This document provides an introduction and overview of various water-based fire protection systems, including standpipe systems, wet pipe sprinkler systems, dry pipe sprinkler systems, deluge sprinkler systems, and pre-action sprinkler systems. It defines key terminology, describes common system components, and explains the purpose and function of different sprinkler head types and special application nozzles. Standards for installation and maintenance are also referenced.
Water Industry Process Automation & Control Monthly - April 2024
Basic training water based fire protection
1. Introduction to
WATER BASED
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM
Presented by
Engr. Sabrul Jamil, PRINCE2
Manager, Fire Safety, Ezzy Automations Ltd, Bangladesh
Phone: +88 01617181910 eMail: jamil@sabrul.com Website: www.sabrul.com
2. WATER BASED
FIRE
PROTECTION
SYSTEM
• Standpipe (Hydrant) System
• Wet pipe Sprinkler System
• DRY pipe Sprinkler System
• DELUGE Sprinkler System
• Single interlock PRE-ACTION
Sprinkler System
• Double Interlock PRE-
ACTION Sprinkler System
• WATER MIST FIRE
PROTECTION
2
3. Standards
NFPA 14 Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems
NFPA 13 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems
NFPA 13D Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and
Two- Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes
NFPA 13E Recommended Practice for Fire Department Operations in
Properties Protected by Sprinkler and Standpipe Systems
NFPA 13R Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in
Residential Occupancies up to and Including Four Stories in
Height
NFPA 15 Standard for Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection
NFPA 16 Standard for the Installation of Foam-Water Sprinkler and
Foam-Water Spray Systems
NFPA 750 Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems 3
4. Terminology
► Hose Station: A combination of a hose rack or reel, hose nozzle, hose,
and hose connection.
► Fire Extinguishment: The complete suppression of a fire until there are
no burning combustibles.
► Fire Suppression: The sharp reduction of the rate of heat release of a
fire and the prevention of regrowth.
► Nozzle Operating Pressure: The pressure range at which nozzles are
listed to control, suppress, or extinguish a fire.
► Standby Pressure: The pressure that exists in the distribution system in
the static state, prior to nozzle discharge.
► System Design Pressure: The maximum pressure a system or
component is rated to withstand.
► Working Pressure: The maximum anticipated pressure applied to the
system components exclusive of surge pressures.
4
5. Terminology
► Engineered Water Mist Systems: Those systems that need individual
calculation and design to determine the flow rates, nozzle pressures,
pipe size, area, or volume protected by each nozzle, discharge density
of water mist, the number and types of nozzles, and the nozzle
placement in a specific system.
► Pre-Engineered Water Mist Systems: Those systems that have
predetermined pipe and tube sizes, maximum and minimum pipe
lengths, number of fittings and numbers and types of nozzles, nozzle
pressures, atomizing media, and water storage quantities and that do
not require additional hydraulic calculations.
► Twin-Fluid System: A water mist system in which water and an
atomizing medium are supplied to the water mist nozzle utilizing a
separate piping system for each medium or a single piping system for
both. 5
6. Terminology
► Water Mist: A water spray for which the Dv0.99, for the flow-weighted
cumulative volumetric distribution of water droplets is less than 1000
μm within the nozzle operating pressure range.
► Water Mist Nozzle: A special purpose device, containing one or more
orifices, designed to produce and deliver a water spray meeting either
the definition of water mist or meeting the specific requirements of an
approved water mist fire test protocol.
► Automatic Water Mist Nozzles: Nozzles that operate independently of
other nozzles by means of a detection/ activation device built into the
nozzle.
► Multi-functional Water Mist Nozzles: Nozzles capable of operation using
both automatic and nonautomatic means.
► Nonautomatic Water Mist Nozzles (Open): Nozzles that operate as an
entire system or grouping of nozzles, containing open orifices and
activating the water flow to the nozzles by an independent detection
system.
6
8. Standpipe System
• Network of pipes and outlets for
fire hoses built into a structure
to provide water for firefighting
purposes
• Usually used in high-rise
buildings, although they are
found in many other structures
as well.
• Shall be designed to cover entire
area.
RISER STANDPIPE IN THE
OUTSIDE OF BUILDING
8
9. Valves
Control Valve: A
valve controlling
flow to water
based fire
protection
systems.
Hose Valve: The
valve to an
individual hose
connection.
Inspector's Test
Valves,
Drain Valves,
Trim Valves For
Dry Pipe, Pre-
action And
Deluge Valves,
Check Valves,
Relief Valves. 9
10. Landing Valve
FDC/ Breeching Inlet
Landing Valve:
Oblique Landing Valves/ Angle Hose
Valve
Important source of water which is
crucial for fighting fires on any level of
your building
Can be Pressure reducing type
(4 bar -12 bar).
Fire Department Connection/ Breeching Inlet
Must comply with BS 5041 PART-3:1975 standard
comprising of male instantaneous connections
complying with BS 336:2010, drain valves
complying with BS 5154, PN16 rated and Non
Return Valve
Capable of being charged with water by pumping
10
11. Pressure Regulating Valve
Automatically maintain the outlet “set
pressure” (static and residual) within a
close range,
Regardless of fluctuations in the higher
pressure inlet line or varying flow rates.
Can be installed either vertically or
horizontally
Pilot valve provides for any outlet “set
pressure”, i.e., 80 to 225 psi (5,5 to
15,5 bar)
11
12. Pressure Relief Valve
Releases the pressure above the set value
Closes after releasing the pressure
Field relief “set pressure” range of 30 to
250 psi (2,1 to 17,2 bar)
Designed for general service such as shut-
off, throttling, or drain valves
Provide positive shut-off under normal
operating conditions
TRIM VALVES
12
15. Water Monitor
• Large flow capability
• Both manual & Automatic
control
• Ease of operation,
• Vertical and horizontal
rotation
• Minimum maintenance
• Resistance to normally
destructive environments
15
18. Hose Stations
Class I System.
21∕2 in. (65 mm) hose connections for fire departments.
Class II System.
11∕2 in. (40 mm) hose for use by trained personnel
Class III System.
11∕2 in. (40 mm) hose for use by trained personnel and
21∕2 in. (65 mm) hose to supply a larger volume of water for
use by fire departments.
18
20. AUTOMATIC WET PIPE SPRINKLERS
A fire sprinkler system consists of a series of pipes
with small discharge nozzles (sprinklers) located
throughout a building.
When a fire occurs, heat rising from the fire melts the
solder link or expands the liquid in the glass bulb,
causing it to break and release water onto the fire.
Well maintained fire sprinkler systems are highly
reliable and provide people protection as well as
property protection.
20
21. AUTOMATIC SPRINKLERS
STANDARD SPRAY
UPRIGHT/ PENDANT
STANDARD SPRAY
RECESSED PENDENT
SPRINKLER GUARDS
PENDENT CONCEALED
Concealed Horizontal
Extended Coverage Sidewall
SIDEWALL
21
25. Sprinkler Head Temperature Ratings,
Classifications and Color Coding
Maximum Ceiling
Temperature
Temperature
Rating
Temperature
Classification
Color Code (with
Fusible Link)
Liquid Alcohol in
Glass Bulb Color
100 °F / 38 °C
135-170 °F / 57-
77 °C
Ordinary
Uncolored or
Black
Orange (135 °F /
57 °C) or Red
(155 °F / 68 °C)
150 °F / 66 °C
175-225 °F / 79-
107 °C
Intermediate White
Yellow (175 °F /
79 °C) or Green
(200 °F / 93 °C)
225 °F / 107 °C
250-300 °F /
121-149 °C
High Blue Blue
300 °F / 149 °C
325-375 °F /
163-191 °C
Extra High Red Purple
375 °F / 191 °C
400-475 °F /
204-246 °C
Very Extra High Green Black
475 °F / 246 °C
500-575 °F /
260-302 °C
Ultra High Orange Black
625 °F / 329 °C 650 °F / 343 °C Ultra High Orange Black
25
27. Nozzles, Applications
Special Hazard Applications.
Exposure Protection, Fire Control,
Fire Extinguishment,
Explosion Prevention
Flammable Liquid Tanks & Operations
Equipment or Processes that Require
Special Designs
Cable Trays
Clean Rooms
Conveyors
Cut-Off Rooms
Engine Test Cells
Flammable Liquid Storage
Food Processing
Fuel Storage
Gas Turbines
Historic Sites & Museums
Industrial Process Equipment
Machining Centers
Ferries
Offshore Platforms
Transformers
Vapor Suppression 27
28. AUTOMATIC WET PIPE SPRINKLERS
Pipes are always filled with
water. Heat from fire opens a
sprinkler head,
Usually only one or two heads
open,
Water flows until it is shut off,
The open sprinkler head(s) is
replaced and the system is
reset.
28
30. AUTOMATIC WET PIPE SPRINKLERS
A one-way clapper prevents water
from re-entering the water supply,
Gauges on both sides of the main
valve, register pressure on the
supply and system sides,
A retard chamber prevents sudden
pressure surges which could cause
a false alarm,
An alarm check valve detects
water flow and activates the alarm
system, 30
31. AUTOMATIC WET PIPE SPRINKLERS
There is a control valve to shut off the
system, normally an O.S.& Y. (Outside
Stem and Yoke) or (Outside Screw and
Yoke),
There is a main drain valve which drains
the system for service,
And an Inspectors Test Valve, usually at
the end of the system, used to simulate
flow from a single head and to measure
the system response, 31
32. EXTENDED COVERAGE SPRINKLERS
Protection Of Large Areas
Both Standard Response
(EC) And Quick Response
(QR-EC)
Upright, Pendent,
Horizontal Sidewall And
Recessed Horizontal
Sidewall.
Typically Used In
Office Buildings
Hotels
Hospitals
Libraries
High-piled Storage
“Big-box” Retailing
Restaurants,
Warehouses, And
Other Areas Where It Is
Desirable To Reduce The
Overall Number Of
Required Sprinklers.
32
33. STORAGE SPRINKLERS
Specific applications,
including the protection of
high-piled and
rack storage of a variety of
finished goods.
Can provide more water at
lower pressures or more water
over a greater area of
coverage.
In many instances, can
eliminate the need for
additional in-rack sprinklers.
Application
High-Piled Storage
In-Rack Storage
Warehouse
High Challenge
Occupancies
DRY-TYPE
PENDENT
33
34. RAPID RESPONSE® SPRINKLERS
Developed
specifically for
residential
occupancies
Features
BlazeMaster®
CPVC pipe and
fittings, making
installation quick,
easy, flexible, and
affordable
APPLICATIONS
Single Family
Homes
Apartments
Student Housing
Hotels
Beamed Ceilings
Sloped Ceilings
34
38. AUTOMATIC DRY PIPE SPRINKLERS
Pipes are not filled with water
(but with pressurized gas or air),
Heat from a fire opens a
sprinkler head,
Usually only one or two heads
open,
Air pressure drops in the piping
and opens a water valve (the
dry-pipe valve),
Application:
Dry pipes systems are used in
unheated buildings, but the
valve room must be heated
Unheated Warehouses
Parking Garages
Store Windows
Attic Spaces
Loading Docks, & Other Areas
Exposed To Freezing
Temperatures
38
41. DELUGE Sprinkler System
Normally used in special hazard
installations
Water must be applied to an
entire area for protection.
Open sprinklers or spray nozzles
Attached to a piping system
connected to a water supply
through the deluge valve.
May be activated by wet or dry
pilot sprinklers, or electric
detectors.
Applications
Flammable Liquid Handling
Storage Areas for Valuable
Artifacts
Aircraft Hangars
High-Hazard Installations
Computer Rooms
Libraries, Archives
Refrigerated Areas
41
42. DELUGE
Sprinkler
System
When the deluge valve opens, water flows
into the piping system and discharges
from all open sprinklers and nozzles.
Electric Actuation system shown here
• When the deluge
valve opens, water
flows into the
piping system and
discharges from
all open sprinklers
and nozzles.
• Electric Actuation
system shown
here
42
44. Preaction Systems
Used to protect areas where
water damage from damaged
sprinklers or piping must be
avoided.
A prealarm of a possible fire
allows time for alternate fire
extinguishment prior to a
sprinkler discharge.
They are designed for
applications such as
refrigerated areas that require
maximum protection against
inadvertent operation of the
sprinkler system.
Pipes are not filled with water,
All sprinkler heads are of the
standard type (they are closed),
A actuation device opens a
water valve,
Water fills the pipes,
Water only flows from a
sprinkler head if it is opened by
heat from a fire,
Water flows until shut off and
system is reset.
44
45. Single interlock
PRE-ACTION
Sprinkler System
• Automatic Sprinklers
• Piping System Containing
10 Psi (0,7 Bar)
Supervisory Pressure,
• Supplemental Electric Fire
Detection System
• May Also Be Activated By
Either Wet Or Dry Pilot
Sprinklers Instead Of
Electric Detectors
• Actuation Of The Fire
Detection System From A
Fire Opens The Deluge
Valve
45
46. Double Interlock
PRE-ACTION
Sprinkler System
• In order to actuate the double
interlock preaction system,
two independent events,
caused by a fire condition,
must occur.
• The sprinkler system piping
must lose air or nitrogen
pressure due to the operation
of one or more sprinklers,
and the deluge releasing
panel must energize and
open the solenoid valve upon
the operation of a fire
detection device.
46
47. Double Interlock PRE-ACTION
Sprinkler System
The double interlock system will operate only when both
the dry pilot actuator and the solenoid valve are open at
the same time. Opening of the dry pilot actuator only
(for example: a forklift truck accidentally dislodges a
sprinkler) or of the solenoid valve only (for example:
accidental operation of an electric manual pull station)
will cause an alarm, and will not trip the system or flood
the sprinkler system piping.
47
48. WATER MIST FIRE
PROTECTION
• Medium velocity systems –
cooling fire down
• High velocity systems –
getting under the fire
48
49. How Water Mist Fire Fighting Works
Evaporation (Heat
extraction) is a function
of the surface area of
the droplets
Reducing droplet size
increases the surface
area
Increasing the surface
area allows for larger
cooling effect for a given
flow
Water converts to
vapour, expanding by a
factor of 1650
Oxygen is displaced
and diluted thereby
blocking it from the fuel
source
Higher heat levels
cause faster
vaporisation
Fire extinguishment is
improved with direct
contact of water
droplets
This type of
extinguishment is
normally associated
with standard sprinklers
Small droplets tend to
remain suspended
The expanding mist will
expand and cool the
gasses and other fuel in
the area
Blocks the transfer of
radiant heat to the
adjacent combustibles
and pre-wets them49
50. WATER MIST FIRE PROTECTION
• High Pressure Water Mist System: Piping pressures ≥34.5bar (500psi).
• Intermediate Pressure System:
Piping pressures 12.1 bar (175psi) to 34.5 bar (500psi).
• Low Pressure Water Mist System: Piping pressures ≤12.1bar (175psi).
570 25 50 100
Sprinklers
LPWM
IPWM
HPWM
50
53. Extinguishing
Class B & K
Hydro-Carbon, high heat release
Global/local oxygen
displacement
Flame cooling
Radiant heat blocking
Alternative to traditional
sprinklers and gaseous
suppression/CO2
WATER MIST FIRE PROTECTION
DROPLET SIZES
Control
Class A
Ordinary combustibles, low heat
release
Flame / smoke cooling
Radiant heat blocking
Pre-wetting combustibles
2.5 Dimensional wetting
Alternative to traditional
sprinklers 53
54. Deluge
Class B & Class K
Hydrocarbon, high heat release
Deluge (Open) Nozzles
All nozzles discharge
simultaneously
Total Flooding:
Enclosure design area
Enclosure volume and
ventilation key design
variables
WATER MIST FIRE PROTECTION
DROPLET SIZES
Automatic
Class A
Ordinary combustibles, low heat
release
Frangible bulb actuation
Hydraulically most remote /
favorable design area
Ventilation key variable
dependent on application
54