Fire extinguishing system technologies are developing along with overall technological progress, offering increasingly effective safety features. It is enough to note the variety of powder mixtures, including a mass of active components that suppress ignition. Nevertheless, water fire extinguishing remains the most affordable in terms of organization and price, which organically complements modern means of delivering material to a fire source.
Features of water as a means of fighting fire
The main advantage of water in the context of eliminating sources of ignition is environmental cleanliness, relatively high efficiency and, as a consequence, versatility. This resource is used at production facilities, in public buildings and in the private sector. However, water and foam fire extinguishing is not recommended for use in fire fighting, if there is a risk of damage to property and electrical equipment. Here, the property of water as an electrical conductor is already of negative importance. In addition, the use of water is not possible at low temperatures - for example, in the winter or in conditions of production operating at low temperatures.
As for the ability of this material to extinguish a fire, the effectiveness of the fight is determined by the process of lowering the temperature of the outbreak due to the heat capacity of the water. In addition, such fire extinguishing systems contribute to the cessation of dangerous chemical reactions that accompany combustion.
Designs of water extinguishing installations
To implement the function of water supply, almost all systems use pumping stations with high pressure, which operate due to electric motors. In order to increase reliability at enterprises, backup pumps are also used, installed on a single platform with the main unit. To perform the irrigation task, spray modules are used. They can have different placement configurations, sizes, feed rates, etc.
In the latest installations, modules are used that allow you to work with finely dispersed water. In addition, water fire extinguishing involves the presence in the technical infrastructure of switchgears. This is an intermediate module that connects the water supply network and the channels through which the material is fed to individual irrigation devices. To organize a reliable plumbing infrastructure, stainless steel components are used that are oriented to operation under high temperature loads. The use of plastic materials from polyvinyl chloride, popular in plumbing, for example, is excluded in this case.
Sprinkler water extinguishing
Systems of this type are based on water supply networks constantly filled with water under optimal pressure. Technical infrastructure is most often located in the upper part of the premises - for example, under roofs or in a sub-ceiling niche. A separate water line is allocated to supply the canals. Directly supplying water to the target area is carried out by sprinklers, that is, irrigating sprinklers.
The exhaust devices are equipped with special nozzles, which under the influence of high temperatures melt, freeing the passage for water. In modern versions, water extinguishing sprinkler installations do not supply directly, but drip. Moreover, the fraction of droplets is so small that during operation, water fog forms, covering the space of the room. This decision is just caused by the desire to minimize damage directly from water to property located in the service area.
The device of deluge systems
Drencher units may resemble the previous version of the fire extinguishing system, but it has several fundamental differences. Firstly, the drencher tips are not designed for self-removal under the influence of fire. They do not burn or melt and, on the contrary, are made of materials with thermal protection. Secondly, the activation of the extinguishing function, that is, the irrigation process itself begins only after a signal from the fire sensors or after a manual start from the operator console. These can be water and foam fire extinguishing installations, which in normal standby mode are not filled with working material. The supply of the same water to the delivery channels to the nebulizers begins only after the corresponding extinguishing command. Therefore, the heads of the irrigators are always open.
Typically, deluge systems are used in industrial plants to cover specific areas. There is also a spray pattern for border areas, the protection of which is aimed at preventing the further spread of fire.
Creating a fire extinguishing system project
Development of a design solution is based on several factors of system operation. First of all, a pipeline scheme is formed that will provide the ability to maintain sufficient pressure when extinguishing with water in a specific facility. The diameter of the pipes, the configuration of their laying, the connection method, etc. are calculated. Next, calculate the optimal parameters of power equipment.
The main power unit will be the pump. Its power is estimated based on the needs of a particular room in coverage by sprayers. The fact is that the design of water fire extinguishing should also take into account the possible intensity of fire - the higher the threat, the greater the number of sprayers must be present in the room. Accordingly, the total demand for the power potential of the pump is derived. Based on the data obtained during the design process, the performers are already beginning installation activities.
Installation of fire extinguishing systems
The equipment installation process consists of three main stages. At the first stage, a water supply network is laid, through which water will be supplied. Pipes are mounted taking into account high loads and the possibility of maintaining high pressure. The difficulty of this event is that the water supply channels should be located in the upper part of the room. Therefore, initially, the design of the premises should also include a special niche for communications. At the second stage, the installation of water fire extinguishing requires the connection of a pumping station. It will be installed at the place of water intake or the connection of the pipeline to the supply central network.
It is desirable to provide a small platform for the pump, which can ensure the stability of its position. If the unit is electric, then access to the outlet should also be provided. At the final stage, the installation of spray devices - sprinklers or drenchers. They are integrated into the ceiling niche by means of special fittings and connected to the supplied channels of the fire extinguishing water supply line.
Spray Accessories
Manufacturers of fire extinguishing systems regularly improve water spray devices, offering technological fittings. When developing a fire extinguishing system project, it will not be superfluous to think over attachment systems for irrigators for more reliable operation. In particular, experts recommend the use of flexible ends made of corrugated stainless pipes. This solution is specifically designed to integrate the same sprinklers in the design of suspended ceilings. Also, to ensure durability, water fire extinguishing is recommended to be protected from accidental mechanical influences. To do this, you can use small metal grilles, frames and even masking caps. But it is important to keep in mind that when starting the system, such devices should immediately recline.
Automation in fire extinguishing systems
Both deluge and sprinkler systems can be automated. This means that the system will be controlled without operator intervention. Automatic fire extinguishing systems are being implemented using controllers and sensors - a basic set of modern fire alarms. As for the controller, its tasks include sending a signal to extinguish to the module that opens the water intake valves to the spray nozzles, notifying the person in charge of the fire, and starting the pump station. Automatic water fire extinguishing is also possible without sensors. These are devices that directly record the fact of fire, transmitting the corresponding signal to the controller.
Firefighting reviews
Most users of water-based fire extinguishing systems are owners of warehouses, enterprises, studios and shops. According to them, the design itself is reliable and stable. The spraying efficiency is also not satisfactory, although this characteristic depends on how well the installation of nozzles was implemented. Water fire extinguishing is also praised for the low cost of consumables. Water is much cheaper compared to powder, gas and even foam systems. As for the minuses, the complexity of the technical structure of the pipeline is noted.
Conclusion
The experienced eye of a firefighter will be able to quickly identify weaknesses in the target room for possible sources of ignition. And just as quickly determine the most effective configuration of the location of the functional components of the system. Because specialists approach the solution of the problems of organizing fire safety in an integrated manner, taking into account many different nuances. If the task is to organize a universal protection complex, then an automatic water extinguishing system will be the best solution. Its advantage is not only saving staff from unnecessary actions and prompt response to the arising fire, but also the possibility of combining with other engineering equipment. For example, with a ventilation system - if fire or smoke is detected, the same controller will command not only the extinguishing system, but also the duct valves, which will close or, on the contrary, open the shaft, depending on the location of the ignition fixation.