SPRINKLER SYSTEM

The sprinkler system is the most common water-based built-in fire extinguisher. Its function is to extinguish or control the fire during the initial phase, without human intervention. Water is the most commonly used extinguishing agent. Its high thermal capacity, non-flammability, high heat of vaporization and general availability make it suitable for fire fighting. The benefits of water extinguishing include the relatively low cost and the ease of access. The sprinkler system is a specially dimensioned and hydraulically designed equipment in which the nozzles are distributed in the area to be protected in a way that the spray pattern of the sprinkler heads covers the entire area and in the event of fire they are supplied with sufficient water and pressure. The system maintains a constant water or air pressure between the sprinkler nozzles and the alarm valve. In the event of fire, when the predetermined temperature is reached, the sprinkler nozzle automatically activates, thereby causing a pressure drop in the manifold network. As a result of this pressure drop, the sprinkler pump starts, the alarm valve station opens, and the nozzles that are triggered through the manifold network flood the area below them.

The main components of the sprinkler system are: water tank, pump, alarm valve station, monitoring equipment, piping, sprinkler head.

The sized water tank of the sprinkler system contains the volume of water required for extinguishing for a predetermined period of operation.

An electric or diesel sprinkler pump provides the water pressure and volume required for the system. In the event of fire, opening the sprinkler nozzle causes the manifold pressure to drop which automatically triggers the Jockey pump. If the pressure continues to drop, the pressure switch will turn on the sprinkler pump.

When one or more sprinklers are opened, the alarm valve opens, water flows through the alarm valve and into the sprinkler system piping. At the same time, the water enters an intermediate chamber, which allows the water to trigger an alarm via the water motor alarm and the water pressure alarm switch. The audible alarm is maintained as long as the water flows.

Pressure switch that send an alarm signal to the fire alarm centre when the alarm valve flap opens and pressurized water flows into the alarm valve alarm pipes.

Flow switches that sense the flow of water in a given pipe section and send an alarm to the fire alarm centre.

End limit switches, their primary function is to monitor the operating position of the built-in valves of the sprinkler systems. When valves are not ready for operation, it sends an error message to the building management system