ESFR Sprinkler Systems Paul Kennedy
Evolution of Sprinkler Systems 1870 s Perforated Pipes followed by tar coated perforated pipes 1890 s Temperature Activated Fusible Link Sprinkler with toothed deflector 1920 s Glass Bulb with toothed deflector (Grinnell) 1950 s Development of the Standard [or] Spray Sprinkler 1970 s In-Rack Sprinkler Protection Introduced 1980 s Development of ESFR Sprinkler by FM for Storage Hazards
Development ESFR Sprinkler Systems What is required to eliminate In-Rack Sprinkler Protection without increasing the risk to property / life? Residential Sprinkler Research Project Large Drop Sprinkler Research Project Fast Response Sprinkler ESFR Early Suppression Fast Response Larger Drops with Higher Kinetic Energy
Fire Control versus Fire Suppression Up to the introduction of ESFR Sprinklers, Sprinkler Systems were designed to Control a Fire by limiting it s size by distribution of water so as to decrease the heat release rate and pre-wet adjacent combustibles, while controlling ceiling gas temperatures to avoid structural damage [NFPA 3.3.11]. Fire Suppression refers to sharply reducing the heat release rate of a fire and preventing its regrowth by means of direct and sufficient application of water through the fire plume to the burning fuel surface [NFPA 3.3.12].
Comparison of Control & Suppression
Design Codes and Standards for ESFR NFPA 13 FM Data Sheet 8-9 LPC Rules Incorporating BS EN 12845 [ TB 209 ]
New FM Terminology Old Terminology CMDA Control Mode Density Area CMSA Control Mode Specific Application SM Suppression Mode ESFR Early Suppression Fast Response New Terminology Storage Sprinkler Non Storage Sprinkler Special Protection
Choosing the Correct Storage Scheme Determine the highest applicable Commodity Hazard [FM Data Sheet 8-1] Class 1 (Metal Products, Glass Products in corrugated cartons) Class 2 (Class 1 products in wooden boxes or small cartons in larger corrugated cartons) Class 3 (Paper Products, Leather Products, Wood Products, Textiles) Class 4 (Class 1, 2 or 3 with 15% by weight of expanded or unexpanded plastic) Cartoned Unexpanded Plastic (High-density Plastic) Cartoned Expanded Plastic (Low-density Plastic) Uncartoned Unexpanded Plastic Uncartoned Expanded Plastic Establish the storage type Solid Piled Palletized Shelving Bin-Box Open Frame Racks Apply the appropriate Protection Table in Data Sheet 8 9
Protection Tables Data Sheet 8-9 10 Protection Tables available in Data Sheet 8 9 Commodity Commodity Hazard Solid-Piled, Palletized, Shelf, or Bin-Box Storage Arrangement Storage Type Open-Frame Rack Storage Arrangements Class 1, 2 and 3 Table 2 Table 7 Class 4 and Cartoned Unexpanded Plastic Table 3 Table 8 Cartoned Expanded Plastic Table 4 Table 9 Uncartoned Unexpanded Plastic Table 5 Table 10 Uncartoned Expanded Plastic Table 6 Table 11
Protection Table Data Sheet 8-9 Green Areas represent those options for which a reduced hose stream allowance of 950 L / min. and a reduced duration of 1 hour is allowed.
Comparison Storage to Control Mode Commodity Hazard : Class 3 Storage Type : Open Frame Rack Storage Ceiling Height : 13.5 meters Storage Height : 12.0 meters Commodity Solid-Piled, Palletized, Shelf, or Bin-Box Storage Arrangement Storage Type Open-Frame Rack Storage Arrangements Class 1, 2 and 3 Table 2 Table 7 Class 4 and Cartoned Unexpanded Plastic Table 3 Table 8 Cartoned Expanded Plastic Table 4 Table 9 Uncartoned Unexpanded Plastic Table 5 Table 10 Uncartoned Expanded Plastic Table 6 Table 11
Storage Height = 12.0 m Ceiling Height = 13.5 m Comparison Storage to Control Mode Commodity Hazard : Class 3 Storage Type : Open Frame Rack Storage Ceiling Height : 13.5 meters Storage Height : 12.0 meters Description Roof & Rack Ceiling Area (m 2 ) 186.0 Ceiling Density (L /min. / m 2 ) 12.2 No. In-Rack Sprinklers Operating 10.0 Min. Flow In-Rack (L / min. / Sprinkler) 114.0 Storage K320 K320 No. Sprinklers 12 Sprinkler Head Pressure (bar) 3.5 Hose Allowance (L / min.) 1,900 950 Duration (min.) 120 60 Water Storage Volume (m 3 ) 765 585
Limitations to Storage Sprinkler The use of solid shelving (i.e., plywood shelves) > 6.0m 2 within storage racks is not allowable, without additional in-rack sprinklers. A minimum of 36 [920mm] must be maintained between the top of storage and the ESFR sprinkler head. Flue spaces between storage pallet loads within storage racks must be maintained. The storage of flammable/combustible liquids is generally not allowed. Certain foam containing products such as unboxed (exposed) furniture within storage racks. Roof vents are generally not allowed unless certain restrictions are met.
Impact of Obstructions to Storage ESFR systems are very intolerant of obstructions, which may be caused by steel roof supports (trusses), light fixtures, and ductwork. It is critical that no objects between the top of storage and the ceiling-level sprinklers interfere with the sprinkler s proper discharge pattern. NFPA 8.12.5.3.2
Inspection, Testing & Maintenance NFPA 25 FM Data Sheet 2-81 LPC Rules Incorporating BS EN 12845 [ TB 203 ]
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