Extended Coverage Sprinkler Deflector Slots for High-Pile Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire protection sprinkler systems face challenges in providing adequate coverage and flexibility for high-pile storage applications, particularly in obstructed environments, and may not meet new proposed standards requiring fixed inlet pressure and calculated number of sprinklers.
Innovation Solution
A control mode specific application extended coverage sprinkler with a K-factor of at least 14 gpm/(psi)1/2, featuring a deflector with specific slot configurations and a thermally-responsive release mechanism, is connected to a piping network to provide coverage of at least 144 square feet, allowing for flexible placement and reduced number of sprinklers required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional sprinkler systems are used for high-pile storage, then coverage area is limited, but the number of sprinklers required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector is segmented into multiple slots (first pair of opposed slots, second pair of opposed slots, third pair of opposed slots, and angled slots) that direct water flow in different directions to achieve comprehensive coverage of the storage area below
Solution Approach 2:
The sprinkler transitions from conventional two-dimensional coverage to three-dimensional coverage by utilizing vertical slot configurations and angled slots that direct water both horizontally and vertically, enabling extended coverage area for high-pile storage applications
2Reliability
If sprinkler density is increased to meet coverage requirements, then fire protection improves, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple slot functions are merged into a single deflector component, combining the coverage capabilities of multiple sprinklers into one unit while maintaining effective fire protection through coordinated water distribution patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The extended coverage sprinkler performs multiple functions: it provides fire protection for high-pile storage, achieves comprehensive area coverage, and reduces the total number of sprinklers required, thereby simplifying the overall system
3Ease of operation
If conventional sprinkler placement is used, then installation is straightforward, but flexibility in high obstructed environments is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sprinkler system provides dynamic adaptability to different storage configurations and obstruction patterns through its extended coverage capability, allowing installation in various high-pile storage environments without requiring complex adjustments to the sprinkler units themselves
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 solution ensures effective fire protection for high-pile storage areas with reduced sprinkler density, flexibility in system design, and compliance with proposed standards, while minimizing system complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
activating the sprinkler in the event of a fire condition sensed by the sprinkler head
Data Source
AI summary
A fire protection method includes providing a plurality of pendent control mode specific application extended coverage fire protection sprinklers as components of a fire protection sprinkler system for a storage area defined by a storage height of at least 25 feet and a building height of at least 30 feet. Each sprinkler has a thermally responsive element, a deflector, and a K-factor of at least 25.2 gpm/(psi)1/2, and is connected to a piping network at a height greater than the storage height. When each sprinkler is activated, a fluid is supplied to the sprinkler from the piping network at a pressure of at least 30 pounds per square inch, and is delivered to a coverage area of greater than 110 and up to and including 196 square feet per sprinkler. A design operating area of the sprinkler system is up to six sprinklers or 1200 square feet.