Fire sprinkler

Sprinklers are an important fire safety equipment used to protect buildings and people from fire. This system consists of pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads that are automatically activated. This automatic system releases water or other special liquids in the form of a spray to control the fire and prevent its spread.

Sprinklers are designed in different types that differ in the amount of heat required to activate them, depending on the type and location where they are installed. These systems can be activated temporarily or permanently and, depending on the type of fire and the environment used, use water, powder, gas, or other chemicals.

The benefits of fire sprinklers include the following.

• Rapid response to fire
• Reducing financial and human losses
• No need for human intervention and accelerating the fire extinguishing process
• Wide and targeted coverage of fire-affected areas
• Compatibility with other accident environment safety systems

What are the stages of sprinkler activation and how does it help us in the event of a fire?

1. Automatic fire detection: Sprinklers have heat-sensitive elements that are activated when the ambient temperature increases, usually between 57 and 100 degrees Celsius (depending on the work environment and geographical location), causing water to exit from the openings installed at the fire site. All of these steps are carried out completely automatically and without the need for human intervention.
2. Fire suppression at the earliest possible time of fire: One of the important and fundamental tasks of sprinklers is to extinguish and prevent the spread of fire in the created space. When the sprinkler head is activated, water is sprayed in small droplets and completely targeted on the fire area.
3. Preventing the spread of smoke and heat: Smoke and heat from a fire expose the entire affected area to life and property risks. By extinguishing the fire at the beginning, the sprinkler prevents the spread of smoke and heat, and creates safer conditions for the evacuation of all people in the event of larger accidents, as well as greatly reducing material damage to the environment.
4. Sprinkler activation only at the site of the fire: One of the most important advantages of sprinklers is that only the sprinkler head that is directly exposed to the heat of the fire is activated, which saves water consumption and reduces collateral damage.
5. Coordination with other safety devices in the building: With the advancement of safety devices, today’s sprinklers can be coordinated with other safety devices such as smoke detectors, fire alarm systems, and ventilation systems, significantly increasing the safety of the building.
6. Some sprinkler systems have a central control unit that records the time each sprinkler head is active in its central unit and helps building management better assess the situation and how the system is responding.

Sprinkler Components

• Body: This part is responsible for the main and most central part of the sprinkler that connects all the other components. The body is made of metal (usually brass or aluminum) that plays the role of transporting and distributing water.
• Thermal Element: The activating elements usually come in two forms: a glass tube containing colored liquid or melting alloys that are usually between 57 and 100 degrees Celsius, depending on the color of the glass tube or the type of alloy used. They are bent or broken by increasing the ambient temperature, which causes the head to open and water to flow out.
• Lever or Deflector Pin: This part is responsible for opening and closing the water outlet. When the activating element breaks or melts, the needle or pin is released and the outlet opens, spraying water onto the fire.
• Deflector: This metal part is responsible for directing and distributing water in a specific pattern, such as a circle or square.
• Spring: In some sprinkler models, there is a spring that acts as a retaining element and resists internal pressures. It prevents water from escaping from the sprinkler.

Types of fire sprinklers by installation method

Types of fire sprinklers are divided into several main categories, such as up-flow, down-flow, wall-mounted, and decorative sprinklers, each of which is used according to the type of roof, architectural design, access to plumbing, and protective purpose.

Upright Sprinkler

An upright sprinkler is a fire extinguishing system equipment that, unlike a downspout sprinkler, is installed upright on a pipe and spreads the water downward and around in an umbrella pattern after hitting the deflector. Upright sprinklers are suitable for factories, industrial sheds, parking lots, and large workshops.

Pendent Sprinkler

One of the most common types of sprinklers used in water fire extinguishing systems is the pendent sprinkler, which is designed to be installed on the ceiling and sprays water downward. Pendent sprinklers are used in closed spaces such as offices, warehouses, stores, and office buildings. Among the advantages of this type of sprinkler are its low maintenance cost and easy and standard installation.

Concealed Sprinkler

A concealed sprinkler is a type of built-in sprinkler that is installed in the ceiling and only a decorative cover is visible. This cover is removed during a fire and the temperature rises, activating the nozzle.

Application: This system is used for luxury buildings, hotels, towers and environments where appearance is important.

Advantages: Beautiful appearance for a place where decoration harmony is important. Also maintaining the strength of the system in the inactive state

Sidewall Sprinkler

A sidewall sprinkler is a type of fire sprinkler that is installed on the wall instead of on the ceiling and sprays water horizontally or semicircularly into the space. This sprinkler is specially designed for spaces where it is difficult or impossible to install a ceiling.

Application: Used for spaces with high ceilings or unsuitable for installation in small rooms or spaces where access to the ceiling is difficult.

Advantages: Easy installation in some environments relative to the ceiling, suitable coverage in limited spaces

Types of fire sprinklers based on the type of reaction

Types of fire sprinklers based on the type of reaction to heat and the activation mechanism are divided into two main categories: quick reaction and standard reaction. This classification plays an important role in selecting the right sprinkler for each environment.

Quick Response Sprinkler

The Quick Response Sprinkler (QR) is designed for faster activation against temperature increases and has a higher sensitivity to temperature increases. This type of sprinkler is used in environments with high population density such as hospitals, educational centers and office and commercial buildings to save lives faster. This product has a 3 mm bulb diameter and a response time of 30 to 60 seconds.

When the ambient temperature reaches a defined temperature (for example, 68 ° C), the liquid inside the glass bulb expands and causes the bulb to break. Immediately, the valve opens and water hits the diffuser plate at high pressure and is sprayed onto the fire area.

Standard Response Sprinkler

A Standard Response Sprinkler (SR) is a type of sprinkler commonly used in fire suppression systems that is designed to control a fire in a specific area, rather than simply provide rapid evacuation and protect lives. The bulb diameter is 5 mm and operates slower than quick response sprinklers.

When the ambient temperature reaches a set temperature, the glass bubble bursts and the water outlet opens. The water then hits the diffuser plate at high pressure and is sprayed into the surrounding area to control the fire.

Things to consider before buying a fire sprinkler.

Choosing the right pipes for a fire sprinkler system is a critical factor in the safety, durability, and proper operation of the fire extinguishing system. Some of the key and technical points to consider when choosing fire sprinkler pipes are as follows. Other points to consider for estimating and controlling costs are as follows.

1. Use of pipes with a rust-proof coating such as galvanized or copper
2. The minimum pipe diameter and selection of the number of sprinklers must comply with the international standard NFPA 13.
3. Use of appropriate elbows, dividers and fittings
4. Ensure that the pipes are resistant to high pressure
5. Resistance to corrosion: Select a resistant sprinkler appropriate to the environmental conditions
6. Compatibility with other systems: Coordination with detectors and the building’s fire alarm system