Fire Sprinkler Pre-Deflector Flow Splitter for Cold Soldering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fire sprinkler systems face the risk of 'cold soldering' when sprinklers are located close to each other, as a dispersing sprinkler can cool an adjacent sprinkler, preventing it from activating properly.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a splitter in the fire sprinkler system that separates the water jet into two distinct sub-jets before it reaches the deflector, reducing the pressure required and enhancing the system's efficiency and economy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If fire sprinklers are located close to each other to increase coverage density, then the fire protection coverage is improved, but the risk of cold soldering increases where one sprinkler cools another preventing proper activation
Solution Approach 1:
The water jet from the sprinkler is divided into multiple separate streams using a flow splitter device. This segmentation allows the water to be distributed in a pattern that covers the area below while directing streams away from adjacent sprinklers, enabling closer sprinkler spacing without cold soldering issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector is designed with specific geometry and positioning to create localized water stream patterns. By optimizing the deflector shape and orientation, water is directed precisely where needed for fire suppression while avoiding adjacent sprinkler locations, allowing dense spacing without compromising activation reliability.
2Speed
If high water pressure is used to increase water jet reach and coverage, then the fire suppression effectiveness is improved, but the system requires larger pipes and more labor for installation
Solution Approach 1:
By splitting the water jet into multiple streams, each stream can be optimized for efficient travel distance. The segmented streams maintain effective velocity and reach without requiring excessive system pressure, reducing pipe size and installation complexity while achieving adequate coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector geometry transforms the water jet from a single-direction high-pressure stream into multi-directional streams that utilize gravitational potential energy and aerodynamic principles. This dimensional transformation allows water to reach further distances without proportionally increasing system pressure requirements.
3Quantity of substance
If a single large water jet is used to maximize water delivery to the fire, then the fire suppression intensity is improved, but the water distribution balance and coverage uniformity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The single water jet is divided into multiple separate streams that are distributed across the coverage area. This segmentation maintains the total water quantity delivered while improving distribution uniformity, as multiple streams naturally cover a broader area more evenly than a single concentrated jet.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple water streams from the splitter combine their effects to provide comprehensive coverage. While physically separated, the streams work together as a unified system to deliver adequate water quantity across the entire fire zone, achieving both intensity and uniformity.
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
This solution reduces the risk of cold soldering, allows for a more economical system with smaller pipe sizes and reduced labor, and achieves a more efficient and balanced water distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a splitter disposed upstream of the deflector pro-actively separating the water jet into two distinct sub-jets before the water contacts the deflector
Implementation Method 2
The deflector redirects the water jet into thin streams or 'ligaments' that break up into droplets due to surface tension
Implementation Method 3
cool the surrounding air through evaporation
Data Source
AI summary
A fire protection sprinkler system and method includes a sprinkler which, in use, is operatively connected to a supply pipe. The sprinkler includes a nipple. A frame extends from the nipple. A duct passes through the nipple and frame creating a flow path for a water jet exiting the supply pipe. A deflector is mounted to the frame at a location spaced from the nipple. A splitter is disposed in the water flow path between the supply pipe and the deflector. The splitter separates the water jet into two distinct sub-jets before the water contacts the deflector. The splitter directs the two separate water streams onto the deflector so that less pressure is required resulting in more economical system smaller pipe size, less labor, etc.