Upright ESFR Sprinkler with High K-Factor Deflector for Low-Pressure Fire Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing upright Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR) sprinklers do not provide sufficient water quantity at low operating pressures to effectively suppress fires in warehouses with higher ceiling heights, requiring minimum operating pressures of 50 psig for 30 feet and 75 psig for 35 feet ceiling heights.
Innovation Solution
The development of an upright sprinkler with a heat responsive trigger assembly and deflector system that provides a K factor of at least 16.8, allowing water to flow at 35 psig for a 30 feet ceiling and 52 psig for a 35 feet ceiling, ensuring adequate fire suppression by redirecting water flow to achieve higher actual delivered density than required delivered density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If existing upright ESFR sprinklers are used, then fire suppression is achieved, but sufficient water quantity is not provided at low operating pressures for warehouses with higher ceiling heights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the sprinkler system by increasing the orifice diameter from conventional sizes to at least 0.70 inches, and positioning the deflector at a distance of at least 2.1 inches from the outlet. These parameter changes enable the sprinkler to deliver sufficient water quantity (K factor of at least 16.8) at lower operating pressures (35 psig for 30 feet ceiling, 52 psig for 35 feet ceiling) while maintaining effective fire suppression capability in tall warehouses.
2Quantity of substance
If larger orifice size is used to increase water flow, then water quantity increases, but response time may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving different characteristics to different parts of the system: the orifice is enlarged to at least 0.70 inches for high water flow, while the deflector is positioned at a specific distance (at least 2.1 inches) and designed with specific geometry to optimize spray distribution. The heat responsive trigger assembly maintains fast response characteristics with RTI less than 40 m1/2sec1/2, ensuring that the larger orifice does not compromise response time.
3Area of stationary object
If deflector distance from outlet is increased to redirect water flow, then water distribution improves, but water pressure may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the spatial dimension by positioning the deflector at a distance of at least 2.1 inches from the outlet, creating a three-dimensional water flow path that allows the water to expand and distribute over a larger area. This dimensional approach enables effective water distribution across the ceiling and storage areas without requiring excessive pressure, as the water flow is redirected through spatial arrangement rather than force alone.
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 sprinkler effectively suppresses fires in storage enclosures with ceiling heights up to 35 feet at lower operating pressures, reducing the need for high-pressure systems and enhancing fire protection in taller warehouses.
Implementation Method 1
an unactuated heat responsive trigger assembly coupled to the closure so as to permit a flow of water towards the ceiling from the outlet upon actuation of the trigger
Implementation Method 2
the fluid distribution is believed to cool burning material by conversion of liquid to vapor; the vapor displaces the oxygen supply, thereby tending to smother the fire
Data Source
AI summary
An upright ESFR sprinkler includes a generally tubular body, at least one frame arm, a closure assembly, an unactuated heat responsive trigger assembly and a deflector assembly with a K-factor greater than 14, and preferably 16.8. The passageway extends between inlet and outlet openings. The closure is positioned proximate the outlet so as to occlude the passageway with a Bellville seal being. An ejection spring is coupled to the closure assembly. The heat responsive trigger assembly has a Response Time Index of 40 meter1/2second1/2 (m1/2sec1/2) or less. The deflector assembly includes a nosepiece and a plate like redirecting member. The plate like redirecting member faces the outlet and is coupled to the at least one frame arm and spaced from the outlet opening. The plate shaped member includes a first generally planar portion, a conical second portion, and a third portion extending from the conical second portion. The third portion includes a plurality of tines and a plurality of slots with at least one slot disposed between every two tines so that, when the heat responsive trigger assembly is actuated and the closure is positioned to allow a density of water to flow from the outlet of the body so as to suppress a fire of a particular commodity situated beneath the ceiling of 35 feet or less. System and methods relating to the upright sprinklers are also provided.