Patent Application
20150034341
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to the fire suppression and extinguishment field, and more specifically to a new and improved fire sprinkler in the fire suppression and extinguishment field.
2. Description of Related Art
Fire sprinkler systems have been used in the United States to protect warehouses and factories for over one hundred years. In a fire sprinkler system, a fire sprinkler is positioned near the ceiling of a room where hot “ceiling jets” spread radially outward from a fire plume. When the temperature at an individual sprinkler reaches a pre-determined value, a thermally responsive element in the sprinkler activates and permits the flow of water as a water jet through a duct toward a deflector. The deflector redirects the water jet into thin streams or “ligaments” that break up into droplets due to surface tension. The water droplets serve three purposes: (1) delivering water to the burning material and reducing the combustion rate, (2) wetting the surrounding material and reducing the flame spread rate, and (3) cooling the surrounding air through evaporation and displacing air with inert water vapor.
When fire sprinklers are located close to each other, the risk of “cold soldering” becomes a concern. Cold soldering occurs when a first fire sprinkler disperses a fire suppressing or extinguishing substance that directly cools a second fire sprinkler and prevents the second fire sprinkler from properly responding and activating. Thus, there is a need in the fire suppression and extinguishment field to create an improved fire sprinkler that reduces or eliminates the risk of cold soldering.
Furthermore, where fire suppressing systems and fire sprinkler components are evaluated in a scientific setting, fire control has been proven to be most effective by maximizing the following system variables: water discharge velocity, k-factor and water droplet size. Fire control is typically improved by: larger diameter supply lines, more (closely-spaced) supply lines, greater water velocity, higher k-factor and/or larger water droplet size. However, addressing these factors has been limited by the constraint of available supply line. Simply designing a prior art spray head so that it is capable of discharging at a greater velocity, or that possesses a higher k-factor, or produces larger droplet sizes is not an option because each increased aspect will require higher supply line pressure and/or larger diameter supply line piping—both of which substantially increase the cost of an installed fire suppression system.
Warehouse settings are a common application of fire suppressing systems with fire sprinkler components. In a warehouse, storage items—often palletized—are frequently stacked or arranged in long rows. Storage items usually represent a significant capital investment in either raw, partially finished or finished good/inventory. An unchecked fire can quickly destroy storage items either by direct combustion, or collaterally be heat, smoke or water. Furthermore, storage items stacked or arranged in long rows often offer an abundant fuel source for a fire to grow and quickly propagate, making it that much more difficult to extinguish the fire. It is therefore of great economic importance to rapidly contain fires detected in warehoused storage items. Fire containment is largely dependent on the delivery of large quantities of rapidly moving water streams composed of relatively large size water droplets. That is to say, early stage fire containment in a warehouse storage setting is maximized when a lot of high velocity water (or other fire suppressing liquid) is sprayed onto the fire source, and the water droplets are as large as possible.
This objective is often frustrated in warehouse storage settings due to the fact that stacked or arranged rows of storage items tend to make it difficult for the water spray to reach an interior fire. When storage items are stacked or arranged in rows, narrow gaps between adjacent storage items are formed. These marrow gaps are often characterized as flues. There are transverse flues and longitudinal flus. Transverse flues are formed in the gaps between adjacent storage items in the same row, whereas longitudinal flues are created in the gap between two adjacent rows when arranged back-to-back. When a fire originates between two rows of storage items, particularly when they are arranged back-to-back (i.e., with a longitudinal flue in between), it is very difficult to reach the fire with water dispersed from a fire sprinkler. The fire produces hot combustion gases that travel upwardly through the narrow flues like a chimney. When the escaping heat is sufficient to activate at least one nearby overhead fire sprinkler, water (or other fire suppressing liquid) will be discharged into the region. In order to be effective, the water must travel down the very same flues that the heat from the fire is rising through. The rising heat, concentrated within the narrow passageways of the flues will vaporize the descending water spray unless sufficient quantities of water and/or large enough droplet sizes can be applied to overpower the heat. The greatest success at fire suppression will be achieved when, at the initial stages of a fire, a maximum amount of water is applied to the flues directly above the fire locus.
There is therefore a need in the art for an improved fire suppression system that will produce larger water droplet size and/or increase water discharge velocity, operating with less lines with the possibility of less pressure and volume depending on final storage occupancy. Also, there is a need in the art for a fire suppression system that will deliver the maximum available amounts of water (or other fire suppressing liquid) onto a fire. And still further, there is a need for a fire suppression system that is uniquely designed to combat fires in warehouse settings where storage items are tightly stacked in rows such that water from an activated fire sprinkler must be directed into narrow flues to reach a fire.
According to one aspect of this invention, a combined storage item and configured fire sprinkler system is provided. The combination comprises a storage item having an overall height. A sprinkler system is disposed above the storage item. The sprinkler system includes an elongated tubular supply line configured as a conduit to carry pressurized fire-suppressing liquid. A fire sprinkler is coupled directly to the supply line to receive an outflow of fire-suppressing liquid from the supply line along an outflow axis. The fire sprinkler includes a deflector configured to disperse the outflow of fire-suppressing liquid in a generally non-circular conical spray to achieve a non-circular coverage area. The non-circular coverage area has a major diameter generally perpendicular to the supply line and a shorter minor diameter generally parallel to the supply line. The sprinkler system is configured and arranged relative to the storage item so that the minor diameter is between about 15% and 67% of the major diameter when measured at the overall height.
According to another aspect of this invention. A fire sprinkler assembly of the type for dispersing a fire suppressing liquid over a non-circular coverage area is provided. The assembly comprises a frame. The frame includes a fastener configured to connect with a supply line so as to receive an outflow of fire-suppressing liquid from the supply line along an outflow axis. A deflector is supported by the frame and configured to disperse the outflow of fire-suppressing liquid in a generally non-circular conical downward spray to achieve a non-circular coverage area below the fire sprinkler assembly. The deflector has an overall width. And a longer overall length that is proportioned so that the resulting minor diameter is between about 15% and 67% of the major diameter. A mid-point of the deflector is generally centered on the outflow axis. The deflector comprises a generally semi-cylindrical body disposed perpendicularly to the outflow axis and is effective to evenly disperse the outflow of fire-suppressing liquid over the non-circular coverage area.
According to a further aspect of this invention, a combined warehouse and configured fire sprinkler system is provided. The combination includes a warehouse that has a floor and a ceiling. At least one storage item is disposed in the warehouse. The storage item has an overall height as measured from the floor. A sprinkler system is disposed adjacent the ceiling in the warehouse. The sprinkler system includes at least first and second elongated tubular supply lines. Each supply line is configured as a conduit to carry pressurized fire-suppressing liquid. The first supply line is arranged generally parallel to the second supply line. The sprinkler system includes a plurality of fire sprinklers. Each fire sprinkler is coupled directly to one of the first and second supply lines to receive a respective outflow of fire-suppressing liquid from the respective the supply line along an outflow axis. Each fire sprinkler includes a deflector configured to disperse the outflow of fire-suppressing liquid in a generally non-circular conical spray to achieve a non-circular coverage area. The non-circular coverage area has a major diameter generally perpendicular to its respective supply line and a shorter minor diameter generally parallel to its supply line. The sprinkler system is configured and arranged relative to the storage item so that the minor diameter is between about 15% and 67% of the major diameter when measured at the overall height. And the spacing between the first supply line and the second supply line is approximately equal to the major diameter when measured at the overall height.
This invention provides an improved fire sprinkler that is capable of operating with fewer supply lines than was possible using prior art techniques. Even operating through fewer supply lines, the improved fire sprinkler may be effectively operated with less pressure and volume depending on final storage occupancy. This improved fire sprinkler has the capability to produce larger water droplet sizes and/or increased water discharge velocity. The fire suppression system of this invention can be implemented so as to deliver the maximum available amounts of water (or other fire suppressing liquid) onto a fire. And still further, this invention is uniquely designed to combat fires in warehouse settings where storage items are tightly stacked or arranged and water from activated fire sprinklers must travel into narrow flues to reach a fire.
These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily appreciated when considered in connection with the following detailed description and appended drawings, wherein:
The following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention is not intended to limit the invention to these preferred embodiments, but rather to enable any person skilled in the art of fire suppression and extinguishment to make and use this invention.
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The trigger 14 of the preferred embodiments, which is connected to the frame 12, functions to block the flow of the fire suppressing or extinguishing substance through the duct 18 during a first mode, and to permit the flow of the fire suppressing or extinguishing substance during a second mode. The trigger 14 preferably includes a thermally responsive element 24 and a closure 26. During the first mode, the thermally responsive element 24 functions to restrain the closure 26, while the closure 26 functions to block the flow of the fire suppressing or extinguishing substance through the duct 18. During the second mode, the thermally responsive element 24 responds to the hot “ceiling jets” spreading radially outward from a fire plume and releases the closure 26, thereby permitting the flow of the fire suppressing or extinguishing substance. The thermally responsive element 24 is preferably a glass bulb, but may alternatively be a soldered link or any other suitable device or method. The trigger 14 may also include an o-ring, a Belleville spring, or any other suitable device between the thermally responsive element 24 and the frame 12. The trigger 14 may alternatively include any suitable method or device to block the flow of the fire suppressing or extinguishing substance through the duct 18 during a first mode, and to permit the flow of the fire suppressing or extinguishing substance during a second mode.
As shown in
When the fire sprinkler 10 is located close to an adjacent fire sprinkler 30 (as shown in
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As perhaps best shown in
Returning again to
A standard closure 62 plugs the duct 54 to prevent the flow of fire-suppressing liquid therethrough unless and until a fire emergency is detected. A thermally responsive element 64 holds the closure 62 in place until a fire is detected. The thermally responsive element 64 extends between the apical tip 58 and the closure 62, and is disposed generally along the outflow axis A between the columns 56. Both the closure 62 and the thermally responsive element 64 may be of any suitable and commercially available designs. In use, when the thermally responsive element 64 is exposed to a sufficiently elevated temperature or other specified indicator of fire conditions, the thermally responsive element 64 will yield thus allowing the fluid pressure pushing in opposition against the closure 62 to overcome and forcefully expel the closure 62 so that fire suppressing fluid rushes out through the duct 54 along the outflow axis A as shown in
The fire sprinkler 42 includes a primary deflector, generally indicated at 66 in
The deflector 66 is supported above the spreader 60 so that these two features cooperate to redirect the rushing flow of liquid from the outflow axis A into the downwardly projected non-circular coverage area 28. As suggested by
The deflector 66 can be seen as having an overall width 70 measured parallel to the supply line 44, as shown in
Although many different design schemes are possible for the deflector 66, in the illustrated embodiment the deflector 66 comprises a generally semi-cylindrical body disposed perpendicularly to the outflow axis A. A mid-point of the deflector 66 is generally centered on the outflow axis A, which generally coincides with the screw 68 depicted in
The deflector 66 further includes a pair of nozzle-like hoods 78 which control distribution of the coverage area 28 largely in the length L2 (i.e., major diameter) direction. The hoods 78 extend in opposite directions from the center section 74 to respective outermost edges, and thereby establish the overall length 72 of the deflector 66. In the illustrated example, the hoods 78 are arranged to extend generally perpendicular to the supply line 44, i.e., transverse to the alignment of the two columns 56. Each hood 78 adjoins the center section 74 with near identical semi-circular geometry, and then tapers or narrows from this maximum dimension to a minimum dimension adjacent its outermost edge. That is, the hoods 78 may be somewhat funnel-like in their influence to converge and accelerate the flow of liquid toward the elongated length L2 of the coverage area 28. The hoods 78 are rigid, and preferably unitary with the center section 74. In this manner, dispersed fire suppressing liquid, e.g., water, will be projected into the distant corners of a non-circular coverage area 28 having a relatively long length L2 (major diameter) and a smaller width W2 (minor diameter). In the preferred embodiments, this non-circular coverage area 28 is generally elliptical or oval, but other non-circular shapes like rectangles and elongated octagons and diamonds are possible.
An optional baffle, generally indicated at 80, may be supported on the apical tip 58 below the deflector 66. The baffle 80 is perhaps best shown in
Turning now to
Returning again to
The common storage rack 92 has a plurality of shelves 94 upon which are placed the storage items 96. Oftentimes, the storage items are palletized, or otherwise carried on standard 4×4 pallets to facilitate handling with a forklift (no shown). Of particular note is the overall height of the storage items 96 either standing free or when arranged in rows. When storage items 96 are stacked in shelves 94 of the storage racks 92, the lofty storage items 96 on the uppermost shelf 94 will define the overall height, which is the highest level or region of goods that must be protected by the fire suppression system. That is to say, the coverage area 28 of each fire sprinkler 42 (an indeed all embodiments of fire sprinklers disclosed herein), may be advantageously established with reference to the highest level storage items 96 supported in the storage rack 92, that being referred to herein as the overall height of the storage items 96. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the illustrated storage configuration as double row racking is but one possible arrangement. Storage racks 92 can be single-row, three (or more) rows, under three feet wide, over eight feet wide up (some storage racks exceed sixteen feet in width!), and even solid pile (i.e., storage items 96 stacked directly on the floor 86 without a supporting rack structure). Indeed, the concepts of this invention are applicable to a wide variety of storage configurations and are not to be limited to just the examples shown in the illustrations.
It may be helpful to consider that the overall height of the storage items 96 represent the generalized overall height of the storage assembly as measured from the floor 86. This overall height correlates to the top surface (or the generalized top surfaces) of the highest elevation storage items 96. The term “generalized” merely refers to a collective average in the case where several non-identical storage items 96 reside on the uppermost shelf 94 or in cases where the storage assembly is configured differently than as illustrated in the figures such as solid pile or the like. In practice, the overall height can vary widely from one application or installation to the next, and therefore a hypothetical overall height or a specified industry-standard overall height may be used or established for purposes of this invention. Furthermore, it may be helpful to consider that the storage items 96 disposed on the uppermost shelf 94 have an upper terminal edge 98 (or generalized terminal edge 98) that extends generally parallel to the elongated storage rack 92.
Within this construct, the fire suppression system is suspended from above in the warehouse, at an elevation that is greater than the overall height of the storage items 96 disposed below. In the event of a fire, wherein it is presumed that the locus of the fire is in or at a storage item 96 somewhere in a storage rack 92, the entire top surface of the storage items 96 disposed on the uppermost shelf 94 must be included in the coverage areas 28 from one or more fire sprinklers 42. Therefore, the major diameter (L2) of the coverage area is preferably set in accordance with the overall height of the storage items 96. Logic dictates that if the entire top surface of the storage items 96 is within a coverage area 28 (or plural overlapping coverage areas), then everything vertically below this top surface will also be within a coverage area 28 so that the fire can be directly combated by the dispersion of fire suppressing liquid. Therefore, the design specifications of the coverage area 28 are advantageously measured at the overall height—be that an actual overall height for a given application, or a hypothetical overall height for a presumed future application, or a specified industry-standard overall height that is commonly used for all or a majority of applications. So if, for example, the overall height for a given application is twelve feet above the floor 86, and the design specification for the coverage area is twenty-five by eight (25×8), then at an elevation of twelve feet above the floor 86 the outer perimeter of the coverage area 28 should measure very close to a twenty-five foot major diameter (L2) and an eight foot minor diameter (W2).
Furthermore, and continuing still with reference to
Furthermore, reference to
This invention is uniquely designed to combat fires in warehouse settings where storage items 96 are tightly stacked or arranged and water from activated fire sprinklers 42 must travel into narrow flues 100, 102 to reach a fire.
Preferably, but not necessarily, the preferred major diameter (L2) of the coverage area 28 produced by the sprinkler head 42 intentionally corresponds with the overall storage group width. In the example appearing on the far left-hand side of
In each of these three examples (H1, H2, H3), the length L2 of the coverage area 28 is about twenty-five feet, and the width W2 is in the range of about four-to-eight feet. However, neither L2 nor W2 should be limited to these measurements. In other applications, the length measure L2 is selected either independently or in relation to the underlying storage configuration, and the width measure W2 of the coverage area 28 is preferably between about 15-67 percent of the length measure. More preferably, an even narrower width measure W2 will be selected to be in the range of about 15-30% (i.e., ˜⅙-⅓) of the major diameter L2. Less demanding storage occupancies will generally accommodate a wider coverage area 28 (i.e., closer to ⅓ of the major diameter L2), whereas more demanding storage arrangements will generally demand a narrower coverage area 28 (i.e., closer to ˜⅙ of the major diameter L2). In some applications, it may even be possible to expand the minor diameter width measure W2 about 67% (i.e., ˜⅔) of the major diameter L2. However, because the distance between the fire sprinkler 42 and the overall height (H1, H2 or H3) varies, it may be desirable to alter the internal spread angle of the tapering three-dimensional column of descending liquid spray.
In one example, the non-circular coverage area 28 is altered so that the major diameter (L2) of the non-circular coverage area 28 is between about twelve and twenty-five feet as measured at the overall height (H1, H2 or H3) of the storage items. When the major diameter (L2) of the non-circular coverage area 28 is held to this range, and concurrently when the minor diameter is restricted to a range of about 15-67% (i.e., ˜⅙-⅔) of the major diameter L2, sufficient water velocity can be generated to create nozzle-like projections of water spray that will penetrate into the flues 100, 102. The narrow width measure W2 allows spray heads 421 to be stationed closer together along a common supply line 44, which in turn increases chances that multiple spray heads 42 will be activated and thereby apply more water into the flues. Furthermore, water droplet size and water velocity will be increased, which helps to force more water in a narrow spray pattern that will infiltrate the flues 100, 102 against a counter-flow of heat from the fire.
Because water pressure has a direct effect on the actual size of the coverage area 28, and because water pressure will diminish as more fire sprinklers 42 are activated, there is a need to design a fairly generous overlap—on the order of one to three feet—for a single-activated fire sprinkler 42. It is therefore understood that as water pressure diminishes due to additional fire sprinklers 42 being activated, the modestly shrinking coverage area 28 will remain in an overlap condition with the next adjacent coverage area 28. Therefore, the degree of overlap needed between adjacent coverage areas 28 is preferably calculated for each installation based on line pressure, supply line 44 sizes and other relevant factors.
Manipulation of the coverage area 28 is accomplished by changing the deflector 66 and/or baffle 80 as shown here in phantom lines. Slight but effective alterations to the shape and/or angle of the hoods 78 and/or ears 76 and/or baffle 80 relative to the center section 74 will have the desired effect. In practice, a variety of different pre-manufactured deflector 66 and/or baffle 80 configurations can be offered—each rated for a different overall storage item height to sprinkler relationship. For example, the company may offer a first choice deflector 66 and baffle 80 for an H1 application, a second choice deflector 66 and baffle 80 for an H2 application, and a third choice deflector 66 and baffle 80 for an H3 application. More or fewer angular choices may of course be offered to accommodate a wide variety of storage configurations/overall height criteria. Alternatively, the deflector 66 could be made adjustable (not shown) in the field to set the hoods 78 and/or ears 76 and/or baffle 80 according to the instant needs. The minor diameter dimension (W2) of the coverage area 28 can also be manipulated by altering its width characteristics, including the size, shape and angle of the ears 76. It should also be noted that the deflector 66 and/or baffle 80 design specifications can be influenced as well to suit particular storage occupancy needs. Less demanding storage occupancies may accommodate wider coverage areas 28 whereas more demanding storage arrangements will demand closer/smaller coverage areas 28.
Accordingly, the present invention proposes an application-specific pairing of a fire sprinkler 42 to a particular warehouse storage condition or anticipated storage condition. The pairing brings into alignment the orientation of the major/minor diameters with respect to the flues 100, 102, as well as the vertical distance between overall storage item height and sprinkler heads 42. The intent is to conform the non-circular coverage area 28 of the sprinkler system to completely overlap the underlying storage items with the highest degree of hydraulic efficiency. Once this internal angular spread is specified to reach a preferred major diameter L2 and proportionately smaller minor diameter W2 based on overall height of the storage items, then actual installation practice does not mandate that the fire sprinklers 42 are centered in an aisle between banks of storage racks 92. And furthermore, the major/minor diameters should be set parallel with respect to the flues 100, 102 however acceptable results may be achieved even if set askew.
The overall fire suppression system will include a complete network of supply lines 44 and regularly-spaced sprinkler heads 42 that usually have the ability to completely and entirely blanket the building footprint. The design protocol described herein will establish the proper deflector 66 specifications with proper internal angle to achieve a preferred major diameter (L2) of the coverage area 28 at the overall storage item height, and a minor diameter (W2) that is about 15-67% of L2, or more preferable about 15-33% of L2.
Through large scale fire tests, where fire suppressing systems and fire sprinkler components are evaluated in a scientific setting, fire control has been proven to be most effective by maximizing the following system variables: water discharge velocity, k factor and water droplet size. Fire control is typically improved by: greater water velocity, higher k factor and/or larger water droplet size. The elongated nature of the coverage area 28, where the major diameter (L2) is significantly greater than the minor diameter (W2), produces a pattern that more closely mimics a fire hose stream projected in opposite directions. This, in turn, produces larger water droplet size and increases water discharge velocity, while operating at less pressure and volume. Larger water droplets are beneficial because they are less sensitive to the heat rising through the flues 100, 102. That is, larger droplets better penetrate through the flues 100, 102 to reach the fire. Likewise, higher velocity water spray also penetrates the narrow flues 100, 102 as compared with slower moving water spray. The oriented major/minor diameters of the coverage area 28 vis-à-vis the flues 100, 102 help to improve chances that this beneficial fire hose effect casts high volumes of waters into the affected flues 100, 102.
The relatively narrow widths W2 (minor diameters) of the coverage areas 28 enable relatively close spacing of the fire sprinklers 42 along the supply line 44. (As will be described subsequently, narrow spacing can be an advantage rather than a detriment.) However, the lateral spacing between adjacent supply lines 44 can be increased as compared with prior art designs. This close spacing of heads 42 along the same supply line 44 provides numerous key benefits, perhaps chief among which is an improved ability to penetrate the fire flues 100, 102. The unique design of the fire sprinkler 42, where the deflector 66 includes nozzle-like hoods 78 that are oriented parallel to either the transverse flues 100 or the longitudinal flue 102, enables a more precise aim directly into the fire flues 100, 102 thus resulting in a more efficient fire suppression system with the sprayed water in large quantities going where it is most needed.
Furthermore, the unique design of the fire sprinkler 42 provides important hydraulic advantages. In installations where the minor diameter (W2) is about ⅓ of L2 (e.g., about eight feet when L2 is about twenty-five feet), the recommended spacing interval between sprinkler heads 42 along the supply line 44 is preferably about six-to-eight feet. In installations where the minor diameter (W2) is about ⅙ of L2 (e.g., about four feet when L2 is about twenty-five feet), the recommended spacing interval between sprinkler heads 42 along the supply line 44 is preferably about four-to-five feet. If there is particular concern about sensitivity, where too many sprinkler heads 42 might go off because they are so close together, the wider (six-to-eight foot) W2 spacing can be chosen. In counterpoint to this sensitivity concern, however, it may be prudent to encourage a condition where more sprinkler heads 42 are activated rather than fewer, by setting the sprinkler heads 42 on four-to-five foot centers and specifying a four-to-five foot minor diameter W2 when L2 is about twenty-five feet. Two comparative examples will illustrate the benefits of this approach.
A sprinkler head 42 has a coverage area 28 with a twenty-five foot major diameter (L2) and an eight foot minor diameter (W2). The k-factor is k=17. At a steady 52 psi line pressure, this sprinkler head 42 will distribute approximately 122.58 gpm.
A sprinkler head 42 has a coverage area 28 with a twenty-five foot major diameter (L2) and a four foot minor diameter (W2). The k-factor is k=11. At a steady 35 psi line pressure, this sprinkler head 42 will distribute approximately 65.07 gpm.
In Example 1, it may be presumed that only one fire sprinkler 42 will activate because of the greater spacing (six-to-eight feet) between adjacent spray heads 42. This single activated spray head 42, fed by 52 psi line pressure, will deliver approximately 122.58 gpm onto the fire. However, in Example 2, it may be presumed that two fire sprinklers 42 will concurrently activate because of the closer spacing (four-to-five feet) between adjacent spray heads 42. These two activated spray heads 42, fed by a modest 35 psi line pressure, will combine deliver approximately 130.15 gpm onto the fire. Thus, two spray heads 42 operating at lower supply line 44 pressure can deliver water at a greater rate onto a fire than can a single spray head 42 fed by a higher line pressure. And in addition to the advantageous lower starting pressure, two spray heads 42 according to this invention will have a greater chance of avoiding obstructions and a greater chance of penetrating the fire flues because of the tighter spacing (100 vs 200 sq ft).
The implications of this reality are significant. Perhaps most notably, the number of supply lines 44 can be reduced with the possibility of reducing volume as well. Whereas supply lines for a typical prior circular coverage area system are set approximately ten-to-twelve feet apart, supply lines 44 of the present invention are set at about the same distance as the major diameter (L2), which in the preceding examples would be about twenty-five feet in most cases. Spacing supply lines 44 set apart by twenty-five feet represents about a 66% reduction in both material costs and labor/installation costs. In some cases, supply lines 44 of smaller diameter, which are less costly on a number of levels, can even be used. Pressure supply resources can be downsized when fewer supply lines 44 are installed. Additionally, the closer spacing of spray heads 42 along a common supply line 44 (made possible by relatively narrow width W2 as compared to long length L2 of the non-circular coverage area 28), means that obstructions (e.g., low-hanging beams 22, columns or other large objects) are not as big of concern to the effective coverage of the spray pattern.
Early stage fire suppression success rates will increase based on the principles of this invention. It is therefore prudent to consider rejecting the conventional wisdom that once indicated widely spacing spray heads, and instead move toward more closely space spray heads, for which the unique fire sprinkler 42 and other principles of this invention are well adapted. The efficient deflector 66 of the present fire sprinkler 42 distributes the water at the needed density using lower line pressure at k-factors in the 11-14 k range. This, in turn enables activation of two heads 42 (spaced for example about four-to-five feet apart on the same supply line 44) instead of one sprinkler head 42, spaced for example on eight foot centers, to achieve a pattern with long throw in the major diameter (L2) directions. The principles of this invention, which permit close-spacing of sprinkler heads 42 and far-spacing adjacent supply lines 44 and possibly even lower line pressures, will not as readily overwhelm the available water supply and yet enable more sprinkler heads 42 to concurrently spray which put more water on the fire. Furthermore, the close spacing of sprinkler heads 42 along a common supply line 44 means that physical obstructions are not as big of concern to spray pattern. That is to say, because two or three spray heads 42 are more likely to be activated when in the past only one spray head is activated, any physical obstructions—like low beams 22, structural columns, equipment or atypically large objects—will not be as likely to block water spray in cases whether the obstruction is between one spray head 42 and the fire. Furthermore, greater spacing between adjacent supply lines 44 improves the probability that each supply line 44 can be placed in its own bay between adjacent beams 22 as shown in
As a person skilled in the art of fire suppression and extinguishment will recognize from the previous detailed description and from the figures and claims, that modifications and changes can be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of this invention defined in the following claims.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Publication No. 2014/0083722, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 8,602,118, which is a continuation-in-part of international patent application number PCT/US2006/025278, all of which are incorporated in their entirety by this reference. This application is also related to international patent application number PCT/US2006/025111, filed on 27 Jun. 2006, and entitled “Fire Sprinkler System and Method of Installation”, which is incorporated in its entirety by this reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 12109221 | Apr 2008 | US |
| Child | 14096723 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14096723 | Dec 2013 | US |
| Child | 14516888 | US |
