H - Fire Detectors
The deluge valve is actuated by a supplemental fire detection system.
Most deluge sprinkler systems use some type of heat detector to actuate
the deluge valve. Any fire detector suitable for the application may be
used to actuate the deluge valve .This includes smoke detectors, heat
detectors, flame detectors, and dry- and wet-pilot systems. Dry pilot
systems use small diameter piping pressurized with compressed air or
nitrogen connected to strategically located sealed sprinkler heads.Wet
pilot systems use small diameter piping pressurized with water connected
to strategically located sealed sprinkler heads. In either case, heat from the
fire will fuse the sprinkler head which, in turn, releases the compressed
gas or water and actuates the deluge valve
I - Local Alarm
This local alarm may or may not be provided depending on whether a
separate control panel is provided. This local alarm may take the place of
an electric bell actuated by the pressure switch Dor the water motor alarm.
J - Control Panel
Most modern deluge systems use some type of control panel to receive
signals from the fire detection system and to send a signal to release the
deluge valve. The control panel is usually a fire alarm control panel listed
specifically for releasing service .
K - Bypass Line
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Automatic Fire Fighting System
The bypass line is used to provide water pressure from below the system
shutoff valve to the plunger chamber. This water pressure provides the
force on the plunger necessary to latch the deluge valve clapper closed. A
restrictive orifice in the bypass line limits the flow of water into the
chamber so that it cannot be filled as quickly as the water drains when the
valve actuates .
1.3.3. Advantages:
Rapid operation :The fire detectors used to actuate a deluge system
are often more sensitive than a typical sprinkler head. Additionally,
when the system actuates, water is discharged from all the open
sprinklers simultaneously. There is no delay while each individual
sprinkler head opens from the heat of a fire.
1.3.4. Disadvantages
* Complexity: A deluge sprinkler valve is more complex than an
alarm check valve typically found in a wet-pipe sprinkler system. Thus,
there are more things to go wrong.
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Dry-pipe systems are sprinkler systems with the piping normally dry.
This type of system would typically be used in an unheated area. The
heads and piping are basically the same as in a wet-pipe system ,
however air pressure is used to fill the portion of the system piping above
the control valve of the sprinkler system. When a fire occurs, the heat
opens the sprinkler head, allowing air to exhaust from the system and
water to fill the piping.
Every sprinkler system must have a main system control valve to isolate
the system from the fire protection water supply. Preferably, this valve is
located outside as close to the connection to the water supply as possible,
so it minimizes the extent of any impairment, and is accessible during a
fire. In some cases the valve may be located. Inside the building
The fire department connection provides a means for the public fire
department or facility fire brigade to pump water into the system and
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Fig[1-24]
C- Dry-Pipe Valve
D - Sprinkler Piping
E - Sprinkler Heads
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Fig[1-25]
F - Test Connection
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The dry-pipe valve clapper serves to separate the water in the system
from the compressed air or nitrogen used to fill the system piping. The
clapper is equipped with a rubber gasket on the underside. This rubber
gasket forms a seal between the system water supply and the compressed
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gas in the system. The clapper is also equipped with a latch of some type
that latches the clapper in the open position once the dry-pipe valve trips
B- Priming Water:
The main drain line drains the water from the system when the dry-pipe
valve is tripped and the main control valve is closed. This drain is often
referred to as the "2- inch Drain" because the drain line piping is usually
2-inches in diameter. The main drain is also used to conduct one of the
routine tests performed on automatic sprinkler systems
E- Drip Valve:
The drip valve allows any water that leaks past the seal formed below the
clapper to be collected and drained out of the dry-pipe valve. An annular
chamber beneath the clapper is maintained at atmospheric pressure. This
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The alarm by-pass valve is normally closed. It is used to test the water
flow alarms without tripping the dry-pipe valve. Opening the alarm by-
pass valve allows water to flow around the dry-pipe valve to the pressure
switch and water motor alarm
G- Check Valve:
The small check valve in the alarm line permits testing of the water flow
alarms without pressurizing the intermediate chamber and tripping the
dry-pipe valve. When the alarm test valve F is opened, the check valve G
prevents water from entering the intermediate chamber.
H- Pressure Switch:
The pressure switch functions as the water flow alarm to actuate a local
electric bell and/or the building fire alarm system. If the pressure switch
will actuate the building fire alarm system, any valves between the dry-
pipe valve and the pressure switch must be provided with a supervisory
switch that provides a signal anytime the valve must be provided with a
supervisory switch that provides a signal anytime the valve is not fully
open.
1.4.3. Dry-Pipe Valve operation
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Fig[1-27]
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Fig[1-28]Foam System
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- Alarm system.
Chapter(2)
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Chapter(2)
2. Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems.
This section does not apply to buildings to which the Building
Code does not apply. Words and phrases in this section that are not
defined in this by law but are defined in the Building Code have the
meaning set out in the Building Code. The following buildings must
be equipped with an automatic fire sprinkler system that complies
with the most current edition of document NFPA13 entitled."
Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems": Owner proposes
to repair or reconstruct the building. All residential buildings must be
equipped with an automatic fire sprinkler system that complies with
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out by the water pressure, and the water flow onto the
deflector and is distributed over the seat of the fire.
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Fig[2-7]
d Standar
Pendent and Upright Sprinklers we can calculation the
.coverage area for it by the following
As = L * S
Where
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Table [2-1]
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Chart [2-1]
LAD=1.2AD
Where
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Number of sprinkler=[AD/As]
Chapter(3)
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Chapter(3)
3.1.fire pump
Fire pumps are needed when the local municipal water system cannot
provide sufficient pressure to meet the hydraulic design requirements of
the fire sprinkler system .
A fire pump is a part of a fire sprinkler system's water supply and can be
powered by electric, diesel or steam. The pump intake is either connected
to the public underground water supply piping, or a static water source
(e.g., tank, reservoir, lake). The pump provides water flow at a higher
pressure to the sprinkler system risers and hose standpipes
The fire pump starts when the pressure in the fire sprinkler system
drops below a threshold. The sprinkler system pressure drops
significantly when one or more fire sprinklers are exposed to heat above
their design temperature, and opens, releasing water. Alternately, other
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Advantages Disadvantages
Positive displacement - Can pump air - offer lower flow rate
higher discharge
- Has a small amount of pressure capabilities
slippage than centrifugal pum
- operate at rpm below -
centrifugal pumps.
- develop CAVITATIO
due to increasing in
velocity relatively to
positive displacemen
pump .
Rated flow is the flow rate that the pump is designed for.
Normal flow is the flow that the pump will operate at under normal
operating
The datasheet mentions both of these flow rates , recognizes from the
manufacturers side that the customer needs a pump for a normal flow
rate. The manufacturer states here that he knows the pump will operate
under the normal conditions and he also implicitly agrees that his pump is
suitable to operate under these normal conditions.
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reached its "shut-off" head pressure. When you look at a flow curve chart
for a pump, the "shut-off head" is the point on the graph where the curved
line becomes horizontal as the flow rate at that point is zero.
The higher a pump's head pressure, the more powerful the pump.
- If the operating pump speed 1400 rpm and we give it 1600 rpm ,
The flow rate will not increase and leakage may occur due to the
overpressure at the pump outlet .
3.2Pipe Selection
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Do not use any pipe fittings that you can do without since every
fitting will create pressure drop and reduce flow from your selected
pump. This is especially true of sharp bends, and "T" pieces.
Pipe 100 200 350 500 750 1000 1500 2000 3500 5280
Diameter
4 3 - 2 - - 1 - - -
8 8 6 5 4 3 - 2 - 1
1 13 13 10 8 7 6 5 4 3 2
1 23 23 21 19 15 12 9 8 6 4
1 30 30 30 26 22 19 15 12 9 7
2 50 50 50 50 43 37 29 25 18 15
Table [3-2] Flow rates for given lengths & diameter are in gallons per minute
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Advantages Disadvantages
Galvanized Pipe - The zinc coating helps - Corrode quickly
prevent corrosion and
mineral deposits within the
line .
Plastic pipe ( PVC) - The most lightweight and - It is less fla
the least expensive . resistant .
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Chapter(4)
Automatic Fire Alarm System
Chapter(4)
4. Automatic Fire Alarm System:
Automatic System is an alarm system which initialized Automatically
without human interaction
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Governing Codes
Detectors 1
4.1.1.type of Detectors
1 Heat Detector
2 Smoke Detector
3 Light Detector
4 Leaser Detector
5 Flame Detector
Protection .4.1.2
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Summary:
Fire safety regulations can have a major impact on many aspects of
the overall design of a building, including layout, aesthetics, function,
and cost. Rapid developments in modern building technology in the last
decades often have resulted in unconventional structures and design
solutions. This report will provide background and a basic understanding
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of fire protection systems that effect on the buildings design. This report
will give us conclusion about the automatic firefighting system , it's
component and who does it work .
References
1- NFPA 13
2- NFPA 20
3- www.wikipedia.com
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4- http://www.firstfireextinguishers.com/fire-
equipment/smoke-detectors.
5- http://detectalarm.com/firealarm.html.
6- Automatic Sprinkler System 4th Edition 2002
7- http://www.pmengineer.com/
8- http://www.firesystems.net/installation/sprinkler
-systems.htm
1 . Abstract 1
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1.1.1. Advantages 3
1.1.2. Disadvantages 4
1.2.4. Operation X 16
1.2.5. Operation Y 16
1.2.6. Advantages 17
1.2.7. Disadvantages 17
1. 3.Deluge System 17
1. 3.3. Advantages 22
1. 3 .4. Disadvantages 22
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2.3.1.Design area AD 43
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4.1.1.Type Of Detectors 53
4.1.2. Protection 54
References 57
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