The Dependence of Water Distribution on the Flow Coefficient of Selected ESFR Sprinklers
Journal Title: Safety & Fire Technology - Year 2016, Vol 43, Issue 43
Abstract
Aim: The purpose of this paper is to present the results from experiments involving the distribution of water from selected quick-response sprinklers with a diameter of 20 mm, known as Early-Suppression Fast-Response (ESFR) sprinklers. Introduction: Fires are the cause of great risks to human life and health. There is a search for solutions to address the linear elements of sprinkler systems which facilitate the delivery of the maximum volume of water onto materials exposed to a fire. The elements which influence extinguishing effectiveness include the uniformity of spray and the dispersion of water. In other words, the volume of water delivered to the surface area beneath the sprinkler and to the roof of a building. Methodology: The paper was based on research results derived from studies conducted in accordance with PN-EN 12259-1, dealing with fixed extinguishing systems - elements of sprinkler systems, Part 1, Sprinklers. Sprinklers were tested for water distribution above and below the deflector to establish the proportion of water distributed above the protected area. The testing methodology was appropriately described and the parameters which influenced the results were identified. Additionally, the use of tested sprinklers was exemplified in real-life conditions. Conclusions: Sprinkler systems facilitate the successful extinguishing of fires during the initial phase of fire development and also prevent the propagation of flames. The main advantage of sprinkler systems is their selective operation. By concentrating extinguishing activities on the immediate area of a fire, potential damage caused by water activity are reduced. The experimental results demonstrate that depending on pressure, ESFR sprinklers used as linear elements in a sprinkler installation can spray an area with considerable intensity. For the tested elements, achieved levels were in excess of 460 l/min, – a high spray intensity can mean different requirements for the location and application of sprinklers, – water distribution above and below the deflector can be influenced by the K-factor of tested sprinklers, – increasing the K-factor intensified the distribution of water, which in turn increased the amount of water below the deflector of a suspended test sprinkler, – by increasing the K-factor as a function of pressure, greater changes are achieved in the water output of sprinklers above and below the deflector.
Authors and Affiliations
mł. bryg mgr inż. Agata Domżał, st. bryg. dr inż. Waldemar Wnęk, mgr inż. Mateusz Prokop
Keywords
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- EP ID EP234616
- DOI 10.12845/bitp.43.3.2016.6
- Views 85
- Downloads 0
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