Sprinklers Evolvedby Allan Macpherson, FM Global

IFE Scotland and BAFSA : Technical Sprinkler Seminar 2010National Library of Scotland

20 January 2010

It started simply…

Summer, 1891

Then in the 1950’s…

Standard Spray Sprinkler

Then came…

A bunch of Control Mode Density Area (CMDA) sprinklers…

- Large Orifice Sprinkler

- Extra Large Orifice (ELO) Sprinkler

- Very Extra Large Orifice (VELO) Sprinkler

Other Milestones

1970 ----> Residential Sprinkler 1970 ----> Large Orifice Sprinkler (CMSA)

1980 ----> ESFR (SM)

Leading to…

more Control Mode Density

Area (CMDA) sprinklers…

and a bunch of Control Mode Specific Application (CMSA) sprinklers…

…and a bunch of Suppression Mode (SM) sprinklers

Where we are in 2009? Three different sprinkler categories

Three sets of installation guidelines (461 pages of guidance!)

Terminology indicates intended performance

Two different design formats

Stepping back…

Existing terminology misleading

Actual performance can be otherwise

> Control mode sprinklers - fire suppression

> Suppression mode sprinklers - fire control

Change in sprinkler terminology

New terminology based on intended use:

> Storage sprinkler

> Non-storage sprinkler

> Special protection sprinkler

True or False?

Two different FM Approved control mode sprinklers discharging the exact same amount of water will provide equivalent protection

Quiz

K 80

K 360

K factor video

K 80250 l/min @ 10 bars

K 360250l/min @ .5 bar

Light fog - Minimal penetration - Easily pushed aside - Prone to skipping

Heavy downpour - Better penetration - Difficult to push aside - Skipping less likely

Test 1 – 32 mm/min density / upright

Test 2 –24 mm/min density / pendent

Test 2 – K 360 EC sprinkler Lower water demand

> 10.7 m. building 6 sprinklers at 2.75 bars 3600 l/min

More cost effective > Spacing up to 18 m2 per head means less pipe, fewer

sprinklers> Much less fire, smoke and goods damage

What’s really most important?

Sprinkler K factor (~ nozzle size) Orientation (upright or pendent) RTI (standard or quick response)

… and not so much

Ceiling discharge density

What does this mean for Data Sheets?

Need to update sprinkler terminology

Need to replace density in design criteria

Opportunity to simplify and improve

New Data Sheet 2-0

Replaces 2-2, 2-7, 2-8N

Installation rules – sprinkler type

Acceptance tests

New Data Sheet 8-9 & Protection Tables

Needed to update terminology

Transition design format away from density

Easier to identify the best protection options

Paves the way for future improvements

Protection tables based on> Ceiling height> RTI (standard or quick response)> Orientation (upright or pendent)> Sprinkler K factor (~ nozzle size)

Ceiling Height, ft

K11.2 K16.8 K11.2 K14.0 K25.2 K14.0 K16.8 K25.2EC K14.0 K16.8 K22.4 K25.2 K25.2EC

2015 @ 25psi

15 @ 15psi

15 @ 25psi

15 @ 20psi

12 @ 7psi12 @ 20psi

12 @ 15psi

6 @ 7psi12 @ 20psi

12 @ 15psi

12 @ 10psi

12 @ 7psi 6 @ 7psi

2520 @ 30psi

20 @ 20psi

15 @ 30psi

15 @ 25psi

12 @ 10psi

15 @ 25psi

12 @ 20psi

6 @ 15psi12 @ 25psi

12 @ 20psi

12 @ 15psi

12 @ 10psi

6 @ 15psi

3030 @ 50psi

25 @ 35psi

25 @ 50psi

25 @ 40psi

12 @ 15psi

15 @ 50psi

15 @ 30psi

8 @ 30psi12 @ 50psi

12 @ 35psi

12 @ 20psi

12 @ 15psi

8 @ 30psi

35 -30 @ 40psi

30 @ 75psi

30 @ 60psi

15 @ 25psi

20 @ 60psi

20 @ 40psi

10 @ 40psi

12 @ 60psi

12 @ 40psi

12 @ 30psi

12 @ 25psi

10 @ 40psi

40 - - - -15 @ 40psi

- -14 @ 50psi

12 @ 75psi

12 @ 50psi

12 @ 40psi

12 @ 35psi

14 @ 50psi

45 - - - -20 @ 50psi

- - - -15 @ 75psi

12 @ 60psi

12 @ 50psi

-

Protection for Class 4 and Cartoned Unexpanded Plastics on Wet-Pipe System;

160°F Standard Response AS 160°F Quick Response AS

Ceiling Storage Sprinklers: Numper of sprinklers @ psi

Upright Pendent Upright Pendent

Sample protection table

Many of these new designs mean:

Less Sprinklers

Less Piping

Less Labour

Less Water

Lower Pressures

Less Resources

Greater Sustainability

More Sprinklers Installed !

What is the bottom line?

Through these Data Sheet changes, FM Global is poised to provide our clients, with the most effective protection options, which are not only simpler and cheaper to install, but a more sustainable choice.