sprinkler protection criteria for rack- stored exposed expanded … · 2017-03-22 · to develop...

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Sprinkler Protection Criteria for Rack-Stored Exposed Expanded Group A Plastics

Kerry M. Bell, P.E.

Corporate Fellow

UL LLC

UL and the UL logo are trademarks of UL LLC © 2016

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Fire Protection Research Foundation Project Team

• IKEA • Viking Sprinkler • Reliable Sprinkler • Tyco Fire and Building Products • XL Insurance • Property Insurance Research Group • Procter & Gamble• Target • Aon Insurance

• Ken Linder, Swiss Re

• Rich Pehrson, Rep. International Fire Marshals Association

• Jason Huczek, Southwest Research Institute

• John Denhardt, Strickland Fire Protection

• Steve Wolin, Code Consultants, Inc.

• Matt Klaus, NFPA Staff Liaison

Sponsors Technical Panel

Project Contractor

• UL LLC

COPYRIGHT © 2016 UL LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC.

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Protection of Exposed Expanded Plastics Stored in Racks

Figure 17.1.2.1

Research Objective

To develop cost effective sprinkler system design criteria for the rack

storage of exposed expanded Group A plastic commodity with a

particular focus on ceiling only protection.


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NFPA 13 Commodity Classification

Class or

Group Class or Group Material

Class IEssentially non-combustible products in corrugated cartons on combustible

pallets

Class IIClass I products in slatted wooden crates, solid wooden boxes or multiple

thickness paperboard cartons with or without pallets

Class III

Wood, paper, natural fiber cloth or Group C plastics with or without pallets.

May contain a limited amount (5% by weight or volume or less) of Group A or

Group B plastics

Class IVClass I, II or III commodities in corrugated cartons with appreciable amounts

(5-15% by weight, or 5-25% by volume) of Group A plastics

Pla

sti

cs

Cartoned Unexpanded Group A Plastic

Exposed Unexpanded Group A Plastic

Cartoned Expanded Group A Plastic

Exposed Expanded Group A Plastic

Ha

za

rd S

ev

eri

ty


5

Standardized Test Commodities

Class II Class III Class IV

Cartoned Unexpanded

Group A Plastic

Cartoned, Expanded

Group A PlasticExposed, Expanded

Group A Plastic


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Examples of Expanded Plastics

• Cushioned furniture

• Mattresses

• Food containers


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HRR Growth Curve of

Standard Test Commodities

0

500

1.000

1.500

2.000

2.500

3.000

3.500

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140

Heat

Rele

ase R

ate

(kW

)

Time, seconds

Exposed Expanded Group A

Cartoned Expanded Group A

Cartoned Unexpanded Group A

Class II

HRR Increase = 1.3

MW/second

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Exposed Expanded Group A Plastics –A Challenging Commodity to Protect

• Fast developing fire with high heat release rate

• Rapid fire travel (both vertical and horizontal) within the storage array

• Effectiveness of pre-wetting from sprinkler discharge is reduced due to limited commodity absorption of water


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Strategy for Protecting Exposed

Expanded Group A Plastics

Stored in Racks

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Fire Challenge Protection Strategy

Fast developing fire with high heat release rate

Large K-factor ESFR technology discharging large quantities of water. Testing was completed using nominal K=363 (25.2) pendent ESFR sprinklers in the intermediate temperature rating discharging at 4.1 bar (60 psig ) or 477 cm of water/hour (188 inches of water/hour)

Rapid fire travel (both vertical and horizontal) within the storage array

See above with vertical barriers within the storage array to limit the (1) horizontal fire travel and (2) commodity surfaces involved in the combustion process

Effectiveness of pre-wetting from sprinkler discharge is reduced due to limited commodity absorption of water

Minimum 2.4 m (8 ft.) aisle width to minimize the potential for the fire to travel to the target arrays.

Hurricane/Typhoon

Up to 20 cm of

water/hour (8 inches of

water/hour)

COPYRIGHT © 2016 UL LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR

DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF

UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC.

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Protection of Exposed Expanded

Plastics Stored in Racks

Acceptance Criteria for Test Data to be Considered for Supporting Revisions to NFPA 13

Key Acceptance Criteria:

• Number of operated sprinklers (50% safety factor applied)• No sustained combustion at the outer edge of the ends of the main

array and outer edges of the target arrays.• 537°C (1000°F) maximum 1 minute average steel temperature

measured above the fire.

Variable Investigated, But Not Incorporated Into the Design Criteria

• Blocking of certain transverse flue spaces to simulate potential conditions that may occur in the field was evaluated, but successful test results were not achieved.


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FIRE TEST NUMBER Test 1 Test 2 Test 3 Test 5 Test 6

Test Date July 9, 2012 July 13, 2012 July 18, 2012 October 31, 2012 November 8, 2012

Test ParametersStorage Type Double Row Rack Double Row Rack Double Row Rack Double Row Rack Double Row Rack

Commodity TypeExposed Expanded

Group A PlasticExposed Expanded




Group A Plastic

Vertical Barriers

4.9 m (16 ft.) on center –

Main Array (Non-combustible)

4.9 m (16 ft.) on center - Main Array (Non-combustible)

4.9 m (16 ft.) on center - Main Array (Non-

combustible)

7.3 m (24 ft.) on center - Main Array

(10 mm(3/8 in.) plywood)

4.9 m (16 ft.) on center - Main

Array (10 mm (3/8 in.

plywood)Number of Blocked

Traverse Flue Spaces18 12 72 98 60

Length of Main Storage Array, m( ft.)

9.7 (32) 9.7 (32) 17 (56) 17 (56) 17 (56)

Nominal Storage Height, m (ft.) 6.1 (20) 6.1 (20) 10. 7 (35) 12.2 (40) 9.1 (30)

Ceiling Height, m (ft.) 12.2 (40) 12.2 (40) 12.2 (40) 13.7 (45) 12.2 (40)Aisle Width, m (ft.) 2.4 (8) 2.4 (8) 2.4 (8) 2.4 (8) 2.4 (8)

Ignition LocationBetween 2 Sprinklers

(offset)Between 2 Sprinklers

(offset)Between 2

Sprinklers (offset)Under 1 Sprinkler

(offset)Under 1 Sprinkler

(offset)

Sprinkler Type ESFR ESFR ESFR ESFR ESFR Sprinkler Orientation Pendent Pendent Pendent Pendent Pendent

Deflector to Ceiling, cm (in.) 36 (14) 36 (14) 36 (14) 36 (14) 36 (14)Sprinkler Spacing, sprinkler by

branchline, m (ft.)3 by 3 (10 by 10) 3 by 3 (10 by 10) 3 by 3 (10 by 10) 3 by 3 (10 by 10) 3 by 3 (10 by 10)

Temperature Rating, ºC (ºF) 100 (212) 101 (214) 101 (214) 101 (214) 101 (214)Nominal Sprinkler Discharge

Coefficient K, lpm/bar 0.5

(gpm/psig 0.5)320 (22.4) 363 (25.2) 363 (25.2) 363 (25.2) 363 (25.2)

Nominal Discharge Pressure, bar (psig)

3.4 (50) 4.1 (60) 4.1 (60) 4.1 (60) 4.1 (60)

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Test 6 Arrangement

Plan View Elevation View

Exposed

Expanded

Group A

Plastic

(typical)

3/8 inch

plywood

Vertical

Barriers ,

16 ft. on center

N

8 ft.

aisle

8 ft.

aisle

Ignition -

2 half

standard

igniters

Ignition Location Vertical Barrier, 4 inches

off of lab floor (typical)

Horizontal Barrier, Placed on

top of pallets to span

transverse flues

(typical – 60 positions)

40

ft.

30

ft. no

min

al

3/8 in. Plywood

Vertical Barrier

(typical)C

L

10 ft. (typ.)14 inches


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Transverse Flue Space Blocking


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Test 6 – Sprinkler Operations (11)

COPYRIGHT © 2016 UL LLC. ALL

RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS DOCUMENT

MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR



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Test 6 – Main North Array Damage


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Test 6 – Main South Array Damage


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Test 6 – South Target Array Damage

View fromOutside Arrangement


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Test 6 – Camera Locations

N10 ft.

(Typ.)

10 ft.

(Typ.)

Ignition location: Centered under one

sprinkler, offset in transverse flue space.

Spr 11 Spr 12 Spr 13 Spr 14 Spr 15 Spr 16 Spr 17 Spr 18 Spr 19 Spr 20










Infrared Camera View

South

Wall

View

North East Corner

Balcony Camera View

Initial

Ignition

Location

of South

Target

Array

COPYRIGHT © 2016 UL LLC. ALL RIGHTS

RESERVED. THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT

BE REPRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED

WITHOUT PERMISSION OF


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Test 6 View from NE Balcony


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Test 6 – View from South Target Array






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Test 6 – View from South East Corner - Infrared

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FIRE TEST No. Test 1 Test 2 Test 3 Test 5 Test 6 Test 7 Test 8Test Date July 9, 2012 July 13, 2012 July 18, 2012 Oct. 31, 2012 Nov. 8, 2012 June 8, 2013 June 19, 2014

Test Parameters

Storage TypeDouble

Row RackDouble

Row RackDouble

Row RackDouble

Row RackDouble

Row RackDouble

Row RackDouble

Row Rack

Commodity TypeExposed Expanded







Group A Plastic

Vertical Barriers

4.9 m (16 ft.) on center –

Main Array (Non-combustible)




(10 mm(3/8 in.) plywood)


(10 mm (3/8 in. plywood)





Number of Blocked Traverse Flue Spaces

18 12 72 98 60 None None

Length of Main Storage Array, m ( ft.)

9.7 (32) 9.7 (32) 17 (56) 17 (56) 17 (56) 12.2 (40) 17 (56)

Nominal Height, m (ft.) 6.1 (20) 6.1 (20) 10. 7 (35) 12.2 (40) 9.1 (30) 9.1 (30) 10.7 (35)

Ceiling Height, m (ft.) 12.2 (40) 12.2 (40) 12.2 (40) 13.7 (45) 12.2 (40) 12.2 (40) 12.2 (40)Aisle Width, m (ft.) 2.4 (8) 2.4 (8) 2.4 (8) 2.4 (8) 2.4 (8) 2.4 (8) 2.4 (8)

Ignition LocationBetween 2

Sprinklers (offset)Between 2 Sprinklers

(offset)Between 2 Sprinklers




(offset)

Between 2 Sprinklers (offset)

Sprinkler Type ESFR ESFR ESFR ESFR ESFR ESFR ESFRSprinkler Orientation Pendent Pendent Pendent Pendent Pendent Pendent Pendent

Deflector to Ceiling, cm (in.)

36 (14) 36 (14) 36 (14) 36 (14) 36 (14) 36 (14) 36 (14)

Sprinkler Spacing, m (ft.)3 by 3(10 by

10)3 by 3(10 by

10)3 by 3 10 by 10) 3 by 3 10 by 10)

3 by 3(10 by 10)

3 by 3(10 by 10)

3 by 3 10 by 10)

Temp Rating, ºC (ºF) 100 (212) 101 (214) 101 (214) 101 (214) 101 (214) 101 (214) 101 (214)Nominal Sprinkler

Discharge Coefficient K, lpm/bar 0.5 (gpm/psig 0.5)

320 (22.4) 363 (25.2) 363 (25.2) 363 (25.2) 363 (25.2) 363 (25.2) 363 (25.2)

Nominal Discharge Pressure, bar (psig)

3.4 (50) 4.1 (60) 4.1 (60) 4.1 (60) 4.1 (60) 4.1 (60) 4.1 (60)

Tests Used to Establish 12.2 m (40 ft.) Design Criteria

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Test 7 – Sprinkler Operations (7)

N10 ft.

(Typ.)

10 ft.

(Typ.)

Ignition location: Centered under one

sprinkler, offset in transverse flue space.

dno dno dno dno dno dno dno dno dno dno


dno dno dno 1:28 0:57 1:02 dno dno dno dno

dno dno dno dno 0:47 1:09 dno dno dno dno

dno dno dno dno 1:07 1:02 dno dno dno dno






dno – did not operate






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Test 7 – View from NE Balcony


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Fire Travel Past Vertical Barriers –Commodity Extending Beyond Barrier

Exposed

Expanded

Group A

Plastic

(typical)

Vertical

Barrier 10 – 12.5 cm

(4 – 5 in.)


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FIRE TEST NUMBER Test 1 Test 2 Test 3 Test 5 Test 6 Test 7 Test 8

Test Date July 9, 2012 July 13, 2012 July 18, 2012 October 31, 2012November 8,

2012June 8, 2013

June 19, 2014

Test Results

Length of Test, minutes 31 31 31 31 31 31 31

First Sprinkler Operation Time, min:sec

0:39 0:44 0:52 0:47 0:48 0:47 0:48

Last Sprinkler Operation Time, min:sec

8:23 3:21 1:45 1:39 4:35 1:28 2:28

Number of Operated Sprinklers

12 6 10 18 11 7 7Peak Gas Temperature at Ceiling Above Ignition, ºC

(ºF)296 (564) 292 (558) 614 (1138) 539 (1002) 116 (241) 212 (414) 469 (877)

Maximum 1 minute Average Gas Temperature at Ceiling Above Ignition,

ºC (ºF)

124 (255) 104 (220) 178 (353) 254 (489) 66 (151) 88 (191) 151 (303)

Peak Steel Temperature at Ceiling Above Ignition, ºC

(ºF)52 (126) 48 (119) 63 (145) 71 (160) 54 (129) 56 (133) 58 (136)

Maximum 1 minute Average Steel Temperature at Ceiling Above Ignition,

ºC (ºF)

51 (124) 47 (117) 61 (141) 69 (156) 53 (127) 53 (127) 57 (134)

Ignition Time of Target Array, minutes:seconds

None None None1:01

(North Target)1:27

(South Target) None None

Fire Travel to Extremities of Test Array

Yes (East and West

end of Main)

Yes (West end of Main)

No

Yes(North Target Array Burned Through to

Extremities)

Yes(South Target Array Burned Through to

Extremities)

No No

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Testing Activity Subsequent to NFPA Second Draft TC Meeting

• During the June 2014 Second Draft meeting of the NFPA TC on

Sprinkler System Discharge Criteria, several committee members

expressed concern that there was only one design criteria for a 40 ft.

high ceiling.

• Based upon the concern expressed by members of the TC, FPRF

worked quickly to solicit sponsors and organize a Technical Panel for

follow-on research to generate data to support sprinkler system

design criteria at a lower ceiling height.

• Based upon subsequent FPRF Technical Panel discussions, it was

agreed to conduct testing to support a design criteria for a 9.1 m (30

ft.) ceiling.COPYRIGHT © 2016 UL LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC.

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Fire Protection Research Foundation Project Team 9.1 m (30 ft.) Series

Sponsors

• Viking Sprinkler

• Tyco Fire and Building Products

• Property Insurance Research Group

Project Contractor

• UL LLC

Technical Panel

• Ken Linder, Swiss Re

• Rich Pehrson, Rep. International Fire Marshals Association

• Jason Huczek, Southwest Research Institute

• John Denhardt, Strickland Fire Protection

• Matt Klaus, NFPA Staff Liaison


Tests for 9.1 m (30 ft.) Design Criteria (Parameters)FIRE TEST NUMBER Test 9 Test 10

Test Date Oct. 28, 2014 Oct. 30, 2014

Test Parameters

Storage Type Double Row Rack Double Row Rack

Commodity Type Exposed Expanded Group A Plastic Exposed Expanded Group A Plastic

Vertical Barriers4.9 m (16 ft.) on center - Main

Array (10 mm (3/8 in. plywood)



Number of Blocked Traverse Flue Spaces None None

Length of Main Storage Array, m ( ft.) 9.7 (32) 9.7 (32)

Nominal Storage Height, m (ft.) 6.1 (20) 7.6(25)

Ceiling Height, m (ft.) 9.1 (30) 9.1 (30)

Aisle Width, m (ft.) 2.4 (8) 2.4 (8)

Ignition Location Under 1 Sprinkler (offset) Between 2 Sprinklers (offset)

Sprinkler Type ESFR ESFR

Sprinkler Orientation Pendent Pendent

Deflector to Ceiling, cm (in.) 36 (14) 36 (14)

Sprinkler Spacing, sprinkler by branchline, m (ft.) 3 by 3 (10 by 10) 3 by 3 (10 by 10)

Temperature Rating, ºC (ºF) 101 (214) 101 (214)Nominal Sprinkler Discharge Coefficient K,

lpm/bar 0.5 (gpm/psig 0.5)363 (25.2) 363 (25.2)

Nominal Discharge Pressure, bar (psig) 2 (30) 2 (30)

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FIRE TEST NUMBER Test 9 Test 10Test Date October 28, 2014 October 30, 2014

Test Results

Length of Test, minutes 31 31


0:47 0:53


1:24 1:14


7 7

Peak Gas Temperature at Ceiling Above Ignition, ºC (ºF)

96 (204) 532 (990)

Maximum 1 minute Average Gas Temperature at Ceiling

Above Ignition, ºC (ºF)59 (138) 247 (477)

Peak Steel Temperature at Ceiling Above Ignition, ºC (ºF)

46 (114) 65 (149)

Maximum 1 minute Average Steel Temperature at Ceiling

Above Ignition, ºC (ºF)44 (112) 62 (144)

Ignition Time of Target Array, minutes:seconds None None

Fire Travel to Extremities of Test Array No No

Tests Used to Establish 9.1 m (30 ft.) Design Criteria






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Tests Used to Establish Design Criteria (12.2 and 9.1 m High Ceilings)

ResultsFIRE TEST NUMBER Test 2 Test 7 Test 8 Test 9 Test 10Test Date July 13, 2012 June 8, 2013 June 19, 2014 October 28, 2014 October 30, 2014

Test ResultsLength of Test, minutes 31 31 31 31 31


0:44 0:47 0:48 0:47 0:53


3:21 1:28 2:28 1:24 1:14


6 7 7 7 7

Peak Gas Temperature at Ceiling Above Ignition, °F

292 (558) 212 (414) 469 (877) 96 (204) 532 (990)

Maximum 1 minute Average Gas Temperature at Ceiling

Above Ignition, °F104 (220) 88 (191) 151 (303) 59 (138) 247 (477)

Peak Steel Temperature at Ceiling Above Ignition, °F

48 (119) 56 (133) 58 (136) 46 (114) 65 (149)

Maximum 1 minute Average Steel Temperature at Ceiling

Above Ignition, °F47 (117) 53 (127) 57 (134) 44 (112) 62 (144)

Ignition Time of Target Array, minutes:seconds

None None None None None

Fire Travel to Extremities of Test Array

Yes (West end of Main)

No No No No

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NFPA 13-2016 Edition Including TIAKey Criteria in Chapter 17

(Rack Stored Exposed, Expanded Plastics)

Criteria 12.2 m (40 ft.) Ceiling 9.1 m (30 Ft.) Ceiling

Maximum storage height 10.7 m (35 ft.) 7.6 m (25 ft.)

Minimum design pressure 4.1 bar (60 psi) 2.0 bar (30 psi)

Minimum aisle width 2.4 m (8 ft.)

Sprinkler K=363 (25.2) Pendent ESFR -Intermediate Temperature Rated

Design area 12 most demanding sprinklers

Minimum water duration 60 minutes

Minimum hose allowance 945 Lpm (250 gpm)

Max vertical barrier distance 5 m (16.5 ft.)

Vertical barrier material 10 mm (3/8 in) plywood, 0.8 mm (22 gauge) steel or

equivalent

Max area between vertical barriers and aisles

11.5 m2 (124 ft2)

Vertical barrier size Extend across longitudinal flue to the top of the storage

Commodity extension into aisle 101 mm (4 in.) allowed beyond barrier into aisle

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Protection of Exposed ExpandedPlastics Stored in Racks

FPRF Reports can be found at:

www.nfpa.org/foundation

• Reports and Proceedings

• Suppression

• Applications

• Protection of Exposed

Expanded Group A Plastics

with ESFR Sprinklers and

Vertical Barriers


http://www.nfpa.org/foundation

37

Questions?

Kerry BellCorporate FellowUL [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

sprinkler protection criteria for rack- stored exposed expanded … · 2017-03-22 · to develop...

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