Water sprinkler systems, based on the principle of extinguishing ignited materials or products in case of fire hazard, are named after the sprayer unit at the end.
Aqueous sprinkler systems are one of the most effective automatic extinguishing systems with the help of extinguishing liquids.
Water sprinkler systems, which are automatically mounted on the ceiling and side parts, are more effective for flames that suddenly spread in large areas.
Thanks to the water sprinkler system that detects fire and smoke very quickly, fire intervention starts within seconds.
For this reason, water sprinkler extinguishing systems for places with high material value such as warehouses and large workplaces also prevent economic loss.
It is seen that water extinguishers are more effective and functional in type A and type C fire types.
Therefore, thanks to systems using water extinguishers such as sprinkler extinguishing systems fire extinguishing process is achieved at a very high rate of success.
The water sprinkler system is one of the most suitable extinguishing systems for factories or other businesses with larger areas that contain many different valuable materials.
What are the Types of Aqueous Sprinkler Systems?
Water sprinkler extinguishing systems, which have four different types, are prepared by taking into account details such as flammable material, whether there is a shelf arrangement, whether there is a risk of freezing, risk group and accordingly adjusted flow rate, pipe installation route, whether it is in the earthquake zone.
These four types are explained as follows.
Wet Pipe Sprinkler Extinguishing Systems
In wet pipe water sprinkler extinguishing systems, the sprinkler opens with the effect of the heat generated by the fire and the water flows intensively on the burning material.
In the wet pipe water sprinkler extinguishing system, which is automatically activated by the effect of the heat generated by the fire, water is discharged on the combustible material in the form of sprinkling.
Dry Pipe Sprinkler Extinguishing Systems
In the dry pipe water sprinkler extinguishing system, a compressed air is applied to keep the valve between the pipe network water supply and the pipe network closed, or this area is filled with nitrogen gas instead of compressed air.
The air pressure in the system is automatically controlled by a valve placed at the inlet of the network.
The heat generated during the fire activates any sprinkler and the pressure in the pipe network drops rapidly.
As the pressure drops, the valve at the inlet of the dry pipe network opens automatically.
These opened pipes are filled with water and move towards the fire zone.
Deluge Water Sprinkler Extinguishing Systems
In Deluge water sprinkler extinguishing systems, which are similar to wet and dry pipe water sprinkler extinguishing systems, the control valve is normally closed.
The valve is automatically activated by a separate fire detection system and opens very quickly.
Deluge water sprinkler extinguishing systems are frequently preferred in controlling rapidly spreading fires and in situations where a large amount of water is needed in a short time.
Preaction Water Sprinkler Extinguishing Systems
In Preaction water sprinkler extinguishing systems, which are similar to Deluge water sprinkler extinguishing systems, but where the sprinkler is not in the open position, the sprinkler is protected by melting elements or glass bulbs.
In this system, the control valve acts as a preaction valve.
With the heat generated during the fire, the pre-moving valve opens and the pipe network is filled with water.
Working Principle of Aqueous Sprinkler System
The basic principle of water sprinkler extinguishing systems in fire intervention is to recognize the fire at the initial stage and prevent its growth.
In this system, the smoke sensor sensors and simultaneously send a warning to the main panel and extinguishing should start.
In addition, in water sprinkler extinguishing systems, there is also the principle of reducing the growing flames and high heat, spraying extinguishing liquids from automatically exploding sprinkler tips, sticking the smoke that has a suffocating effect on people to the ground and giving time for the personnel to get out.
Thanks to these systems, the elimination of smoke also facilitates the intervention of professional teams in terms of visibility.
Sprinkler Extinguishing System Design
In aqueous sprinkler systems, the diameter of the fixed piping providing water should be determined according to hydraulic calculations.
If the main supply pipe in the water sprinkler system addresses more than one fire zone; flow switches, test and drainage valves and line shut-off valves with monitoring switches should be installed on each zone or column line.
There should also be shut-off valves on the pipes feeding the water sprinkler system.
Measures should be taken to ensure that the valves in the pipelines, regional control valves and all valves between the water supply and the water sprinkler extinguishing system remain open at all times.
What are the Usage Areas of Aqueous Sprinkler Extinguishing Systems?
Water sprinkler extinguishing systems are frequently used with their extinguishing effect, cooling effect, controlling and controlled fire extinguishing features.
Aqueous sprinkler extinguishing systems prevent the structure or area from being deformed by fire and heat until the fire brigade arrives and extinguishes it, and ensures that the structure remains standing to ensure no loss of life and safe escape.
What are the Advantages of Aqueous Sprinkler Extinguishing Systems?
Water sprinkler extinguishing systems have many advantages.
These advantages are as follows:
- Water sprinklers protect the structure and the building.
- Water sprinkler systems can operate automatically 24 hours a day, 7 days a week as they are automatically activated.
- Water sprinkler systems are activated in the fire area and extinguish the fire.
- When water is applied around the fire with its cooling effect, the spread of fire is prevented by water sprinkler extinguishing systems and the fire is taken under control.
- Water sprinkler extinguishing systems have a very accessible structure.
- Aqueous sprinkler extinguishing systems do not require a process that would leave them unprotected, such as refilling.
- Aqueous sprinkler extinguishing systems do not require flushing like foam.
- By replacing the sprinklers affected by the fire in the system, the system is easily reactivated.
How Does a Sprinkler System Work?
In sprinkler systems, with the heat rising with the fire, the compressed air opens the valve that will distribute the water to the pipes and the water is filled into the pipes and discharged on the fire by means of sprinklers.
What is an Automatic Sprinkler System?
Automatic sprinkler systems, fire sprinkler system consists of pipes fixed to the ceiling in the building and discharge sprinklers connected to these pipes.
How to Install a Sprinkler System?
Sprinkler systems are usually installed with a pump unit, main pipeline and lateral pipelines.
Where is Sprinkler System Mandatory?
Sprinkler systems are compulsory in all buildings other than residential buildings where the building height is higher than 30.5 meters, in all residential buildings with a building height exceeding 51.5 meters, in indoor parking areas with a total area of more than 600 square meters and in parking lots with elevators with a capacity of more than 10 vehicles.
When does the sprinkler start to work?
In sprinkler systems, the heat rising with the fire melts or explodes the glass tubes on the sprinkler and the system is activated.
How to Maintain a Sprinkler System?
Sprinkler system maintenance is carried out regularly and in certain periods.
How to Design a Sprinkler System?
Sprinkler system design is designed according to engineering calculations consisting of many different components such as the layout of the space, the characteristics of the material in the space, and the storage heights of the material.
What Materials Does the Sprinkler System Consist of?
The sprinkler system consists of sprinkler heads, pipes, fittings and hangers and installation control valves.
What is the K Factor in Sprinkler Extinguishing Systems?
The K factor is a value used to calculate the flow rate and pressure of the water to be discharged from the sprinkler head.
How Important is the Distance Between Sprinklers?
In sprinkler systems, the maximum distance between sprinklers on the branch line should be 3 meters.
Sprinkler systems, which should be placed at a maximum of 3 meters, are very effective in fires.
For this reason, distance is very important.
At What Degree Do Fire Extinguishing Sprinklers Start Working?
Fire extinguishing sprinklers have explosion temperatures that differ according to their rating.
This value is min 68C.
How Many Types of Sprinklers Are There?
Sprinkler systems are analyzed in two groups as wet sprinkler system and dry sprinkler system.
What is a Dry Pipe Sprinkler System?
Dry pipe sprinklers are systems where the top of the dry alarm valve is continuously pressurized with compressed air or inert gas.