Abstract:
Various mist-type fire protection systems for the protection of light and ordinary hazard occupancies of reduced water demand as compared to known mist type systems or sprinkler systems configured to protect the same occupancies. Three system configurations are defined by varying design criteria for the installation of: mist devices having an enlarged coverage area alone or in combination with known nozzles or sprinklers. The preferred mist devices provide for the protection of at least one of a light hazard occupancy only and a light and ordinary hazard occupancy having a ceiling with a maximum ceiling height of at least 8 ft. The preferred device include a body having a passageway defining a K-factor of less than 1 gpm/psi 1/2 . The preferred device includes means for diffusing the fluid at a flux density of less than 0.1 gpm/sq. ft. for a fluid pressure at the inlet of less than 500 psi. to define a coverage area of the device of over than 132 sq. ft., preferably to a maximum of 256 sq. ft.
Abstract:
A coupling for joining plan end pipe having a housing made from a casting with a pocket disposed in the casting. The pockets holds an insert that engages the plain end pipe, and the insert is secured to the housing without the use of machined features on the housing or the use of additional components or adhesives to secure the insert to the housing. In a preferred embodiment, each insert is disposed in a pocket on the inner surface of the coupling assembly, with projections extending from the inner surface disposed within cavities on opposing sides of each insert to retain the insert within the pocket by obstructing the opening to the pocket. A preferred device and method of forming the projections is a press that deforms the projections to retain the inserts in the pockets.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for evaluating a piping system for an improperly assembled fluid tight connection. Provided is a preferred joint assembly unable to hold fluid pressure in either one of a dry fit connection and partial seal connection. The joint assembly includes a coupler to identify a leak. More specifically, the coupler includes a substantially tubular wall portion having an outer surface, an inner surface and a channel disposed along one of the inner and outer surfaces. The channel has a first configuration for carrying a fluid between an interior of the piping system and an exterior of a piping system, and a second configuration to prevent fluid from being carried between the interior and the exterior of the piping system. The channel is further preferably convertible from the first configuration to the second configuration in the presence of a minimum amount of sealant material.
Abstract:
A dry fire protection system, preferably for a storage occupancy, and its method of design are provided in which a fluid delivery delay period is identified and implemented. The preferred design method includes defining a ceiling height, a storage configuration, and storage height. The hydraulic demand for a wet system protecting the same defined storage occupancy is then identified. A fluid delivery delay period is then determined for the dry sprinkler system, preferably a maximum ADT, which results in a sprinkler operational area having a total number of sprinkler activations less than or equal to that defining the total hydraulic demand of the wet system. The preferred dry system can be further configured such that each and every sprinkler in the system has a fluid delivery delay period equal to or less than the maximum fluid delivery delay period.
Abstract:
A diaphragm-type control valve having a diaphragm and a valve body is provided preferably for use in the separation of and fluid control between a fluid source and a pressurized gas volume. The diaphragm element and a port in the body together form an intermediate chamber that eliminates the need for a check- valve downstream of the valve. In one preferred embodiment, an inner surface of the valve body defines a chamber having an inlet and an outlet in communication with the chamber, and an elongated seat member defining a groove in communication with the port. A diaphragm member having upper and lower surfaces is disposed within the chamber. The lower surface preferably includes a pair of spaced apart elongated members defining a channel therebetween. The diaphragm member engages the seat member placing the channel in communication with the groove to define an air seat in communication with the port.
Abstract:
A dry fire protection system, preferably for a storage occupancy, and its method of design are provided in which a fluid delivery delay period is identified and implemented. The preferred design method includes defining a ceiling height, a storage configuration, and storage height. The hydraulic demand for a wet system protecting the same defined storage occupancy is then identified. A fluid delivery delay period is then determined for the dry sprinkler system, preferably a maximum ADT, which results in a sprinkler operational area having a total number of sprinkler activations less than or equal to that defining the total hydraulic demand of the wet system. The preferred dry system can be further configured such that each and every sprinkler in the system has a fluid delivery delay period equal to or less than the maximum fluid delivery delay period.
Abstract:
Systems, methods and aspect thereof for a fire protection system including a releasing control panel. In one aspect a fire protection system for a residential unit as defined in the 2002 Edition of the National Fire Protection Association Standard 13, 13D and 13R having at least one dwelling is provided. The fire protection system preferably includes a liquid supply source along a main line and a network of pipes in communication with the dwelling. The system includes at least one sprinkler in the network to discharge a fluid within about fifteen seconds of sprinkler activation. In addition, the system includes at least one fire control panel disposed between the main line and the pipe network to control release of a fire fighting fluid under various control modes. The system further include at least one fire detector disposed in the at least one dwelling and in communication with the at least one fire control panel. In one aspect of the preferred system is sectional control to the first and at least a second dwelling.
Abstract:
A pendent type residential fire sprinkler is described. The residential fire sprinkler has a body (12) with a K-factor of at least 6, a passage (26) coupled to a deflector assembly (18) that distributes fluid flowing through the passage (26) over a coverage area to perform in accordance with Underwriters Laboratory Standard 1626 (Oct 2003) for listing by Underwriters Laboratory Incorporated so that the body and a heat responsive trigger (36) disposed between the passage (26) and the deflector assembly (18) of the sprinkler can be installed in accordance with the 2002 Edition of National Fire Protection Association Standards 13, 13D, and 13R. Various aspects of the residential fire sprinkler, including a method of protecting a residential dwelling unit are described.
Abstract:
A sprinkler includes a body, a button, an activation element, and a support bridge. The body defines an outlet. The button seals the outlet. The activation element is coupled with the button. The support bridge is coupled with the activation element, and includes a center, a first arm extending from the center, a second arm extending from the center, opposite the first arm, and an arch extending from the first arm to the second arm, the arch having a flat shape.
Abstract:
A fire suppression system includes a water line, a foam concentrate line, and a ratio flow controller fluidly coupled to each of the water line and the foam concentrate line at respective first and second inlets. The ratio flow controller controls a ratio of water and foam concentrate within a water and foam solution flowing out of the ratio flow controller. The system also includes a first bypass line fluidly coupled between the water line and the foam concentrate line and a second bypass line fluidly coupled to the foam concentrate line at a third position disposed upstream of the second position. The first bypass line facilitates water flow from the water line at a first position upstream of the first inlet to a second position upstream of the second inlet, and the second bypass facilitates foam concentrate flow from the foam concentrate line into a reservoir.