Patent Application
20100132962
This invention relates generally to sprinklers for fire protection. More specifically, the invention is directed to pendent type sprinklers that provide control mode extended coverage fire protection for a variety of classes of occupancies.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) promulgates standards relating to fire protection such as, for example, NFPA Standard 13 (2007) (hereinafter “NFPA-13 (2007)”), portions of which are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference. For example Chapter 8, Section 8.8 of NFPA-13 (2007), which is incorporated herein in its entirety is applicable to extended coverage upright and pendent spray sprinklers. This section provides that for extended coverage sprinklers the maximum allowable coverage for extra hazard is 196 square feet, which is applicable to densities of 0.25 gpm/sq. ft. and higher. To address this requirement, Tyco Fire & Building Products introduced an upright extended coverage sprinkler having a nominal K-factor of 25 (EC K-25). At its minimum operating pressure of 7 psi., and the maximum spacing of 196 sq. ft., the existing EC K-25 is applicable to densities of 0.36 gpm/sq. ft. and higher. While effectively addressing the needs for extended coverage, the average density of the sprinkler presents an overdischarge of fluid for areas requiring a design density less than 0.36 gpm/sq. ft.
NFPA provides other provisions which are applicable to extended coverage and/or control mode sprinklers and systems. Chapter 11 of NFPA-13 (2007), which is incorporated herein by reference is applicable to the design approaches in configuring a preferred sprinkler system. Chapter 12 of NFPA-13 (2007), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety is directed to the general requirements for storage. Section 14.2 of NFPA-13 (2007), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety is directed to control mode density-area sprinkler protection criteria for palletized, solid piled, bin box or shelf storage of Class I through Class IV Commodities. Section 15.2 of NFPA-13 (2007), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety is directed to control mode density-area sprinkler protection criteria for palletized, solid piled, bin box or shelf storage of Plastic and Rubber Commodities.
Other applicable standards include: Underwriter Laboratories, Inc. Specification UL 199, and Factory Mutual Approval Standard entitled, “Class Number 2000: Automatic Control Mode Sprinklers For Fire Protection” (March 2006).
A preferred embodiment of the invention provides for an extended coverage pendent sprinkler, preferably having a K-factor ranging from about 11 gpm/(psi)1/2 to about 25 gpm/(psi)1/2. The preferred sprinkler preferably provides an average density of 0.23 gpm/sq. ft. or higher for the maximum 196 square foot per sprinkler coverage area. The preferred sprinkler further preferably provides extended coverage protection for occupancies classified as greater than or more severe than ordinary hazard occupancies.
A preferred embodiment of the pendent sprinkler assembly has a proximal end and a distal end and includes a body having an inlet and an outlet spaced from the inlet to define a passageway to further define a sprinkler axis and a K factor ranging from about 11 gpm/(psi)1/2 to about 25 gpm/(psi)1/2. A pair of arms diametrically opposed about the body, so as to define a plane therebetween, extend distally and converge toward one another so to define an apex therebetween. A preferred deflector is distally spaced from the outlet and preferably includes a plate member defining a peripheral edge. The deflector has a first surface opposed the outlet of the body and preferably includes a pair of spaced apart projections. The deflector also includes a second surface parallel the first surface, and a central bore extending between the first and the second surfaces for engagement with a portion of the body.
The second surface of the deflector preferably has a central portion disposed in a first plane and a peripheral portion about the central portion disposed in a second plane angled relative the first plane. The angle between the first and the second plane is preferably about 6°. The second surface further preferably includes an intermediate portion disposed between the central portion and the peripheral portion in a third plane relative to the first plane. The angle between the third and the first is preferably about 13°.
The peripheral edge preferably has a portion defining a pair of substantially straight parallel portions disposed about the sprinkler axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the arms. The pair of substantially straight parallel portions define a spacing therebetween preferably ranging between about 1.5 to about 1.75 inches.
The peripheral edge further includes a plurality of slots, each slot including a first end and a second end spaced from the first end along a slot axis so as to define a slot length, wherein further at least a portion of the plurality of slots have the first end radially disposed between the central bore and the peripheral edge, the second ends of the portion of the plurality of slots being coterminous with the peripheral edge so as to define open ended slots, the open ended slots defining a first set in the plurality of slots. The plurality of slots further including a second set of slots, the first ends and the second ends of the second set of slots being disposed between the central bore and the peripheral edge to define closed ended slots. At least two of the second set of slots are disposed about the plane of the arms along a line extending substantially perpendicular to the plane. Each of the at least two of the second set of slots is preferably disposed between two slots of the first set of slots that are preferably substantially the same slot length and defining the smallest slot length of the deflector. The first set of slots further preferably define variable slot lengths such that the first ends of the first set of slots are radially disposed from the sprinkler axis at distance ranging from about 0.5 inches to about 0.40 inches.
In another aspect of the preferred embodiment, an extended coverage sprinkler is provided for protection of an occupancy having a classification greater than or more severe than ordinary hazard. The preferred embodiment being configured for installation so as to define a sprinkler spacing greater than fourteen feet (14 ft.). The preferred sprinkler further preferably defines an installation sprinkler spacing at a minimum of ten feet and a maximum greater than fourteen feet. In an alternate embodiment the preferred sprinkler spacing defines a maximum spacing of at least fifteen feet (15).
In yet another preferred embodiment, provided is an extended coverage pendent sprinkler assembly having a proximal end and a distal end, the sprinkler being configured for the fire protection of an occupancy classified as any one of: light hazard, ordinary hazard, extra hazard, rack storage with solid shelves and any combination thereof. The sprinkler preferably includes a body having an inlet and an outlet spaced from the inlet to define a passageway to further define a sprinkler axis and a K-factor ranging from about 11 gpm/(psi)1/2 to about 25 gpm/(psi)1/2. A deflector is distally spaced from the outlet to distribute a fire fighting fluid over a maximum protection area of about 196 square feet. The deflector is further preferably configured to throw the fluid perpendicular to the axis (radially) a minimum distance of about 9 feet such that the fluid travels no more than 3 feet in the distal direction parallel to the axis (vertically) at the nine foot minimum. The distribution performance of the sprinkler preferably occurs at a minimum operating pressure of about seven pounds per square inch (7 psi.). The deflector can be further configured to include one or more combination of features as described in the preferred deflector above and herein below.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the features of the invention.
a is a preferred link assembly for use in the trigger assembly of
Shown in
The preferred sprinkler 10 is preferably configured as a pendent-type sprinkler 10 having a body 15 defining a proximal end 20 and a deflector 25 defining a distal end 30 spaced from the proximal end 20 along a sprinkler axis A-A. The sprinkler 10 includes a trigger assembly disposed between the sprinkler body 15 and the deflector 25 to thermally actuate the sprinkler 10. To protect the trigger assembly prior to service such as during packaging, shipping, storage or installation of the sprinkler 10, the sprinkler 10 preferably includes a preferred trigger assembly or link protector 35. The link protector 35 is preferably disposed or removed about the trigger assembly by hinge operation to respectively secure to or release the protector 35 from body 15. Other views of the link protector 35 are shown in
Shown in
A cross-sectional view of the preferred sprinkler body 15 is shown, for example, in
A rated K-factor of a sprinkler provides a coefficient of discharge of the flow passage of the sprinkler and is defined as follow:
where Q is the flow rate in GPM and p is the pressure in pounds per square inch gauge. The inlet 19, passageway 21 and outlet 23 of the sprinkler body preferably defines a K-factor ranging between 11 gpm/(psi)1/2 and 25 gpm/(psi)1/2, is preferably about 17 gpm/(psi)1/2 and is more preferably about 16.8 gpm/(psi)1/2.
Preferably depending from the distal end 15b of the sprinkler body 15 are a pair of spaced apart frame arms 55a, 55b. The frame arms 55a, 55b are preferably diametrically opposed about the sprinkler axis A-A and body 15 so as to define a plane P therebetween substantially bisecting the body 15. Each of the frame arms 55a, 55b further preferably tapers narrowly in the distal direction. In cross-section, each of the arms 55a, 55b is substantially oblong however other cross-sectional geometries are possible. The frame arms 55a, 55b extend distally defining a non-linear profile preferably converging toward an apex element 60.
Referring to
Collectively, the body 15, frame arms and apex element 60 form the frame assembly 17 of the sprinkler 10 having a frame window in which is disposed the trigger assembly 40. The frame assembly 17 may be cast as an integral assembly from a bronze alloy.
The deflector 25 is preferably constructed from a substantially planar member or blank in which a plurality of slots and projections are formed. The blank is then further bent or punched to define a multi-planar profile for securement to the cylindrical portion 62 of the apex element 60. The deflector, as shown isometrically in
The proximal surface 25a of the deflector 10 preferably includes one or more dimples nubs or projections about which fluid traveling over the surface 25a of the deflector 25 may flow. More preferably, the deflector surface 25a includes a pair of dimples 72a, 72b. diametrically opposed about central bore 70. The dimples 72a, 72b are preferably substantially cylindrical in geometry having a diameter and height each ranging between about 0.05 inches to about 0.1 inches. More preferably, the dimples 72a, 72b have a diameter of about 0.06 and a height of about 0.05 inches. The dimples 72a, 72b are preferably similarly configured, and further preferably serve a substantially similar function, as the nubs shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,201,234 entitled, “Residential Fire Sprinkler,” which is incorporated herein in its entirety.
The deflector defines a peripheral edge 74, as seen in for example, the plan view of the deflector 25 in
Comparatively, the deflector 25 is preferably elongated in the direction along the second axis IIID-IIID. The peripheral edge 74 may further include another pair of parallel edges 78a, 78b that extend for a length in a direction perpendicular to the second axis IIID-IIID. Alternatively, the edges 78a, 78b may each be reduced to a point of intersection between the peripheral edge 74 and the second axis IIID-IIID. The parallel points or edges 78a, 78b provides for or defines a maximum spacing W2 therebetween ranging between about 1.66 inches to about 1.7 inches and is preferably about 1.69 inches. More preferably, the dimples 72a, 72b are radially inside the parallel points or edges 78a, 78b located along the second axis IIID-IIID having a spacing therebetween ranging from about 1.55 inches to about 1.60 and is preferably 1.59 inches. A portion of the peripheral edge 74 that includes the point 78a, 78b preferably defines an arc length of a constant radius of curvature from a center point preferably disposed along the second deflector axis IIID-IIID and radially spaced from the center point of the deflector at about 0.5 inches and more preferably about 0.48 inches.
Referring to the detailed view of
Each slot of the deflector 25 preferably includes a pair of spaced apart walls disposed about the slot axes extending between the first end and the second end of the slots to define a slot width therebetween. Preferably, a portion of the slots of the deflector 25 have the same slot width. The slot widths for the deflector 25 preferably range between about 0.05 inches to about 0.1 inches and is preferably about 0.8 inches. The slot width for an individual slot is preferably constant, or alternatively tapers narrowly radially inward in the direction of the slot axis.
Preferably each open ended slot defines one of a pair of diametrically opposed slots. The varying diametrically open ended slots are preferably symmetrically disposed about the first and second deflector axes IIIC-IIIC, IIID-IIID. Preferably the slot axes define a radial spacing of about 23° therebetween and more preferably define an angular spacing of about 22.5 degrees. The plurality or group of open ended slots define a variety of open ended slot lengths for the deflector 25 including: slots 80′ defining a minimum slot length, slots 80″ defining a maximum slot length and preferably at least one open ended slot 80′″ defining an intermediate slot length for the deflector. Accordingly, each of the various diametrically opposed open ended slot pairs define a radial spacing therebetween. The radial spacing between diametrically opposed slots, measured between respective first slot ends 80a preferably variably ranges between about 0.75 inches to about 1.00 inches and is preferably any one of R1=0.8 inches, R2=0.9 inches and R3=1.0 inches. In one preferred embodiment of the deflector 25, a pair of open ended minimum length slots 80′ are preferably disposed about a dimple 72 and a pair of diametrically opposed open ended maximum slot length is disposed along the first deflector axis IIIC-IIIC.
The orthogonal axes IIIC-IIIC, IIID-IIID define a quarter of the deflector therebetween. Preferably, the quarter of the deflector includes a portion of the peripheral edge defining a curved profile having one or more radii of curvature. Preferably, a quarter of the deflector defines a radius of curvature having a center point located at a distance of about 0.192 inches from the second slot axis IIID-IIID of the first pair of diametrically opposed slot axes and about 0.261 inches from the first slot axis IIIC-IIIC. The quarter of the deflector further preferably includes a second radius of curvature having a center point located at a distance of about 0.261 inches from the second slot axis IIID-IIID of the first pair of diametrically opposed slot axes and about 0.192 inches from the first slot axis IIIC-IIIC.
As noted above, the deflector 25 defines a profile in cross-section, as seen in
The deflector 25 defines a preferred orientation relative to the deflector arms 55a, 55b when secured to the cylindrical portion 62 of the apex 60. Specifically, the second deflector axis IIID-IIID is aligned perpendicular to the plane P defined by the arms 55a, 55b. Moreover, the preferred orientation aligns the substantially straight parallel edges 76a, 76b of the peripheral edge 74 adjacent the frame arms in a direction orthogonal to the plane P.
As noted above, a button seal assembly 90 is supported against the outlet surface 23a of the sprinkler body 15 to occlude the fluid passageway 21. The button seal assembly 90 preferably includes a substantially cylindrical member or button 94, as seen in
As noted above the button seal assembly 90 is preferably supported in the outlet 23 by the thermally sensitive trigger assembly 40. Referring to
To further ensure that the sealing button 94 is deflected out of the fluid passageway upon sprinkler activation, the sealing button defines a preferred geometry that will increase rotation upon impact with water. In particular the preferred button defines a height to a minimum width ratio of about 0.2. The low height to width ratio facilitates rotation of the button upon rotation of the strut 106 and further prevents a deflection surface that is orthogonal to the incoming flow of fluid. Accordingly the preferred ejection of the sealing members minimizes or eliminates the possibility of the button 94 jamming within the frame arms upon sprinkler operation.
In operation and upon thermal actuation of the sprinkler 10, the trigger assembly separates from the frame assembly 17 to release the button 94 and sealing spring 96. Water supplied to the inlet 19 at the preferred operating pressure is released to flow through the passageway 21 and discharged from the outlet 23 of the body 15. The discharging fluid impacts the apex element 60, deflects off the proximal surface 25a of the deflector 25, flows around the dimples 72 and through the slots of the deflector 25 for distribution over a coverage area to provide preferably control mode extended coverage fire protection.
The preferred sprinkler 10 provides a sprinkler having a K-factor ranging between 11.2 gpm/(psi)1/2 and 25 gpm/(psi)1/2, preferably a K-factor of about 17 gpm/(psi)1/2 and more preferably a K-factor of about 16.8 gpm/(psi)1/2 for extended coverage fire protection for a variety of occupancy classifications including: light hazard, ordinary hazard, extra hazard occupancies or any combination thereof as defined in Chapter 5 of National Fire Protection Association, Inc. publication NFPA-13 (2007), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Additionally, the preferred sprinkler 10 provides extended coverage fire protection for various storage configurations including rack storage having solid shelves, high piled storage and other storage configurations. Furthermore, the preferred sprinkler 10 are preferably incorporated into a fire protection sprinkler system to provide control-mode extended coverage fire protection.
As an extended coverage sprinkler, the preferred sprinkler 10 preferably provides a maximum coverage area of 196 square feet (196 sq. ft.) at a maximum sprinkler-to-sprinkler spacing of about 14 feet. Comparatively, the preferred sprinkler 10 provides double the coverage area of standard sprinklers used in the similar applications. Accordingly, the preferred sprinkler 10 provides means for decreasing the number of required sprinklers to protect a given occupancy. The preferred sprinkler 10 further provides a maximum coverage area of 144 square feet (144 sq. ft.) at a maximum sprinkler-to-sprinkler spacing of about 15 feet. Such coverage and spacing provides in a retrofit of an existing system with a 144 square foot coverage area at a higher density for the 15 foot sprinkler-to-sprinkler spacing. Alternatively, the sprinkler 10 provides for a minimum sprinkler-to-sprinkler distance about 8 feet.
As a preferred extended coverage sprinkler, the sprinkler is preferably installed in a fire protection sprinkler system in accordance with the installation requirements of Chapter 8, Section 8.8 entitled, “Extended Coverage Upright and Pendent Spray Sprinklers” of NFPA-13 (2007) which is incorporated herein in its entirety. Accordingly, the preferred sprinkler 10 provides protection in noncombustible obstructed construction suitable for use within truss or bar joists having noncombustible web members greater than 1 inch when applying 4 times obstruction criteria rule defined under “Obstructions to Sprinkler Discharge Pattern Development.” To facilitate installation of the sprinkler a preferred tool 200 may be used which is shown in
The preferred sprinkler is preferably installed along a fluid supply line to place the sprinkler 10 in communication with a fluid source such as water or other fire fighting fluid. Fluid is preferably provided at a minimum pressure of about 7 psi. When incorporated within a fire protection system for storage, the sprinkler 10 and its deflector geometry preferably define a minimum deflector to storage clearance of about three feet (3 ft.). The minimum operating pressure 7 psi, coupled with the deflector 25 geometry of sprinkler 10, preferably optimizes sprinkler performance for maximum water throw at the minimum three foot (3 ft.) deflector to storage clearance. Moreover, the preferred deflector geometry prevents over throw of the coverage area at higher pressure and flows so as to provide consistent and substantially uniform distribution patterns for the applicable range of pressures and flows.
In addition, the preferred deflector geometry provides for a fluid or spray distribution pattern that is somewhat weaker in the central portion of the spray pattern. It has been shown in a full scale fire test that the weaker central spray portion provided by the preferred sprinkler 10 addresses a fire in a manner that allows the heat release to activate additional surrounding sprinklers to more effectively control the fire.
Other performance features in one preferred embodiment of the sprinkler 10 are believe to be provided by the geometry of the deflector 25. In particular, the angles of the deflector provide for a spray pattern in which water or other fire fighting fluids is distributed or thrown at least nine feet (9 ft) and more preferably more than nine feet (9 ft.) in a horizontal or radial direction off the deflector. Moreover, the deflector 25 and its angles preferably throw the water or other fluid such that fluid travels no more than three feet (3 ft.) in the vertical direction distally of the deflector at the minimum nine foot radial distance. The preferred distribution maintains a desired coverage area for the sprinkler 10 when subjected to the three foot minimum deflector-to-storage clearance.
The combination of bends and angles in the deflector 25 also prevents significant overthrow at high flow rates. In addition, the variable lengths of the slots in the deflector 25 provide for uniform horizontal surface discharge. Moreover, the truncation of the deflector in line and orthogonal to the frame arms allows the sprinkler to develop a spray pattern that is substantially rectangular as opposed to a more conventional type circular spray pattern. The substantially rectangular spray pattern provides an optimal distribution for a rectangular coverage area wherein the preferred minimum radial throw distance of nine feet occurs at the corners of the rectangular coverage area. In addition, the preferred spray pattern prevents or otherwise minimizes the overthrow into adjacent coverage areas.
Accordingly, the inventors, have provided an extended coverage pendent type sprinkler for installation in accordance with NFPA-13 (2007) Chapters 8 and 11 to provide extended coverage fire protection for a variety of classifications of occupancies and storages including extra hazard, high pile storage and rack storage with solid shelves that is hydraulically and/structurally advantageous over systems configured with either known extended coverage K-factor 25 (K-25) upright sprinklers or known standard spray sprinklers. In particular, the preferred lower nominal K-factor 17 (K-17) control mode extended coverage pendent type sprinkler 10 may provide an average density for a maximum coverage area of 196 square feet that is preferably 0.25 gpm/sq. ft. or higher and even more preferably 0.23 gpm/sq. ft or higher. Thus, the preferred sprinkler 10 avoids or otherwise minimizes any over discharge of water or fluid when compared to the use of the extended coverage K-factor 25 (K-25) sprinkler. Furthermore systems constructed with the preferred sprinkler 10 may provide for a reduction in the number of required sprinklers as compared to the standard spray sprinkler used in the same application.
Structurally, the preferred pendent configuration of the sprinkler 10 allows for its use in retail areas having finished ceilings which would otherwise be prohibited when using K-25 upright sprinklers. One preferred embodiment of the sprinkler 10 is described in TYCO FIRE & BUILDING PRODUCTS Data Sheet TFP 215 entitled “Model EC-17-16.8 K-Factor Extended Coverage Area Density Sprinklers Pendent and Recessed Pendent” (November 2007) which is incorporated herein in its entirety.
One particular application of the preferred sprinkler 10 is as a sprinkler for the protection of light and ordinary hazard occupancies where the floor to ceiling clearances ranging from about thirty-six feet to about 65 feet or more. Such occupancies can include buildings with high-roofs and non-storage occupancies such as atria, convention centers, casino auditoriums, theatres, and exhibition halls. In such an application, a plurality of sprinklers 10 are installed at a sprinkler to sprinkler spacing of about twenty feet (20 ft.) at a height ranging from about sixty to about sixty-five feet (60-65 ft.).
While the present invention has been disclosed with reference to certain preferred embodiments, numerous modifications, alterations, and changes to the described embodiments are possible without departing from the sphere and scope of the present invention, as described herein. Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the described embodiments, but that it have the full scope defined by the language of the following claims, and equivalents thereof.
This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/912,915, filed Apr. 19, 2007, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/974,380, filed Sep. 21, 2007, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Also incorporated by reference in their entirety is TYCO FIRE & BUILDING PRODUCTS Data Sheet TFP 215 entitled “Model EC-17-16.8 K-Factor Extended Coverage Area Density Sprinklers Pendent and Recessed Pendent,” (November 2007), and a document entitled, “Application of the Tyco Fire Products: Extended Coverage Extra Hazard and High Piled Storage Sprinklers” (September 2007) from TYCO FIRE PRODUCTS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, which shows and describes preferred applications of the Model EC-17 sprinkler disclosed in Data Sheet TFP 215.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US08/61057 | 4/21/2008 | WO | 00 | 2/4/2010 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60912915 | Apr 2007 | US | |
| 60974380 | Sep 2007 | US |
