IFP Issue 09

The Global Voice for Passive & Active Fire Protection Systems

An MDM PUBLICATIONIssue 9 – February 2002

IFP

ON-LIN

E

www.ifpm

ag.co

m

High ExpansionFoam Systems

For AircraftHangars


For AircraftHangars

aall ssoo ii nnss ii ddee

Hospi ta l F ire Protect ionCombust ib le Storage

Alarm Insta l lat ionSprink ler CAD

OFC IFC IBC OBC 13/10/06 1:23 pm Page ofc1

Enquiries: [email protected]

OFC IFC IBC OBC 13/10/06 1:23 pm Page ifc2

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTIONwww.ifpmag.com

1

Front cover picture: High Expansion Foam System – Picture Courtesy of FSSA

PublishersDavid Staddon & Mark Seton

Editorial ContributorsRobert Duval, Ed Comeau, Richard Brown,Mitch Lebovic, Ron Smith, Craig Redfern,Jack. F. Bowen, Matt Roy, Rob Harris, Jim Clark, Steven Zenofsky, Rob Smith,Bob Choppen, Dirk Sprakel, Niall Rowen

General ManagerMaggie Evans

IFP is published quarterly by:MDM Publishing Ltd 18a, St James Street, South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5BWUnited KingdomTel: +44 (0) 1460 249199Fax: +44 (0) 1460 249292 e-mail: [email protected]: www.ifpmag.com

©All rights reserved

Periodical Postage paid at Charnplain NewYork and additional officesPOSTMASTER: Send address changes toIMS of New York, P 0 Box 1518 Champlain NY 12919-1518USAUSPS No. (To be confirmed)

Annual SubscriptionUK - £25.00 Europe - �45Overseas - £30.00 or US$55.00lSSN - 1468-3873

DISCLAIMER:The views and opinions expressed in INTERNATIONALFIRE PROTECTION are not necessarily those of MDMPublishing Ltd. The magazine and publishers are in no wayresponsible or legally liable for any errors or anomaliesmade within the editorial by our authors. All articles areprotected by copyright and written permission must besought from the publishers for reprinting or any form ofduplication of any of the magazines content. Any queriesshould be addressed in writing to the publishers.

Reprints of articles are available on request. Prices onapplication to the Publishers.

Page design by Dorchester Typesetting Group LtdPrinted by The Friary Press Ltd

MIC – Don’t Let Your PipingSystems Spring A Leak ! ..............3-4

High Expansion Foam Systems For Aircraft Hangars...................7-10

FSSA News ....................................12

Passive Fire Protection – LPCB.........................................15-16

Radar Fire Tests........................19-22

Product Profile – Reliable Storage Sprinklers .........................24

Beam Me Up Safely..................27-30

Product Profile – Klaxon Signals............................................31

Speaking Out – The Argument For Voice Alarms ......................33-36

IWMA News....................................38

Company Profile – Chemetron Fire Systems.............................40-41

NFPA20 Fire Pumps & Controllers ................................43-46

Structural Steel Fire Protection .................................48-50

Fire Alarm Installation ..............53-54

Combustible Storage ...............57-59

Halon Phaseout – The Clock Is Ticking.................61-63

Sprinkler CAD Technology .......64-66

Water Mist For Industry ...........68-71

Fire Protection Valves ..............72-73

Hospital Fire Protection ...........75-77

Product Update ........................78-79

Advertisers’ Index .........................80

See pages 7-10

COMMENT . . .ISSUE 9, FEBRUARY 2002, another issue full of in-depth technical articles foryour enjoyment. We are proud to welcome the Loss Prevention Certification Board(LPCB) to our ever-strengthening list of editorial contributors. They will be writing forus in each Issue throughout the year. In this issue, you will find articles from the NFPA,Fm Global, Warrington Fire Research, Rolf Jenson Associates, ASFP and many others.

Don’t forget, if you want to reference any of the articles featured in the magazineover the last two years, you will find them archived on our website www.ifpmag.com

We are already preparing for our trip to the NFPA World Safety Conference &Exhibition in May, where we are always pleased to welcome readers and advertisers onour booth #1831. You will find more information on our special show edition on page 18.

Kind regards

David Staddon & Mark SetonCo-Publishers


An MDM PUBLICATION

Issue 9 – February 2002

IFP

ON-LI

NE

www.ifpm

ag.co

m High ExpansionFoam Systems

For AircraftHangars


For AircraftHangars


Hospi ta l F ire Protect ion

Combust ib le Storage

Alarm Insta l lat ion

Sprink ler CAD

February 2002 Issue 9

See pages 19-22

See pages 61-63

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:12 pm Page 1

Enquiries: fax +44(0) 1306 711107

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:12 pm Page 2

One of those environments thatare ripe for bacteria is the stan-dard sprinkler system. Why?

Because, typically, the water is not re-circulated and/or treated in sprinklersystems. And, once certain types ofbacteria enter your sprinkler system,they can influence the development ofinternal corrosion within the piping.This particular form of corrosion, calledMIC (microbiologically influenced cor-rosion) can occur concurrently withother corrosion mechanisms inside thepiping and result in, or accelerate, theformation of scale, tubercles and otherdeposits that may partially or fullyblock your fire protection system and

obstruct sprinkler heads. It also cancause pitting of the pipe walls, creatingpinholes in the walls and allowing leaksto form.

WHAT IS CORROSION?Corrosion is a natural phenomenonthat gradually destroys metal by achemical or electrochemical reactionwith its environment. The environmentinside the pipe normally contains water,which is conductive. When the watercomes in contact with the metal pipe,

It promotes electrochemical reactionsbetween itself and the metal. In steelpipe, these reactions result in the cre-ation of iron oxide or rust.

Corrosion may be relatively uniformover the entire surface or pits mayform, sometimes with irregular depositsof corrosion products — tubercles —that may block the flow of water.

In most cases, corrosion inside asprinkler system is not a major sourceof property damage and, once detectedand diagnosed, can be controlled usingrelatively simple techniques. However,advanced stages of corrosion can affectseveral sections of piping, create unac-ceptable levels of water-damage expo-sure to equipment and contents or,worse, prevent your sprinkler systemfrom performing when you need itmost — during a fire!

IS IT MIC? MIC is defined as localized corrosioninfluenced by the activity of differenttypes of aerobic and anaerobic bacteriaand other microbes. MIC-causing bac-teria can be found in ground and sur-face waters. They also are found insoils, dust particles, cutting oils and


3

Pic: Copyright © 2002 Factory Mutual Insurance Company. Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved

Don’t LetYour Piping

SystemsSpring a

Leak!

Don’t LetYour Piping

SystemsSpring a

Leak!By FM Global

BACTERIA are simple organisms that rely on nutrientsfound in their surroundings for their life-sustainingsources of energy. In the right environment, thesebacteria can establish themselves on pipe walls orother surfaces where nutrients for their survival areabundant.

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:13 pm Page 3

other substances that can be present inthe piping system prior to installation,or that can be carried into the pipingsystem by the local water supply.

Although a widely recognized phe-nomenon in the oil, nuclear, chemicaland sewage industries, MIC’s associa-tion with fire protection piping is rela-tively new. In 1995, some facilitiesinsured by commercial and industrialproperty insurer FM Global in thePhoenix, Ariz., USA, area, were diag-nosed with corrosion and leakage dueto MIC. As a result, FM Global beganlooking more closely and systematicallyat MIC as a contributing factor in casesinvolving corrosion of sprinkler systems.

In 1997, FM Global scientists andengineers formed a special task groupto further study what was knownabout MIC and its impact on fire pro-tection systems. The task group alsoreviewed some possible mitigation

strategies. This work resulted in thedevelopment of a new FM GlobalProperty Loss Prevention Data Sheetaddressing internal corrosion of sprinklersystems.

The work of the task group revealedMIC to be a relatively common con-tributing factor to corrosion in sprinklersystems and, as such, the contributionof MIC should be considered in thecontext of the overall assessment of asystem. The work also revealed thatMIC can occur in domestic water sys-tems and that MIC is not confined toany particular geographical area.

It also found that MIC can havedamaging effects on both wet- anddry-pipe sprinkler systems. Theseeffects range from the development ofpinhole leaks to the growth of nodulesthat can partially or totally block thewaterway. MIC produces biofilm — gen-erally seen as a black slime — which, incertain cases, can be flushed out. Nod-ules, on the other hand, are hard, welladhered and will not flush out.

While more needs to be studiedabout this and other types of corrosionin sprinkler systems, as well as theeffectiveness of possible mitigationactivities, it appears that some simplefactors may play a key role in whysome systems may be more prone tocorrosion problems than others. Someof these factors may include the qualityof water, the cleanliness of pipes priorto installation, and the presence of airpockets in wet systems (or water pocketsin dry systems).

FM Global has been concerned aboutthe presence of corrosion in sprinklersystems for several reasons. Corrosioncan affect how a sprinkler system per-forms during a fire. Then, there’s thepotential exposure to losses resultingfrom sprinkler leakage through pinholeleaks within the piping. This is especiallyprevalent in water-sensitive areas suchas clean rooms, pharmaceutical andfood-processing plants, warehouses,and electronics and satellite productionfacilities. Finally, there’s the nuisanceand exposure created by constantimpairments of sprinkler systems thatcan result from repeated pinhole leaks.

BE ALERTYou should check for signs of corrosionin your piping system, particularly in

your sprinkler system. Telltale signsinclude pinhole leaks, reduced-flowcapacity, nodules, slime deposits and/oreven a sulfur-like smell. If leaks areoccurring, this may be an indication ofadvanced corrosion within the systemand of the need for an inspection toensure pipes are not obstructed byscale, tubercles or slime. If leaks repre-sent an exposure or nuisance to aninsured’s operation, there are ways youcan try to stay ahead of leaks, such ashaving the piping system inspectedusing nondestructive means, (for ex-ample, ultrasonic testing). Also, estab-lish a work plan to minimize shutdownsto reduce the introduction of freshwater, and properly pitch and draindry-pipe sprinkler systems.

TAKE CORRECTIVE ACTIONIf necessary, replace sections of pipethat contain obstructions. Keep inmind, though, that new piping willcontinue to corrode if the corrosionproblems are not addressed. Currently,cleaning the piping system or treatingthe water is not recommended; how-ever, if you wish to consider theseoptions, there are guidelines in FMGlobal Data Sheet 2-1, Prevention andControl of Internal Corrosion in Auto-matic Sprinkler Systems.

To order the data sheet, contact FMGlobal in the United States at (781)255-6681.


44

HOW CAN YOU TELL IFYOU HAVE SIMPLECORROSION OR MIC?

Here’s how you can tell thedifference:

� MIC is localized anddamages pipes throughprogressive pitting.General corrosion tends tobe uniform.

� MIC will affect almost alltypes of metal, includinggalvanized steel andcopper. General corrosionis normally associatedwith black steel pipe.

� MIC creates nodules andslime. General corrosiondevelops scale within thepipes.

With more than 167 years of ex-perience, FM Global specializes incommercial and industrial propertyinsurance and loss prevention engi-neering. Many Fortune 1000, DowJones-listed and leading internationalcorporations rely on FM Global tobetter understand the nature and causesof fire, natural hazards and otherrisks. FM Global provides them withsound loss prevention solutions thatsafeguard their properties from loss,provides cost-effective insurance andrisk financing solutions, and offers re-commendations to minimize businessdisruption and the financial impact of a loss.

Don’t LetYour PipingSystemsSpring aLeak!

Don’t LetYour PipingSystemsSpring aLeak!

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:13 pm Page 4

Fast and Effective GaseousTotal Flood Fire Protection

Whether replacing existing Halonsystems or providing new installations,Fike have the right competitive solution.

Protection Systems

®

Patent protected and listed in ISO 14520 & NFPA 2001

Tel: +44 8700 777 540 email: [email protected] web: www.fike.com

DuPont andFike Partnership

provides FE-227 (HFC-227ea)

Data centres, Secure server facilities,Clean rooms, Telecommunications.

Whether replacing existing Halonsystems or providing new installations,Fike have the right competitive solution.

DuPont andFike Partnership

provides FE-227 (HFC-227ea)TM

Enquiries: www.fike.com

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:13 pm Page 5


P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:13 pm Page 6

At first overhead foam water sprinkler system were used, but

as aircraft grew in size, theshadow area of the planes became afactor in preventing floor coverage ofthe foam from the overhead nozzles.Typically aircraft fuel is contained inthe wings and fuselage of the aircraftand any fuel leak will be directly underthe aircraft. Also the fuel is a containedin large rubber type bladder supportedby aluminum structure. Therefore it isof the utmost importance that this areabe covered with foam very quicklybefore there is catastrophic failure ofthe fuel tanks and all the fuel is spilledonto the floor. Also many operationalaircraft use on-board fuel as a heat

sink/dissipater. Many hangar mainte-nance activities, including avionics andhydraulic operations, will cause heatingof the fuel on these aircraft thusincreasing the volatility of the fuel.

This facilitated the development ofusing automatic oscillating nozzles forunder wing protection. The systemswere set off by optical fire detectorsand would discharge their stream upunder the wings and fuselage of theaircraft thus achieving floor coverageunder the aircraft very quickly. For themost part these systems used AFFFfoam with its fast spreading ability. The foam was typically applied at 0.10 GPM/Sq.Ft. of area for a totaldischarge duration of 10 min. The

overhead system was either a watersprinkler system or a foam/watersprinkler system depending on the sizeof the hangar and the requirements ofthe authority have jurisdiction.

This type system achieved very quickcontrol and extinguishment of theunder wing fire area. But the majorproblem was the systems were suscept-ible to false trips. The planes being ser-viced many times had their doors open,allowing AFFF to be discharged into theplane itself! As the world became moreenvironmentally conscious and as EPAstandards were implemented it becamedifficult to deal with a AFFF foam dis-charge. In many cases a foam/waterretention system had to be incorporatedinto the facility design. Authoritiesbegan looking for an alternative typeof fire extinguishing agent for underwing fire protection in aircraft hangars.

One such agent was High Expansionfoam. High Expansion foam is a foammade up of a mass of uniform bubbles.The bubbles are made with a foam


7

Pic: Fire Suppression Systems Association(FSSA)

HIGHEXPANSIONFOAM SYSTEMSFOR AIRCRAFTHANGARS

HIGHEXPANSIONFOAM SYSTEMSFOR AIRCRAFTHANGARS

FOR YEARS foam systems have been used in aircraft hangars for pro-tection of aircraft and facilities in the event of a fuel spill fire. Thesesystems have been primarily a combination of overhead water sprinklers,overhead foam water sprinklers and under wing oscillating monitorsystems. The exact total system required for a given hangar has been andis now determined in NFPA 409 and is based on the hangar door heightand the fire area.

By Jim ClarkChemguard Inc.

Mansfield, Tx. 76063(800) 222-3710/[email protected]

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:13 pm Page 7

solution consisting of water and highexpansion foam concentrate liquid.This concentrate is mixed with thewater at a ratio of 2% to 3%, meaningthat each 100 gal. Of high expansionfoam solution will contain just 2 to 3gallons of high expansion concentrate.This solution is then expanded througha high expansion nozzle or generator atexpansion ratios anywhere from 100:1to 1000:1, the average being approx.500:1. This means that for every gal. ofsolution you will be getting 500 gal. ofexpanded foam. Therefore, in 50,000 gal.of expanded foam, we have 2 gal. ofhigh expansion concentrate. Or, inother words the finished product con-tains 4 thousandths of 1 percent(0.00004) foam concentrate! This was afar better agent than the AFFF consid-ering the environmental problems.

High expansion foam is a volumetrictype of agent rather than a surfacetype of agent such as AFFF or any typeof low expansion foam. High expansionfoam fills volumes rather than just cov-ering a surface. When it comes intocontact with burning material, thewater in the foam solution turns intosteam. The surrounding foam helpscontain the steam, and because theoxygen percentage in the expandedsteam/air mixture is reduced, it resultsin a smothering effect. The conversionof water to steam also cools throughabsorbing heat and lowering the tem-perature of the material.

This foam could be applied in a thickblanket to cover the floor area of thehangar without being so high as to beable to enter aircraft doors. Even in theevent that some agent did get into the

aircraft, tests conducted by the Massa-chusetts Institute of Technology con-clude that high expansion foam can beused in electronic equipment with littleor no damage to the equipment fromthe foam. If the foam is allowed to dis-sipate, a very minute residue will befound which can easily be swept orvacuumed up. High expansion foam isvery light and bulky resulting in a foamthat does not travel very fast, andobstacles in the hazard area can be adeterment to the foam travel. Foamspread over a liquid surface proceeds ata rate, which approaches 3 feet per sec-ond. The rate decreases as the circum-ference of the spreading mass increases.Over dry surfaces spread starts out at arate of 2 feet per second but slowsdown fairly rapidly. This is due to theloss of wave effect of the impactingfoam and the increase circumference ofthe foam mass but also to surface drag.Tests have shown that at a dischargerate of 6000 CFM the high expansionfoam will reach a spread diameter of100 feet in less than 4 minutes. There-fore the placement and the number ofhigh expansion generators would becritical in achieving floor coverage in atimely manner. It is necessary that low-level high expansion generators belocated so that foam discharge fallsclose to, but not directly on, aircraftfuselage or wings. Initial discharge offoam must protect the under wing andunder aircraft area and then spread tothe remaining hangar floor area. Low-level high expansion generators may bedesigned to use either outside or insideair, but it is preferred that they useoutside air when possible. It was deter-mined that a coverage time of a foamblanket three feet thick of one minutewould provide adequate protection.Aircraft hangars present several factorsthat are critical to the performance of ahigh expansion foam system. One suchfactor is that it is very important thatevery effort be made to insure thehangar doors are always in a closedposition when fueled aircraft are in thehangar.

Aircraft high expansion foam systemsshould be designed in accordance withNFPA 11A. This standard gives the for-mula for calculating the minimum rateof discharge or total generator capacityas follows:


88

Pic: courtesy of Chemguard Inc.

High expansion foam fills volumes ratherthan just covering a surface. When itcomes into contact with burningmaterial, the water in the foam solutionturns into steam. The surrounding foamhelps contain the steam, and because theoxygen percentage in the expandedsteam/air mixture is reduced, it results ina smothering effect.

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:14 pm Page 8


9

Pic: courtesy of Chemguard Inc.

R = ([V/T] + Rs) Cn x Cl

Where:R = Rate of discharge in

Cu.M/min (cu.ft./min)V = Submergence volume in Cu.M

(cu.ft.) determined by thefollowing formula: V = A x D

Where:A = Area of the aircraft

servicing floor and adjacentfloor areas not cut off fromthe service floor Cu.M(sq.ft.)

D = depth = 1 meter (3.28 feet)T = Submergence time in

minutes = 1Rs = Rate of foam breakdown by

sprinklers in cu.ft./mindetermined by the followingformula: Rs = S x Q

Where:S = Foam breakdown from

sprinkler discharge =0.0748 Cu.M per minute xL/min. (10 cu.ft./min xgpm) with the exception ofChemguard generatorswhich U.L. allows a factorof 6.4 cu.ft./GPMbreakdown due toChemguards more stablefoam.

Q = Estimated total dischargefrom maximum number ofsprinklers expected tooperate in L/min.

Cn = Compensation for normalfoam shrinkage = 1.15 Thisis an empirical factor basedon average reduction infoam quantity from solutiondrainage, fire exposure,wetting of surfaces, andabsorbency of stock.

Cl = Compensation for loss offoam due to leakage arounddoors and windows andthrough unclosed openingsdetermined by the designengineer after properevaluation of the structure.This factor can be as low as1.10 to as high as 3.0 (thefactor required by the U.S.Air Force)

Enquiries: www.halotron-inc.com

Distributed By:

Amerex Corporation Badger Fire ProtectionTrussville, Alabama, USA Charlottesville, Virginia, USA205-655-3271 • Fax 205-655-3279 800-446-3857 • Fax 434-973-1589Web Site: http://www.amerex-fire.com Web Site: http://www.badgerfire.com

Buckeye Fire Equipment Co. Kidde SafetyKings Mountain, North Carolina, USA Mebane, North Carolina, USA704-739-7415 • Fax 704-739-7418 800-654-9677 • Fax 800-547-2111Web Site: http://www.buckeyef.com Web Site: http://www.kidde.com

65 lb. (29.5 kg) and 150 lb. (68 kg)UL Listed Wheeled Units

are also available

American Pacific Corporation, Halotron DivisionLAS VEGAS, NEVADA /CEDAR CITY, UTAH, USA

702-735-2200 • FAX 702-735-4876WEB: halotron-inc.com • E-MAIL: [email protected]

• U.S. FAAApproved for AirportFire Fighting (Cert Alert 95-03).

• Installed in 200-500 Lb. Systems at more than 43 U.S. International Airports.

• Complete Line of High Performance UL Listed A, B, C ratedportables from four U.S. Manufacturers.

• Available in High Performance UL Listed Wheeled Units 65Lbs. (29.5 kg) - 150 Lbs. (68 kg).

• Available from Distributors outside the U.S. including:Matafuegos Donny (Argentina); PT Chubb Lips (Indonesia);Palmer Asia (Philippines); Lingjack (Singapore) and KoreanPacific Corporation (Korea).

BUCKEYE150 lb. HALOTRON I™

BUCKEYE65 lb. HALOTRON I™

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:14 pm Page 9

The use of these factors will result inthe total generator output required tocover the hangar, then a decision shouldbe made taking the factors mentionedbefore concerning the placement ofgenerators in achieving the stated goalsof coverage. When all this is taken intoconsideration the number of generatorscan be determined.

The high expansion foam propor-tioning system can be either a balancedpressure pump type system or a bladdertank type system. In either case therehas to be enough high expansion foamconcentrate stored in the tank forcontinuous operation of the system atthe required discharge rate for a periodof at least 12 min. A connected reserveconcentrate tank does not have to be provided. The foam proportioningsystem including the concentratestorage tank should be located in adedicated fire protection equipmentroom isolated from the aircraft servic-ing area by construction rated for atleast one hour.

These systems still use a detectionsystem using optical fire detectors withmanual pull stations located throughout the hangar.

High expansion foam is a very versa-tile agent, which is biodegradable,low in toxicity, and can be treated insewage plants and U.L. listed. As in allmodern fire protection systems it isimportant to be sure the equipmentand foam liquids are U.L. listed.


1010

These systems stilluse a detectionsystem usingoptical firedetectors withmanual pullstations locatedthrough out thehangar.

In case of firebetter safe than sorry!

We offer to the fire professional the completerange of high performance foaming agents,e.g.

MOUSSOL-APSAlcohol resistant universal AFFF foam liquids

STHAMEX-AFFFAqueous film forming foam liquids

STHAMEXSynthetic foam liquids

STHAMEX-class-AFoam liquids for class A and B

FLUOR-FOAMOUSSEFluoroprotein foam liquids

FOAMOUSSE-FFFPFilm forming fluoroprotein foam liquids

FOAMOUSSEProtein foam liquids

Ask for more information!

fights

Dr.STHAMER HAMBURGLiebigstrasse 5 · D-22113 Hamburg · GermanyTelefon +49 40 73 61 68-0 · Telefax +49 40 73 61 68-60

E-Mail: [email protected] · http://sthamer.com

Enquiries: www.sthamer.com

Pic: Fire Suppression Systems Association (FSSA)

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:14 pm Page 10

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:14 pm Page 11

FSSA Celebrates 20 YearsThe Fire Suppression Systems Associa-tion celebrated its 20th anniversary inFebruary at its annual meeting inMarco Island, Fla. The association wasfounded in 1982 with three principalgoals:

� Provide a voice for manufacturersand installers of special hazardssystems in the fire protection arena.

� Gain acceptance of special hazardssystems as a viable form of fireprotection.

� Educate fire protection decisionmakers about the benefits of specialhazards systems.

“We have a lot to celebrate,” saidFSSA President Paul Harris. “By joiningforces, our members now have the voicethat was missing in 1982. Our productsare now widely recognized as a viableform of fire protection and the fact thatsomeone is reading this article is tributeto our communications program.”

To provide its members a voice, FSSAmaintains representation on 27 NationalFire Protection Association technicalcommittees responsible for writing thestandards applicable to FSSA members’products. FSSA also has a voice in ISOstandards and other regulating processes.

To gain acceptance and educatedecision makers about member prod-ucts, FSSA created its SHAPE program.Short for Special Hazards Awareness,Promotion and Education, SHAPE isFSSA’s effort to educate those whomake and influence the fire protectiondecision about the features and bene-fits of special hazards systems. As partof this program, FSSA representativesmake regular presentations of industryand end-user meetings and deliverinformation to the media as well.

To move forward, FSSA leadersundertook a strategic planning sessionat the Florida meeting. A report of thatmeeting and the resulting FSSA pro-grams will be announced shortly.

Clean Agent Training VideosFSSA is now selling a four-tape videotraining series on clean agent sup-pression systems. The tapes, producedby Protection Knowledge Concepts,Inc., are designed for anyone whodesigns, specifies, inspects, buys,approves or maintains clean agentsystems.

Unit one covers the basics of specialhazards fire suppression. It includesinformation on general building versus

special hazards fire protection andanswers some basic questions aboutclean agent systems. What are they?Why are they used? Where are theyused?

The second tape addresses standardsand regulations. It covers Halon issues,NFPA standards for clean agents, theEPA SNAP list, NOAEL and LOAEL andalternative clean agents.

The third tape covers alternativeagents to Halon 1301. It addresses car-bon dioxide, INERGEN, FM-200 andFE-13 systems.

The fourth tape covers maintenanceand training issues. It addresses firedetection and alarm systems, basicmaintenance of clean agent systemsand personnel training.

This series is a must for anyoneinvolved with clean agent systems.

Web Site EnhancementsFSSA continues to update its web sitewith useful information on specialhazards fire suppression systems.Visitors to www.fssa.net should reviewthe technical library as well as theindustry forum. The library housesseveral helpful documents and theforum allows for questions to beposted and answered by industryexperts.


1212

FSSA news Pipe Design HandbookFSSA’s Technical Committee haspublished the group’s Pipe DesignHandbook for Use with Special Haz-ards Fire Suppression Systems. Thehandbook features new designguidelines for use with all types ofengineered special hazards systemswhere the Power Piping Code isspecified.

“This is the most comprehensivepiping handbook in the industry for use with special hazards firesuppression systems,” says FSSATechnical Director Charles Willms,P.E. “It provides guidance for con-ditions not specified in NFPAstandards.”

The handbook is currently avail-able at www.fssa.net. The cost is$75 for FSSA members and $175 fornon-members.

SHAPE is FSSA’seffort to educatethose who makeand influencethe fireprotectiondecision aboutthe features andbenefits ofspecial hazardssystems. This series is a

must for anyoneinvolved withclean agentsystems.

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:14 pm Page 12

Enquiries: www.chemetron.com

Fire Systems

Fire SystemsTM

Chemetron Fire Systems is the

world's single source solution for

start-to-finish special hazard protection

technology, control, and support. Integrating

hardware, agent and technical expertise results in

a more targeted and effective fire suppression for a wide

range of global applications.

Chemetron offers over sixty years of commitment to fire safety with

proven advantages that better serve your ever-changing business environment

specifications with:

• A broad range of high performance systems.

• A single source for fire hazard evaluation, custom engineering and design,

hardware, proprietary application software, and agents for multi-hazard protection.

• Worldwide trained distribution network to ensure safe system installation,

service, monitoring and upgrading.

Chemetron Integrated Fire Suppression Systemsis the extra measure of safety for your business.

© 2001

4801 Southwick Drive, 3rd FloorMatteson, IL 60443-2254

Phone: 708-748-1503Fax: 708-748-2847

Web: chemetron.comE-mail: [email protected]

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:14 pm Page 13


1414


PROMASEAL® Unicollar® is a new and unique method ofprotecting plastic pipes from fire.

Unlike other pipe collars PROMASEAL® Unicollar® issupplied in a strip form, which is simply cut to length andfixed using the kit provided.

Its ‘one size fits all’ patented concept of continuous striptechnology, ensures convenience and overcomes lastminute stock and supply problems for contractors.

Installation is quick, easy and ensures an effective firebarrier for plastic pipe penetration.

Tel: 01763 262310 Fax: 01763 262342

E-mail: [email protected] www.promat.co.uk

Quality Fire Resistance Testing

Newton Moor Industr ial Estate, Hyde, Cheshire SK14 4LF,

United Kingdom.

Tel: 0161 368 8419 Fax: 0161 368 3813

Fire resistance test equipment for indicative testing and certification of horizontal and vertical specimens, including columns, beams & ducts. Reaction to fire testing – SBI Rig and full range of accessories.Suppliers to national certification laboratories worldwide.

M e t a l l u r g i c a l H e a t Tr e a t m e n t Fu r n a c e s � K i l n s f o r A d v a n c e d C e r a m i c s N o n - F e r r o u s M e l t i n g Fu r n a c e s � C r e m a t o r s a n d I n c i n e r a t o r s


UKDistributorRequired


P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:15 pm Page 14

The most effective way would be tochoose an approved product. Approvalis independent third party confirmationthat products, systems, services andpersonnel meet and continue to meetthe standard or specification.

A test is basically a snapshot showingthat the product passed the test on aparticular day. A test may also only bead-hoc or indicative where a publishedstandard does not exist for the particu-lar product type. Third party approvalobviously comprises testing, but rigor-ous factory process audits are alsoundertaken on a rolling programmeand this provides an audit trail whichensures that the product on sale in the

market place is still to the same specifi-cation as was originally tested.

It is a well known fact that even if youhave chosen a good passive fire protec-tion measure, this product could beseverely compromised by poor installa-tion or application and this factorcould lead to its failure in a fire sce-nario. Unlike a decorative finish or evena smoke detector, which is normallyobviously visible, poor passive fire pro-tection isn’t apparent until there is a fire.

The Loss Prevention CertificationBoard (LPCB) has developed a standardfor the approval of installers entitled LPS1231 Requirements for the Certificationof firms installing or applying passivefire protection products. The specifica-tion for correct installation of the prod-uct is laid down by the manufacturer.LPCB approves this specification and

also monitors the training coursesoffered to the installer. At this point agood relationship develops between themanufacturer of the fire product or sys-tem and the installer.

Manufacturers must train theinstaller in the correct installation ofthe product and also ensure that he hasa good understanding as to the scopeof application for the product.Although the installer has receivedtraining, it doesn’t necessarily meanthat he knows everything about theproduct. He may encounter problemson site where for instance the contrac-tor may propose that the product witha fire resistance of 30 minutes beinstalled in a wall with a higher fireresistance of say 2 hours. This wouldseverely compromise the fire protectionof the wall. This is when the uniquerelationship is crucial as the installerconsults the manufacturer and togetherthey will come up with a quick solutionto the problem.

As stated earlier, LPCB approval com-prises regular auditing of the factoryprocess control. In the case of a


15

PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTIONBy LPCB

Pic: courtesy of LPCB

How do you know you are specifying a goodfire protection product?

Wouldn’t a testedproduct do?

Is specifying a good fireprotection productenough?

A fundamental issue of the fire protection ofbuildings is the correct specification of fire-

resistant products and systems

How is LPCB approvalmaintained?

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:15 pm Page 15

company approved to LPS 1231, LPCBwould be looking mainly at theinstalled product. Factory process con-trol is usually tied in with ISO 9000which is an effective tool in the audittrail, looking at the Quality Manage-ment System of the installer, the com-pany’s structure, its financial stability,its training courses, sales literature,even down to the point of checkinghow complaints are handled. Usedalongside an approval scheme such asLPS 1231, ISO 9000 demonstrates thatthe risks are beings assessed correctly.

Well, we all do! The main contractorwill be happy to use the product andthe installer again and again as the jobwas carried out in a professional man-ner, within the time-scale, without anyrework. The designer or client will behappy with the main contractor as thework was completed against the speci-fication and on time. The fire servicewill be happy that all the regulationshave been adhered to. The insurer willbe happy as he can see that risks havebeen identified and addressed by thespecification of approved products and

installed by an approved company. Thebuilding owner can demonstrate all duecare and diligence. And last but notleast, the building occupier is inherentlysafer!!

Of course approval also benefits theapproved company or they wouldn’tapply for it. Independent third partyapproval demonstrates that the productor service does what it is intended to do.By obtaining an objective assessment bya knowledgeable and well-establishedcertification body such as LPCB, be it ofa product system or service, this in itselfhelps manage risks. Approval helps pro-vide compliance with regulations andlegislation and gives the approved com-pany a marketing edge over those thatdo not have certification and perhapsonly hold a test report.

Specifiers such as consultants, archi-tects, designers and contractors can besure that by specifying approved prod-ucts and installers they are reducing therisk and that they are obtaining thebest fire protection available.

In summary, approval of passive fireprotection products and installers offersthe following benefits:

� Keeps the cowboy out

� Gives confidence to clients, con-tractors, insurers and specifiers

� Helps to ensure that the correctproduct has been specified and correctly installed

� Promotes good practice and partnering

For a complete listing of approved prod-ucts, systems and installers please visitour website at www.redbooklive.com ortelephone 01923 664100.


1616

Pic: courtesy of Bolton Brady Konematic Ltd

LPCB PASSIVE PRODUCT CERTIFICATION SCHEMES

The LPCB operates a large number ofproduct certification schemes withinthe passive fire industry. Currentschemes include:

LPS 1056: Requirements and tests forfire doors, lift landing doors and shutters

LPS 1107: Requirements, tests andmethods of assessment of passive fireprotection systems for structuralsteelwork

LPS 1124: Requirements, tests andmethods of assessment for LPCBcertification of active fire protectionsystems (intumescent) for structuralsteelwork

LPS 1132: Requirements and tests forwall and floor penetration and lineargap seals

LPS 1158: Requirements and tests forfire resistant glazing systems

LPS 1162: Requirements and tests forfire dampers

LPS 1181: Requirements and tests forwall and ceiling lining products andcomposite cladding products

LPS 1182: Requirements and tests forfixed fabric smoke curtains, fixed metalsmoke curtains and powered smokecurtains

LPS 1195: Specification for testing oftemporary buildings for use onconstruction sites

LPS 1197: Requirements for firmsundertaking the maintenance andrepair of doors, shutters, smoke barriers& smoke/fire barriers

LPS 1207: Fire requirements forprotective covering materials

LPS 1208: Fire resistance requirementsfor elements of construction used toprovide compartmentation

LPS 1215: Flammability requirements& tests for scaffold cladding materials

Who benefits fromapproval?

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:15 pm Page 16


17


Firestopping Products

B.S.476

The name you’ve trusted for years

2601 Spenwick Drive • Houston, TX 77055 USA713/263-8001 • fax 713/263-7577

www.rectorseal.com

© 2

002

Rec

torS

eal.

Met

acau

lk is

a r

egis

tere

d tr

adem

ark

of R

ecto

rSea

l.

Tested in accordance with UBC 7-2, German DIN Standards 4102-1, and British Standard B.S. 476.

RectorSeal is a

worldwide leader in

firestop technology. Our

family of Metacaulk

firestopping products is

designed specifically to

fill voids in construction

joints and around

penetrations in fire rated

walls or floors.

For more info, visit

our website or call

Customer Service to

order a free Metacaulk

interactive CD —

713/263-8001.

We have an on-site fire test laboratory which has been designated by UL under their Witness Data Program for fire testing to UL 1479, UL 2079, and UL 263.

Measure the DifferenceOur full line of Fire Stop Products are designed to fit every application —

CaulksMortarsPipe CollarsMastic SpraysFire Door Intumescent StripsElectrical Box InsertsPillowsPutty

••••••••

Enquiries: www.rectorseal.com

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:15 pm Page 17


1818

Brandschutztechnik

bst Multi Cable TransitModular Systemhighest fire rates according to international standards!resistant against shock, pressure and water!

Support Planning Exportbst Brandschutztechnik Döpfl GesmbH, Albert Schweitzergasse 6c, A-1140 ViennaFon +43/1/97097-0, Fax +43/1/97097-18Mail: [email protected], Net www.bst.co.at

Enquiries: www.bst.co.at

Warrington Fire Research isthe UK’s largest independenttesting, consultancy andresearch service aimed atfighting fire and its effects.

Whatever the nature or scale of fire safety or related problems, consultWarrington Fire Research.

FIRAS and CERTIFIREare divisions ofWarrington Fire Research

The Professionals in Fire Safety

Warrington Fire Research Centre Ltd.,

Holmesfield Road, Warrington, UK WA1 2DS.Tel: +44 (0) 1925 655116

Fax: +44 (0) 1925 655419E-mail address: [email protected]

Website address: www.wfrc.co.uk

• Testing

• Consultancy

• Research

• Certification

• Site Inspection


• High Rise Office Protection• Sirens & Sounders• Fire Detection• Warehouse Sprinklers• Clean Agents & Systems• Portable Extinguishers• Preventing Nuisance Alarms

• Protecting Flammable Liquids• Electrical Requirements for Pumps• Call Point Placement• Fire Rated Cladding• Firestop Compounds• External Fire Resistant Glazing• Industrial Gas Detection

For more information please contact David StaddonTel: +44(0) 1460 249199 • Fax: +44(0) 1460 249199

E-mail: [email protected] • Website: www.ifpmag.com

Inside the issue:

DON’T MISS THEOPPORTUNITYTO ADVERTISEIN THE MAY 2002EDITION OFINTERNATIONALFIRE PROTECTION

THE IFPSPECIAL EDITIONFOR THENFPA WORLDSAFETYCONFERENCEAND EXHIBITION

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:16 pm Page 18

Pic: Warrington Fire Research Centre

RADAR Results

IntroductionA key aim of the European Union is theremoval of barriers to trade betweenmember states. Presently a manufactur-er wishing to sell their product intoEurope has to meet the national firetest requirement for every market inwhich he/she wishes to operate. Asrequirements vary from one country tothe next, this constitutes a barrier totrade, which, in the construction sectorthe EU is aiming to overcome throughthe implementation of the ConstructionProducts Directive (CPD).

In support of the CPD some 600European Technical Specifications forconstruction products are being pre-pared. These, in turn, require approxi-mately 1500 supporting standards,which include fire test methods. It isestimated that around 80% of con-struction products have a stated fireperformance and consequently, thedevelopment of European test andclassification methods is a vital aspectof the new European system.

The need to revise AD-BEach Member State is obliged to adapttheir national regulations to allow theuse of new European fire test methodsto satisfy their requirements. For

England and Wales, the relevant docu-ment is Approved Document B (Fire),which is published by the Departmentof Transport, Local Government andthe Regions (DTLR, formally DETR).Under the current arrangements, man-ufacturers are obliged to use the exist-ing British Standards (BS) which meansthat they will have to test their prod-ucts again to the European Standards

(EN) when CE becomes mandatoryacross most of Europe. However, thepublication of a supplement to AD-Bwill allow manufacturers to test thenew ENs now to satisfy the currentrequirements as detailed in AD-B. Thebenefit of this for manufacturers is thatthey only need to test once, providingthat the test is to the appropriate new EN.

To make it possible for the DETR toproduce the supplement, they neededto know if product performancechanged when tested against the ENstandards as opposed to the BS stan-dards. If products performed less well,the consequence may have been that acurrently satisfactory product suddenlybecame unsatisfactory and was out-lawed, with no justification in terms offire safety. For example if a productachieved 30 minutes fire resistanceunder the British Standard and wasacceptable for use in accordance with AD-B, it may have achieved 25minutes under EN test procedures andbecome unacceptable. The product andthe Building Regulation requirementremained the same, but the new teststandard changed an acceptable resultinto an unacceptable result, with nojustification in terms of fire safety inbuildings.


19

RADAR ResultsRADARprojects andthe EuropeanSupplementto AD-B

RADAR is an acronym forResearch on ApprovedDocument And Revision, aresearch project initiatedunder the governmentsPartners in InnovationScheme, with the aim ofproviding the DTLR (formerlyDETR) with information onwhich to base a revision toAD-B. Niall Rowan ofWarrington Fire Researchdiscusses the project and itsimplications formanufacturers of passivefire protection materials.

by Niall T RowanEuropean Co-ordination and Development Manager

by Niall T RowanEuropean Co-ordination and Development Manager

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:16 pm Page 19

Partners in InnovationIn order to give the DETR the informa-tion they required, two research pro-jects were commissioned under thedepartment’s Partners in Innovationscheme. This scheme allows organisa-tions (partners) to apply for govern-ment funding for projects, which areconsidered to be of mutual benefit toboth partners. The DETR will provideup to 50% of the cost of the project,the remainder being raised by the otherpartner(s). The two projects commis-sioned by DETR were run by WFRCwith DETR providing half the funding,individual companies (manufacturers)providing the remainder. RADAR 1 dealtwith fire resistance issues and RADAR 2dealt with reaction to fire issues.

RADAR ObjectivesThere were two primary objectives. Thefirst was to gain information aboutchanges in performance for range ofproducts when tested ‘back to back’against BS and EN standards. That is,identical specimen were tested on con-secutive days to the BS and then ENstandards, with any changes in perfor-mance from one to the other beingnoted. The second objective was to col-late and analyze the data for thepreparation of a report for DETR, whichwould make recommendations regard-ing the performance requirements to bespecified in the supplement to AD-B.

For fire resistance, as the test methodwas fundamentally unchanged for mostproducts, only the time periods needed

to be changed to reflect the differentlevels of performance (i.e. raised or low-ered according to the results obtained).However, in the area of reaction to firethere were new test methods, requiring amore in-depth analysis to determine ifany equivalence could be drawn betweenthe UK classes and the European ones.

Who was involved?The projects were managed under acommittee structure, chaired by War-rington Fire Research Centre (WFRC) asthe lead partner. Other membersincluded the DETR, the Scottish Execu-tive and representatives of the industrypartners participating in the project.Various groups had the task of select-

ing samples, managing the project fortheir sector and making recommenda-tions regarding the performance ofproducts within their industry sector.

Product selectionRADAR 1 had six product sectors:doors, walls, glass, ceilings/floors,dampers, and steel.RADAR 2 had seven product sectors:wood, mineral wool, paints, wall cover-ings, board and sheet material, plasticsheet, and cellular plastics. When selectingproducts for each sector, the followingfactors were taken into consideration:� Aim to cover the complete range of

materials and constructions as far aspossible

� Aim to cover the full range of fireresistance periods and reaction tofire classes as far as possible

� Use ‘real’ products that were cur-rently available and acceptable (notdevelopment/new products)

� Product selection should favour thosethat were considered most likely tobe affected by new test methods

‘Back to back’ testingEarly in the project it was agreed thatto make a true comparison between theBS and EN methods, products would beneeded to be tested to both test methodsrather than relying on historic (existing)test data for the BS tests. By ‘proving’the existing performance under the BS,any change in performance could only


2020



P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:16 pm Page 20

HIGH-PERFORMANCE FOAMSHIGH-PERFORMANCE FOAMS

Buckeye Fire Equipment manufactures and markets a complete line of high-performance foams for every fire-fighting application. They are UL listed and FM approved; nontoxic and biodegradable.

Buckeye foams are inventoried in seven key locations across the UnitedStates to minimize cost and response time. Our Emergency ResponseProgram is designed to provide quickly the products and service you need to deal with high-demand situations.

Buckeye Fire Equipment also manufactures a complete line of nozzles,proportioners, and eductors; engineered foam systems; and fire extinguishers in wheeled and portable types.

For detailed information, call us toll free:

110 KINGS ROAD, KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC 28086

704-739-7415

EQUIPMENT

FIRE

110 KINGS ROAD, KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC 28086

704-739-7415

EQUIPMENT

FIRE

Buckeye Fire Equipment Co. • 110 Kings Road • Kings Mountain, NC 28086-0428Tel 800-438-1028 • Fax 704-739-7418

e-mail: [email protected] • www.buckeyef.com

Proven superior by independent tests.

ISO 9001 certified

Independent tests demonstrateBuckeye AR-AFFF foams offer superiorfire-fighting properties. Call us for a copy of these revealing results.

• Class A• AFFF• AR-AFFF• High expansion• Foam eductors• Foam nozzles

(low and medium expansion)

800-438-1028Enquiries: [email protected]

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:16 pm Page 21

be attributed to the EN test method.This approach was vindicated duringthe project as several materials andconstructions failed to achieve their‘historic’ class under the BS test whileachieving a similar or slightly lowerperformance under the EN. If no BStests had been carried out, the per-ceived large degradation of perfor-mance would have been erroneouslyattributed to the EN method alone.

ResultsTo include a detailed discussion on theresults of the individual tests is beyondthe scope of this article. In RADAR 1,22 products were tested and in RADAR2, 64 products were tested with bothprojects also using significant amountsof additional data from other sources.Full reports of both projects can bedownloaded free of charge from theWFRC Website at: www.wfrc.co.uk.However, some important trends can beincluded here.

ConclusionsGiven the different natures of the prod-ucts and test methods consideredunder each project, no single conclu-sion could be drawn across the board.For RADAR 1 the conclusions weremainly concerning time periods, whilefor RADAR 2 the conclusions addressedthe equivalence of UK classes withEuropean classes determined by funda-mentally different tests. A summary ofthe conclusions reached for each pro-ject is given below.

The European Supplement to AD-BAs a result of the RADAR projects theDETR has produced a draft EuropeanSupplement to the current AD-B, whichincludes the ability to satisfy its pro-visions by using the new Europeantests. The supplement, incorporating allof the recommendations and conclusionthat resulted form the RADAR projects,is out for consultation and is expectedto be published during 2002. For moreinformation with a link direct to theDTLR’s page on the European Supple-ment, visit the WFRC website atwww.wfrc.co.uk.


2222

RADAR 1 RESULTSThe results of the tests indicated thatthe EN tests were more severe (2 –20%) with a typical reduction ofapproximately 10% in fire resistanceperformance time. This meant thatmany products were ‘downgraded’ aclass e.g. a product that achieved 32minutes fire resistance under the BStest would be classified as having 30minutes fire resistance, but if it onlyachieved 28 minutes under the EN itwould be classified as only having a20 minute performance.

RADAR 1 CONCLUSIONS� The EN tests are more severe and

consequently many products woulddrop a class

� In most cases lowering regulatoryrequirements would lead to moremarket distortion i.e. the productwould be significantly more overengineered to the new class thanunder engineered to the existingclass

� Experience shows that loweringclasses leads to downgraded products

� Lessening the impact on the marketwas best served by retainingexisting classifications

� Industry and the regulatorsaccepted this because they couldachieve it at relatively little cost

� It was concluded to retain theexisting fire resistance periods

� There was a need to addressprovisions for unprotectedstructural steel

RADAR 2 CONCLUSIONS� A good transposition could be made

for most products between their UKand European classes

� In most cases DETR could effectivelysubstitute the required current UKclass with the corresponding Euroclass – see table below

� There were some products, whichdid not fit the trend due to the newEN test, or the way in which theproducts had previously behaved inthe BS test

� Further research needed on difficultto test products and mounting andfixing systems

RADAR 2 RESULTSThe results of the tests indicated thatthere was a good correlation of resultsbetween the most regulated classes i.e.UK class 0/1 and Euro class B/Crespectively. Thirty-one productscorresponded between UK class 0 andEuro class B and ten productscorresponded between UK class 1 andEuro class C. There seemed also to be agood correlation between other UKclasses and their European equivalents,although there was less data availableto support this as the majority ofmanufacturers aim for class 1/0. Thelower classes 2-4 are of limited interestthe majority of UK manufacturers.

UK Class Euro class

Non-combustible A1

Limited combustibility A2

0 B

1 C

3 D

4 E

Unclassifiable F


P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:17 pm Page 22

The ultra-modern Synova® fire warning system from Alarmcom reassures your customers and

livens up their sales. Because Alarmcom is one of the leading specialists in integrated system

solut ions for CCTV insta l lat ions, f i re a larms and effect ive int rus ion protect ion. Which, in

combination with the comprehensive service and fast-as-lightning deliveries, saves time, expense

and nerves all around. Alarmcom. For systematic security and fire safety.

Alarmcom AG, Asylstrasse 68, CH-8708 Männedorf, Phone +41 1 922 61 55, Fax +41 1 922 64 80; Subsidiaries in Austria, Australia, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Italy, Malaysia, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

Alarmcom. Effective in detecting fires and lights a fire under your sales.

60 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTIONwww.ifpmag.com

Enquiry Card No. 39

Enquiries: www.alarmcom.com

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:17 pm Page 23

As we have learned from fire testing on new products and by researching fire losses in storage

applications, we now know that theusage of standard 1/2� (15mm) andlarge orifice sprinklers 5/8� (20 mm) willbe limited in the future. They will belimited because larger orifice sprinklerscan provide better protection while alsoproviding cost savings. More waterfrom the initial operating sprinklers andquick response time are the keys togood storage protection.

NFPA 13 requires that forstorage applications, with dens-ities exceeding .34 gpm/ft2

(13.9 mm/min), sprinklers withnominal K factors of 11.2 (160)or larger that are listed for stor-age application shall be used.There are also special applicationlistings for these larger orificesprinklers that permit reduceddesign areas for storage of car-toned class IV commodities andcontaining group A and B plas-tics with heights to 20 feet (6.1 m) high and buildingheights to 27 feet (8.2 m).

Reliable’s G-XLO, K=11.2 (160)and G-VELO, K=14.0 (200) areapproved with these specialapplication listings that allow the

design area to be reduced from 4000square feet (372m2) to 2000 squarefeet (186 m2). This will cut in half thewater demand for the system. Thelarger K factors will also provide therequired densities at a lower startingpressure. This offers the potential forreduced pipe sizes and the possibleelimination of fire pumps and otherwater supply supplements.

For ESFR protection, the K-14 (200)ESFR can provide good protection for

buildings up to 40 feet (12.2 m)in height and with storage thatdoes not exceed 35 feet (11.0 m)in height. However, the K-14(200) ESFR requires a very highoperating pressure. The K-14(200) ESFR now also requiresone row of in-rack sprinklers for45 feet (13.7 m) high buildingswith rack heights of 35 feet(11.0m) and 40 feet (12.2 m).

Reliable’s new K-22 (320)ESFR provides excellent protec-tion for all building heights upto 45 feet (13.7 m) high and withstorage up to 40 feet (12.2 m)without in-rack sprinklers. Thelarger K factor uses a lowerstarting pressure and can help toreduce pipe sizes and eliminatefire pumps.


2424

P R O D U C T P R O F I L E

RELIABLE STORAGE SPRINKLERS:One SizeDoesn’tFit All

Reliable Fire Sprinkler Limited

Unit A2, Epsom Business Park,

Kiln Lane, Epsom

Surrey, England KT17 1JF

Tel: +44 (0)1372 728899

Fax: +44 (0)1372 724461

e-mail: [email protected]

web: www.reliablesprinkler.com

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:17 pm Page 24

IR FLAME DETECTORRIV-601/F

WATERTIGHTIP 65 ENCLOSURE

For industrial applications indoorsor outdoors where fire can spread out rapidly due to the presence of

highly inflammable materials,and where vast premises need an optical

detector with a great sensitivityand large field of view.

CONTROL LOGICIR FLAME DETECTOR

the fastest and most effective fire alarm devicefor industrial applications

BETTER TO KNOW IT BEFOREEye is faster than nose.

In the event of live fire the IR FLAME DETECTOR

responds immediately

Also forRS485 two-wire serial line

Sparks flyat high speed.

They travel at a hundred kilometresper hour along the ducts of the dustcollection system and reach the silo

in less than three seconds

The CONTROL LOGICSPARK DETECTOR

is faster thanthe sparks themselves.

It detects them with its highlysensitive infrared sensor,

intercepts and extinguishesthem in a flash.

It needs no periodic inspection.

The CONTROL LOGIC system is designed for “total supervision”.

It verifies that sparks have been extinguished, gives prompt warning of

any malfunction and, if needed, cuts off the duct and stops the fan.

CONTROL LOGICSparkdetector

designed fordust collectionsystemsto protectstorage silosfrom the riskof fire.

20137 Milano - Via Ennio, 25 - ItalyTel.: + 39 02 5410 0818 - Fax + 39 02 5410 0764E-mail: [email protected] - Web: www.controllogic.it CONTROL LOGIC s.r.l.

ISO 9001

20137 Milano - Via Ennio, 25 - ItalyTel.: + 39 02 5410 0818 - Fax + 39 02 5410 0764E-mail: [email protected] - Web: www.controllogic.it CONTROL LOGIC s.r.l.

ISO 9001

IR FLAME DETECTORRIV-601/FAEXPLOSIONPROOFENCLOSURE

For industrial applications indoorsor outdoors where is a risk of explosionand where the explosionproof protection is required.One detector can monitor a vast areaand responds immediately to the fire, yet of small size.

Enquiries: www.controllogic.it

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:17 pm Page 25


2626

Now your customers can choose Morley-IAS formulti-protocol fire detection products, and hereare just some of the many installer benefits:

● Complete fire detection solution for everyapplication

● Products supplied from stock by one of theUK’s largest manufacturers

● Modular construction – simpler to handle,easier to install

● System support from experienced engineers

For more information contact:

Morley-IAS Fire Systems, Charles Avenue, Burgess Hill,

West Sussex RH15 9UF, United Kingdom

T: +44 (0)1444 235556 F: +44 (0)1444 254410

E: [email protected] www.morley-ias.co.uk

No way!

Are your customers tied totheir fire detection system?

Enquiries: www.morley-ias.co.uk

Enquiries: www.ffeuk.com

CAN BE MOUNTEDVERTICALLY OR HORIZONTALLY

5 WWe d g wood CCourt, WWe d g wood WWa yS t evenage, HHertfo rdshire, SSG1 44QR

Tel: 444 ((0) 11438 3317216 FFax: 444 ((0) 11438 7722136e-mail : [email protected] wwebsite: wwww. f feuk.co m

APPLICATIONS IINCLUDE

NOWUL LLISTED

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:17 pm Page 26

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATIONAt its simplest, a beam detector con-sists of a light source, typically aninfrared LED, directed towards a photo-electric sensor. The output current ofthe sensor varies in proportion to theintensity of light falling on it. Enclosedin suitable housings with adjustablemountings to allow precise alignment,the light source (or transmitter) andsensor (receiver) are installed on oppo-site walls a short distance below ceilinglevel. Smoke particles present in the airwill obscure the light beam to somedegree, causing a measurable drop incurrent, which can be used to triggeran alarm.

It is important to distinguish this, theobscuration principle of detection,from the way in which optical pointdetectors measure smoke. Although theself-contained point detector comprisesthe same basic elements of light sourceand sensor; here the sensor is config-ured at an angle of up to 90 degrees tothe source, not opposite. This arrange-ment measures not the obscuration oflight by smoke particles but its scatter-ing; more smoke in the measurementchamber means more light is scatteredin the direction of the sensor. For thisreason, the large-scale beam detector issometimes called a linear detector todistinguish it from the point detectorwith its non-linear light path.

COST SAVINGS THROUGH WIDE AREA COVERAGE

Beam detectors are by nature suited tothe protection of wide areas. They canbe used in most buildings containingopen spaces and high ceilings, withtypical applications including hotelatria, shopping malls, churches, ware-houses and sports halls. While specifi-cations vary from one manufacturer toanother, the maximum distance thatcan be covered by a single beam detec-tor (that is, one transmitter and onereceiver) is generally around 100 m. Atthis distance, the area protected can be1500 m2 or more. To cover the samearea with point detectors – assumingthat the ceiling is not so high as tomake their use inappropriate – wouldrequire perhaps fifteen devices.

This will almost certainly mean acost saving in terms of detector hard-ware, as the purchase price of a beamdetector is comparable on average to


27

Beam me up, SAFELY

The features and applications of beam smoke detectors are Examined by Richard Brown of Fire Fighting Enterprises Limited

With products such as Fire FightingEnterprise’s FireRay 2000, electroniccontrols are not housed in the detectormodules but removed to a wall-mounted control unit for greateraccessibility.

IntroductionOptical beam smoke detectors account for a relatively small number of the

commercial grade fire detectors sold across the world. Most fire protection

systems use compact “point” (or “spot”) detectors, and these are well suited to

the enclosed rooms, hallways and staircases, which make up the majority of

commercial premises. However, where fire protection is required for large open

areas, beam detectors have established themselves as a more economical alter-

native. Moreover, in certain circumstances they can actually be more effective

than point devices.

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:18 pm Page 27

that of ten point detectors. However, with cabling needed forjust two devices instead of fifteen, the savings in terms ofinstallation time and cost can be even more significant. Inaddition, the process of commissioning a new detection sys-tem becomes simpler because there are fewer devices to test.

Once installed, beam detectors continue to represent goodvalue because with fewer detectors in a given area, mainte-nance and servicing will be easier and quicker. This is espe-cially true where ceiling level can only be reached with theaid of hydraulic platforms or scaffolding towers; clearly, asthis sort of equipment is disruptive as well as costly, mostcommercial premises will want to keep its use to a minimum.

The wall-mounted position of beam detectors – in contrastwith point detectors, which must be positioned away fromthe walls – can also help to make access easier. In a ware-house, for example, where stored goods and plant at floor

level may make it difficult to position climbing or lifting gearbeneath point detectors, the peripheral location of a beamdetector can usually be reached without difficulty using aladder.

KEEPING A LOW PROFILE

Beam smoke detectors are not the sole preserve of warehousesand other commercial premises where low installation andmaintenance costs make them attractive to specifiers. In his-torical churches, stately homes, castles and similar large-roomed “heritage” buildings, mounting a small number ofdevices on the walls is preferable to laying extensive cablingbehind a fragile, intricately detailed ceiling. Indeed, in casesof particular architectural significance it may be essential.

Of course, a number of manufacturers produce point-typefire detectors, which communicate with control equipmentusing radio signals in order to minimise cabling requirementsin buildings of this sort. However, these may not be suitablefor every project. Not only are they apt to be expensive whencompared with beam detectors; they must also be installed inthe same high numbers as any other point devices, and may


2828

Established two-head technology is now complemented bydetectors, which combine the transmitter and receiver in asingle module, such as FFE’s FireRay Reflective. In some typesof building these products can cut installation costs by halvingthe number of devices requiring cabling.

Enquiries: www.essexind.com

Beam meup, SAFELY

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:18 pm Page 28

as a result be more visually intrusivethan beam detectors. Clearly, as long asthe highest standards of life and prop-erty protection can be maintained,historical buildings should have ondisplay as few modern-looking devicesas possible.

TECHNICAL REFINEMENTS

As with any safety-critical product, it isessential when choosing a detector toensure that it meets the relevant localand international standards. In the caseof beam smoke detectors, minimumperformance levels are stipulated byBritish Standard BS5839 part 5 and itsEuropean counterpart EN54 Part 12.However, a number of additional fea-tures may be needed either to simplifythe work of the installer or to ensureefficient operation for the end-user. Forexample, most manufacturers incorpo-rate a visual signal, usually a flashingLED, to identify clearly the point atwhich transmitter and receiver are per-fectly aligned.

Fine-tuning the alignment is madeeasier if the transmitter produces alarge-diameter beam. After installation,this feature will also help to combatslight misalignment caused by move-ment of the building.

Some manufacturers produce ana-logue versions of their beam detectors.These products feature two-way com-munication with the main controlpanel using industry standard proto-cols, and are ideal for incorporationinto complex fire protection systemsinvolving large numbers of otherdevices.

Detectors, which combine the trans-mitter and receiver in a single module,have recently been introduced. Theseproducts, which can cut installationcosts by halving the number of devicesrequiring cabling, work by directing theinfrared beam to a small reflector fittedto the opposite wall. More suited toenvironments with predominantly non-reflective surfaces rather than thosewith extensive glazing, “all-in-one”reflective detectors are best seen as acomplement to established two-headtechnology rather than a replacement.

CHANGING ENVIRONMENTALCONDITIONS

Beam detectors of all types generallyfeature automatic drift compensation, asignal processing function, whichcounteracts gradual changes in thelight intensity registered by the receiver.The most common cause of a slow fall-off in signal strength is the accumula-tion of dust on the receiver lens over aperiod of time. However, movement ofthe building can also be responsible, asafter a while the receiver may no longerbe aligned with the brightest point ofthe beam. In either case, drift compen-sation is essential if the detector is notto be “fooled” into registering analarm.

A further weapon against unwantedalarms is the ability to distinguishbetween genuine obscuration by smokeand obstruction by opaque objects.Flying insects and birds can causemomentary obstruction, while blockageof the beam may be caused by a tallobstacle such as a scaffolding towerinadvertently placed in the way. Thedetector’s software must be able toable to differentiate the total loss ofsignal caused by these events from apartial reduction caused by smoke. Inthe case of a continuous obstruction, itmust also register a fault condition toalert the user to the problem.


29

In historic buildings with intricate ceilingdecoration, a wall-mounted beamdetector may be preferable to severalceiling-mounted point detectors.

Enquiries: www.knoxbox.com

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:18 pm Page 29

The electronic controls associated with a particulardetector can either be incorporated into the receiver andtransmitter modules themselves or removed to a wall-mounted control unit accessible at ground level. The lattersystem, however, is significantly easier to use. The user cancheck alarm and fault status, and carry out control functionssuch as resetting drift compensation levels, at any time andwithout the intrusion of ladders or lifting gear in the work-place. In addition, simple control functions can be accessedlocally without having to go to the building’s main firecontrol panel. Moreover, the removal of the controlelectronics from the detector heads helps to maintain thecompact size and competitive price of these items, animportant consideration when removal or replacement isneeded.


3030

Beam detectors are ideal for factories and other commercialpremises with large indoor spaces and high ceilings.


Beam meup, SAFELY

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:18 pm Page 30

Anew type of fire alarm sounder,which can guide the occupants of abuilding to the emergency exits, is

set to make life a great deal safer for allof us. This new technology allows thosewith impaired vision, or any occupants ofa smoke-filled building, to make a saferand quicker evacuation in the event of anemergency. Because fatalities in fires areoften caused by inhalation of poisonoussmoke, this will help save lives.

The ‘Localizer’ alarm has beendeveloped by Sound Alert Tech-nology plc, a company that devel-ops innovative products based onresearch by Prof. Deborah With-ington and a team of scientists atLeeds University, and manufac-tured in partnership with KlaxonSignals, leading suppliers ofsound signalling products.

Conventional fire alarmsounders merely alert us to thepresence of danger; it gives noinformation concerning the direc-tion to, or location of, the nearestemergency exits and thereforerelies on people’s ability to findtheir way out using exit signs.Even if such an alarm were to be

placed over an exit door, we would notbe able to find it because a conventionalalarm produces a sound, which our braincannot localise. In other words, it is diffi-cult to distinguish where the sound iscoming from. Voice evacuation systemscan tell us where to go, but the problemis that they cannot show us how to getthere. In order for alarms to be located by the brain, the frequency content ofthe sound has to be as wide as possible

(20-20,000 Hz) and is the reason whyconventional alarms will not work in thissituation.

Localizer directional sound technologyis a broadband, multi-frequency sound(or “white noise”), whose direction can beeasily detected by the brain.

The Localizer sounders fitted in additionto existing bells or sounders allows peopleto move towards the nearest exits and alsooffer intuitive guidance as to whether togo up or down stairs. Used in conjunctionwith modern analogue addressable firedetection systems, which can determine theseat of fire, a preferred evacuation routecan be set by triggering the appropriateLocalizer sounders. In combination withVoice Evacuation systems, it is possible toeducate people on the use of the systemwhen it is needed, even if they did notpossess prior knowledge.

In recent trials filmed for a Channel 5documentary, half of the evacuees in a firsttest using conventional fire alarm soundersfailed to locate the emergency exits in timeand would have died due to smoke inhala-tion or the fire itself. In a second test, thistime utilising Localizer sounders, all escapedsuccessfully in less than half the time.

In addition, Localizer has receivedextensive TV coverage, having been fea-tured in the BBC World Service, BBC’s“Tomorrow’s World” and “999 Lifesavers”as well as achieving widespread press cov-erage, including articles in British broad-sheets, New Scientist and The New YorkTimes. On top of this, Localizer has alreadywon a number of awards: the Fire IndustryCouncil Product Innovation Award in2001, judged by a panel of Fire Industryexperts; three DTi SMART awards in theperiod from 1994 to 1997; the prestigiousPrince of Wales Award for Innovation aswell as a special award for the productwith the greatest commercial potential;and finally, Localizer had been awarded

Millennium product status by theDesign Council (in the form ofemergency vehicle sirens and evac-uation beacons).

The technology is not just lim-ited to buildings, but can also beutilised for marine, railway and air-line applications where a controlledevacuation would be crucial in anemergency. Furthermore, Localizerhas the benefit of internationalapplications that are totally inde-pendent of language constraints.

For further information of thistechnology or for a demonstra-tion, please contact Klaxon on+44 (0) 20 8952 5566 or [email protected].


31

Prof. Deborah Withington and Mike Lunch, ManagingDirector of Sound Alert Technology plc, with a labprototype.

Standalone directional soundermanufactured by Klaxon Signals.

AA SSOOUUNNDDEVACUATION SOLUTION

P R O D U C T P R O F I L E

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:19 pm Page 31


we leave nothing out...

With fire systems you can’t risk skimping on theingredients. The Fulleon menu of OEM products andservices means that you will never have to.

From the world-renowned Roshni and related sounders,to bells, beacons and call points, all arecrafted in Fulleon’s own facilities usingexclusive patented technologies toensure total quality control. Innovation,and flexibility are extra constituentsincluded to guarantee satisfaction.

Dedicated Account Managers are assigned to supporteach customer ensuring you will get your a full servingof expert help, advice and co-operation too.

That’s the Fulleon recipe for success and totalcontentment. Make sure that your orders are not missingthe Fulleon difference and avoid tasteless alternatives.

so you get the full service

Fulleon Limited, Llantarnam Park, Cwmbran NP44 3AW, UK.

T: +44 (0)1633 628500 F: +44 (0)1633 866 346www.fulleon.co.uk

M A K I N G T H E D I F F E R E N C E

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:19 pm Page 32

It is a staggering fact – one that hasbeen widely accepted for nearlythree decades – that only around

one in six people, when confrontedwith a fire will react in an appropriatemanner when an alarm sounder is acti-vated. For most people, the reaction isa peculiar mixture of fascination andfear. Without information that can beevaluated, an individual’s behaviour ina fire may, in practice, be influencedmore by a search for knowledge, than adesire to escape.

The difficulty in identifying themeaning or significance of an alarmsignal is undoubtedly a major con-tributing factor. While BS 5839 Part 1recommends a frequency range for firesignals – continuous for “evacuate”and intermittent for “alert” – thechoice of sound – steady, sweep, two-tone etc – is a matter for the systemuser to select – any sound that is notsimilar to other alarms used within thepremises. In these circumstances it isnot unreasonable that the public hasdifficulty differentiating between a firealarm signal and the plethora of otheralarms that clutter contemporary life.

Regular occupants of a buildingshould be trained to recognise an alarmsignal, and then react appropriately inresponse. The general public visitingthe building are an entirely different

proposition. They have had no trainingto enable them to identify a fire alarmsignal, a situation made worse by thefacts that they may well be used to adifferent signal in their normal place ofwork, and have no idea of the correctevacuation procedure.

This is a glaring, and long-standing

weakness, made worse by the fact thatthere is little prospect of a standardalarm signal being adopted country-wide. So, the only viable option is toseek an alternative; and that is wherevoice-based alarm systems have somuch to offer. Evidence already existsto show that they are effective withabout 70 percent of the population – asignificant and very worthwhileimprovement over conventional alarmsounders.

Indeed, the case for the wider adop-tion of voice techniques is compelling.Unlike sounders, they can do muchmore than inspire the public to the needto evacuate. Many factors have a bear-ing on the behaviour that needs to beinspired in an emergency. These includethe building’s size, its design, even itslocation. For example, larger buildingsmay require phased evacuation to avoidthe choking of escape routes, or occu-pants may need to be instructed to takeactions that are not intuitive, possiblyto exit the building by a less thanimmediately obvious route.

There are also occasions, even withwell-drilled occupants, when the emer-gency is so unexpected that establishedroutines and pre-planned strategieshave to be overridden. In these cases,voice notification provides one of thefew effective solutions. Although“alarm” is the prime purpose for a voicesystem, benign conditions, such as“system test” and “all clear”, can becommunicated without causing stressor disruption, or leading to the alarmbeing misconstrued as “just anothertest” in a real emergency.


33

SPEAKINGOUT

ACCORDING TO BOB

CHOPPEN, Product Manager

at Fulleon, the reason for

fire alarms being so

frequently ignored comes

down to the fact that the

public simply does not

understand what they mean.

He argues that lives could

undoubtedly be saved if

voice options were more

widely adopted in a wide

range of building types and

sizes.

Pic: courtesy of Fulleon Ltd

The argument for voicealarms – by Bob Choppen

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:19 pm Page 33

THE AVAILABLE VOICE OPTIONSThere are a number of options for providing fire detectionsystems with a voice alarm capability and they vary inboth cost and complexity.

Public Address Voice Alarm (PAVA) systems top the list.These are designed and installed to comply with the rec-ommendations of BS 5839 Part 8. “Code of practice forthe design, installation and servicing of voice alarm sys-tems” and are tailored to match the user’s precise needs.Generally, they are based on established public addresstechnology that is enhanced to provide levels monitoringand security appropriate to the fire detection system theyare partnering.

In most instances, PAVA systems are separate to the firedetection equipment, although connected to it via highlysecure monitored interfaces. There are also systems wherethe voice capability has been integrated to some extentwith the fire detection system. These may offer technicaladvantages by avoiding duplication of functions andimproved interfacing, but may lack the ultimate flexibilityand non-fire capabilities of a separate PAVA system.

At the other end of the spectrum is the voice sounder.As its name implies, this equipment utilises alarm soundertechnology to provide an integrated message unit thatcan be used either standalone or in multiples, in much the


3434

Pic: courtesy of Fulleon Ltd

In between PAVA systemsand voice sounders are agrowing number ofinnovative voice productsthat combine technologiesand system configurationsthat blur the differencesbetween fire detection, publicaddress and voice sounders.


P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:19 pm Page 34

same way as conventional alarm sounders. Although theyare far more limited in their capabilities than PAVA sys-tems, lacking any live voice facilities, their cost and sim-plicity means that they are a realistic option in manycircumstances. Clearly, while both PAVA systems and voicesounders provide information using voice messages, eachis suitable for different applications.

Not that these are the only two options. In betweenPAVA systems and voice sounders are a growing numberof innovative voice products that combine technologiesand system configurations that blur the differencesbetween fire detection, public address and voice sounders.All are finding uses in fire and safety applications, buttheir very diversity makes an assessment of suitability dif-ficult and confusing for potential specifiers.

THE SYSTEM MANUFACTURERS’ CHALLENGEThe absence of equipment standards for voice alarmproducts used in a fire context is a challenge for theindustry. BS 5839 Part 8 is a code of practice for “Instal-lation design and commissioning” but, of necessity,includes recommendations for equipment configurationsand monitoring that will ensure the safety and reliabilityneeded for PA based systems. Only brief mention is givento voice sounders in an Appendix of Part 8, so manufac-turers have to take suitable extracts from a number ofother sources, and the most closely related to voicesounders is the Audible Alarm Devices standard, BS EN54-3. The issue with this standard though is that this isintended to cover much more basic design issues thanthose involved in producing speech with decent clarity.

In the absence of any other guidance, it could beargued that all voice products should follow the generaladvice given in BS 5839 Part 8, as the objective is thesame: to warn and inform using speech messages. How-ever, Part 8 is based solely on the technology of PAsystems, the recommendations for which may not bewholly appropriate for other technologies. So, if appliedindiscriminately, this approach could inflict unreasonablecost and technical constraints.


35

Pic: courtesy of Fulleon Ltd Enquiries: [email protected]

VIMPEXShaping Alarm Technology

Vimpex Limited19 The Vanguards, Vanguard Way,Shoeburyness, Essex SS3 9QJ England.Tel: +44 (0) 1702 298 999Fax: +44 (0) 1702 298 996E-mail: [email protected]

4

Fire-Cryer® - Shaping Alarm Technology

www.vimpex.co.uk

Messages

2Wires

1Sounder

Fire-Cryer Range of Multi-Message VoiceEnhanced Sounders - the only that can

broadcast messages on just wires.

®

ONEFOUR TWO

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:19 pm Page 35


3636

APPROPRIATE APPLICATIONS FOR VOICE ALARMS

A compliant PAVA system is the obviouschoice for applications such as shoppingmalls and hotels, airports and othermajor building complexes that attractsubstantial numbers of people who arenot familiar with the surroundings andare therefore likely to be disorientated inan emergency. Such installations usuallyrely on recorded messages as the initialautomatic response, but it is theircapacity to broadcast live voice instruc-tions that gives the flexibility to adaptinformation to often rapidly changingemergency conditions.

Most environments can be tackledwith reasonable acoustic and aestheticsuccess, thanks to the availability of aselection of loudspeaker formats. Thefacility to utilise the installation fornon-emergency uses, such as back-ground music or staff and publicannouncements is a bonus. A PAVAsystem can therefore earn its keep dur-ing non-emergency periods, whichadditionally provides a valuable moni-tor of the operating condition of thesystem, although care is needed toensure that these additional uses donot impede any emergency operation.

The cost of the equipment andinstallation is the biggest deterrent toinstalling PAVA systems. In medium-to-large sites, a comprehensive PAVA sys-tem could put an additional 50 percentto 110 percent on to the cost of thefire detection system. For small premis-es, unless there is a special set of risks,the basic cost of a PAVA system is astrong disincentive to its use.

While the need for a voice alarm insmaller premises is arguably less critical

because of the simplicity and more pre-dictable nature of the evacuation pro-cedures, there remains a need that isnot being met by PAVA options.

For these smaller or less complexapplications – banks, clubs and retailoutlets, for example – that require lessfunctionality, the significantly lower costof voice sounders and voice soundersystems make them a viable alternative.They are also especially appropriate fordefined areas of larger buildings, wherea specific risk is present. A voice soundercould be used to provide toxic spill alertsin a laboratory for example or a warningprior to gas discharge in fixed extin-guishing systems.

Today’s generation of voice soundersdo not support paging or backgroundmusic, but they do offer the twin bene-fits of being cost effective and no morecomplicated to install than convention-al sounders. This enables voicesounders to be an uncomplicatedupgrade from normal sounders, withoutthe considerable installation penaltiesassociated with PAVA systems.

ASSESSING THE AVAILABLE OPTIONSWith the diversity of costs and specifi-cations for voice systems, the difficulttask is ensuring that the system beingconsidered is fit for life safety use, andthe specific circumstances of the appli-cation. In most cases, there is littleoption but to rely on the advice andguidance of the system vendor. Howev-er, without relevant standards on whichto rely, subjective appraisal may be allthat is available.

The main criteria for a voice systemmust be how well it conveys informationto its intended audience. So a vitalquestion that needs to be answered ishow the clarity or intelligibility of thespeech reproduction is to be assessed?BS 5839 Part 8 recommends a minimumtarget intelligibility rating of 0.5STI forthe installed system, but acknowledgesthat there may be considerable cost anddifficulty in performing objective testsand suggests measurements may onlybe appropriate in case of dispute.

The STI figure of 0.5 is based on theability of the listener to hear andunderstand the message at one hear-ing, (the various test methods usingspeech specifically avoid repetition).This is essential with live-voice mes-sages, as they may only be broadcastonce and, even if repeated, could

include differences between repetitions.It should also be remembered that,while the system may be capable ofachieving 0.5 STI under test conditions,the variation in technique betweenmicrophone users could well affect theclarity of messages to a degree that isnot easy to define. In some acousticenvironments, swimming pools being agood example, achieving 0.5 STI simplymay not be possible, regardless of thequality of the system or the compe-tence of the system designer.

Part 8 recommends that any one ofthe methods for intelligibility assess-ment described in BS EN 60268-16may be employed to determine a valueof STI. All of the techniques listed areappropriate where the equipment cancope with live audio inputs, but areunworkable where short, recorded mes-sages are employed, as with voicesounders or the automatic messagestores used in PAVA systems.

There is, consequently, a need todevise a method of testing that can bereliably applied to all systems or parts ofsystems relying on recorded messages.

The suggestion in BS 5839 Part 8,that measurement of intelligibility isonly necessary in case of dispute isacceptable in most cases and subjectiveassessment may be adequate. The diffi-culties arise further down the line. Ifsystem performance changes over timeand the person who accepted the sys-tem is no longer present, what bench-mark can be used for comparison? Alsoif investigation is required after anemergency where injury occurred, whatevidence can be offered as to the effec-tiveness of the voice system? – “itsounded alright to me”.

SPEAKINGOUTThe argument forvoice alarms

PAVA systems will,undoubtedly, remain theaccepted solution for largerpremises, but cost willcontinue to seriously limittheir use in smallerinstallations. Voice soundersare finding increased use in adiverse range of applications,but have, as yet, no designstandards or suitable methodfor speech quality assessment.

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:20 pm Page 36


37

Enquiries: Tel: +44(0) 1420 520520

CCCC

* Designed and manufactured in the UK by Cranford

* Different languages

* Tones match Viper,Vector and Vara sounders

* Messages available to suit most applications

Cranford Controls LtdU n i t A 1 , B l a c k n e s t I n d u s t r i a l E s t a t e B l a c k n e s t ,A l t o n , H a m p s h i r e G U 3 4 4 P X U KTe l : + 4 4 ( 0 ) 1 4 2 0 5 2 0 5 2 0 F a x : + 4 4 ( 0 ) 1 4 2 0 5 2 0 5 2 1 e - m a i l : s a l e s @ c r a n f o rd - l t d . c o m a n d v i s i t o u r we b s i t e a t : w w w. c r a n f o rd - l t d . c o m

The new voice enhanced sounder

Vocalarm is the latest addition to Cranford’s range of sounderproducts. With 28 standard messages, the new VOCALARMgives flexibility and quality at a price that makes thechoice for all customers easy.

Cranford Controls have a policy of continuous product development and design innovation providing quality products including beacons,door-retainers, room sounders as well as the Viper range of sounders.

Aesthetic design - Builtin

quali

ty

VOCALARM

ISO 9002Certificate No. 546


P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:20 pm Page 37

2nd International Water MistConference in AmsterdamAfter the first successful annual confer-ence in April this year in Vienna, Austria,the venue and date for the 2002 sympo-sium have been determined recently. Thisevent to be organized by the IWMA is,hence, the 2nd International Water MistConference. The conference is scheduledfor April 10-12 and will be held in coop-eration with independent institutionswho are members of the IWMA. They aregoing to provide the necessary scientificsupport for the symposium. The Park-hotel in Amsterdam, The Netherlands,was chosen as next year’s location.

Interested parties are asked to browse theassociation’s web page (www.iwma.net),which offers all necessary informationregarding this upcoming symposium. TheIWMA office can also be contacted fordetailed information on registration, accom-modation and more. Please see the contactinformation on the bottom of the page.

The conference will provide a goodopportunity for fire safety experts anduniversity researchers, representatives ofinterested corporations and governmentalauthorities as well as potential end usersto review the current situation, toincrease their knowledge and to discussfuture directions of water mist tech-nology for fire fighting.

Attendees of the 2nd InternationalWater Mist Conference 2002 who wouldlike to present a paper at the symposiummay submit an abstract of the paper nolater than 31 January 2002. In general,the paper should refer to one of the fol-lowing topics: research, new applications,testing, environmental issues or standardsand codes. The conference may be spon-sored by interested organizations. Inter-ested companies should please contact

the IWMA office for detailed informationon sponsorship possibilities.

Annual member meetingThe IWMA annual member meeting willtake place during the conference week inAmsterdam, The Netherlands, in the Park-hotel respectively. The business year 2001and outlook for 2002 and beyond aregoing to be discussed in detail. Particular-ly the necessary election of theIWMA board for the next three-year period will be a major part ofthe meeting. All members of theIWMA will receive a separate invi-tation at least 4 weeks in advance.Interested parties who are plan-ning to become a part o the IWMAin the near future are invited, too.

Database for literature on water mistRecently, a non-exclusive list of literatureon water mist fire suppression technologywas added to the IWMA homepage. Thislist comprises about 200 articles availableon water mist technology that can beordered for a low fee by members as wellas non-members. However, the copyrightfully applies. That implies that articles arelimited to one copy each and for privateuse only. One can simply contact theIWMA office if there is interest in particu-lar publications. However, the availablelist is only a beginning, though. Wewould like to encourage people who areaware of any other references that couldbe added to that list, to inform us aboutthese references so that the list can becompleted gradually.

Educational Seminar was conductedAbout 30 people interested in water misttechnology for fire fighting have beeneducated in a two-day seminar on

October 18 and 19 in Germany. Someexperts and IWMA members haveexplained in a number of presentationsto architects, consultants, representativesof insurance companies and other com-panies being not so familiar with watermist yet, the fundamental theoretical andfunctional characteristics of this technol-ogy. Furthermore, the various possibleapplications as well as the current

situation concerning standardization pro-jects were introduced to the attendees.

Moreover, a few real 1:1 fire tests werefound to be useful in order to illustratethe extinguishing qualities and the modeof operation in reality to the participantsof the seminar.

It is planned to offer similar educationalseminars in other countries also to makethis technology accessible to others as well.


3838

Photo courtesy Swedish National Testingand Research Institute.

Photo courtesy Swedish National Testingand Research Institute.

Park Hotel –Amsterdam

CONTACTInternational Water MistAssociationAttn: Matthias Ecke

Am Langen Berg 3, 39345 Vahldorf,Germany

Phone: +49 (0) 39 202 85 – 200,Fax 250

www.iwma.net, [email protected]

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:20 pm Page 38

Around the world essential business continuity is protected by Hygood clean agent fire

protection systems manufactured by Macron Safety Systems (UK) Ltd.

Is your lifeline in place?

Swing an eye over our credentials for the very best solutions inHalon alternatives - Removal, Replacement, Recycling

Swing an eye over our credentials for the very best solutions inHalon alternatives - Removal, Replacement, Recycling

Take the Plunge

Hygood FM-200® SystemsInternationally accepted andapproved for the protection ofpeople, high value assets and vitalbusiness continuity.

For your peace of mind, catch us now on +44 (0)1483 572222 or visit:www.macron-safety.com

Hygood Argon SystemsHygood Argon provides clean, inertgas protection for live electricalequipment and inflammableliquids.

Hygood Carbon DioxideSystemsLong established, economicalgaseous agent for machine roomsand other unmanned areas.

C r i t i c a l A s s e t P r o t e c t i o n ™

Macron Safety Systems (UK) Ltd. Woodlands Road Guildford Surrey GU1 1RN England Fax: +44 (0)1483 302180

Enquiries: www.macron-safety.com

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:20 pm Page 39

� Carbon Dioxide (CO2)Both high pressure (cylinder stor-age) and low pressure (bulk liquidstorage)

� FM-200®

A gaseous agent for protectingnormally occupied spaces and themost widely used Halon 1301replacement

� Argonite®

An inert gas mixture of nitrogenand argon that is also used in theprotection of normally occupiedspaces

� Water MistA limited water supply is dischargedunder high pressure to produce avery fine water spray; uses signifi-cantly less water than a standardsprinkler system.

� CLASS™ Air Sampling DetectionSystemA laser based smoke detection sys-tem for early warning applications.

AS A SYSTEMS INTEGRATOR,Chemetron designs systems to meetthe special needs of critical operationsthat are especially sensitive to theeffects of fire, its products of combus-tion, or ordinary fire extinguishants(i.e., water and dry chemicals). Fromour headquarters based in the Chica-go metropolitan area, we manage aworldwide operation that includes aninternational distributor network andan internal sales force supported by ahighly qualified and experiencedApplications Engineering and SystemDesign group, as well as our ownResearch and Product Developmentgroup and testing facility. Our FieldService department supports systeminstallation, commissioning, testing,servicing, and system monitoringrequirements.

The applications for Chemetron fireextinguishing systems are wide-ranging.Many include the development of innov-ative protection methods that haveproven to be exceptionally effective inactual fire situations. The more popularapplications for each of these agentsinclude the following:

FM-200This agent is used extensively in the pro-tection of computer and telecommunica-tion facilities, as well as control rooms,various research facilities, etc. FM-200 isa chemical agent that is stored as a lique-fied gas, pressurized by nitrogen, in cylin-ders ranging in size from 4.5 kg (10 lbs)to 450 kg (1,000 lbs). Larger amounts ofgas can be provided by simultaneouslydischarging multiple cylinders. It isapplied as a total flooding agent, whereinthe protected space is “flooded” with alow concentration of agent (usuallyaround 7% by volume). This effectivenessgives it the advantage of requiring lesshardware for storage. FM-200 is used intens of thousands of fire suppression sys-tems, in more than 70 countries aroundthe world. It is truly the most widelyaccepted clean agent in the world.

ArgoniteThis agent is a mixture of 50% nitrogenand 50% argon that is stored at very highpressures (200 bar) in cylinders manifold-ed together to provide the gas required toreduce the oxygen level in the protectedspace to the point at which fire can no


4040

C O M P A N Y

Chemetron Fire SystChemetron Fire Systems™ (and its predecessor company, Cardox®) hasbeen in the special hazards Fire suppression systems business since 1939.Currently we offer systems utilizing:

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:21 pm Page 40

longer burn. It is used in many of thesame applications as FM-200. The advan-tage offered by an Argonite system is thatit uses naturally occurring gases with noozone depletion potential and no directglobal warming risk. Its disadvantages arethe large amount of equipment requiredand the pressure venting needed uponagent discharge.

Water MistThese systems are application specific inthat the system approval testing proce-dures are based on fire testing in actualapplications. Current application approvalsinclude turbine enclosures and machineryspaces. Machinery spaces cover a widerange of industrial operations, includingcompressors, hydraulic pump rooms, paintspray booths, oil purification rooms, com-bustible liquid processing/storage, etc.The system consists of either a water stor-age tank, pressurized by the release ofnitrogen into the tank when a discharge isneeded, or by the operation of a positivedisplacement pump. The design is basedon a mist discharged from speciallydesigned nozzles, with each nozzlecovering a specific segment ofthe protected hazard.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)Carbon dioxide has been auniversally used cleanagent for over 80 years. Itextinguishes fire by oxygendilution, but at levels thatare hazardous to personnel.Hence, in total floodingapplications, it is not used innormally occupied spaces withoutthe implementation of a comprehensivesafety program covering the system andpersonnel. In total flooding systems, anadvantage that CO2 has over other inertgas extinguishants is that it can be lique-fied in storage at normal ambient tem-peratures. As a result, less equipment isrequired, saving storage space andmoney.

More importantly, when CO2 is dis-charged it produces finely divided parti-cles of dry ice that quickly sublime, butnot before they can be projected onto anunenclosed hazard, enveloping it in theCO2 and extinguishing the fire. Whilepartial enclosures help contain the CO2,

they are not necessary forfire extinguishment. Thismethod of extinguishment iscalled local application andits use greatly expands theapplications for CO2 sys-tems. Hazards, such as met-als rolling mills, printingpresses, heat-treating facili-ties, etc., have had greatsuccess in extinguishing fireswith CO2 applied by localapplication. Local applica-tion can be combined withtotal flooding coverage toprotect hazards that aresubject to spillage, leakage,dripping, condensation, etc.,to provide total coverage and protectionof an entire hazard.

CO2 is a very good inerting agent andcan also be used in a combined systemproviding both fire suppression and inert-ing. An example would be an indirectcoal firing system. The coal mill and

associated duct work and cyclone can beprotected by a system offering both firesuppression and inerting, while the dustcollectors have suppression and theenclosed conveyors and the pulverizedfuel bins have inerting with the capabilityto suppress smoldering fires buried in thecoal.

Chemetron offers both high pressure(cylinder storage) and low pressure (bulkliquid storage) systems. We originated theuse of low-pressure type systems withpatents issued in the 1930s. Since that

time, tens of thousands of systems withhundreds of applications have beeninstalled. We have documented about 50of the more popular applications in aseries of Technical Applications Bulletinsthat are available upon request.

Obviously, the availability of varioustypes of systems with all their variedapplications can make the job of deter-

mining what is best for a specific appli-cation very difficult for the

layperson. Our many years offire suppression experienceenable us to assist clients inthe consideration of alllegitimate fire protectionoptions for any specialhazard application and toprovide the most efficientand effective fire protection

system possible.

Air SamplingThe Class Detector (with dynamic

sensitivity range of 0.00075% to 0.3%/ft)is designed for early warning smokedetection applications such as telecom-munication facilities, data processingfacilities, museums, and warehouses.


41

P R O F I L E

stems Matteson, Illinois, USA

CHEMETRON FIRE SYSTEMS andCARDOX are registered trademarks

of Chemetron Fire Systems.FM-200 is a registered trademark of

Great Lakes ChemicalCorporation.

ARGONITE is a registered trademarkof Ginge-Kerr.

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:21 pm Page 41


4242

Enquiries: www.pattersonpumps.com

Industry Leader in Delivery. Pattersonis the leader in prompt delivery of allstandard model fire pumps worldwide!While some manufacturers talk, we ship.

Comprehensive Line of Available FirePumps. Patterson offers five types of

world-class fire pumps—for anything fromsmall commercial establishments, to mid-range

fire service, to large installations with existingwet pits. Choose from Pro-Max split case,

horizontal split case, vertical turbine,vertical-in-line or end suction models—with electrical motors, diesel engines or

steam turbines.

Engineered Systems.Our highly efficient

Pre-Pac®, designed tominimize labor, engineer-

ing and installation time, isavailable completely housedin metal or fiberglass, or asa base mounted unit.

Quality Assurance. ISO 9001 certificationattests to our world-class quality and depend-

ability. We offer one of the industry’slargest and most comprehensive testlaboratories for ensuring that eachPatterson pump will perform its

intended function efficiently,economically and durably. Our

on-going product developmentcontinues to provide betterhydraulics and higher pressures.

Specialized Training. Pattersonreliability is enhanced by coor-dinated training in properoperation and maintenanceof fire pumps at its state-of-the-art training facility. We

consider it essential to providingfull service to our contractor, indus-trial, commercial, and governmental customers.

Personalized Service. Whether asingle O.E.M. part requirement, a

complete rebuild, or simply aquestion, Patterson stands ready

to give personal field and factoryservice, as required, to maintainour reputation for providing the

best service in the industry.

Discover for yourself why Patterson firepumps are the world leaders in reliability, inselection, in delivery and in serviceafter installation. Call, fax or writetoday. Or, reach us on the internet.

I S O 9 0 0 1 C E R T I F I E D

PATTERSON PUMP COMPANYA Subsidiary of The Gorman-Rupp Company

Post Office Box 790 • Toccoa, Georgia 30577 U.S.A.(706) 886-2101 • FAX: (706) 886-0023

www.pattersonpumps.com

460259 © 2002 Patterson Pump Company

World-class Quality • World-winning Commitment • Worldwide Success

PATTERSON PUMP COMPANY/MIDDLE EASTP.O. Box 72083

Helioupolis 16310Athens, Greece

PATTERSON PUMP COMPANY/FAR EASTLanna View - 199/183 Village 9

Sunphee, Muang, Chiang Mai 50300Thailand

PATTERSON PUMP IRELAND LTD.Newbrook

Mullingar, Co. WestmeathIreland

PATTERSON PUMP UK7 Linnet Close Tilehurst

Reading, EnglandRG31 45R UK

P. 1-42 13/10/06 2:21 pm Page 42

The NFPA standard for installation offire pumps (NFPA20) has gainedglobal acceptance as a means of

ensuring reliable water supply to a fireprotection system. This is in part due tothe fact that the standard clearly definesinstallation and design requirements whilerespecting limitations of specific locationsand jurisdictions. This global acceptance isalso due to the fact that the standard pro-vides a means of attaining consensusbetween building owners, insurance under-writers, fire protection authorities,installing contractors, designers, and man-ufacturers in what constitutes adequatefire protection. Probably the most impor-tant part of the consensus building processis the startup. Defined in Chapter 11 ofNFPA20 (1999 Edition), the NFPA startupprocedure emphasizes the responsibility ofthe fire pump manufacturer in ensuringequipment performs to site conditions. Ofphilosophical importance is the fact thatChapter 11 is entitled “Acceptance Testing,Performance, and Maintenance”. The term“Acceptance” implies that the startup isthe final approval of the equipment instal-lation and performance. This article willhighlight some of the critical considera-

tions in the proper installation of anNFPA20 compliant fire pump installation.The intent of the article is to prepare facil-ities owners or managers for the accep-tance test to be performed by themanufacturers’ representatives for dieseldriven fire pump systems.

PRE STARTUPA pre startup is the most important step inthe on site acceptance of a fire pump. Thepre startup of the fire pump should be per-formed once the sprinkler contractor hascompleted the installation of the fire pumpsystem. The purpose of the pre startup isto ensure that the installation is ready forfinal commissioning of the fire pump sys-tem. A representative of the buildingowner or installing contractor can do the

pre-startup; however, it is recommendedthat the pump manufacturer’s representa-tive be contracted to perform these checksto ensure the pre startup is performedsatisfactorily.

The NFPA 20 code states that the firepump manufacturer’s representative mustcontact and arrange for a fire pump con-troller and diesel engine manufacturers’representative to be on site for start uppurposes, if required. The co-ordination ofall parties required at the start up is oftenthe most difficult item to arrange. In somecases, very little notice can be given (therecan be less than one week from finalinstallation to start up date). As such, anincomplete pre startup can be costly sincepump, controller, and diesel engine serviceengineers usually charge for a single site


43

NFPA20Fire PumpsandControllers

MATTHEW ROY, ROB HARRIS &SANDRO PALIOTTINFPA20

Fire PumpsandControllers

FM approved horizontal split-case packaged fire pump system. Factorypackaged systems can eliminate the problems with incorrect wiring, a common

problem with fire pump installations.

It is critical to check the wire sizing and terminations both in the diesel engine instrument panel and the fire pump controller toensure proper operation of the system.

P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:40 pm Page 43

visit in the contract to purchase thefire pump. Additional commissioningcosts can be incurred if the startuprequires a second visit to the job site.

The first step of the pre startupverification is to ensure that the firepump and all the components of thefire protection system are installed inaccordance with NFPA 20, and arefree from damage. Particular atten-tion should be paid to the connec-tions. Flanges should be flush witheach other. Poor connections cancause leaks and indicate pipe strainresulting in damage to fittings orloss of pump alignment.

Of critical importance is the sup-ply piping and water source. Thereshould be no devices that mayrestrict flow from the water sourceto the suction of the fire pump.Exceptions to this are strainers forvertical turbine or close-coupledpumps, and listed supervised gatevalves.

Fittings should be installed inaccordance with the NFPA standards.Diagram A illustrates the proper installa-tion of a fire pump system. Of particularimportance is to ensure fittings areinstalled in the proper direction of flow.Unidirectional flow fittings always have anarrow to assist the installer in properinstallation.

Also of importance is to check thatequipment is listed by UL or FM. Thisincludes the suction OS&Y gate valve, dis-charge check valve, discharge butterflyvalve, and all indicating isolation valves inthe system. All components should besized in accordance with NFPA 20 table 2-20, including suction and discharge piping.

A hose valve header should be installedon the outside of the building to allowmeasurement of the pump flow rate forthe approval test and annual flow test. Thehose valves connected to the headershould be listed for fire pump service. Ifthe hose header is at a distance from thepump and there is a danger of freezing anindicating butterfly valve and ball dripvalve must be installed.

If a flow meter is installed to measure

the fire pump flow rate, this meter must belisted for fire pump service and installed inthe proper direction, with flow returning topump suction or outside header. The flowtest loop should be isolated to allow forremoval of the metering equipment forservicing at any time. The flow metergauge must have a range of at least 1.75times the rated flow of the pump. Of note,flow meters require minimum lengths ofstraight pipe upstream and downstream inorder to accurately measure flow. Themanufacturer’s installation and mainte-nance manual should supply this informa-tion; however, a good rule of thumb is toinstall 10 pipe diameters upstream and 5pipe diameters downstream of straightpipe around the flow meter.

A main relief valve is required on all sys-tems where the pump shut off pressure plusthe static pressure exceeds the pressure forwhich the system components are rated. Ona diesel system, a main relief valve isrequired if 121% of the net rated pumpshutoff pressure plus the maximum static

pressure exceeds the system com-ponent rating. The relief valvemust be sized not less than isindicated in table 2-20, and mustbe installed between the pumpdischarge and the discharge checkvalve (refer to Diagram A). An

isolation valve is not allowed on the line tothe main relief valve. If the MRV is returnedto the suction of the pump a circulationrelief valve should be installed. A means ofindicating flow such as an enclosed conewith sight glass should be provided.

JOCKEY PUMP INSTALLATIONIn order to maintain pressure in the fireprotection system, and to avoid unneces-sary starting of the fire pump, a pressuremaintenance pump or jockey pump isrequired. In order to ensure proper installa-tion of the jockey pump, verify that thejockey pump line is piped correctly. Thejockey line should be piped as indicated inDiagram A. This piping arrangementensures that the jockey pump can operateindependently of the fire pump system andmaintain system pressure during regularmaintenance procedures on the fire pump.

THE PRESSURE SENSING LINESProbably the most important aspect of agood fire pump installation is the qualityof the fire pump sensing line. The sensingline is the only means by which an auto-matic start of the fire pump is initiated inan emergency. Per NFPA 20 A-7.5.2.1 (a)and (b), the fire pump and jockey pump-sensing lines must be independent of eachother. The lines must be of 1/2� (12.7 mm)

non-ferrous metallic piping. Typ-ically, copper lines are used withtwo check valves with 3/32� (2.38mm) holes drilled in the flappers.The check valves should open inthe direction of the pump andshould be separated by five feet(1.53 m) of piping.

FIRE PUMP MINIMUM FITTINGSVERIFICATION

Every fire pump includes set ofminimum fittings as required inNFPA 20. It is important toensure that these fittings are


4444

Diagram A. Fire pump installation as required by NFPA20.

Battery and grounding connectionsshould be made per the manufacturer’srecommendations. Batteries need to befilled with electrolyte and charged for24 hours prior to the final acceptancetest.

P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:40 pm Page 44


45


www.tornatech.comCanada tel. : 514 334 0523

FIRE PUMP CONTROLLERS

‘’Quality is our common goal‘’

Electr ic F ire Pump Control lers c/w Display & Pr inter Module PRS 99

Diesel F ire Pump Control lers

N . Y. C .APPROVED

Enquiries: [email protected] Enquiries: [email protected]

P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:40 pm Page 45

properly installed. A 31/2� (89 mm) gaugeshould be mounted on the pump suctionflange or pipe after the suction gate valveand on the pump discharge. The suctiongauge should be of the compound type,having a range of 30� of water (76 cm) to150psi (10 bar). The discharge pressuregauge should have a range of at least twotimes the pump rated discharge pressure ora minimum of 200psi (14 bar). Isolationgauge cocks should be provided to allowfor gauge service and replacement.

For diesel system where the relief valvehas been piped to suction or radiatorcooled units, a casing relief valve should bemounted on the pump discharge. Thisvalve allows cooling of the pump casingduring low flow operation and must bepiped to a drain. Lastly, for horizontalsplit-case pumps, a 1/2� (12.7 mm) auto-matic air release should be mounted onthe top of the pump casing to prevent airentrapment in the pump. Top dischargeend suction pumps do not require the airrelease valve.

HORIZONTAL PUMP ALIGNMENTHorizontal Fire Pumps are factory alignedbefore shipment. Due to the handling ofthe pump and the final leveling and grout-ing once it is installed, the alignment mustbe verified before commissioning. To checkthe alignment, use a straight edge and afeeler gauge on the coupling. Check thatthe straight edge aligns with both halvesof the coupling at 90° increments aroundthe coupling. Also verify the angular align-ment with a feeler gauge. If the pump anddriver are not aligned, the driver must beunbolted from the base and adjusted orshimmed as required.

As a final alignment check, turn therotating assembly at the coupling. Theresistance to rotation should be due to theinertia of the driver only.

DIESEL ENGINE INSTALLATIONBefore starting up a diesel driven firepump, it is important to ensure all thediesel installation requirements are metand that all the diesel accessories areinstalled properly.

Verify that a line is piped from thepump discharge into a tee, which suppliesthe cooling line on the diesel engine. Themain cooling line consists of a solenoidvalve, two isolation ball valves, strainer,and pressure regulator. The secondary lineincludes two ball valves, strainer and pres-sure regulator. It is critical for engine cool-ing that the cooling loop solenoid is wiredcorrectly to the “W” terminal on theinstrument panel, and that the drain con-

nection from the heat exchanger is pipedto drain. The voltage supply to diesel con-troller and engine block heater is within10% of the voltage on the controllernameplate.

The fuel system should also be checkedfor proper installation. Diesel engines aresupplied with a fuel tank sized for 1.1 USgallons per HP of the engine (5.57 L/kW)according to NFPA20 requirements. Thefuel tank supply line must have an isola-tion valve, and the fuel return line shouldhave a check valve with no isolation valve.Proper spill containment for the tankshould be supplied (if a double wall tankhas not been installed).

One of the most critical pre-startupconsiderations is that the engine andengine system has been primed with nec-essary fluids. Engines are generally shippedwithout oil and coolant, and lead-acidbatteries are shipped in a dry charge state.Batteries must be charged 24 hours priorto startup.

Adequate ventilation and temperatureconditions are critical to diesel engine per-formance. The control room temperatureshould be above freezing and below 120°F(49°C). Adequate supply air to the engineand exhaust ventilation to remove haz-ardous vapours should be provided as persection A-8.3 of NFPA20.

Engine exhaust piping should be insu-lated to protect personnel from injury andmust be installed with at least 9� of clear-ance from combustible material. Exhaustpiping should be sized to ensure pressurelosses do not exceed the back pressureallowance for the engine.

DIESEL ENGINE CONTROLLERSIn general, incorrect wiring is the mostcommonly found error found in fire pumpcontroller installations. By code, the con-troller manufacturer is required to perma-nently mount electrical wiring schematicdiagrams on the inside of the controller.Typically these diagrams also include fieldconnections and wire size information.

Care should be taken to ensure that thecorrect wire size, as recommended by theengine manufacturer, is connectedbetween the diesel engine batteries andthe starter solenoid on the engine. Failureto install the correct wire gauge can causevoltage loss throughout the entire system,resulting in failure to crank during a call tostart situation. Further verification of wiresizing between the engine control box andthe diesel fire pump controller should bemade. If the gauge of wire recommendedis not installed, the controller may notreceive the minimum amount of voltagerequired to function correctly.

One of the major causes of erraticbehavior by a controller is in the ground-ing connections throughout the system. Allgrounding points in the system must bethoroughly checked as part of the wiringinspection. In many cases the wiring con-nections are made on the engine or skid topoints of easy access. However, the pointsof access are frequently painted over dur-ing the process of mounting the pump andengine to the support base. When con-

necting the ground wires at these points,great care should be taken to ensure aproper electrical ground is achieved.

Another wiring point to examine is theactual field wiring. Some manufacturershave specific “point of entry” areas forincoming wires. If these have not beenused, and a separate entry point has notbeen cut, it is possible for steel shavings tohave lodged into components causingthem to behave erratically or fail. Fre-quently, the electrical installation point hasbeen cut before the controller door hasbeen opened. Upon inspection, it can beseen that a specific point of entry isrequired. Failure to meet this requirementcan void the warranty on the unit.

Ensuring that you have a copy of thecontroller manufacturer’s commissioningchecklist is a must, as many of the manu-facturers require a startup report to befiled to ensure that the manufacturer’swarranty is in place. Additionally, basicinformation such as contact names andphone numbers can prove invaluableshould you need to contact someone forassistance once on site.

Though there is a set of manualsincluded with each controller (required byNFPA 20 code), it is recommended to con-tact the pump or controller manufacturers’representative for a backup set. These areusually available free of charge.

CONCLUSIONThe NFPA20 code provides guidelines toensure that a fire pump system will per-form in an emergency condition. The onsite acceptance test is critical to the assur-ance of this fact. If the above checks aremade following installation of the firepump, the chances of problems at thestartup are drastically reduced. Uponcompletion of the startup, you can beassured that your property and its occu-pants are being provided with a globallyacceptable standard of protection. This isas important as the peace of mind it canprovide.


4646

MATTHEW ROY is the Marketing Manager forthe Armstrong Fire Pump Product Group. Heis active in many industry associations, andis a Principal Technical Committee Memberfor NFPA20 – The Standard for theInstallation of Stationary Pumps for FireProtection.

ROB HARRIS is the Fire Pump ControllerProduct Marketing Manager for Cutler-Hammer and an active NFPA member.

SANDRO PALIOTTI works as a consultant inthe plumbing and fire protection field,participating in the design, documentation,and approval of NFPA compliant fire pumpsystems.

NFPA20 FirePumps andControllers

P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:41 pm Page 46


47

Enquiries: mastercontrols.com

POWERFULas its WARRANTY

Protection as

PhaseSmart®—the most reliable fire protection available, fromthe company with the strongest warranty and lightning guarantee inthe industry.

Phase loss is one of the biggest risks to your fire pump motor and controller.The loss of just one incoming power line can cause the motor or controller toburn up when a start is attempted, disabling your fire protection system.

That’s why Master Control Systems incorporates PhaseSmart® circuitry andits associated visual alarm into every EC Series controller we build. Like ourfive-year warranty and lightning guarantee, it’s just one of the ways that weensure you’re getting the best fire protection possible.

The Intelligent ChoiceMaster Control Systems, Inc. • P.O. Box 276 • Lake Bluff, IL 60044800-462-7457 • www.mastercontrols.com

PhaseSmart®

Freedom....of choice

FIRETEXPassive Fire Protec

Leigh’s PaintsTower Works . Kestor Street . Bolton BL2 2AL . England

Tel: +44 (0)1204 521771 Fax: +44 (0)1204 382115 email: [email protected] website: www.wjleigh.co.uk

LEIGH’S PAINTS®

Water BasedSolvent Based

In ShopOn Site

....... your choice

Leigh’s Paints offer a

wide range of versatile

Passive Fire Protection

products to provide the

Total Solution for Fire

Protection Worldwide.

Enquiries: www.wjleigh.co.uk

P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:41 pm Page 47

SURFACE PREPARATION (GENERAL) Surface preparation is of prime impor-tance to ensure that a proper bond isobtained between the substrate and theapplied coating. Consequently, the natureof the substrate, its shape and its girthare very important items to consider.Basically substrates can be divided intoabsorbent surfaces; such as brickwork,lightweight blocks, timber etc, and non-absorbent surfaces; such as steel, alu-minium, etc.

The condition of the substrate to becoated is of great importance, but itshould be noted that the geometric shapeof the substrate also plays a significant

part in how the coating will bond to thesurface to which it is applied. Forexample, a coating applied over a suspect paint film to a flat steel surfacewill quickly lose adhesion in a fire, butthe coating applied to an “H” steelsection is more likely to remain inposition in a fire because of the “H”shape and the re-entrant angles of thesection.

It is essential to remember that thesecurity of the coating depends verylargely upon the absolute adhesion to thesurface to which it is applied. This is whyit is essential that any substrate beingtreated should be free of all traces ofrust, scale, dust, oil, grease, old paint

films, mould release oil, etc. Even with atotally clean substrate it may be neces-sary, in some instances, to reinforce thecoating or apply a bonding agent prior tothe application of the coating.

SPRAYED MATERIALS

For many years, following their introduc-tion in the early ’30’s, asbestos fibreswere used as the main ingredient for fireprotective spray systems. Since then, ofcourse, technology has changed consider-ably and the asbestos fibres have beensubstituted with mineral wool, vermil-culite, perlite and differing binding mate-rials. Spray materials are considered to belightweight coatings.

SURFACE PREPARATION

On very absorbent surfaces, the substrateshould be pre-wetted prior to the appli-cation of the spray material. This will pre-vent excessive suction of the water fromthe spray application and will result in abetter bond between the spray and thesubstrate. Alternatively, the substratecould be sealed with an adhesive and thespray material applied whilst the adhesiveis still “tacky” (wet). If an adhesivesealant is to be used, test evidence shouldbe provided that the sealant is suitablefor a fire protective application.

The spraying of non-absorbent sub-strates will depend entirely upon the


4848

Pic: courtesy of Nullifire Ltd

Application ofFire Resistant

Coatings to Structural

SteelBy Ron Smith

of the Association Of Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP)

Application ofFire Resistant

Coatings to Structural

Steel

IN A PREVIOUS ARTICLE, I discussed the various types of coatings used inthe UK and Europe for the fire protection of structural steel elements of construc-tion. I would now like to discuss the application of such materials. At a first glance,the application of such materials appears to be very simple, but surface preparationis of prime importance for coating materials. It is therefore my intention to split therequirements into two separate sections – one covering sprayed materials and onecovering intumescent coatings.

P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:41 pm Page 48

nature and shape of the substrate. Asmentioned above it is necessary toconsider the basic shape of the substrate.On large flat steel surfaces it may benecessary to provide mechanical retentionto the spray coating. BS 8282 – 1: “Codeof Practice for the selection and installa-tion of sprayed mineral coatings”, pro-vides full details of how to fit varioustypes mechanical retention for spraycoatings. The Code states that mech-anical retention should be providedunless:

There is evidence from the fire resis-tance test(s) to show that there isadequate bond between the spraycoating and the substrate (includingprimers or other coatings); or

The spray coating is “locked” inposition by virtue of the shape of theelement (“H” section steel)

It is not normally required to providemechanical retention to structural steelsections unless the depth of the sectionexceeds 650 mm between flanges or thewidth exceeds 325 mm across flanges.Reinforcement must be used, however,on circular steel sections with diametersgreater than 325 mm or on hollow steelsections with a single face exceeding325mm.

IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF APPLICATION

When dealing with the following points itshould be borne in mind that portlandcement, when wet, has an initial pH valueof 12 to 12.5 and cement bound and lime-enriched gypsum mixes may attack alkali-sensitive substrates. Most sprayed fireprotective materials contain such binders.

� It is essential to prime aluminium andaluminium alloy substrates with analkali resistant primer in order to pre-vent chemical attack by the spraymaterial. The application of alkalinematerials to unprimed aluminium, oraluminium alloys, will start a reaction,which releases hydrogen. This willlead to a progressive breakdown ofthe aluminium substrate.

� Paints (primers) containing alkydbinders must be primed before theapplication of the spray material.There will be a bond failure of thespray coating unless such paints(primers) are suitably primed prior tothe application of the spray material.It should also be noted that sprayedmaterials may attack paints (primers)containing water sensitive binders.

� Portland cement bound sprays shouldnot be applied directly to unsealedgypsum plaster surfaces or plasterboardbecause the setting characteristics of

the cement can be affected and there could be a loss of bond.Gypsum or lime based spray materialsmay be applied to certain types ofplaster-based products but guidanceshould be sought from the spraymanufacturer.

� It is not normally necessary to primestructural steel sections prior to theapplication of portland cement basedsprays, provided the building environ-ment is such that it will remain dryafter construction.

� In continually damp conditions“white rusting” can occur to zinccoated steel, with a resultant corro-sion of the base steel. It is thereforeadvisable to prime zinc coated (gal-vanised) steel with a primer system,which is compatible with the zinccoating, and the cement bound spraymaterial.

� Timber substrates are subject to highdrying shrinkage and moisture move-ment. It is therefore essential that awater-resistant sealer should be usedprior to the application of the spraycoating. Galvanised clout nails andspider web wiring can be used toassist retention of the spray.

INTUMESCENT COATINGS

An intumescent fire protective coatingapplied to structural steel will “swell” tomany times its applied thickness whensubjected to a temperature of around200º–250ºC. This “swelling” produces aninsulating carbonaceous char, whichreduces the rate at which the temperatureof the steel rises, and prolongs its loadbearing capability in a fire situation.

Brush, lambs wool roller or airless spraycan be used to apply thin film intumescent


49

Pic: courtesy of Sharpfibre Ltd


P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:41 pm Page 49

coatings. It should be noted however,that specialist contractors use airlessspray and the “build up” of the coatingto achieve the required thickness will beless with a roller. BS 8202-2 “Code ofPractice for the use of intumescent coat-ings for providing fire resistance” providesdetails for application, etc.

SURFACE PREPARATION

Generally, steel erected on site will havebeen blasted and primed prior to deliverybut, if this is not the case, the surfaces ofthe steel should be clean and dry beforecommencement of blast cleaning. Itshould be noted that blast cleaningmight not remove all contaminants,which may need to be removed by otherappropriate mechanical means. Oil andgrease contaminants can be removed by the use of suitable emulsifyingdegreasers, suitable clean organic solventsor steam cleaning.

Steel surfaces should be prepared byremoving scale and rust using abrasiveblasting to a minimum standard of Sa21/2as defined in BS 7079: Part A1: “Specifi-cation for rust grades and preparationgrades of uncoated steel substrates afterremoval of previous coatings” – or equiv-alent. All dust and spent abrasive must beremoved from all prepared steelwork byblowing down with clean dry compressedair. Inspection of all the steel surfaces,

and any corrective action required, shouldbe carried out as described in Table 8Work Stage B of BS 5493 “Protectivecoating of iron and steel structuresagainst corrosion” and all primers, wherespecified, should be applied before theblast-cleaned surface deteriorates.

As mentioned above, in the majority ofcases the steel delivered to site will havebeen blasted and primed. It is thereforeessential, prior to the application of theintumescent basecoat that the applicatorshould seek confirmation from the intu-mescent coating manufacturer that theprimer and intumescent basecoat arecompatible in both ambient and fire condi-tions. The technical data sheet for theprimer, the actual thickness of the primer,and the length of time that the primer hasbeen applied should be given to the intu-mescent coating manufacturer, who shouldthen be able to give approval for the use ofthe primer, or provide alternative advice.

In some instances it may be possible toapply the intumescent system ontounblasted steel, although the intumes-cent coating manufacturer must checkthis on a case-by-case basis.

IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF APPLICATION

Where a primer has not been specified,the steel surface should be prepared inaccordance with BS 7079: Part A1 (men-tioned above)

� The primer thickness should be withinthe tolerances specified by the intu-mescent coating manufacturer.

� The primer should be confirmed asbeing compatible with the intumes-cent basecoat in both ambient and fireconditions.

� The primer should be intact and freefrom damage and degradation.

� The primer should be within its statedover coating period.

� The primed surface should be clean, dryand free from all surface contamination.

� The adhesion of existing paint finisheson existing steelwork, or betweenpaint layers, may be poor. It is alsopossible that the paint system may notbe consistent throughout the buildingand that varying systems have beenapplied to different sections of steel.The only safe option is the completeremoval of the existing paint coatingsand the application of a primer, whichshould be compatible with the intu-mescent coating.

� Zinc rich primers, usually based onepoxy resin or silicate binders, areoften used as corrosion protection onstructural steelwork. During weather-ing, the zinc provides protection bysacrificially corroding and this can leadto the formation of zinc salts on the surface of the coating. It is essen-tial that the zinc salts are totallyremoved prior to the application of thecoating, for example; by washingdown with clean fresh water. Applyinga tie-coat over the primer at thefabrication stage can prevent zincsalts.

CONCLUSIONS

In a short article I have attempted to pro-vide an outline for the application of fireprotective coatings for structural steelwork.Obviously, it has been impossible to coverall the important aspects regarding the useof such materials. If further information isrequired, the following publications can beobtained free of charge from the Associa-tion for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP)website: www.asfp.org.uk

Technical Guidance Note for the mechanicalretention of Sprayed Mineral Coatingsbased upon the requirements of BS 8202-1

On Site Guidance Note for the Specifica-tion and Use of Site Applied IntumescentCoating Systems

Structural steel fire protection using intu-mescent coating systems in conjunctionwith existing paint layers and zinc richprimers.


5050


P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:41 pm Page 50

Fire ProtectionFire ProtectionYour Single Source ForYour Single Source For

For More Information, Contact:For More Information, Contact:

Ansul IncorporatedOne Stanton StreetMarinette, WI U.S.A.54143-2542

Tele: 1-715 -735 -7411Fax: 1-715 -732- 3477e-mail:[email protected]

www.ansul.com

EngineeredSuppression

Systems

INERGEN®, Foam,CO2 & Dry Chemical

Pre-EngineeredSystems

Restaurant,Industrial & Vehicle

FoamProducts

Agents,ProportioningEquipment &

Discharge Devices


P. 51 13/10/06 2:56 pm Page 51

Response and sensitivity test AutroSafe SelfVerify not only tests whether a detector is capable of giving alarm, it alsoverifies on a daily basis the sensitivity ofeach individual detector using a calibratedsignal.The system ensures that eachdetector will always respond at the correctalarm level.

Optimal round-the-clock detectionThis new technology represents the safestand most reliable fire alarm system ever

developed – a system that ensures optimal detection 24 hours a day!

A new dimension infire protectionA new dimension infire protection

Time consuming inspectionsare a thing of the pastUp to now, fire alarm systems havedepended on manual inspection and testing, something which hasresulted in a variety of problems.For example, the detectors may have been out of reach; serviceengineers may not have been allowed access to certain areas; orthe detectors may not have beeninstalled in accordance with thediagram….

AutroSafe SelfVerify solves all these main-tenance problems.Time-consuming, difficult and costly manual inspections are no longernecessary.The system does the job for you.

We've called the technology "SelfVerify" because thesystem verifies itself.

AutroSafe SelfVerify -the only fire alarm system that checks itself!

Autronica Fire and Security AS N-7483 TrondheimTel. +47 73 58 25 00 – Fax +47 73 58 25 01

E-mail: [email protected] – www.autronicafire.noEnquiries: www.autronicafire.no

P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:42 pm Page 52

The first common problem installersoften need to address is clientknowledge. As a top priority,

installers need to ensure the systemsthey use are well recognised byprospective clients. To increase thefamiliarity and understanding of ESTproducts in Ireland, we make represen-tations to engineers, electrical contrac-tors and customers to demonstrate theadvantages of high technology firealarm systems. We feel compelled toexplain the benefits of our systems overstandard analogue addressable systemsand demonstrate that an itemisedschedule of rates is not always a defini-tive guide to the overall cost of owninga fire alarm system.

For this reason, we have undertaken

a program to assure everyone in theproject chain, from engineers to fore-men to contractors, that installation issimplified – we have found demonstra-tions successful in illustrating thispoint. For the client, we have shownthat the system will remain trouble-freethroughout its life if operated andmaintained correctly.

Another commonly occurring prob-lem that directly affects the installationof a system can be found at the designphase of a project. Early education andongoing communication with designengineers can avoid most of thoseproblems. To address the educationcomponent, we established a phasedsystem design and product updateseries of lectures, usually at the designer’sfacility. We typically spend two hoursper fortnight, over two months, dealingwith individual aspects of the system.In some cases, we used real projectsand assisted with the design, to bringhome the advantages available. Thishas proven to be very successful as itallows the designer to specify the mostefficient system possible using all thetechnology available.

By meeting with all project managersbefore contracts are awarded todemonstrate the appearance of all

equipment and devices to be installedregardless of project size, we can avoidproblems such as the placement andhousing of fire alarm panels. Sinceamplifiers for a voice evacuation systemcan be housed in the fire alarm panelsto centralise controls, these panels aresomewhat larger than those of othersystems.

No matter what system is beinginstalled, some of the most commonand time-consuming problems thatoccur on a project are found during thecommissioning. Given the complicatedscope of most installations, deviceaddresses and locations can easily berecorded incorrectly, requiring theinstaller to backtrack the installationand cross-reference the addresses andlocations. This process costs theinstaller both time and money.

EST systems overcome this problemfor us since, unlike some other systems,these devices do not need to beaddressed during installation. They areelectronically addressed in such a waythat the loop can determine the physi-cal connection from device to device,mapping the devices to create an “as-built” drawing of the entire system atthe control panel. In this way, we caneasily check that the installation


53

Editor’s NoteWe decided that it was important to look at some of the commonproblems that occur with Fire Alarm installations, from theviewpoint of a successful installer of Life Safety Systems. Here,Logic Engineering Ltd (Ireland) talks us through some of theproblems that occur with installations in the Irish fire industry. Wethink you will find comparative examples wherever you are basedthroughout the world.

Pic: courtesy of Edwards International

As a supplier and installer ofEST Life Safety Systems inIreland, we regularly try toanticipate any installationproblems that may arise duringa project and when problemsdo occur, we work to addressthem as quickly and effectivelyas possible.

Life SafetySystemsA Viewpoint from LogicEngineering Ltd (Ireland)

Life SafetySystemsA Viewpoint from LogicEngineering Ltd (Ireland)

P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:42 pm Page 53

matches the information the installerhas provided. As long as room spacesare properly identified, any deviationsfrom the plans become obvious assoon as the system is activatedand can then be easily recti-fied. If necessary, thesedevices can also be tracedand identified throughthe individual serialnumbers printed onthem.

In many instances,mapping plans can bemisplaced or quicklybecome out-of-date asdevices are switched orreplaced during main-tenance. The electronic map-ping, however, is always availableat the control panel and is alwaysup-to-date. If one device is replacedwith another, the system readdressesthe replacement device to correspondwith the mapping sequence.

Earth faults, or ground faults, areanother common installation problemdetected during the commissioning ofa fire alarm system. Correcting earthfault problems can require a great deal

of time and human resources. Theprocess of identifying the point ofearth-fault contact in a loop is donethrough trial and error and oftenrequires the investigation of wiring inplaces that are cramped or difficult toreach. Again, EST systems provide uswith an advantage when dealing with

this problem. Earth fault circuits inthese systems are included at the mod-ule level rather than the loop level,resulting in shorter lengths of wiring tocheck, usually only a few hundred feet.Loop-level earth fault circuits can

require possibly thousands of feet ofwiring to be checked in order to findproblems.

Electrical noise is yet another prob-lem that is tied directly to installationprocedures, though the problem doesnot usually present itself until the pro-ject is complete. This problem is in noway system-specific as it relates directlyto the type of wiring that is installed.While many prefer to work withstraight wire or mineral wire when

installing fire alarm systems, twisted-pair wiring provides an electrical

advantage for noise immunity.When a system is activated,

twisted-pair wires canresult in noise cancella-tion of as much as 80dB over straight wires,creating a more efficientsignal throughout thesystem.

As mentioned above, itis critical to maintain

ongoing education andcommunication with those

at all levels of the projectchain. We have found this to be

especially true when working withelectricians in Ireland. With a tradition-al shortage of experienced engineers inthis country’s fire industry, it is com-mon practice for the electrical contrac-tor to install all but the internals of thecontrol panel on new projects. Thisgives some of the electricians a lot offield experience on the equipment,sometimes more than the engineer. Forthis reason, we have found that itmakes viable sense to hire an electri-cian with a high level of standard train-ing as an employee, then providefurther training as required on eachsystem. Though this is commonly seenas a costly exercise in the industry, wehave learned from experience that theresult is a higher qualified and experi-enced electrician with understandingfrom both the fire industry and electri-cal worlds. This in turn produces ahigher quality installation, and moreeffective understanding and relationsbetween all parties when undertaking aproject.


5454

Life SafetySystems

Earth faults, or ground faults, areanother common installationproblem detected during thecommissioning of a fire alarmsystem. Correcting earth faultproblems can require a great dealof time and human resources.

Pic: courtesy of Edwards International

The end result in such situations is fewer installation and installation-related problems.

P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:43 pm Page 54

again EST has revolu-

tionized the industry

with a powerful new control panel that is

simplicity personified. While this product

is ideal for schools, low-rise offices, and

other small- to mid-sized buildings,

QuickStart™ raises the bar and sets the

standard by incorporating many

of the innovative technological

features found in our sophisticated EST3 control

panel systems.

With the best economics in its class, this little

genius brings upscale technology to smaller com-

mercial and institutional buildings. The built-in flexibili-

ty is so robust that even retro-fit installation is simple

and cost effective—just connect to existing wiring or

add on to your building’s conventional system. No inter-

nal wiring is required and with QuickStart’s advanced

autoprogramming fea-

tures, installation costs

are minimal. QuickStart

has ample capacity and it

can be configured with as

many as one thousand intelligent devices

(plus NAC circuits) as well as forty eight

conventional circuits.

QuickStart’s user-friendly front

screen interface will be quickly mastered by your own

maintenance personnel—no special training is required.

For more information on QuickStart and our

other state-of-the-art life safety systems or to find the

EST office in your area, please visit the EST

International Web site at: www.estinternational.com,

email us at info@estinter-

national.com, or you can fax

us at (001) 905-270-9553.

NEWcontrol system.

EASYoperation.

ONCE

QuickStartTM

.Life safety that’s easy as ABC.

The new QuickStart series of control panels offers advanced technology and design in a simplified package with easy installation, easy setup and ease of use.


P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:43 pm Page 55


The K- 22-Magnum22-MagnumESFR SprinklerESFR Sprinkler

Minimum Water Flowsfor

Maximum

Impact...

Maximum

Impact...

PPerformance Characteristicserformance Characteristics for Factury Mutual Requirements:for Factury Mutual Requirements:

Lower flows offers opportunities to reduce:

• Interior Piping • Underground Pipe

• Fire Pumps Sizes • Tank Sizes

Maximum deflector distance from ceiling (roof) = 18 inches.

Available in 155°F and 200°F

* K.14 Must Include one row of in-rack sprinklers.

The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc. Manufacturer & Distributor of Fire Protection Equipment

Corporate OfficesTel: 9.14.668.3470

United Kingdom Office Tel: 441.372.728899

China OfficeTel: 010.6489.3998

This Sprinkler has been optimized for

45 feet high buildings. The minimum

system design savings in gpm required

is 240 gpm — below the K-25!

FM ApprovedFM Approved!

Tel. 011-441-372-728899www.reliablesprinkler.com

Single Sprinkler Pressure & Flow Requirements

K-14 K-25Bldg.

Height (Ft.) Pressure Flow Pressure Flow

30� 50 psi 99 gpm 20 psi 113 gpm

35� 75 psi 121 gpm 30 psi 138 gpm

40� 75 psi 121 gpm 40 psi 159 gpm

45� w/ 35� stor. 90 psi* 133 gpm* 50 psi 178 gpm

45� w/ 40� stor. 90 psi* 133 gpm* 50 psi 178 gpm

25 psi 112 gpm

35 psi 133 gpm

45 psi 150 gpm

50 psi 158 gpm

50 psi 158 gpm

K-22

Pressure Flow

P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:43 pm Page 56

On August 2, 2000, Phoenix, Ari-zona, experienced one of thelargest fires in its history in a

multi-tenanted building containing Cen-tral Garden and Pet Supply and CardinalDistributors. By the time fire crews extin-guished the blaze the next day, the build-ing was a smoldering ruin. A number ofcivilians had to be evacuated from thesurrounding neighborhood, and the lossis estimated to be in the hundreds ofmillions of dollars.

What caused the fire to become solarge? NFPA sent Senior Fire InvestigatorRobert Duval to Phoenix to find out.Investigation into the cause of the firecontinues as of this writing.

THE FIRE DEPARTMENTThe 20-year-old building in which thefire started contained two occupanciesseparated by a concrete panel wall thatextended from the floor of the buildingto the underside of its roof deck. On oneside of the wall, with multiple fire doorpenetrations, was a home and gardensupply warehouse containing a variety ofproducts and commodities. On the otherwas a pharmaceutical supply warehouse.

The main portion of the building mea-sured 400 feet (122 meters) by 208 feet(63 meters). The section occupied by thehome and garden supply operation mea-sured 220 feet (67 meters) by 208 feet(63.4 meters), and the pharmaceuticaldistribution area was 180 feet (55 meters)by 208 feet (63.4 meters). The building,which would be classified as a storage

occupancy by the 2000 edition of NFPA101®, Life Safety Code®, also had anoffice wing 105 feet (32 meters) long and30 feet (9 meters) wide.

The exterior walls of the warehousehad no windows, though the office wingdid. Overhead doors through which stockwas loaded and unloaded were on theeast side of the building.

The structure’s roof assembly consistedof a 1/2-inch (1.3-centimeter) plywooddeck covered with many layers of moppedasphalt and supported by 10-by-4-inch(25-by-10-centimeter) purlins supportedby engineered laminated beams. Thebeams were supported by steel columns 5inches (13 centimeters) in diameter on a40-by-23-foot (12.2-by-7-meter) spac-ing. In the warehouse, the ceiling was 30feet (9 meters) high.

The exterior walls were tilt-up concretepanels, 6 inches (15 centimeters) thick,attached to the concrete floor slab withthreaded connections.

The building was equipped with an auto-matic fire sprinkler system. The pharmaceu-tical warehouse and home and gardensupply warehouse had ceiling-level systemswith .495 gpm/feet2 over 2,000 square feet(186 square meters) with sprinklers rated at286°F (141°C) with orifices 17/32 inch. Therewere no in-rack sprinklers.

BUILDING CONTENTSBecause the warehouse supplied areahome improvement stores, the productsoffered varied significantly, from birdfeeders and tools to redwood products

and batteries. Also among the materialswere fertilizers, insecticides, and pesti-cides. They were stored in different con-figurations, on double and single-rowracks, and in solid piles 10 to 20 feet (3to 6 meters) high. The solid- and open-shelf configurations were 20 feet (6meters) high, separated by aisles 8 to 10feet (2 to 3 meters) wide.

Many items were stored in corrugatedcartons scattered throughout the ware-house wherever space allowed. Some pal-lets were encapsulated in plastic sheathing.

Chlorinated pool chemicals, which areoxidizers, and are addressed in NFPA 430,Storage of Liquid and Solid Oxidizers, werealso stored in the warehouse. While notcombustible themselves, oxidizers can sig-nificantly increase the intensity with whichother products burn. Furthermore, they’reincompatible with other products that maybe stored in home and garden occupancies.

Oxidizers are divided into four classesbased on the inherent hazards they pre-sent. Class 1 oxidizers increase the burn-ing rate of other products slightly. Class 2oxidizers moderately increase the burningrate and can cause spontaneous ignition.Class 3 oxidizers severely increase theburning rate of other products, can causespontaneous combustion, and will under-go self-sustained decomposition. AndClass 4 oxidizers severely increase theburning rate of other products, can causespontaneous combustion, will undergoself-sustained decomposition, and willcause an explosive reaction.

When contaminated with incompatibleproducts, oxidizers can cause spontaneous


57

CCoommbbuussttiibblleeSSttoorraaggeeBy Ed Comeau and Robert DuvalBy Ed Comeau and Robert Duval

Improperly stored oxidizers can pose a fire risk in warehouse occupancies

Pic: courtesy of NFPA


Reprinted with permission from NFPA Journal® (vol. 95 #6). Copyright © 2001, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, Ma. All rights reserved.

P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:43 pm Page 57

combustion. If the heat of combustion isconfined, nearby combustibles may ignite.To suppress fires involving oxidizers, largeamounts of water may be required. Smallamounts of water can cause oxidizers toreact and release chlorine gas.

THE FIREOn the day of the fire, employees report-ed an unusually strong chlorine odor inthe home and garden supply side of thewarehouse. Chlorine could often besmelled in that area because many of theproducts stored there contained thechemical, but this was worse than usual.To identify the source, the employeesmoved pallets of the pool chemicals out-side and opened several large overheaddoors to help ventilate the building. At11:30 a.m., the chemicals were movedback into the building, but the chlorineodor became strong again, so all of the pace tri-chlorine in 35-pound

(16-kilogram) plastic buckets and somepace tri-chlorine in 75-pound (34-kilo-gram) fiber drums were taken outside tothe east side of the building. None of thecal-hypo or pool shock was removed fromthe building. The workday ended beforeworkers discovered the source of the odor.

Less than an hour later, pharmaceuticalsupply company employees on the otherside of the building reported hearing arumbling noise. Some thought it was athunderstorm and went outside to look.When they did, they could see smoke com-ing from the other side of the building.

Driving along the nearby freeway, adeputy chief from the Tempe, Arizona,Fire Department also saw the large col-umn of smoke and immediately reportedit to the Phoenix Fire Department. Hethen drove toward the smoke to find thesource. At about the same time, Fire Sta-tion 23, located near the warehouse, alsobegan responding after a civilian notifiedcrews of the blaze. The sheriff’s depart-ment was also notified by two sheriffs,who saw the column of smoke.

The Tempe chief arrived on the sceneat 5:01 p.m., assumed command, andreported a working fire in the warehouse.Shortly after, Engine 23 arrived and posi-tioned itself at the southeast corner ofthe building after connecting to a nearbyhydrant. Because the fire was so intense,firefighters immediately began applyingwater using an engine deluge gun.

At this point, the fire was wellinvolved, and fire crews reported that theoverhead doors were beginning to buckleand that the fire’s thermal column waslofting debris into the air. Crews notedthat breathing apparatus was unnecessarybecause the smoke was going straight upbut the smoke came back down and fire-fighters on Engine 23 were sent to thehospital and treated for smoke inhalation.

As the fire grew, flames ignited con-tents of the exterior storage area, so fire-fighters advanced hand lines in anattempt to control these fires.

At 5:03 p.m., the incident commander

issued a second alarm. The Phoenix FireDepartment, which comprises 52 stationsspread out across 480 square miles (1,243square kilometers), is part of an automat-ic aid system that includes 19 other cities.Two minutes after the second alarm wascalled, Engine 272 arrived from Tempeand began applying water using its tele-scoping water tower.

At 5:07 p.m. Engine, Rescue, and Lad-der 22 arrived and were positioned on thewest side of the building. The crewsreported that the tilt-slab walls wereleaning outward and that there was asignificant danger of collapse.

The incident was upgraded to a thirdalarm at 5:11 p.m.

At 5:17 p.m., a section of the tilt-slabwalls in the southwest corner of the build-ing began to collapse, pulling other sec-tions along with it. Aerosol cans began torocket out of the building towards fire-fighters. The crew from Ladder 22 reportedhearing several cans strike their apparatus.

To protect them from the potentiallylethal effects of the burning chemicals,all personnel were ordered to don self-contained breathing apparatus at 5:29p.m., and civilians in the area were evac-uated. In addition, the nearby freewayand local roads were closed. Firefighterson the scene had to be decontaminatedbecause of their contact with the smoke.

THE AFTERMATHFollowing the fire, five firefighters suffer-ing from the effects of smoke inhalationand extreme heat—on the day of the fire,the temperature-hit 100°F (38°C)—werehospitalized for observation. According tothe Arizona Department of Health Ser-vices (ADHS), 10 area residents alsosought treatment at local hospitals.

ADHS took several air and dust sam-ples from the fire scene and from resi-dences downwind of the fire. Nosignificant pesticide depositions werefound in any of the homes.

Fire department investigators, trying to


5858

4424 South 38th Place, Phoenix, AZAugust 2, 20004:58 p.m. Alarm received5:01 p.m. Command established; report

of heavy fire showing5:02 p.m. Command orders a defensive

operation; Engine 23 on the scene5:02 p.m. Several explosions reported5:03 p.m. Second alarm called5:04 p.m. Deck gun and large hand

lines in operation5:05 p.m. Engine 272 ordered to set up

at the northeast corner of the buildingand use the Telesquirt

5:07 p.m. Police department reportsthat one building contains cyanide

5:11 p.m. Third alarm called5:14 p.m. Structural collapse on west

side with explosions; additional collapseat the southwest corner of the building

5:17 p.m. Several more explosionsreported

5:18 p.m. Personnel pulled back fromeast sector

5:18 p.m. Safety sector reports that thebuilding is intact, but leaning on the westside

5:23 p.m. Fourth alarm called5:25 p.m. Wall on west side collapses5:29 p.m. Personnel ordered to don

SCBAs6:10 p.m. Engine 23 personnel

transported to hospital6:18 p.m. Police helicopter begins

aerial reconnaissance6:21 p.m. Responsible party for the fire

building is on the scene6:44 p.m. Fire is reported moving north

through the building7:26 p.m. Fire is reported showing in

the other half of the building7:43 p.m. Foam 3 from airport is on the

sceneAugust 39:04 p.m. Incident closed


P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:43 pm Page 58

determine the cause of the fire, werehampered by the heat, which was normalfor Phoenix at that time of year. Theyhad to work early in the morning, beforeit became too hot to operate. To add totheir discomfort, they had to wear haz-ardous materials suits and breathingapparatus to protect them from the haz-ardous materials stored in the warehouse.

Investigators still haven’t determinedthe cause of the fire, but they theorizethat one of the stored commodities, suchas the pool chemicals, played a signifi-cant role in the spread of the fire.

Based on this and other fire investiga-tions and analysis, NFPA has determinedthat the following factors may contributeto large loss in similar facilities, includinglack of segregation between incompatiblematerials, such as oxidizers and hydrocar-bon based materials, lack of proper stor-age configuration for oxidizers, andinadequate sprinkler protection for com-modities in a warehouse.

This wasn’t the Phoenix Fire Depart-ment’s first fire involving pool chemicals.In 1988, a warehouse containing poolchemicals in the neighboring city ofGlendale caught fire, and the resultingconflagration required a major suppres-sion effort.

Fire departments in other areas of thecountry have also had to deal with firesinvolving pool chemicals in big-boxstores. In 1995, a fire broke out in aHome Depot in Quincy, Massachusetts,when pool chemicals came into contactwith petroleum products. In 1996, a fireoccurred at a home improvement store inAlbany, Georgia, also in the area wherepool chemicals were stored.

SAME CHEMICALS, DIFFERENT TOWNSThe Quincy fire started at 8:23 p.m. onMay 23, 1995 when the building wasoccupied by 60 employees and 100customers.

The single-story building, which wasof noncombustible construction, covered122,395 square feet (11,371 squaremeters) and was equipped with a firealarm and sprinkler system. The displaymerchandise and bulk products werestored throughout the building on ametal double-rack system.

The Quincy Fire Department and theMassachusetts State Fire Marshal’s Officedetermined that the fire, which started inthe lower storage rack in an area in whichpool chemicals were stored, was probablythe result of a chemical reaction involvingthe pool chemicals and motor oil leakingfrom boxes containing lawn mowers.

NFPA’s investigation and analysis ofthis fire revealed several factors that con-tributed to the loss of property. Incom-patible materials were stored too close tothe oxidizing pool chemicals. Products onthe racks were piled higher than theallowable storage heights and within 18inches (46 centimeters) of the sprinklers.The sprinkler design was inadequate to

protect encapsulated materials, and therewere no in-rack sprinklers. Rack shelvingof solid materials and wooden slats weretoo close together. And products werestored in the aisles, reducing clearancebetween products on adjacent racks.

The store’s sprinkler system and thefire department confined the fire to asmall area. However, many products inthe store were smoke-damaged and hadto be replaced. The building’s fire alarmsystem was also replaced because of thepotentially corrosive action of the smoke.

The 1996 Albany incident had a dra-matically different outcome than theQuincy incident. Fire personnel reportedstructural failure within minutes ofarrival, even though the building wassprinklered, and the building wasdestroyed.

The fire began around 11:21 a.m. onApril 16, 1996 in a fully sprinkleredLowe’s and destroyed the building and itscontents, resulting in an estimated loss of$9 million. Arriving firefighters found thefire beginning to vent through the roofand through an area where the walls hadbegun to separate. Despite their efforts,the fire grew rapidly, spreading throughthe entire building.

The store sold home improvementproducts, including lumber, plumbingand electrical supplies, tools, garden sup-plies, and pool chemicals.

The three-year-old, single-story, non-combustible building, which covered85,000 square feet (7,900 square meters),was protected by three wet-pipe sprinklersystems. A dry-pipe system protected thegarden center. Portable dry chemical fireextinguishers, manual fire alarm boxes,and a fire alarm system were alsoinstalled, and staff members had beentrained to respond to fire.

Although fire department investigatorscouldn’t determine the cause, they estab-lished that the fire began near a rack

containing pool chemicals and spreadthrough the entire rack. The fire producedlarge amounts of irritating smoke, caus-ing conditions to deteriorate rapidly.

About 100 employees and 85 cus-tomers in the store at the time of the firewere evacuated before firefighters arrived.

The fire quickly overwhelmed the build-ing’s sprinkler systems, and fire conditionsprevented firefighters from performinginterior attacks. As a result, the blazespread from one end of the building tothe other, causing the roof to collapse.The building’s contents were consumed.

NFPA’s investigation revealed devia-tions from NFPA code requirements thatcontributed to the severity of the fire andto the loss of property. The oxidizers hadbeen stored on racks that were higherand deeper than the limits imposed onretail storage. There were no solid, non-combustible vertical barriers between theoxidizers and incompatible materials, andthe oxidizer storage area had no in-racksprinklers. In addition, the store’s sprin-kler systems discharge densities and areasof operation were below NFPA coderequirements for oxidizer storage.

Given their recent track record, oxidiz-ers in the form of pool chemicals are anobvious cause for concern. It’s importantthat they be stored properly, segregatedfrom incompatible substances, and prop-erly protected. It’s also important that fireservice personnel responding to a fire inan occupancy containing these productsbe prepared to take aggressive action tocontain or control the fire.


59


� Ed Comeau is the principal writer forwriter-tech.com, a technical writingfirm. He is NFPA’s former chief fireinvestigator, and was a fire protectionengineer for the Phoenix Fire Depart-ment. Robert Duval is NFPA’s senior fireinvestigator.

P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:44 pm Page 59

Products Services

Halon 1301 (Bought and Sold) Halon Systems Removed

Halon 1211 (Bought and Sold) Halon Recycling and Vapor Recovery

Recycled FM200 (Bought and Sold) Halon Systems Recharged

Clean Agent Systems FM 200 Systems Recharged

System Cylinders and Parts Cylinder Refurbishment

Firefighting Foams 24 HOUR TURNAROUND SERVICE

Firefighting Dry Chemical Powders

WESCO – A name synonymous with "responsible" HALON MANAGEMENT and BANKING, has

met the continuing needs of more companies in more different industries than any other halon

“banking” company in the industry. Our business is worldwide in scope and is counted on by

the largest and most demanding companies and organizations in the aerospace, defense,

petrochemical, marine, telecommunications, data storage and fire protection industries.

Our products and services cover the full range of halon recovery, reclamation and recy-

cling activities including: decommissioning halon systems; recycling to international

quality standards; system servicing and recharging (on site if necessary); long term

halon bank management; and clean agents.

WESCO is committed to “responsible halon management” and stringently com-

plies with the Voluntary Code of Practice established by the Halon Recycling

Corporation as well as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Guidance for

the EPA Halon Emission Reduction Rule (40 CFR Part 82, Subpart H). And since

we conduct business in many different countries compliance with host-country

regulations are strictly adhered to.

WESCO also stocks a full range of U.L. Listed and FM Approved fire-fight-

ing FOAMS and DRY CHEMICAL agents for immediate delivery.

Serving The Defense, Aerospace, Petrochemical, Marineand Fire Equipment Industry Worldwide

Associations:• Halon Recycling

Corporation (Director)• Halon Alternatives

Research Corporation• National Association of

Fire Equipment Dealers• National Fire

Protection Association• NJ Association of Fire

Equipment Distributors

esco Pays Cash for Halon 1301 and Halon 1211

esco22 Cragwood RoadAvenel, New Jersey 07001(Toll Free Phone)1-800-433-1751(Toll Free Fax)1-800-378-8212(Phone)1-732-381-0600(Fax)1-732-381-4075Visit us at:www.USHALONBANK.comE-Mail:[email protected]


P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:44 pm Page 60

EC REGULATION 2037/2000 setsdates for decommissioning these Halonsystems. It prohibits the sale of Halonafter December 31, 2002 and requiresthat all non-critical Halon systems bedecommissioned by December 31, 2003.

WHO IS IMPACTED?

Annex VII of EC Regulation 2037/2000defines the following as critical uses forwhich Halon 1301 will be permittedbeyond 2003:� In aircraft for the protection of crew

compartments, engine nacelles, cargobays and dry bays.

� In military land vehicles and navalvessels for the protection of spacesoccupied by personnel and enginecompartments.

� For the making inert of occupiedspaces where flammable liquid and/orgas release could occur in the militaryand oil, gas and petrochemical sector,and in existing cargo ships.

� For the making inert of existingmanned communication and com-mand centers of the armed forces orothers essential for national security.

� For the making inert of spaces where

there may be a risk of dispersion ofradioactive matter.

Annex VII also permits the followinguses for Halon 1211.� In hand-held fire extinguishers and

fixed extinguishers for use on boardaircraft.

� Fire extinguishers essential to personalsafety used for initial extinguishing byfire brigades.

� In military and police fire extinguishersfor use on person.If your Halon system or extinguishers

are not used for one of these purposes,the regulation applies to you.

BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD

If you’re a non-critical Halon user,experts recommend using this oppor-tunity to reassess the nature of the haz-ard. The fact that Halon was originallyused to protect it does not necessarilymean a clean agent is the best solutionto replace Halon. Also, companies facedwith multiple Halon systems might haveto prioritize.

“Halon was often used in hazards whereother types of suppression would haveworked,” says Shawn Mullen, executive

vice president of Protex Central, Inc. inDes Moines, Iowa. “In some cases, drychemical, foam or carbon dioxide mightbe viable replacement agents.”

The reassessment process starts bydetermining the critical nature of thehazard. Can the items be replaced? Canyou afford down time caused by firedamage or clean up? Are there redundantsystems. Can you still operate if the sys-tem goes down?

Though you probably asked thosequestions when you installed the Halonsystem, the mandated 2003 decommis-sioning deadline may force you to askthem again relative to other hazardsyou’re protecting.

Once you’ve determined the hazardmerits continued protection, determineits nature. Is it electrical in nature? Is itflammable liquids? Dry document stor-age? Then, look at the structure. Finally,look at operational issues. Is the roomnormally occupied? The answers to thesequestions will determine the properreplacement system.

Other factors influencing the Halonalternative include the ability to reuseelements of the existing system.

“Look at the control and delivery sys-tems,” says Mullen. “Are there elementsof the existing piping systems that can bereused? Is the control system compatiblewith and approved for use with the sys-tem to which they’re going to convert?Can existing conduit be reused? Whatabout the existing power supply?”

“The thing that really drives thisprocess, however, is going back to mak-ing an assessment of what you’re pro-tecting,” Mullen continued. “Once that isdefined, then you can methodically makeyour determination of the best agent forthe hazard and how the existing systemmight be adapted to it.”

CLEAN AGENT ALTERNATIVES

Following the Montreal Protocol, mem-bers of the fire protection community


61

By Mitch Lebovic, CAEThe clock is ticking for owners of Halon fire suppression systems inEurope. Though Halon 1211 and Halon 1301 are highly successful firesuppression agents, the 1987 Montreal Protocol on Substances thatDeplete the Ozone Layer identifies Halon as a potential ozone depleter. Theproduction of new Halon was banned in 1994, and the European Com-munity laid out a plan to dispose of all Halon being used in non-criticalapplications.

The Clock isTicking forHalon

The Clock isTicking forHalon

P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:44 pm Page 61

worked closely with government andenvironmental organizations to developsubstitute agents that would extinguishfire effectively without harming the envi-ronment. To date, the next generation ofclean agents consists of five commerciallyavailable products developed in compli-ance with environmental regulations.While other agents have been produced,those with the greatest market accep-tance are Argon, FE-13, FM-200, FE-227and INERGEN.

Halocarbon agents, such as FE13, FM-200 and FE227, absorb heat from the fireto the point where combustion can nolonger occur. Inert gas agents, such as

INERGEN and Argon, lowerthe hazard’s oxygen contentbelow the level necessary forcombustion. Each of theseagents shares Halon’s quicksuppression characteristic.Like Halon, they are also“clean” agents, which meansthey are non-conductive andnon-corrosive. There is noresidue to clean up, no lin-gering materials to slowlydegrade equipment and noneed for an expensive disas-ter recovery process. At firesuppressing concentrations,these agents are safe to use

in occupied areas.

THE RIGHT ALTERNATIVE

The right Halon alternative depends onthe nature of the application. “The bestagent varies based on several factors,”says George Krabbe, chairman of theboard of Automatic Fire Control in SouthHolland, Ill. “If the customer doesn’t havea lot of room, he’s not going to pick anagent that requires more storage space.Some agents work better at lower tem-peratures and some are stronger in highbay areas.”

Krabbe suggests that a visit with a fire

protection expert is the best way to makethe right choice for a specific application.

HALON DISPOSAL

When it’s time to dispose of your Halon,you can make it available to critical usersthrough recycling organizations. InEurope, you can find credible Halon recy-clers through the Halon Users NationalConsortium at www.hunc.org. In the Unit-ed States, contact the Halon AlternativesResearch Corporation at www.harc.org.

In some cases, fire protection distribu-tors will purchase unused Halon to resellto customers who still have Halon Sys-tems. Also, U.S. Halon users have theoption of donating unused Halon to theDepartment of Defense Ozone DepletingSubstances Reserve.

Remember, Halon must be disposed of inaccordance with environmental regulations.

DECOMMISSIONING RESOURCES

Here are two helpful resources to walkyou through the decommissioningprocess. First is a document titled Regis-tered Scheme for Halon Decommissioningpublished by British Approvals for FireEquipment. It can be found on theBFPSA web site at www.bfpsa.org.uk. The second is the Safety Guide for


6262

Enquiries: www.thefireshop.com

Pic: courtesy of FSSA

P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:44 pm Page 62

Decommissioning Halon Systems avail-able from www.harc.org.

START PLANNING TODAY

Given the December 2003 deadline, now is the time to begin planning thetransition.

“Involve as many people as you can tocome up with the best solution,” advisesMullen. “Get input from everyoneinvolved with the hazard, from the peoplewho have to maintain the system to thepeople responsible for the process thesystem protects.”

“You can’t simply drop in a new agentand many of these applications are criti-cal,” adds Krabbe. “ The end user can’tjust shut down for a month so the Halon1301 system can be replaced.”

The replacement process will takemonths. Once a final decision has beenmade regarding the type of system, engi-neered drawings need to be developed,approval processes must be followed andthe system itself must be fabricated,delivered, installed and tested. Thoughthe deadline is still nearly two years away,planning now allows for responsible bud-geting. It also provides a contingencyplan should the system discharge andrequire recharge after the 2002 ban onHalon sales.

WHAT ABOUT NON-EUROPEAN USERS?

In the United States, there is no currentlegal obligation to remove Halon systemsfrom service. Also, there is no federallegal requirement to remove systems fromservice by any specific date. In order tominimize Halon emissions, theEnvironmental Protection Agencystrongly encourages Halon usersto explore non-ozone depletingalternatives. However, this hasnot been mandated.

Australia has developed aresponse to the Montreal Protocolas well. The 27-page AustralianHalon Management Strategycan be downloaded fromwww.ea.gov.au. This strategy pro-vides a framework for the respon-sible management of Australia’sHalon stocks to 2030 and theultimate elimination of their use.

Japan’s National Halon Man-agement Strategy can be down-loaded from www.env.go.jp. Nonew Halon installations arepermitted in this country. Beyondthat, other Asian countries haveyet to develop high-level regula-tions regarding Halon.


63

MITCH LEBOVIC, CAE, is director of communications for

the Fire Suppression SystemsAssociation in Baltimore, Md.You can visit FSSA online at

www.fssa.net

Enquiries: www.thefireshop.com


P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:45 pm Page 63

CAD-BASED SOFTWARE for thesprinkler industry has become soadvanced that it is possible for simplecommands to:

� Generate trees, grids, and loopssized and spaced to fill a bay oran entire structure;

� Select the correct sprinkler technol-ogy for any of a number of highlyspecialized design approaches;

� Have the head spacing deter-mined automatically by the place-ment of structural members andlimited by the listing criteria ofthe sprinkler head selected;

� Automatically determine pipe siz-ing based on the available watersource curve;

� Generate completed calculationreports followed by stock listreports with pricing;

� Have all the pertinent datadropped into the AutoCad environ-ment with cut-lengths, hydraulicreference nodes, and fabricationtags attached!

The modern CAD designer, usinghigh-end software such as SprinkCAD™,HydraCad™, and AutoSprink™, to namea few, has a mechanic’s toolbox ofcommands at his or her fingertips thatgo far beyond the capabilities of CADalone. But it was not always so.

I don’t personally recall when sched-ule 40/30 pipes were about the onlypipe in use. When you would ratherhang two runs three hundred feet longthan have to screw any ten-inch pipebecause screwing eight inch was hardenough. Chances are you don’t remem-ber those days either, but I heard allabout it from my Dad. He told me howthey did it before grooved couplings,how they used chain tongs and come-alongs to screw eight inch threadedpipe. How it took two men climbing A-frame ladders in tandem with alength of six-inch pipe on their shouldersto get twenty feet of main into the air.Installation practices have changeddrastically over the last thirty years, andso has engineering.

I remember lead holders, sandpaperboards, and Borco brand board cover-ing. I never used linen sheets andfountain pens, but I’ve seen them.

Engineering media improved from linento vellum, mylar, and bond. From pensin our hands we’ve gone to lead hold-ers, mechanical pencils, plastic leads,technical pens, and finally to plotters.

Now computer-based engineering isthe norm, when it was once a novelty –an expensive novelty, at that. But withcomputer costs coming down andspeeds going up, with designers comingout of school with AutoCad® experience,and with software improving at ever-increasing speeds, the computer desk isquickly replacing the drawing board.

Computers first made their entry intothe design department with hydrauliccalculations. I was lucky enough tohave learned hand-calculations before Ieven knew what a Personal Computerwas, and then came programmable cal-culators to speed up the process. Manyof us used the Texas Instruments calcu-lator with the tape reader function,replaced by the programmable HewlettPackard’s, but soon everyone was sit-ting down at a computer to run theirhydraulics. Computer Aided Design, orCAD, has made the same rapidimprovements.

Many designers have used AutoCad®and other CAD programs as a draftingtool without the benefit of add-onpackages tailored to our industry. Somecreated extensive libraries of blocks anddetails to speed their work. This abilityof CAD programs to recall previouslydrawn drawings, details, and blocks wasone of the original reasons some choseto draw in CAD.

I was always fascinated with thenovelty of drawing plans on a computer,though I did not blaze any trails. The


6464

Computer Aided Design (CAD)iinn tthheeSSpprriinnkklleerrIInndduussttrryy

By Rob Smith Tyco Fire Products

P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:45 pm Page 64

first system I was exposed to was notrun on a PC, was not AutoCad®, andwasn’t really particularly effective bytoday’s standards, but I didn’t knowany of that. I just wanted to learn it,use it, and get rid of my technical pensand electric eraser. This was somewherebetween the busy daysof the hospital/nursinghome retrofits and thebusier days of the high-rise retrofits in LosAngeles. It wasn’t reallymy choice to learnCAD; I was luckyenough to be asked tolearn it. I really appreci-ated the ability to makechanges without aneraser! Simple as thatsounds, it was a won-derful thing. I loved theability to reuse back-bone layouts on floorafter floor of tenantrevision plans withouthaving to work onsepia or bond copies.Working in CAD alwaysgave you clear, cleandrawings. And anyone who has growntired of drawing circle after circle ofsprinkler head symbols knows the utterjoy of using the ARRAY command! Butthe real advances in CAD for thesprinkler industry run much deeper thanjust drafting techniques.

There has been a steadily growingneed to have some CAD design capabil-ities in-house for most companies. Thedriving factors though, have mostlybeen external. The architectural com-munity led the way to CAD, and hasbeen dragging all the trades in thatdirection for years. From compressedschedules came the need for coopera-tive design. This drove architecturalfirms to CAD, where teams of personnelcould design multiple phases of a pro-ject simultaneously, utilizing featureslike X-Referencing and View ports.Soon drawings were being made avail-able to the trades in the AutoCad®DWG format, theoretically saving thetime of generating backgrounds for ourwork. I say “theoretically” because Ihave vivid memories of swearing Icould have drawn the backgroundfaster with a broken pencil than it wastaking me to “clean up” an architect’sdrawing for my use. I learned a lot

about paper space, x-referencing, andnested blocks in those days simplybecause I had to. I suppose I shouldthank (and apologize to) those name-less individuals who forced me to learnsome basic, valuable tools (while curs-ing their names).

As drawings became more widelyavailable on disk, the push for CAD hitthe mechanical trades. Not onlybecause the backgrounds were nowavailable for immediate use by themechanical designer, but also becausethe originators of those backgroundswanted a return on investment:Mechanical as-builts in electronic for-mat. The requirement for the mechani-cal trades’ drawings to be submitted inDWG format at the end of the projectwas suddenly widespread. I rememberprojects where the need to delivermaterials quickly to the job site pre-cluded drawing those plans in CAD. Wedidn’t have enough CAD-based design-ers. But the requirement to turn overrecord drawings in DWG format put usbetween a rock and a hard place. Wewere forced to draw in teams, “on theboard”, and then have someone tran-scribe our plans into AutoCad. All thisextra work because the design depart-ment was not up to speed on CAD.

Later, with another company, I wasfortunate to work on a project wherethe trades collaborated using electronicdocuments for schedules and drawings.It was my first experience with this newlevel of inter-trade communication

facilitated by the use of CAD systems.The architects and engineers, the gen-eral contractor, and all the on-sitetrades shared information, in DWG for-mat, for coordination and scheduling. Irecall a small commotion early in theprocess when our placements for

(concrete wall penetration) sleeves werefound to be consistently in conflictwith the plumber’s chosen locations.They had selected their locations,passed the drawings to us, and thenour sleeves were placed in direct con-flict with theirs. We had no idea wewere setting our sleeves where they hadalready proposed theirs. The drawingsthey passed to us seemed to be lackingany needed penetrations because theirdesigners were drawing on a whitebackground, using a line color verynear black! We drew on a black back-ground (still my preference), so we set-tled on some standard line colors thatwould be visible to all and continued inpeace.

These days it is not so unusual toperform coordination tasks by sendingcopies of your plans to the othertrades. The old practice of traveling tothe site one a week to do “overlays” ona light table is made unnecessary usingCAD. Online sharing of information isnow the new frontier, where you canview and interact with the work ofanother designer without actuallyreceiving his “intellectual property”.This streamlines the dissemination ofinformation, and keeps old information


65

Image: courtesy of Tyco Fire Products

P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:45 pm Page 65

out of circulation, a common problemin the not-so-distant past.

The pioneers in CAD programs forthe Fire Sprinkler industry have alwaystried to deliver more than just a com-puterized drafting program. Stock list-ing, hydraulic calculations, jobestimating, and inventory control havebeen strived for from the very begin-ning. It is in fact these abilities, and theadvancements in these abilities, thathave truly made CAD engineering pack-ages a necessity for any design depart-ment today.

Hydraulic calculations require anaccurate model of the pipe lengths,pipe diameters, and fitting arrange-ments in the calculated areas and thesupply piping. In gridded systems, thismeans the entire system needs to beaccurately modeled. The integration ofCAD design and hydraulics was a nat-ural progression. Now some programscan locate the Most HydraulicallyRemote area for the user, determine thecorrect number of flowing nodes forthat area, and place the nodes on theplan for the user, all by launching asingle command.

Stock listing of the system dovetailsnicely into the same requirements for effective hydraulic calculations.Once the system is modeled in CAD for the hydraulic calculations, the user is literally seconds away from

generating a complete stock list withthreaded and welded fabricationreports tapered to the wants of thefabricator. Identification of sprinklerheads acceptable to the design parame-ters of a project is automated in somesystems as well. With modern programs,the CAD drawing is linked to a data-base of industry-standard parts, so that any design flaws that wouldnecessitate the use of unknown orlittle-used fittings creates error mes-sages alerting the designer to thepossible problem.

These same databases provide datafor the correct calculation of a system,utilizing K-factors and listed pressurerequirements, then pass other data tothe stock listing modules, providingthread size for the associated fittings,and temperature rating, orientation,and finish for the loose materials list.Entire purchase orders are virtuallyfilled out by the processing of thedrawing through these stock list gener-ators. With recent advances in commu-nication between supplier andcontractor, entire orders for materialsand fabrication are now travelingacross the Internet to put pipe on thejob tomorrow.

These advances will not replace thesprinkler designer, but will certainlymake the transition from green recruitto productive designer easier and faster.

The need for conscien-tious application ofknowledge and experi-ence can never be over-looked in a designdepartment, not withoutthe possibility of tragicconsequence close onthe horizon. But even inthe area of code inter-pretation, the sprinklersoftware industry hasresponded to the call.

Where will we go fromhere? That’s beyond mypurview, but I don’t seethe advances stoppingnow. I’ve long had avision of what we mayone day see in terms ofhardware, though, andwith the new flat panelmonitors, touch-screensystems, and voicerecognition software, wemay not be far off. I see

a drawing board sized monitor, muchlike a digitizer, with a stylus like apencil. You speak commands to thesoftware. “Zoom”, “Pan”, “Draw main”.

The picture I get reminds me of anengineer on a tall stool at his board,drawing sprinklers. Reminds me ofwhere I started. Maybe someday we willcome full circle, but with the power ofsoftware today and the promise of thefuture, it will be much more enjoyableworking at that drawing board.


6666

ROB SMITHApplication Technical SupportSprinkCADTyco Fire ProductsLansdale, Pennsylvania, USA

Image: courtesy of Tyco Fire Products

P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:45 pm Page 66

BlackCyan Yellow Magenta

Can your flame detector seeclearly beyond the fourth line?

Det-Tronics Protect•ir can.The Protect•ir is the most extensively tested flame detector in the world today. Detection distances, field of view, response times and false alarm rejections are made perfectly clear. See the Det-Tronics advantage. First in flame detection for 28 years.

Call us at 952.941.5665 or visit us on theweb at www.detronics.com Enquiry Card No 11


P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:45 pm Page 67

The problem has again and againbeen dealt with in technical publi-cations and conferences during the

last few years. The most diverging ideasand opinions were discussed on thoseoccasions, sometimes rather controver-sially. It was, after all, a challenge to finda substitute for a particularly effectiveextinguishing gas whilst at the same timetaking into account, protection of livesand the environment. Water mist as afire-fighting medium, was regarded asexotic when the discussions about thebanning of halon began, has continuous-ly gained importance over the past fewyears.1 One of the causes of this trendhas certainly been the fact that watermist systems are a suitable option forboth sprinkler applications (fire control)and gas applications (extinguishment).This article plans to show which industrialapplications water mist is best suited andwhy it’s superior to other fire fightingmedia in many cases.

Extinguishing gases as analternative halon substitute

It would of course make sense to substi-tute halon by another environmentallyfriendly extinguishing gas. Therefore, inresponse to the banning of halon, variousgases were developed which are a directalternative to water mist for a variety ofapplications. However, such gases are notin all instances the best solution from theuser’s point of view. The already widespread extinguishing gases on a halocar-bon basis (FM 200, FE 36, Halotron etc,)will in contact with fire generate corrosivegases2 which are undesirable particularlyin areas where electrical and electroniccomponents are used. This applies

especially to the IT applications, becausethe corrosive gases may cause damage tosensitive electronic components in theserver cabinets (etc). British insurancecompanies recommend for this reason notto use such synthetic extinguishing gasesin IT applications.3 Besides, these halocar-bonates may generate partially dangerousby-products. So an investigation carriedout by the British Loss Prevention Councilas early as 1996 showed that all commer-cially available halocarbonate-extinguish-ing gases used in the burning testsgenerated hydrogen fluoride.4

The widely used extinguishing gas CO2 iswell known for the hazards it implies forlife safety, and is meanwhile looked at morecritically under environmental aspects.5

Inert extinguishing gases, in contrast, arean environmentally acceptable alternative.

However, in most cases, the quantitiesneeded are rather large so that specialconsiderations are required when lookingat storage areas for cylinders.

For all extinguishing gases, it is anessential prerequisite in their effectivenessthat space integrity is complete and that apre-warning time for evacuating any per-sons present must be observed. But sucha pre-warning time, in principle, is equiv-alent to a ‘pre-burning time’ which is notin the user’s interest and is counter pro-ductive when seeking rapid fire fighting.

Water mist systems, on the other hand,do not, in most cases, require a high degreeof room integrity nor a pre-warning time.

Water mist as an establishedextinguishing techniqueThese disadvantages are avoided by usingwater mist. Considering the fact thatwater is the oldest extinguishing agent in

the world – at the same time being abasic element of every ecological system– there is little point in discussing anynegative side effects on the environment.It has often been considered whether thisenvironmentally pleasant technologywould be apt to produce similarly goodresults in fire fighting as some evidentlymore dangerous and detrimental extin-guishing techniques. Today this questionis not only answered in the affirmativefor many applications, but a large num-ber of investigations has shown that theprotection of many risks is even moreeffective with water mist technology.Nevertheless, it is necessary – as for anyother type of extinguishing agent – toexamine the suitability of water mist forthe specific risk to be protected. It is evi-dent that even water mist cannot be thesolution for all problems of fire protec-tion, but the range of application hasbeen growing with tremendous speedover the last few years.

The surprising aspect is that this devel-opment has been initiated only by the


6868

Caption

Pic: courtesy of Lechler

Water Mist for Industrial Hazards

TO COMPLY WITH LEGAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES, halon-extinguishingsystems must be replaced by alternative fire fighting techniques on a world-wide scale. Most of the European countries are bound to dispose of theirremaining halon systems in the very near future. However many industrialusers, still have to decide which type of fire fighting technique they shouldadopt to replace their existing halon systems.

Water Mist for Industrial Hazards

By Dirk K. Sprakel of Fogtec Gmbh GermanyBy Dirk K. Sprakel of Fogtec Gmbh Germany

Fogtec Systems cause no damage to theenvironment.

P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:46 pm Page 68

banning of halon. This is even more sur-prising when you consider the fundamentaltechnology is not new. As early as 1937the Lechler company (Germany) becameactive in marketing water mist systemsfor mobile and stationary applications.Also the Food Machinery Corporation(USA) and Myers (USA) offered such sys-tems in the thirties and forties. At thattime they were obviously lacking thetechnology required to produce commer-cially attractive and at the same time effec-tive systems for marketing on a wide scale.Only in the late seventies, the idea of firefighting with water mist was revived in thecountries of the former Eastern Block, inparticular in Russia and the German Demo-cratic Republic, thus creating the basis forthe present state of technology.

Today nearly all internationally relevant,directive-issuing institutions and researchorganizations are devoted to the topic ofwater mist technology. Among them num-ber Factory Mutual, Allianz, NFPA, Inter-national Maritime Organisation, US CoastGuard, CEN, DIN, SINTEF, SP, VTT, Expertsgather regularly under the roof of the Inter-national Water Mist Association (IWMA).This organisations first directives were forthe installation, design and approval ofwater mist extinguishing systems.6 Otherdirectives are under preparation.7

Thus prospective users of water misttechnology are, in most cases, providedwith an adequate basis for a competentprotection of their specific risks. This is alsoreflected by the fact that an enormousnumber of water mist installations havebeen carried out over most continents.

System typesWater mist systems are offered as so-called low-pressure (LPWM) and high-pressure (HPWM) water mist systems.Both types use the same sufficiently wellknown basic principle, i.e. they generatesmall-sized water mist droplets that areused for cooling and oxygen displace-ment by water vapour generation. Thetypes differ from each other in respect ofthe working pressure applied. High-pres-sure systems normally require consider-

ably less water than low-pressure systems,thus being more effective, but due to thehigher pressure they need a more specifictechnology. Both HPWM and LPWM sys-tems are available with pumps or pressuretanks for water supply.8

The first edition of NFPA 750 containsa water mist category classification, classi-fying the generated droplets by sizes.According to this classification, Class Isystems generate the smallest droplets andClass III systems generate the largest ones.

Following is a description of the possi-bilities of application for primarily Class Isystems because such systems are theones differing most clearly from conven-tional deluge and sprinkler systems intheir mode of action.

Applications in the industryThere are numerous possibilities for theapplication of water mist in industry andthey are being steadily increased by newones. In this context, it becomes evidentthat water mist systems are apt to replaceboth sprinkler and gas extinguishing sys-tems under certain conditions. Following,are examples of some of the risks that arefrequently protected by water mist.

Local Protection/Object ProtectionWater mist systems for local protectionalready exist in almost every branch ofindustry. Risks covered by local protectionsystems rather often necessitate the acti-vation of fire fighting installations. Forthis purpose, high-pressure water mistsystems offer the great advantage thatrefilling can be done fast and at a lowcost. Apart from that, the water damagecaused can mostly be neglected, andpotential damage to the product can bereduced to a minimum. These factors areof particular importance for systemsexposed to a high false alarm rate.

Gas turbinesGas turbines are one of the risks most fre-quently protected by water mist. At a veryearly stage, Factory Mutual publisheddirectives for the approval of water mistsystems for this range of application. As aresult of this initiative and because of thespecific advantages of water mist technol-ogy, such systems became wide spread in avery short time. Water mist will reduce thetemperature in the area around the turbinerapidly, however without cooling the


69

Stationary watermist nozzle from 1938. Courtesy of Lechler Temperature during a full scale fire test.

Fogtec nozzle for industrial applications.

P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:46 pm Page 69

turbine surface too fast and too irregularlywhereby the turbine would be damaged.

Machining centresParticularly the PLC controlled machiningcentres are suited for protection by watermist. Such centres often use an oil mist forcooling the tools and for lubrication. If thisoil mist is ignited, it can be extinguishedwith Class I Water Mist within secondsdespite the tremendous speed with whichthe fire is spreading, even in cases where aprotection door of the machining centre isleft open. Owing to the small amounts ofwater used, the machine normally can berestarted after a short time.

Engine test cells A great number of engine test cells havealready been protected by high-pressure

water mist systems, and they have in real-ity proved to be reliable systems on vari-ous occasions. The high financial anddevelopment values in the automobileindustry plus the desire for immediateand effective fire fighting create a con-vincing argument in favour of the use ofwater mist as extinguishing medium.

Cable ductsBy using high-pressure water mist extin-guishing systems, it is possible to avoidconsuming those large amounts of waterthat would regularly be required whenusing low-pressure spray flood systems.9

This is indispensable particularly to avoidshort-circuits. The almost gas-like spread-ing of Class I mist permits the reductionof the amount of nozzles installed inmost instances to a single row, whichguarantees easy access to the cable duct.

Hydraulics cellar and productionareasHigh-pressure water mist systems havebeen tested for room heights up to 10 min 1/1 fire tests. It has been possible toprove that an effective protection can beprovided with extremely low quantities ofwater, while it is nevertheless importantto see to it that the respective water mistsystem has really proved its effectivenessin tests with the corresponding roomheight.

IT areas/control roomsAlso the IT areas maintained by industryto an ever-increasing extent can be pro-tected with water mist.10 Several thou-sand square metres of protected areaalone in Europe are a clear demon-stration. Especially the fume washouteffect by which smoke particles and the


7070

Fire test for industrial applications.


Burning Questions,Brilliant Solutions

Pilkington Pyrostop™

Pilkington Pyrodur™

For more than twenty years, fire-resistant glazings from thePilkington Group have been used in buildings. Our projectexperience provides today’s architects with almost limitlessdesign opportunities for all glazed interior structures, facadesand roof constructions that must fulfil fire-safety functions.

A unique selection of glass types and systems, tested and approved with Pilkington Pyrostop™ and Pilkington Pyrodur™,allows individual solutions for constructions with the mostvaried requirements. Make use of this planning confidenceand freedom of design for transparent fire protection!

For further information please contact: Pilkington plc., Processing and MerchantingPrescot Road St. Helens, Merseyside WA10 3TT Phone: 01744-692000 Fax: 01744-613049Internet: www.pilkington.com

P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:46 pm Page 70

water-soluble fumes are removed,11 has apositive effect on the protection of theseareas. In most cases, computers with theirCPUs and particularly also their storagemedia are less affected by the fire itselfthan by the rapidly spreading fumes withtheir often aggressive components.12

Water mist is also increasingly used toprotect floor voids in computer rooms.13

Hazardous materials storesInvestigations by North-Rhine Westphalia’sState Environment Board have shown thatin most cases high-pressure water mist issuperior to CO2, which has otherwise beenfrequently used for such applications.14 Byavoiding pre-warning times, a rapidspreading of the fire, which would other-wise have to be expected, can be counter-acted. Other important advantages are theredundancy of completely confined spacesand the powerful cooling effect.

Other applications are:

� Chip board presses15

� Belt conveyors16

� Paint Cabinets17

� Wet benches

� Transformers

� Generators

� Industrial oil fryers and ovens

SummaryWater mist extinguishing systems enjoy arapidly increasing acceptance in industry.For many applications, water mist ascompared to conventional fire fightingtechniques and chemical extinguishinggases is not only environmentally friend-ly, but also the more effective alternative.

But like any other fire-fighting system,water mist extinguishing systems cannotprotect every risk. Water mist systemsrequire detailed design based on the cor-responding 1/1 tests, and installation byexperts. Only then can the enormousadvantages of the technology be turnedto profit. For the users of water misttechnology, it’s therefore important toask a prospective supplier for references,design bases and experience. Equallyimportant is a careful selection of the firedetection and alarm system.

1 FM Global Research, Water Mist ProtectionSystems gain Momentum, in: IFP, Nov. 2000.

2 Dr. Joseph Su, NRCC, article on web pagenrc.ca/irc/newsletter/v6no1/halon_e.html

3 Norbert Büll, Umweltfreundliche Löschgase alsAlternative zu Halon, in: GIT Sicherheit undManagement, 03/2000

4 Loss Prevention Council, in: “Report HalonAlternatives”, 1996

5 T. Prößdorf, Löschmittel im Einsatz und derenAuswirkung auf Umwelt und Gesundheit, in:Wagner Seminar, 1994

6 e.g. NFPA 750, Factory Mutual (var.), UL, IMO(var.)

7 e.g. CEN, DIN, Standards Australia, JFOA, otherdirectives by Factory Mutual

8 For other details regarding the different typesof water mist systems, see IFP Magazine, issues1 and 2, 2000, “Water Mist ExtinguishingSystems” by Dirk K. Sprakel

9 H.G. Schroers, Wassernebel unter Hoch-druckeinfluß, in: W&S, 10/2000

10 U. Schwemmer, Stationäre automatischeWasservernebelungsanlagen, in: TÜ, Vol. 38,May 1997

11 FM Global Research, Water Mist Fire ProtectionSystems gain Momentum, in: IFP, Nov. 2000

12 Brandschutz bei EDV Anlagen, Kopp, Fischer,Sprakel, in: TÜ 10/01

13 FM Global Research, Water Mist Fire ProtectionSystems gain Momentum, in: IFP, Nov. 2000

14 K. Beisheim, H.B. Hochgreve, M. Schütz, Ein-satzmöglichkeiten der Hochdruckwassernebel-Löschtechnik in Gefahrstofflagern, in: TÜ, Vol.38, May 1997.

15 H.H. Weiß, H. Aretz, Wassernebellöschtechnik,in: Allianz Report 06/2000.

16 K. Holke, H.D. Dortmann, Brandschutz vonBandstraßen mit Gurtförderanlagen ..., in: VGBFachtagungsband, 1999.

17 U. Schremmer, Anlagentechnischer Brandschutzin elektrostatischen Pulver-Lackieranlagen ...,in: TÜ, Vol. 39, May 1998


71

Fire test for industrial applications.

The Ideal Pump for High Pressure Water Mist SystemsNessie® pumps from Danfoss provide the water pressurerequired for high pressure water mist applications due to theircompact design and homogeneous spraying generation.

Pump advantages:• Low-weight and small-sized• High efficiency• Direct PTO/engine

connection• Stainless steel• Homogeneous spray

generation• No maintenance

Beside pumps we offer specialized ready-to-use custom-made Power-Packs as well as Valves and Jets.

For further information please contact:

Danfoss A/SDK-6430 Nordborg, Denmark

Tel.: +45 7488 3181 • Fax: +45 7445 3831

E-mail: [email protected] 3055

G1

Enquiries: [email protected] Enquiries: www.fogtec.com

P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:47 pm Page 71

Valves operate either on or off(opened or closed), or some-where in between. A simple fire-

plug is nothing more than a valve thatcontrols flow of water to fight a fire.

Valves can also be equipped with allsorts of “bells and whistles” that causethe valve to operate at various stagesbetween on and off as a result of pres-sure changes, temperature, time, orother factors. Correct application ofany valve requires defining the specificpurpose or function of the valve, sizingit to the operating conditions andselecting the materials of constructionto the conditions andfluid. The use of valvesin a salt-water environ-ment or in piping withanother corrosive prod-uct presents special chal-lenges to the engineerand valve manufacturer.

Veco Alaska, an engi-neering contractor andconsulting firm, facedthis challenge recentlywhen looking for valvesto use in fire protectionsystems in Alaska. Thefire-fighting agent wassalt water. Veco wasdesigning and installing

fire protection systems at an oil recov-ery facility in Valdez, and at an oil pro-duction facility on NorthStar Island, aman-made island in the Beaufort Seaat the North Slope. Both systems wouldwork “on demand” without humanintervention.

The valves were to be installed onthe discharge side of fire pumps takingwater directly from the sea. Their pur-pose was to keep the fire system pipingisolated from salt water until it wasneeded. This piping system would be

filled with fresh water and charged to apressure that would keep the valveclosed. When the pressure on the dis-charge side drops, the valve opens,allowing 100 psi seawater from to thefire main to flow into the fire system.After the fire is extinguished, the firesystem would be flushed with freshwater and charged, closing the valveand placing the system in standby.

These valves, always subject to saltwater and its corrosive effects, couldleak unless protected. Industry standardmaterials range from cost effective,readily available ductile iron and caststeel to costly, special order alloys likenickel-aluminum-bronze or duplexstainless steel

With this problem in mind VECOworked with OCV Control Valves ofTulsa, and found a solution. Involved inthe design, engineering, manufacturing

and application of spe-cialty valves for the past50 years, they suggestedthe application of anepoxy coating that isresistant to saltwatercorrosion, as well as tocorrosion caused byrefined petroleum prod-ucts, sour crude andother acidic compounds.These coatings haveelastomeric propertiesthat allow expansionand contraction within awide temperature range.Following rigid applica-tion steps, they have


7272

Figure 1. OCV Red Valve – shows two gauges.

Figure 2. Drawing cutaway of valve.

Valves SolveSeawaterProblems

P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:47 pm Page 72

found these coatings to be durable forin excess of 15 years.

At Valdez, a new fire protection sys-tem was installed in a facility where oilis recovered from the ballast water usedin tankers. Underground seawater firemains feed the fire protection system.Three 6,000-gpm diesel driven pumpssupply seawater from Prince WilliamSound at 275 psi to the entire Valdezterminal.

The control valve used here, andshown in Figure 1, is an OCV Series127 pressure reducing flow controlvalve that controls water supply to thebuilding sprinkler system. It controlsflow and reduces the 275-psi supplypressure to 100 psi and sustains thatpressure and flow in the fire system.Should the seawater fire main pressure

vary, the valve modulates until thepressure is correct. The valve seat ispart of a spool assembly that opensand closes hydraulically. A diaphragmsenses pressure changes and activatesthe valve seat, adjusting it as necessaryso that preset pressure and flow aremaintained. Figure 2 shows the internalworkings of the basic control valve.

At the production facility on theman-made NorthStar Island in theBeaufort Sea, shown in Figure 3, a dif-ferent type of control valve is used.Twelve-inch Diaphragm Check Valvesare placed on the discharge side of thefire pumps that supply fire protectionwater taken from the Beaufort Sea tothe island fire system. Shown in Figure4, these valves have the same inner-workings of the Series 127 valve andare designed to open when inlet pres-sure exceeds discharge pressure on thefire system side. Should pressure reversal

occur, internal control tubing carriesback pressure to the bonnet, forcingthe valve to close. The valve seat oper-ates hydraulically. Like in the Series 127installation, the fire system remainscharged with fresh water. When thepump starts, and pressure in the valveexceeds fire main pressure, the valveopens. Another 12-inch valve, shown inFigure 5, is an angle valve that providespressure relief for the fire pump. Whenthe water supply exceeds the demand,this valve releases it back to the ocean.Elsewhere in this system are 3� and 2-1/2� inch Series 127 valves regulatingfire system pressure at 150 psi. All havethe epoxy coating.

Veco used these Control Valvesbecause they were of high quality,meeting UL and FM standards for fireprotection, and the delivery time wasacceptable to their working schedule.The engineering staff worked withVeco engineers to make sure that thevalves met all of the requirements ofthe application.


73

Figure 3. Aerial view of NorthStarIsland. Pic: Jack Bowen © BP

Figure 5. Another red valve. This is anangle valve.

Figure 4. Blue Valve.

About the AuthorJack Bowen has worked with fireprotection systems for the past 34years, the last 11 of which havebeen in the oil business in Alaska.He has extensive experience inthe design, testing and certifica-tion of high and low pressureCO2, foam and chemical systems,and has worked in a number ofindustries, including high risebuildings, research facilities,nuclear power, data processing,and schools, as well as the petro-leum industry. He attended Kear-ney State College in Nebraskaand various fire protection semi-nars and training sessions. Heholds Alaska State Fire Marshalpermits IC, IIC and IIIC as well asNICET certifications. Please con-tact him at [email protected]

P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:47 pm Page 73


7474

OCV Control ValvesFlowing Strong Since 19527400 East 42nd Place • Tulsa, Oklahoma 74145-4744 • USAPhone: 1-888-628-8258 • 918-627-1942 • Fax: 918-622-8916e-mail: [email protected] • Internet: www.controlvalves.com

Fire pumprelief valve

Pneumatic &electric activateddeluge valves

Pressurereducingvalve

Sure Fire Valves ForReliable Fire Protection

When life and property are on the line, there’s no better choice than OCVControl Valves for your fire protection system. Meeting all standards, OCV’swide selection of diaphragm-actuated valves offer advantages in many ways:

• Fully automatic operation using pilot controls and line pressure

• OCV-designed pilots for accurate control of valve operation/set-points

• Guided stem assembly/accurate throttling and positive closure

• Epoxy-coated ductile and steel valves for fresh or seawater service

• Easy on-line service/adjustments

• Drip-tight closure/renewable seal for extended valve service life

• No packing glands to service

• Globe or angle pattern/ductile iron, cast steel, bronze and stainless steel

Plus, count on the performance of OCV for support, engineering consultationand valves configured to your specific requirements today and years to come.

©2000 OCV Control Valves


Enquiries: www.ultrafog.com

Ultra Fog ABUltra Fog ABGåskullevägen 14, SE-44552 Surte (Göteborg), Sweden

Phone: +46-(0)31-982370 • Fax: +46-(0)31-982368e-mail: [email protected] • www.ultrafog.com

Areas to be protected by ULTRA FOAreas to be protected by ULTRA FOGG ®®

- Accommodation - Corridors - Staircases- Accommodation - Corridors - Staircases- Kitchens - Storage - Machinery Spaces- Kitchens - Storage - Machinery Spaces

- Electrical spaces - Computer rooms - a.o.- Electrical spaces - Computer rooms - a.o.

Watersupply alternatives:Watersupply alternatives:

- Pump unit system- Pump unit system- Pressurised bottle system- Pressurised bottle system

®®ULTRA FOG ABFIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMFIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM

The most efficientThe most efficientHigh Pressure WaterfogHigh Pressure Waterfog

System in the marketSystem in the market

Enquiries: www.sprinkcad.com

GREAT PLANS DESERVEGREAT SUPPORTFIRE PROTECTION

SOFTWARE FOR THE

DESIGN PROFESSIONAL

•••••

To purchase software or for additional information on theSprinkCAD Software Suite visit our website at:

www.sprinkcad.comFor FREE Demonstration Software or Technical Support

call (800) 495-5541 or (215) 393-1500

• AutoCAD® based program for compatibility throughout the construction industry.

• The benefits of a true object oriented 3-D model with the ease of 2-D layout.

• New SDI technology spots errors or corrects them as you draw.

• Extensive database of pipes, fittings, valves, sprinklers and more.

• Integrated Calculation and Stock Listing modules - A Complete Package!

P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:47 pm Page 74

The definition of healthcare isimportant to determine how toapply the applicable codes. The

National Fire Protection Association(NFPA) 101, 2000 edition, The Life SafetyCode (LSC) is enforced most universally inthe United States. Many jurisdictions alsoenforce a model building code, such asthe International Building Code (IBC),which may contain additional, sometimesmore restrictive, requirements. There arenumerous definitions of healthcare, butthe most basic involves sleeping accom-modations for people incapable of self-preservation because of age, physical ormental impairment. This would include

primarily general and psychiatric hospitalsand nursing homes. Ambulatory health-care is a related occupancy, but with lessrestrictive requirements. Other occupan-cies that may be associated with health-care, but do necessarily require the samelevel of fire protection, would includedoctor’s offices, clinics and small treat-ment facilities. These latter building usesare typically treated as a business or otherless restrictive use. As always, the Author-ity Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) must beconsulted if there is any doubt about theoccupancy.

Once it has been determined the over-all occupancy is healthcare, typically therewill be other occupancies in the samebuilding. The LSC section 18.1.2.1 allowsother occupancies to be applied in abuilding primarily used for healthcarealong with the code advantages of that

occupancy (for example the ability toreduce corridor width in a Business occu-pancy). However, the other occupancymust not be used by patients for sleep-ing, treatment or by those incapable ofself-preservation. The occupancy mustalso be completely separated fromhealthcare by a 2-hour fire resistance bar-rier without penetrations other than self-closing fire doors in corridors. If thisseparation cannot be achieved, the mostrestrictive requirements for both occu-pancies must be applied. Further, if thenon-healthcare occupancy is to be usedfor egress of healthcare occupants, themeans of egress provisions for healthcaremust apply throughout.

The LSC and model codes allow forsome flexibility in applying the prescrip-tive measures in the code. Prescriptivereferring to the specific instructions asoutlined in the occupancy chapters of thecode. LSC section 18.1.1.1.1 has anexception allowing the AHJ to approve anequivalency. Further, although the LSCdoes not require any specific method forachieving this equivalency, NFPA providestwo methods to assist in evaluating alter-nate designs. The Fire Safety EvaluationSystem (FSES) and LSC Chapter 5 Perfor-mance-Based Option. As one wouldexpect, each approach has its advantagesand disadvantages.

The FSES for healthcare occupancies isdetailed in Chapter 3 of NFPA 101A –Alternative Approaches to Life Safety.The FSES for healthcare first appeared in1981 as an appendix to the LSC and nowappears as a recommended practice. TheFSES provides a method of “scoring”points for various life safety features of


75

Northwestern Medical. Courtesy of RJA

FIRE PROTECTION engineeringfor healthcare facilities requires adifferent approach than would beused for most other building uses.While the majority of occupanciesdepend on evacuation for fire emer-gencies, healthcare facilities must“defend-in-place”. In using thisapproach, a greater dependence mustbe placed on life safety systems forprotecting the occupants from fire. Inthe defend-in-place approach firealarm, suppression and fire resistiveconstruction all work together toavoid moving patients out of thebuilding. Ideally any vertical move-ment of patients is avoided since itcan be stressful, even dangerous, tothe patient. Trained staff, familiarwith emergency procedures aredepended on to assist patients in afire and move them to a safe area.

Central Dupage Hospital. Courtesy of RJA By Craig L. Redfern, P.E., Rolf Jensen & Associates, Inc.

HHoossppiittaall Fire PPrrootteeccttiioonn

P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:48 pm Page 75

the facility. The resulting points aretotalled and compared with the potentialpoints for a facility in full compliancewith the prescriptive portions of the LSC.If the facility can demonstrate that it hasa point value greater than or equal to atraditionally compliant facility in fourmajor categories, then equivalence hasbeen demonstrated. The four major cate-gories evaluated are Fire Containment,Fire Extinguishment, Emergency PeopleMovement and General Safety. Since firesprinklers are required for new healthcareoccupancies, a large score of 10 points is included for fully sprinklered smokecompartments. This makes the FSES verydifficult to compensate for a lack ofsprinklers. Other major components ofthe FSES include protection of hazardousareas, corridors and vertical openings.

The approach provided in LSC Chapter5, Performance-Based Option is a newsection to the LSC and provides specificgoals and objectives without prescribinghow to achieve them. Although somedesigners fear this is “throwing away thecode”, Chapter 5 still requires some pre-scriptive code provisions be retained. Themeans of egress requirements for stairs,ramps, doors and lighting as well as otherprovisions must be incorporated in thedesign. However the chapter primarilyfocuses on selection and evaluation ofspecific fire scenarios. Based on criteriaagreed upon by all parties, challengingbut realistic fire scenarios are evaluated.The scenarios provided attempt to evalu-ate predicted response of the buildingsystems and personnel to a given fireevent. Perhaps the most exciting aspectof the Performance Based Option is thetools and the method can be used toevaluate fire and non-fire events. Bychanging the scenarios to address non-fire emergencies, a variety of designissues can be evaluated. With recent trag-ic events, evaluating the response offacilities to a variety of disasters hasbecome essential.

A note of warning is appropriate whenusing alternate code approaches andequivalencies. Hospitals tend to havemultiple, overlapping AHJ. The Center forMedicare and Medicaid Services (CMS),The Joint Commission on the Accreditation

of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO),State health agencies and local firedepartments are some of the importantparties to consider. An approval by oneAHJ does not constitute an approval byall parties in that role. All authoritiesresponsible must approve any alternateapproaches before it can be consideredan acceptable equivalency. Since LSCChapter 5 Performance-Based Option isnew, many jurisdictions are not preparedto evaluate this method and may need to

have a third party review of the docu-mentation. The use of alternatives mustbe addressed early in the design processand include all stakeholders.

Another situation commonly encoun-tered in existing hospitals is areas that donot comply with the LSC for existinghealthcare occupancies (LSC Chapter 19).Additions to non-complying areas mustbe completely separated by a 2-hour fireresistance rated barrier, without commu-nicating openings other than fire ratedcorridor doors. When renovating an area,LSC Chapter 18 (new construction)applies to that area and unless the reno-vation is minor, applies to the entiresmoke compartment. There is no set“trigger point” to determine when a

renovation is large enough to require anupgrade to the entire smoke compart-ment. The AHJ will determine when arenovation is considered minor andinvolves the entire compartment. Thisdetermination should be made early inthe design process if there is any doubtabout required upgrades.

The requirements for 2-hour fire resis-tant barriers lead to some interestingdesign approaches by facilities. Many hos-pitals surround all new construction andrenovation projects with 2-hour firewallswithout evaluating the adjacent space.This approach leads to some very confus-ing and expensive wall arrangements. It isnot unusual when a life safety evaluationis performed on an older facility, to findmany firewalls that no longer appear toserve any purpose. These walls can be de-rated and significantly reduce main-tenance and renovation costs.

As a defend-in-place structure, thegoals and objectives are stated in LSC sec-tion 18.1.1.2. Primarily the intent is tolimit the fire to the room of origin reduc-ing the need for occupant evacuation.This goal is achieved with a total conceptof design, construction and maintenance.The LSC further elaborates that the totalconcept is achieved with three majorparts. The first part is also the last line ofdefense: Construction and compartmenta-tion. The second part is detection, alarmand suppression. Third part of the totalconcept is fire planning and prevention.Section 18.7 details the operating featuresof the building including fire drills andmaintenance of fire protection features.The primary focus of the LSC, however, is


7676

HHoossppiittaall FirePPrrootteeccttiioonn


P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:48 pm Page 76

the second and last lines of defense. Inother words, the design team mustassume the worst case – a fire has started.

The LSC requires all new healthcarefacilities to be sprinklered and existingfacilities based on height and construc-tion type. Quick-response sprinklers arerequired in new sleeping smoke compart-ments to achieve the highest level of pro-tection. The code does allow alternateprotection methods to be substituted forsprinklers if the AHJ has prohibited sprin-klers in a specific location. This is mostcommon in electrical spaces. The codefurther requires protection with a firealarm system for new or existing health-care facilities. Sprinkler flow alarm switches,manual fire alarm boxes or smoke detec-tors would activate the fire alarm system.Smoke detectors are required in nursinghome corridors or where hospital corridorshave certain open spaces allowed. TheLSC requires emergency forces notificationon fire alarm, but allows a 120 secondreconfirmation feature to be programmedinto the fire alarm for smoke detection. Asmore reliable smoke detection technologydevelops, reconfirmation should becomeobsolete.

The last line of defense for the buildingis fire rated construction to limit thespread of fire and protect from structuralfailure. This is achieved by requiring mini-mum structural fire resistance based onthe building height. The model codes fur-ther add limits to area based on structuralfire resistance and sprinkler protection.Another level of protection is gainedthrough compartmentation. Such that,each floor is divided into smoke compart-ments no larger than 22,500 square feet.The walls separating these compartmentsare one-hour fire and smoke rated con-struction. A minimum of two smoke com-partments are required on any healthcarefloor providing a safe place to relocate theoccupants without the need to use stairs.

The patients are further separated frompotential fire effects by corridor construc-tion. In sprinklered new or existing hospi-tals, the corridors are not required to befire rated, rather just resist the passage ofsmoke. These non-rated corridor walls mayeven terminate at a lay-in ceiling providedthe ceiling would resist the passage ofsmoke. In the case of existing non-sprinklered hospitals, the corridor wallsmust be 30-minute fire rated and extendthrough any suspended ceilings. The doorsto the corridor accessing the patient roomsare not required to be fire rated. In factthe LSC now specifically states compliancewith NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doorsand Fire Windows is not required. Furtherthe LSC allows up to a one-inch gap at

the bottom of the door. This recent word-ing has been added to clear up a source toconfusion for enforcing authorities anddesigners alike. In order to be a tested firerated door, it would have to have a self-close feature. It has been considered thatself-closing patient room doors may addto confusion when staff are trying toevacuate patients in a fire event and so areundesirable. Self-closing hardware isrequired any fire rated wall opening.

The areas in hospitals that represent asignificant hazard because of fire loading orlikelihood of ignition must be separatedfrom patient care areas. In new facilitiessprinklers are required in all locations andwhere the hazard is severe a one-hour fireresistance must also be added. Section18.3.2 defines hazardous areas or in somecases refers to other standards for guidance.Some examples of hazardous areas includePaint Shops, Laboratories, Soiled linenrooms and storage areas. For existing facili-ties, these hazardous areas can be sprink-lered and smoke tight with self-closingdoors OR one-hour fire rated. The LSC fur-ther allows the use of domestic watersprinkler systems as described in section9.7.1.2 for protecting existing isolated haz-ardous areas. Basically, up to six sprinklerscan be used to protect an isolated hazard-ous areas piped directly from the domesticwater system. The system must be capableof providing a water density of 0.15 Gallons-per-minute per square foot of area. If morethan two sprinklers are used, water flowdetection must be included and sound analarm or notify a constantly attended loca-tion. This provision allows existing facilitiesto protect areas without the major expenseassociated with a complete sprinklerupgrade. Domestic water sprinkler systemsstill require engineering and careful consid-eration of the hazard involved.

This has been just a glimpse of some ofthe issues confronting the design team forhospital fire protection. Hospitals requireconstant evaluation of life safety readi-ness and reaction. Fire drills are requiredquarterly for each shift to maintain readi-ness. The required staff training as well asthe multi-leveled total concept approachhas had a major impact on healthcare firesafety. According to NFPA Statistics onfacilities that care for the sick, between1994 and 1998, there was an average of 5civilian fire deaths in an average of 2,600structure fires per year. That accounts for0.1% of the civilian structure fire deathsin that period. This is an admirable recordand is clearly a result of the total conceptapproach to hospital fire protection.

References:National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)standards:80 – Standard for Fire Doors and FireWindows101 – Life Safety Code101A – Guide to Alternative Approaches toLife SafetyThe U.S. Fire Problem Overview ReportLeading Causes and Other Patterns andTrends Facilities that Care for the Sick –Marty Ahrens (NFPA) June 2001The International Building Code – March2000 Copyright 2000 by The InternationalCode Council


77

Texas Children’s Hospital. Courtesy of RJA

Craig L. Redfern, P.E. is a consultingengineer with the Orlando office ofRolf Jensen & Associates, Inc. (RJA).

Mr. Redfern has over 13 years ofexperience in the design, surveys,

and code requirements of healthcarefacilities. To learn more about RJA

visit their website atwww.rjagoup.com.

P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:48 pm Page 77


7878

Vector link base for 4-core addressablesystems

CRANFORD CONTROLSLTD HAVEINTRODUCED A NEWLINK BASE FORSYSTEM DESIGNERSWHO REQUIRE THEUSE OF 4-CORE CABLEIN ORDER TO RUNBOTH ADDRESSABLEDETECTORS ANDCONVENTIONALSOUNDERS.

Prior to the introduction of the link Vector base, there has been noreal answer to the problem of “parking” the additional wiringassociated with the sounder circuit. Now, the Vector link base canbe used underneath a detector, and the sounder circuit wired intothe terminal block provided. All sounder wiring is then continuedthrough to the next device, which may be to a further link Vector(VCT-03-LK) or a fully operational Vector VCT-03 conventionalsounder base. Note the Vector link base contains no electronics,simply acting as a continuous link for the sounder circuit.

An additional benefit of this system is that all detectors in abuilding will look exactly the same. With its low profile, the Vectorplatform sounder easily blends in with all major manufacturers ofcommercial grade detector. The systems designer can then selectexactly where sound is required.

In certain configurations, it is anticipated that significant sav-ings over the use of addressable platform sounders may beachieved when taking this approach.

Multi-Spectrum Infrared Flame DetectorsProvide the ideal combinationof flame sensitivity and falsealarm rejection. In recent years,the introduction of multiplewavelength flame detectors hasresulted in increased flame sen-sitivity and improved falsealarm rejection. But not untilnow, with the introduction of

the multi-patented X3301 Protect-ir. No flame detector has beenable to offer uncompromised flame detection when modulated hotsurfaces are present in the detector’s field of view. The Protect-ir isa Multi-spectrum Infrared (MIR) optical flame detector that utilizesthree sensors at three different wavelengths, a sophisticated 32-bitmicroprocessor, sophisticated software algorithms, and a calibratedoptical check for each sensor. The Protect-ir has the ability toignore modulated black bodies and other non-fire sources in itsfield of view yet still retain its alarm capabilities. The Protect-ir hasalso uncoupled the traditional relationship between flame sensitivi-ty and false alarm susceptibility. Typically, as flame sensitivityincreases the tendency towards false alarming also increases. Thisis not the case with the X3301, which is able to achieve maximumflame sensitivity and maximum false alarm resistance.

FIKE PROTECTIONSYSTEMS ARE PLEASEDTO ANNOUNCE THEARRIVAL OF FE-227™‘GASEOUS TOTAL FLOODFIRE PROTECTION’ AGENTMANUFACTURED BYDUPONT.

The partnership of Fike and DuPont bringsan alternative HFC-227ea supplier to themarket. Fike have more experience of providing non-ozone depleting CleanAgent Fire Protection Systems than any other manufacturer. In1993 Fike Corporation marketed and sold the worlds first Under-writers Laboratories Listed Clean Agent fire suppression systemusing HFC-227ea manufactured by Great Lakes Chemical Corpora-tion (GLCC) under the trade name of FM-200®. Since that timeFike have supplied many thousands of systems worldwide. The Fikename is synonymous with quality and expertise in Clean Agent fireprotection.

FE-227™ is the Trade name for DuPont’s HFC-227ea CleanAgent. FE-227™ and FM-200® are exactly the same chemically.Both have the same ASHRAE designation of HFC-227ea and aregenerically Heptafluoropropane, CF3CHFCF3, “same gas differentsuppliers”. The internationally recognised standards NFPA 2001and ISO 14520 endorse the use under the generic name of HFC-227ea. FE-227™ is also UL Listed and FM approved. For all systemsrequiring a fast acting effective agent specify Fike Protection Sys-tems’ FE-227™, HFC-227ea manufactured by DuPont.

The need for a fast acting fire suppressant has never beengreater with our reliance on telecommunications and electroniccommerce. Business interruption due to fire is unacceptable. FE-227™ solves the problem by tackling a fire anywhere within theprotected space. Even if the equipment within the protected spaceis always changing and being upgraded FE-227™ from Fike willstill be effective. The Total Flood gaseous agent is effective insideventilated cabinets and within floor voids.

FE-227™ is efficiently stored as a liquid in Fike steel containers,which take up the minimum of valuable floor space. This spaceefficiency makes it the most suitable agent for many Halonreplacement applications.

FE-227™ is safe for valuables. Many national treasures are pro-tected by HFC-227ea.

Any specification calling for HFC-227ea, under any trade namecan use FE-227™. Check out the difference in service offered bythe Fike and DuPont partnership.

Brass-look fireextinguisher adds styleto safetyThe new Firemaster brass-lookrefillable ABC dry powder fireextinguisher combines high qualitywith style to suit any locationwanting attractiveness as well assafety, including the office, home,boat, caravan or car.

The unit’s 1kg capacity gives acontrolled 8-second discharge andthe powder achieves a rapid knock-

Product Update � Product Update � Product Update

For more information, please contact:Cranford Controls Ltd

Tel: + 44 (0)1420 520520 E-mail: [email protected]

For more information, please contact:Detector Electronics UK Ltd.

www.detronics.com [email protected]

For more information, please contact: Fike Protection Systems

Tel: +44 (0)1256 397872 E-mail: [email protected]

P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:49 pm Page 78


79

down of flames by chemical reaction with the fire. It also melts ata relatively low temperature so as to blanket the burning embersand prevent re-ignition.

These extinguishers are manufactured and third party Certifiedto BS EN3 – 1996, with exception of the finish, and carry a 5-yearwarranty. They can be easily checked using their integral pressuregauge.

The new extinguisher complements the existing range of ABCextinguishers and is available from distributors of Firemaster prod-ucts. www.firemaster.co.uk

Brunel would be impressedISAMBARD KINGDOM BRUNELis well known for his civilengineering accomplishments,particularly much of the con-struction of Britain’s railwaynetwork and it’s infrastructure.It is perhaps less well knownthat he was also responsible forthe construction of many of the

hotels that are located adjoining some of the UK’s major railwaystations.

The original constructions were of course some time ago andrecently two of the hotels, the Great Eastern next to London’sLiverpool Street station and the Great western adjacent toPaddington station, have been completely renovated. In bothcases, much of the buildings international structure was removed,leaving just the external fascia unchanged. The Great EasternHotel renovation was completed four years ago but the greatWestern Hotel’s 16-month refurbishment project is just nearingcompletion.

Both restorations have benefited form the installation of aspecialist fire rated ductwork system manufactured by BishopsStortford based FIRE PROTECTION LTD (FPL) – a modus operandiMr. Brunel would almost certainly have incorporated had thefacility been available in his day.

At the Great Western Hotel, FPL’s Flamebar BW11 ductwork(900 mm2) was enclosed within the hotel’s riser shaft to create afire resistant extract for the main kitchen areas. Flamebar BW11meets all relevant British standards, has been performance testedunder furnace conditions and is fully suitable for installationswhere up to four hours protection is required. The main contractor for the refurbishment project was the Costain Skanska Joint Venture (CSJV), with Skanska Rashleigh Wetherfoilproviding the mechanical services. Architect for the CSJV was JohnSeifert.

Full details concerning the fire rated ductwork system are con-tained in FPL’s updated 24 page Flamebar BW11 technical manual,which also includes new sections on panel ducting protection, aswell as solutions for achieving lower installation temperatures andgraphs showing air temperatures at various distances from a duct.The publication advises “when and why” fire resistant ductworkshould be used and also contains a comprehensive section onanalysis and performance. Helpfully, it itemises British and ISOtesting requirements and regulations, as well as codes of practiseapplicable in the UK.

The World’s Most Trusted Choice In CleanAgent Fire SuppressionGreat Lakes Chemical Corporation has created an informative,interactive CD-ROM program that provides an excellent introduc-tion to its FM-200® fire suppressant and the benefits it providesfor a wide range of fire suppression applications. The program issegmented so that everyone involved with the purchase of an FM-200® system — specifiers such as architects and engineers, riskmanagers like insurers and local fire authorities, end users whoown or manage properties, and OEMs and distributors who selland install these systems — can review information specific to theirneeds. The program also includes a unique feature that allowsusers to connect with the FM-200®Web site (www.fm-200.com) foradditional detailed information, or to save specific Web links ontheir desktop if they are using the CD-ROM offline.

fm-200.com web siteThe FM-200® fire suppressant Web site, www.fm-200.com, offersvisitors basic information about the world’s most trusted choice inclean agent fire suppression, as well as in-depth scientific, techni-cal, and system design data. The site includes the largest publiclyavailable archive of FM-200® information. Visitors also have accessto newsletters and press releases; case studies showing FM-200®

systems in action; answers to frequently asked questions; informa-tion on fire suppression theory; system design basics and applica-tion-specific information; and more. To access the technical libraryon the web site, visitors must register by selecting the Login/Regis-ter link at the top of the home page and completing their profile.

KNOX SCAN Infrared Heat SensorKnox-Scan™ quickly detects hid-den hot spots to help preventflare-ups and rekindles.

When a hot spot is located, thescanner emits a loud beeping toneand flashes a synchronized light.As the temperature of the heatsource increases beyond 105° Cel-sius, so does the frequency of thetone and light display.

Finding the heat source before it ignites and spreads preventsproperty damage and potential loss of life. Firefighters use Knox-Scan to locate the center of the burn or to quickly detect a smol-dering hot spot through dense smoke or darkness.

During fire safety inspections, Knox-Scan locates overheatedflorescent light ballast, electrical wiring and machinery, and hiddenheat sources behind equipment or inside walls and attics.

Even through dense smoke, firefighters can quickly inspect aroom and pinpoint the seat of the fire with Knox-Scan. Extin-guishing equipment can then be targeted for rapid knockdown ofthe fire.

During mop-up, Knox-Scan pinpoints smoldering embers withprecision. Hidden hot spots are quickly found inside walls, under-neath roofing materials, in attic spaces, and behind cabinets andfurniture.

Knox-Scan is also value priced at $625 US.

Product Update � Product Update � Product Update

For more information, please contact: Fire Protection Ltd

Fax: +44(0)1279 466994 E-mail: [email protected]

For More information, please contact: Great Lakes Chemical Company

Fax: +1 765 497 6123 Web. www.fm-200.com

For more information, please contact: Knox Company

Visit www.knoxbox.com Tel: +1 949-252-8181

For more information, please contact: Firemaster Extinguisher Ltd

Tel: +44 (0)20 8852 8585 E-mail: [email protected]

P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:49 pm Page 79


8080

ALARMCOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23AMERICAN PACIFIC CORP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9AUTRONICA FIRE & SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52BAVARIA EGYPT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IFCBST BRANDSCHUTZTECHNIK DOPFL . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18BUCKEYE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21CAFCO INTERNATIONAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17CHEMETRON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13CHEMGUARD, INC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6CHINA FIRE 2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11CONTROL LOGIC S.R.L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25CRANFORD CONTROLS LTD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37DANFOSS A/S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71DETECTOR ELECTRONICS CORP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67DR. STHAMER HAMBURG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10EDWARDS INTERNATIONAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55ESSEX FLUID CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28FIKE PROTECTION SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5FIRE FIGHTING ENTERPRISES LTD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26FIREMAIN ENGINEERING LTD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37FLAMRO BRANDSCHUTZ GmbH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14FOGTEC GmbH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71FULLEON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32FURNACE CONSTRUCTION LTD, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14GREAT LAKES CHEMICAL CORPORATION . . . . . . . . .OBCJOSLYN CLARK CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45KLAXON SIGNALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34KNOX COMPANY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29LEIGH’S PAINTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47MACRON SAFETY SYSTEMS (UK) LTD. . . . . . . . . . . . . .39MASTER CONTROL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47METRON ELEDYNE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45MORLEY-IAS FIRE SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION (NFPA) . .IBCNOVEON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2OCV CONTROL VALVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74PATTERSON PUMPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42PILKINGTON DEUTCHLAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70PROMAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14RECTORSEAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17RELIABLE AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER CO. INC. . . . . . . . .56RIGAMONTI GHISA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30THE FIRE SHOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62-63TORNATECH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45TSS ANSUL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51TYCO FIRE PRODUCTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74ULTRA FOG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74VIMPEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35WARRINGTON FIRE RESEARCH CENTRE . . . . . . . . . . . .18WESCO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

INTERNATIONALFIRE PROTECTION

GET YOUR SUBSCRIPTION NOW!!!

IFP IS PUBLISHED 4 TIMES A YEAR – FEBRUARY, MAY, AUGUST AND

NOVEMBER

Name: –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Company/Organisation: ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Address: ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Telephone: ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Fax: ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

E-mail: ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Start Subscription from Issue: –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Subscription Rates: UK £25.00 Europe �45 Rest of World US $55.00

Back Issues: US $8.00 or £5.00 each inclusive of P&P(subject to availability)

METHODS OF PAYMENT:

Website Subscription: ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Cheque: –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Visa/Mastercard No: ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Expiry Date: –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

MDM Publishing Ltd.18a, St. James Street, South Petherton, Somerset, TA13 5BW, UK

ADVERTISERS’ INDEXSUBSCRIPTIONS


An MDM PUBLICATIONIssue 9 – February 2002

IFP

ON-LIN

E

www.ifpm

ag.co

m


For AircraftHangars


For AircraftHangars


Hospi ta l F ire Protect ionCombust ib le Storage

Alarm Insta l lat ionSprink ler CAD

✂ ✂

www.ifpmag.com

MDM Publishing Ltd.

P. 43-80 13/10/06 2:49 pm Page 80

• Take action on 45 codes and standards, including the NFPA Building Code™

• Pre-conference seminars• Choose from 100 professional

education seminars• CEU-accredited courses• See over 300 exhibitors• TCR sessions

For more information visit us at www.nfpa.org or call +1-617-984-7310

Your future is in Minneapolis this May. Spend five energizing days net-

working with your peers from around the world. Decide your future as

you vote on codes and standards that will affect the way you do your job.

Participate in professional development opportunities, including CEU-

accredited courses. Experience the newest technologies demonstrated

by our 300 exhibitors. If you’re a fire or life safety professional, you

should be there! Watch for more information in the NFPA Journal®.

Register in advance for discounted rates.

Meet 300 Exhibitors

Meet 300 Exhibitors

Choose from 100 Professional

Courses

Choose from 100 Professional

Courses

Vote on Codes Affecting

Your Future

Vote on Codes Affecting

Your Future

Network with Your Peers

Network with Your Peers

May 19-23, 2002Minneapolis Convention Center

Minneapolis, MN

Enquiries: www.nfpa.org

OFC IFC IBC OBC 13/10/06 1:23 pm Page ibc3

Ten minutes ago, thiscompany suffered a devastating fire.

Three months ago, they extinguished it.

Three months ago, they chose to

install an FM-200 fire suppression

system. The devastation was limited

to the power supply in a server.

Before there was any visible smoke,

in fact, before anyone knew that

there was a fire at all, the FM-200

suppression system immediately

detected and extinguished the fire.

The employees were slightly startled,

completely unhurt, and back to work

within minutes.

Fire grows exponentially, so seconds

count in protecting your people and

equipment. FM-200 systems are

designed to achieve extinguishing

concentrations in10 seconds or less;

performance which is verified by

independent product listings and

approvals. That’s critical to preventing

long-term interruption to services

or business productivity.

You only get one chance to choose

the right fire suppression system.

Make it the right choice. Choose

the world’s most trusted name in

clean agent fire suppression.

Choose FM-200.

The World’s Most Trusted Choice In Clean Agent Fire Suppression.

www.FM-200.comFM-200 is a patented product of Great Lakes Chemical Corporation.FM-200 is a registered trademark of Great Lakes Chemical Corporation.

1-765-497-6206 (USA), 44-151-357-8122 (Europe)

Enquiries: www.FM-200.com

OFC IFC IBC OBC 13/10/06 1:23 pm Page obc4

Documents

IFP Issue 09