In-Rack Fire Sprinkler With Horizontal Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fire protection sprinkler systems face challenges in effectively protecting rack storage configurations due to shielding of lower rack fires by upper shelves or commodities, leading to delayed activation of ceiling-level sprinklers and inadequate water distribution.
Innovation Solution
A fire protection sprinkler system that includes rack-level sprinklers with a high K-factor, positioned in the vertical flue space between racks, and horizontal barriers at predetermined heights to direct heat towards the sprinklers, reducing the need for ceiling-level sprinklers and optimizing water distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ceiling-level sprinklers are used to protect rack storage, then fire protection coverage is provided, but activation is delayed due to shielding by upper shelves or commodities and water distribution is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fire protection function into two segments: ceiling-level sprinklers for general coverage and rack-level sprinklers for targeted protection. The rack-level sprinklers are positioned to spray upward through the vertical flue space, directly addressing fires at their origin without being blocked by shelves or commodities, thereby reducing activation delay and improving effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension to fire protection by positioning sprinklers within the vertical flue space between racks and directing spray upward. This vertical spray approach complements the horizontal coverage of ceiling sprinklers, creating a three-dimensional protection strategy that overcomes the shielding problem of conventional two-dimensional ceiling-only systems.
2Productivity
If rack-level sprinklers with high K-factor are positioned in vertical flue space, then water distribution is optimized and activation time is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rack-level sprinklers serve multiple functions: they provide early detection and suppression of rack fires, protect the vertical flue space, and work in conjunction with ceiling sprinklers. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering superior fire suppression efficiency and protecting a broader range of scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal barriers act as intermediaries that redirect heat flow toward the rack-level sprinklers, ensuring timely activation. These barriers are simple structural elements that mediate between the fire source and the sprinkler activation mechanism, enhancing system performance without requiring complex control systems.
3Reliability
If horizontal barriers are added to direct heat towards sprinklers, then sprinkler activation is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal barriers are installed locally at specific positions within the rack structure where they are most effective in directing heat to the sprinklers. Rather than requiring complete structural modifications, the barriers are placed only at critical locations, maintaining ease of installation while achieving the desired heat redirection effect.
4Quantity of substance
If the number of activated sprinklers is reduced, then water demand is minimized, but fire suppression coverage must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The rack-level sprinklers provide localized, high-intensity water application directly at the fire source through the vertical flue space. This concentrated local protection allows fewer sprinklers to achieve the same or better fire suppression效果 compared to widespread ceiling sprinkler activation, thereby reducing overall water demand while maintaining coverage.
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 achieves timely and effective fire suppression by reducing the number of sprinklers activated, minimizing water demand, and ensuring comprehensive protection of rack storage configurations without damaging commodities or increasing system complexity.
Implementation Method 1
horizontal barriers at predetermined heights to direct heat towards the sprinklers
Implementation Method 2
at least one rack level fire protection sprinkler disposed below the at least one horizontal barrier
Data Source
AI summary
A fire protection sprinkler system includes a horizontal barrier that covers two adjacent racks, and the vertical flue space between the racks. The horizontal barrier is provided at a predetermined height, and has a width that is at least equal to a width of the rack, and a depth that is at least equal to a sum of a depth of the rack, a depth of the other rack, and a depth of the vertical flue space. In addition, the horizontal barrier can be a sheet having one or more apertures. The system also includes a rack level fire protection sprinkler connected to a fluid supply conduit, and being disposed in the vertical flue space below the horizontal barrier. The rack level sprinkler has a K-factor of 11.2 gpm/(psi)1/2 or greater, and is vertically spaced from commodities stored on the rack and the other rack covered by the horizontal barrier.