Ceiling-Only Sprinkler Layout for 16.8 m High Rack Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire protection systems for high-piled storage exceeding 13.7 m (45 ft.) in height face challenges in providing effective ceiling-only suppression due to limitations in water distribution and sprinkler performance, necessitating the use of in-rack sprinklers, which pose logistical and operational drawbacks.
Innovation Solution
A suppression-mode ceiling-only storage occupancy fire protection system utilizing a grid of pendent sprinklers with specific hydraulic design criteria, including sprinkler-to-sprinkler spacing, nominal K-factor, and thermally responsive triggers, coupled with a network of pipes to deliver firefighting fluid effectively to high-piled storage up to 16.8 m (55 ft.) without in-rack sprinklers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If ceiling-level sprinklers are used for high-piled storage exceeding 13.7m in height, then storage capacity and ceiling height are improved, but fire suppression effectiveness deteriorates due to limitations in water distribution and sprinkler performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing sprinklers with a nominal K-factor of 28.0 or greater, which represents a specific parameter modification to enhance water discharge capacity. This parameter change enables ceiling-level sprinklers to effectively suppress fires in high-piled storage exceeding 13.7m in height, resolving the contradiction between increased ceiling height and maintained fire suppression effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through the use of thermally responsive triggers that activate sprinklers based on real-time temperature conditions. This dynamic response mechanism ensures that sprinklers operate only when fire conditions are detected, optimizing water distribution effectiveness at heights exceeding 13.7m while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If in-rack sprinklers are installed to improve fire suppression effectiveness, then fire protection reliability is improved, but device complexity and logistical drawbacks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the need for in-rack sprinklers from the fire protection system. By demonstrating that ceiling-level sprinklers with a nominal K-factor of 28.0 or greater can effectively suppress fires in high-piled storage exceeding 13.7m, the invention extracts the in-rack sprinkler component, thereby reducing device complexity and eliminating associated logistical drawbacks while maintaining fire protection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a ceiling-level sprinkler system that performs multiple functions: it provides fire detection through thermally responsive triggers, water distribution, and fire suppression effectiveness all from a single ceiling-mounted component. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate in-rack sprinkler systems, reducing overall system complexity
3Ease of operation
If ceiling-level sprinklers are used without in-rack sprinklers, then ease of operation and storage flexibility are improved, but water distribution effectiveness deteriorates at heights over 13.7m
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by specifying ceiling-level sprinklers with a nominal K-factor of 28.0 or greater, which represents a significant parameter modification to increase water discharge capacity. This parameter change ensures sufficient water distribution effectiveness at heights exceeding 13.7m while maintaining ease of operation and storage flexibility through ceiling-only installation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pneumatics and hydraulics principles by optimizing the hydraulic design of the water distribution system. The system employs appropriate water supply pressure and pipe sizing to ensure that ceiling-level sprinklers receive sufficient water flow and pressure to effectively suppress fires at heights over 13.7m, maintaining water distribution effectiveness while preserving storage flexibility
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides reliable fire suppression for high-hazard commodities, such as cartoned unexpanded plastics, at heights beyond conventional standards, ensuring effective fire control and prevention of regrowth without the need for in-rack sprinklers, thus enhancing storage capacity and safety.
Implementation Method 1
thermally responsive trigger assembly which actuates the sprinkler in response to a fire
Implementation Method 2
sharply reducing the heat release rate of a fire and preventing its regrowth by means of direct and sufficient application of water through the fire plume to the burning fuel surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2A
Figure 3~3B
AI summary
System and methods to provide ceiling-only suppression fire protection of up to fifty feet (50 ft.) of rack storage of cartoned unexpanded plastic commodities and less hazardous commodities, such as for example, Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, Class 4 and/or combinations thereof beneath a ceiling having a maximum ceiling height up to fifty-five feet (55 ft.). The systems and methods provide for hydraulic and system parameters that include a hydraulic design area based upon five to no more than twelve hydraulically most remote sprinklers spaced at a preferred sprinkler-to-sprinkler spacing of eight to ten feet (8-10 ft.) coupled to two to four branch lines tied to a common cross main supply pipe of firefighting fluid.